Murder on Waverly Place — Victoria Thompson

As a midwife -- and a sleuth -- Sarah Brandt has devoted her life to helping those in need in the tenements of turn-of-the-century New York, despite the disapproval of her wealthy parents. Now, the latest novel in the Edgar-nominated series reveals a dark secret that has haunted Sarah's family -- and the reason she became a midwife...

Sarah Brandt isn't surprised when her very proper mother asks her to attend a seance. She agrees, however reluctantly, knowing that Mrs. Decker still carries guilt over the death of Sarah's older sister, Maggie. Though the spiritualist does seem to contact Maggie, Sarah remains skeptical. But Mrs. Decker is convinced and, unbeknownst to Sarah, returns to the Waverly Place town house for another séance. Only this time, one of the attendees doesn't succeed in speaking to the dead -- she joins them.

Now, it's up to Sarah and Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to protect Mrs. Decker from scandal. But first, they have to determine how a woman was murdered in the pitch dark when all the suspects were holding the hands of the persons next to them...