Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn

Science, spiritualism, history, and romance intertwine in Suzanne Weyn's newest novel. Five sisters and their mother make their way from a spiritualist town in New York to London, becoming acquainted with journalist W. T. Stead, scientist Nikola Tesla, and industrialist John Jacob Astor. When they all find themselves on the Titanic, one of Tesla's inventions dooms them...and one could save them.

Wow, what an interesting, unique book. I loved the majority of the characters, especially the sisters, which is quite unusual. The spiritualism element was interesting, and ended up playing a large role throughout the entire book. I also loved the element of history that was weaved throughout. The reader is introduced to so many historical figures including Nikola Tesla, John Jacob Astor, W.T. Stead, Harry Houdini, the Fox sisters, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as many people associated with the Titanic, like the Unsinkable Molly Brown. What was a little annoying was that the book was labeled as a novel of the Titanic, when really the Titanic doesn’t play a role until about two thirds of the way through the book. The ending has a bit of a love it or hate it vibe, but I overall I was pleased with the read. Give it a try-you’ll have fun and learn something.