Customer Reviews

The Problem of the Spiteful Spiritualist

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I just finished this book, having read every word eagerly. I will look for her other novels.
However, I must say that I decided on the killer early in the book, never suspected anyone else, and at the end was proved right. Also, there is much descriptive and conversational repetition throughout--a good editor might have pointed this out.
The reasons this book was enjoyable were the interesting characters and brisk pace (even though in 19th C. England, the lifestyle was slower from ours).
I hope her writing improves; the story was entertaining!

In 1885 Portsmouth, retired sea captain Arkwright dies from what appears to be natural causes since the elderly gentleman was already deathly ill. However, Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle has some doubts as to the actual cause of death. The daughters of the deceased find Doyle's theories most interesting, and encouraged by their housekeeper, set up a seance to ask their father how he died.

Doyle and a visiting companion, Reverend Charles Dodgson feel as if they are wondering if they are looking through Alice's glasses because the housekeeper dies in the middle of the seance. As the duo works together to uncover a killer, they place themselves in potential danger of being the next victims. Still they strongly feel they must identify the murderer.

THE PROBLEM OF THE SPITEFUL SPIRITUALIST is a finely tuned, extremely original late Victorian mystery that readers of historical who-done-its, Holmes, and Carroll will immensely enjoy. The story line is complex and entertaining. However, the characters own this creative tale as readers gain an authentic feel for the era, especially through the minds of two of literature's superheavyweights. Roberta Rogow is quickly developing a following with her unique style that leaves an enjoyable aftertaste.

Harriet Klausner

Once you look past the almost inevitable coincidences that shape the mystery, you find a fun little romp. Rogow - who is also a very talented filk song writer in the sci-fi community - creates lively characters and makes Lewis Carroll live again (even if Conan Doyle is a bit of a stiff). PErfect beach reading.