A historical paranormal fantasy, The Second Deaths of Edie and Violet Bond follows twin spiritualists on the run from an evil spirit hunting them.

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The Second Deaths of Edie and Violet Bond is a story full of potential as it follows twins who can commune with the dead. However, the story’s potential is marred by the poor characterization of Edie and her tense relationship with Violet.

Annoying Characterization

I thought this was going to be such a good book. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the story as a whole, outside the characterization. It was a great blend of gaslight mystery and paranormal history. I liked delving into the spiritualist movement and seeing the mystery of the spirit realm and how the story came full circle, connecting to Edie’s past and the details of her mother.

It was an interesting story.

However, I found Edie to be incredibly annoying.

No matter the story, what always annoys me is when one character keeps needless secrets from their significant other. In this case, Edie is keeping secrets from Violet. Both girls inherited a supernatural gift from their mother, a way to both commune with the spirits and also travel into the realm of the spirits.

But when a dark entity killed their mother, one Edie believes she is responsible for letting in, their religious father decides this is the time to send the girls to an asylum, sending the girls on the run. Edie and Violet only have each other when they join a spiritualist troupe of women with similar abilities who travel from town to town, showing off their gifts.

Violet often makes it known through the story that she knows Edie is hiding something. She even asks point-blank what is wrong. But, of course, Edie lies and misdirects, trying to distract her sister. However, Violet never falls for it, creating some needless tension between the two characters. In fact, Edie’s secrets and Violet’s resolve to discover them are what get her in trouble, endangering Violet’s life.

The story could have been stronger if the story had joined the sisters together and if they had worked together to solve the mystery of missing spiritualists and psychics. And it could have ended the same way.

Edie’s secrecy was used as a plot device and served nothing for her characterization. It made it seem like she didn’t know her sister. Edie does everything she can to distance herself from her sister and solve the mystery behind the evil spirit hunting them by herself. And, while I can understand that, again, it just wasn’t done well. Even the guilt can be understood. But while I was reading, I spent the time yelling at the book so that Edie would tell her sister the truth. Even halfway through the story, I knew Violet would understand. That’s her character, kind thoughtful. Edie was annoying, even pretentious, and a know-it-all at times, turning me off.

Final Thoughts

I had high hopes for The Second Deaths of Edie and Violet Bond. Still, the lackluster characterization killed it for me.