This is the first book by Vanessa Lind that I have read. Although it is book 3 in the Tidewater Chronicles Series I found that it can stand alone as an enjoyable read. The mystery involves a dual timeline which is well executed and I enjoyed the gothic elements such as ghosts, seances, old houses and a state asylum. The heroines of the story, Jo a girl reporter in 1889 and Olivia a present day bookstore owner are both working to solve a mystery and I enjoyed how the author tied their storylines together. This was a fun cast of characters and an interesting mystery and a great read with some spooky elements especially during the month of October and Halloween approaching.

I will check out other titles by this author!

I received an advanced copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily and thanks to BookSirens and Vaness Lind!arc-books2 s Kymm878 52

The "Tidewater Chronicles" by Vanessa Lind has become one of my favorite book series and with book 3 "The Seance Secret," a thrilling spooky ghost story perfect for this time of year Jo, the newswoman in the Gilded Age and Olivia in present day are once again trying to figure out a mystery that will somehow link the two in magical and haunting ways. By the time I get to book 3, I've gotten to know the characters and what they do, so when presented with a different storyline it's always very exciting to see how my favorite characters fare.

Jo in the Gilded Age is an anomaly since she's the woman in charge of the paper who decides what to report. She's not surprisingly a tough lady who will risk her own life and reputation to go after the wrongs she sees. Of course, her being a woman in this position she doesn't get the respect from her male counterparts as she should. When mysterious things start happening after she went to a seance even though she knows this isn't ghosts, but an unscrupulous human up to no good.

Olivia, in present day finds out a film crew for a ghost hunting show is filming in her best friend Vi's home where prior to their arrival had no signs of hauntings, so Olivia knows somethings up. Once the crew starts filming all kinds of odd things begin to happen. One of the crew is seriously wounded within the house where everyone's claiming it was the ghosts who pushed her, yet Olivia knows this isn't possible and decides to get to the bottom of things. Her friend has never been haunted by anything in her old home until the crew showed up and she's feeling fearful in her own home. Olivia is determined to help her at any cost, and that cost may cost Olivia her life, if she's not careful!

This series is so fun, and each book has shown a different side to the two main characters. I truly enjoy inviting them into my home and mind and can't wait for book 4. I only hope it comes out soon. Prior to starting this one I went back to read my for the first two, just to familiarize me with the who, what and where. These characters have come a long way, but I'm anxious to read more about Jo, she's my favorite character. If you enjoy a good historical mystery series you've got to check this one out! It's a fun, thrill filled ride with amazingly strong women at the helm. Happy Reading!2023-challenge arc-s books-i-own ...more1 Sasha13

Mystery and Magic Unfold in this page-turner!

Book 3 in The Tidewater Chronicles did not disappoint. Set with a bit of extra mystery, our main characters from the past and the present continue to draw the reader in as they navigate and solve old and new questions and unknowns. It's great to see the characters continue to develop in this book, a bit picking up with old friends The characters are believable, and well written - a true joy to read.

I highly recommend and look forward to more books by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.1 Bonnye Reed4,418 78

I received an ARC of this excellent historical novel, set in the beauty of Oregon's coast, Kindle Unlimited and author Vanessa Lind. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. This is the third novel in the Tidewater Chronicles, a duel timeline tale told with Jo Felch in 1889 Aurora, Oregon, and also in current time Aurora, by bookstore owner Olivia Crawford. We have a bit of the occult with seances and input from Lily, an empath in Victorian times, as well as a look into the world of insane asylums during that period. I found the handling of the Victorian Halloween celebrations interesting. Altogether an intriguing mystery handled well. You can't go wrong with Victoria Lind.
REVIEWED on October 18, 2023, at Goodreads. Reviewed on October 26, 2023, at AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on B&NM or Kobo.
Resubmitted to AmazonSmile Oct 26, profanity? Changed woo-woo to the occult.family-drama historical-southern mystery-us-nw ...more1 Sophie53 1 follower

What a joy this trilogy was to read, all very unqiue in their own way. Filled with mystery, friendships and a dash of love.

It definitely has become one of my favorite bookseries and this thrilling ghostly third book is perfect for a cozy fall read.

the books before it had me on the edge of my seat, needing to know what was going to happen next and how the mystery would unravel. The two timelines work great together and make for a real page turner

I love how Vanessa Lind has done some proper research and gives you the all needed information and backstory on the ghost hunting, seances and asylums.

This book is a perfect closer for a series and answers all your previous unanswered questions

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
1 Holly235 4

What a perfect book to read for the Halloween season! Once again author Vanessa Lind weaves two timelines – 1889 and present day – into one page turner of a book. Both timelines are set during the Halloween season for this third book in the Tidewater Chronicles series and the setting is Astoria, OR with a side trip to Portland in 1889. In the 1889 timeline, we continue to follow newspaper owner Jo Felch and her friends as she continues to look for a missing woman, tries to help the widow of the previous owner of the newspaper (who bequeathed the paper to Jo), and attends seances given by a well known psychic who is visiting one of Jo’s acquaintances. In the present timeline, Olivia’s friend and neighbor Vi is dealing with weird happenings when a ghost-buster reality show comes to film in her old home (which was built by the Felches back in the day – or was it the Hamiltons?). Olivia is skeptical of the “supernatural” occurrences that began when the crew of the show starts recording. Both timelines come to satisfactory and satisfying conclusions. In the 1889 timeline, Jo is able to wrap up several of her investigations while helping Stella, the widow. A bonus is that we have a brief appearance by Hattie and John Elliott, characters from the Secrets of the Blue and Grey series, when Jo and her friend Amity visit Portland as Jo searches for answers to her mysteries.

I’ve enjoyed all three books in this series, but I think this is the best of the series so far. Ms. Lind skillfully holds our interest in both timelines and in the process, connects them, often in subtle ways. She makes a fascinating use of voice – the 1889 timeline is written in third person past tense, and the present timeline is written in third person present tense. While the timeline is noted at the start of each chapter, Ms. Lind’s use of voice and the vernacular of the times makes it clear to the reader which timeline is which. I’m really glad that the 1889 timeline has resolved several ongoing concerns. While the present timeline stories in each book have been self contained, there have been several ongoing stories in the 1889 timeline. One doesn’t have to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but the 1889 timeline makes a lot more sense if you have. Plus you get the background on all the characters in both timelines if you start with the first book. The writing and editing are excellent, and as with most cozies, there is no bad language and no sex scenes (not even implied- or if they were, it sure went right over my head!). There is some romance but of the good old-fashioned kind. Ms. Lind has developed the characters in both timelines in a way that gets the reader invested in them.

Another thing I about Ms. Lind’s books is that while they are fiction, she presents the customs and mores of the times realistically. In her notes at the end of the Séance Secret, she shares some of her research and facts about the Victorian age in particular. Best of both worlds – you will be highly entertained while learning about the Victorian Era as you read Ms. Lind’s books!

I received an Advance Reader Copy of the Séance Secret for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure. Susan509 4

This contemporary tame romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are intriguing, Victorian female detectives, intelligent, realistic, and more. Their journey is enthralling with mystery secrets, Victorian Gilded Age, hidden intrigue, friendship, clues, whodunit, dual timeline fiction, adventure, action, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with horror and the Tidewater Chronicles that is sure to take readers on a haunting roller coaster ride that is exhilarating and unforgettable.
Phantom or illusion? History holds the key.

Haunted by her failures, Gilded Age girl reporter Jo Felch attends a series of seances hosted by the enigmatic medium Serephina Spencer, who seems to possess uncanny abilities. As Jo investigates a series of mysterious occurrences, she suspects a dangerous alliance that aims to put her newspaper out of business. In a thrilling showdown, she unveils a web of deception and secrets, proving that her failures aren’t at all what they seem.

In the present day, bookshop owner Olivia Crawford becomes entangled in a mystery when a ghost-hunting team arrives in town. After a shocking accident leaves one of the TV crew members in a coma, Olivia teams up with her assistant, Naomi, to uncover the truth. As they delve deeper into the intrigue, Olivia confronts treachery, manipulation, and a life-threatening connection between present and past.

A riveting dual timeline historical mystery of redemption, friendship, and the courage to confront one's flaws while seeking the truth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Andi22

Maybe it's just me, but when I spend time in older, historic buildings, I can't help but imagine what happened there in the past. Imagining the click of old-timey boots and the swish of long gowns, along with the emotions and events of a time since forgotten. This book satisfies that exact feeling. Two stories separated by generations but connected by a place in a way that is so satisfying.

The story follows newspaper reporter, Jo, as she works to understand several events happening in her town, including the disappearance of a maid, a friend sent to an asylum, and the sudden presence of a mysterious spiritualist. In the future, it follows the story of Olivia and her friend, Vi, who are to appear on a ghost hunting show. Usually, I do not enjoy books that jump between two timelines and actively avoid them. But this book is well written and doesn't jump back and forth too frequently. You get a good chunk of each story before the timeline jumps, which to me is a much more enjoyable reading experience.

My only criticism is that I felt maybe a little room could have been left for mystery. By the end of the story, all ends were nearly tied up. As a firm believer in ghosts/spirits/the unknown myself, I felt that the author was a little harsh on those of us who entertain the possibility that these things exist. We aren't all quacks! That said, the story was enjoyable with an unpredictable ending and able characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily Lynne Hannmann178 4

The Seance Secret is book 3 of the Tidewater Chronicles, all dual timeline novels set in Astoria, Oregon in the Victorian era and present day. The storylines are distinct and there is sufficient information given about the prior volumes to make it possible to start reading at any point in the series.

The historical storyline starts out with great interest in the involuntary incarceration of patients in the Oregon State Asylum. I really wish the author had chosen to focus more on the period’s attitudes toward and treatment of mental illness rather than picking it up again at the end of the book. Instead the historical storyline focuses on societal interest in contacting the dead through medium conducted seances.

The modern storyline is about ghost hunting in a possibly haunted house built in the Victorian period. An investigation by a reality tv show is the focus.

I found the historical story vastly more interesting and engaging than the present day one which was full of information regarding technology used to detect paranormal phenomena. Since I have not read the first two books, l’m basing my opinion of this author on book 3 and an historical Christmas novella which is an extension of the series. I think Ms. Lind shows more strength as an historical fiction author. I was engaged in her characters and her portrayal of the setting and culture of the Victorian era. Unfortunately I consistently struggled with the modern story often finding it tedious.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC. Gail831 8

Truthfully, I do not usually choose to read books about paranormal activity, ghosts, or seances; however, I've read many of Ms. Lind's books and trust the author's ability to thoroughly research and write exciting historical fiction. In "The Seance Secret", Ms. Lind has interwoven several fascinating historical facts (including the sad truth of how women were treated, especially in asylums, in the late 1800's). I enjoyed the continuing storylines from the first two books in The Tidewater Chronicles, as well as the characters, Hattie, John, Alice and George from Secrets of the Blue and Gray series. The friendship between Olivia and Naomi was heartwarming, as was the friendship between Jo and Amy. I enjoyed the two parallel stories for the "now and then" timelines that were distinctly different but also interwoven. There were plenty of twists and turns, several of which I never saw coming. While this can be read as a standalone, it's so much more exciting to read the entire Tidewater Chronicles series. I wholeheartedly recommend this clean suspense and can't wait for the next book in the series! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review. Louis Lehmann2

I was immediately intrigued by the opening pages of this story, as Stella, a grieving woman, struggles to maintain her sanity and humanity in the cold and dehumanizing world of an 1889 Oregon insane asylum. Seeking to rescue her, is Jo, a courageous newspaper woman, whose investigations of the paranormal are contrasted with similar explorations by Olivia, a bookstore owner in present day Astoria. the stories alternate easily between the two time periods and connect with characters and adventures from Vanessa Lind’s earlier novels in The Tidewater Chronicles and Secrets of the Blue and Gray. The Séance Secret kept me guessing as to what might be real or unreal. The story builds suspensefully to some unexpected revelations. As with so many of Lind’s novels, the protagonists are strong and persistent women. I especially appreciated Lind’s diligent research as she based so many of the characters and events on real life people and happenings. As she is writing the next novel in this series, I might suggest inclusion of a list (or cast?), to help older readers, me, to keep track of characters and connections. That said, The Séance Secret is a gripping and fascinating novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m already eager to read the next one TaniaRina1,589 99

‘Science of the paranormal’
How would you explain things such as aura-capturing photographs, glow-in-the-dark gloves, levitating tables, self-lighting candles? “Rapping at the windows, crying at the locks”?

Previously, the author reminded readers about Nellie Bly et al and their crusade for social justice via ethical journalism. We also received a taste of mental illness in the book just prior to this one. Now, readers see how the twain meet.
‘…even the deepest wounds could heal. Scars might remain, but a person could go on.’
It is sooo important to normalize the conversations around mental illness as well as the grieving process. The main aspects that one of the characters was missing were compassion, proper treatment, and validation. While she did have some emotional support, it was society’s infrastructure that was her downfall.

Not sure if I’d categorize this as “Some sage advice from the author or as “Fave line”:
‘Some pots must be stirred.’

Definitely looking forward to more!


May we see an end to all internal suffering soon and for always.1-add2-barnesnoble u-series-wantmore zz-fictcont-read ...more Vivian496 24

Even though the books on the series can be read as standalone I recommend reading them on consecutive order of publication to get the most out of them and to understand the relationships between the characters that show up on everyone of the books.
On this book we deal with the paranormal, both in the past with Jo and in the present with Olivia, in the past we found ourselves in the middle of two seances "communicating" con the souls of the departed and in the present we are immerse in the filming of a ghost-buster reality TV show in the old house of Vi, Olivia's friend. On both cases, are we really in the presence of the occult or is there a logical explanations for the paranormal activities?
This series has captivated me since the beginning and this book is not the exception, I love the characters and keep hoping that at some point we find a direct relationship between Jo and Olivia.
Can't wait to read the following book! Jacqueline346 5

As an ARC reader, this is my honest opinion. I chose this book because the synopsis intrigued me,but I have to admit that, having just finished an exciting detective story, when I started this book I wasn't sure I was going to "get into" it. However, I'm very glad I'm not one to give up too soon because by about the third chapter I realised it's a historical/modern day double timeline mystery, a device I really enjoy. The central character in the past, a young woman who is given her father's newspaper to run, is a truth seeker determined to right wrongs and uncover the truth, while in the modern day, a young woman in the same town determines to stop her friend being used and terrified by a ghost hunting TV team using her home. I found the book well written and enjoyable and I d the historical character of Jo, the "Girl reporter" as she would have been seen in the time, so able that I want to read the other books by Vanessa Lind featuring her.historical-intrigue mystery Linda Rowe22

What a perfect book for this time of the year. Vanessa Lind has become one of my favourite authors. I will now seek out her previous series as I have been captivated by the "Tidewater Chronicles".
Her characters in both the past and present are women who are strong, capable and always questioning. I love how the stories in the past and present have a connection and now through the third book, events that happened in the past books have been completed.
This historical fiction is well researched and does an amazing job of making you feel as if you are there enjoying the customs and daily lifestyles of the times right along with the characters, Jo and Amity as well as Olivia and Naomi.
If you love historical fiction with mystery and intrigue, I highly recommend this book.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with great pleasure. Ruth McDaniel169 2

This is another great book by Vanessa Lind and in the Jo Felcher series.
In this book, a mysterious spiritualist comes to Astoria, telling tales of secrets that some of the residents want to remain hidden.
In the alternate timeline, we have Olivia who's trying to uncover secrets as well. One of the grand houses from back in Jo's time is haunted, but is it really? Will Olivia be able to uncover the truth?
And will Jo be able to uncover some of the secrets in her own time that have been kept hidden but are actually in plain sight? And will Jo be able to get her friend released from the asylum as she promised she would? What do the secrets of some of the upper crust in Astoria have to do with it?
This was a fantastic, back and forth tale that you won't soon forget. I can't wait till the next book!!!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review. Lena Andrews 78 9

I highly recommend this book. The story has two time line's, and as the story unfolds, you understand how each intertwines with each other. You have very strong female lead characters who aren't afraid to do what is necessary when push comes to shove. The descriptions are correct and believable. You become immersed in their worlds, sharing their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
I talked to the character, cried, laughed, yelled, and it made me react to all the signs of excellent novel.

Also, she gave a voice to those who felt forgotten, abused abandoned, and lost.
This is a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Karen OlsonAuthor 3 books15

There are a lot of interesting premises throughout this book but even though I had read a sequel before this one with the same characters, I don’t remember if Stella was a character, but thought her role didn’t fit in. The asylum part is interesting, but the storytelling about it, especially the beginning part, just didn’t interest me, probably because I’ve read other books about asylums. I don’t the use of present tense that this author uses for the present day chapters and found that very annoying. I debated on my rating but think I have to give 4 stars as it wasn’t a book that I couldn’t wait to read at night. I received an advanced reader’s copy and my review is voluntary
Katie89

I've been reading this series from "The Shanghai Secret" and I have to say that I've loved every minute of it. It's always well-written and switches from past to present. The characters are easy to relate to and it's historically accurate. The tragic part about this book is that it is accurate about how women were treated in some cases, especially by those in positions of authority. This book and this series are some that I would highly recommend for mystery lovers and those who love historical fiction. Becky Durstenfeld461 6

Normally I would not choose to read a book about seances and paranormal activity. But I chose to read this book because I had read and enjoyed the previous two books in the series and wanted to follow the two main characters. I did enjoy this book. It is well written with good character development. I appreciated that Jo and Olivia were skeptical of the "supernatural" goings on. There were surprises that I had not figured out. It is a good easy book to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Terry766

4.5/5

Another wonderful continuation of The Tidewater Chronicles. You should definitely read the first two books in the series so you get to know the characters. By the third book, they have become old friends to me. This is a dual time line story, one in the gilded age in Oregon and one in present day in the same place. The characters are brought to life as the author is an amazing storyteller. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy character driven historical fiction with a touch of mystery. This is a perfect book to read during the fall and Halloween. Holly BennettAuthor 3 books2

I received this book in advance and d it. Perfect for those who to watch Ghost Hunters. Lots of inside information on all the gadgets ghost hunter use.

The story takes you back to 1889 when women had few rights, and being locked in a asylum where you have absolutely no rights happened. The book follows the life in Victorian times and the present. The Victorians were interested in Seances, just as many of us are now. Halloween was always and is big. Perfect time to read this book, it is October. Kelly1,597 70

This was a very good paranormal mystery. I found it satisfyingly spooky, but not TOO scary. There were two narratives - one in the 1800s and one in the present day, and I felt a connection with the characters in both narratives, so I quickly became invested. If you're looking for something spooky to read at this time of year, this is probably a good choice.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Kat Taylor1,652 19

Spooky cozey mystery full of spirit,with bumps and growns. The array of colorful characters that you'll come to meet and become aquainted with will also keep you enthralled. Of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer or two hidden in plain sight.Two tails perileled through the past into today. So well written , so captivating, so much passion and compassion it left me feeling at peace after reading " The Seance Secret " the third book in (The Tidewater Chronicle ) an unforgettable experience. Kat Margaret Hejmanowski801 6

This is book three of three in the Tidewater Chronicles series. I love the dual timeline of the 1889 era and present time. Jo Felch (a female) is a newspaper owner and reporter. Mysterious things start to happening after she went to a seance; are these things real? In present time Olivia Crawford is the owner of Tidewater Books. Olivia finds out her friend and neighbor Vi is having a ghost hunting show that will be filmed at her house. So what is real and what is not? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters.
received-advanced-readers-copy Lee Staes56

The Seance Secret a beautifully written suspenseful mystery thriller with a brilliantly intriguing dual storyline and lots of completely unexpected twists. Suspenseful and thought provoking, this book keeps you turning pages well past your bedtime. It is an exceptional, well thought out story, very entertaining. It has believable, true to life characters and the writing has a pleasing flow. The author has a wonderful talent for establishing the relationships of all the characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Kim256 5

I've been enjoying the Tidewater Chronicles series from the Shanghai Secret. It's always a great historical mystery that the characters feel they belong in the environment. Vanessa Lind always has a great writing style that creates a beautiful mystery within. This novel had everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed from the other two books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Merrie202 2

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest entry in the Tidewater Chronicles. The characters are an interesting lot with both old familiar ones and some new ones for us to get to know. The dual storylines continue to intrigue, pulling you into them and keeping you reading right through to the end.

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can definitely recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling. Brenda Moser8,635 114

Great continuation to The Tidewater Chronicles! The author brings the perfect spooky story with a mysterious storyline as she takes you on a dual timeline between the past and present. She brings her story to life with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read. Perfect story for the Halloween season!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given. Norma Soper2

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