The Witch of Napoli

A Novel

By: Michael Schmicker

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Italy, 1899: Fiery-tempered, seductive medium Alessandra Poverelli levitates a table at a Spiritualist séance in Naples. A reporter photographs the miracle, and wealthy, skeptical psychiatrist Camillo Lombardi arrives in Naples to investigate. When she materializes the ghost of his dead mother, he risks his reputation and fortune to finance a tour of the Continent, challenging the scientific and academic elite of Europe to test Alessandra's mysterious powers. She will help him rewrite science. His fee will help her escape her sadistic husband, Pigotti, and start a new life in Rome.

Newspapers across Europe trumpet her Cinderella story and baffling successes, and the public demands to know: Does the "Queen of Spirits" really have supernatural powers? Nigel Huxley is convinced that she's simply another vulgar Italian trickster. The icy, aristocratic detective for England's Society for the Investigation of Mediums launches a plot to trap and expose her.

Inspired by the true-life story of celebrated Italian medium Eusapia Palladino (1854-1918), The Witch of Napoli masterfully resurrects the bitter 19th-century battle between science and religion over the possibility of an afterlife.

©2014 Michael Schmicker (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Impressive...an enchanting, graceful narrative that will absorb readers from the first page." ( Kirkus)

The Witch was a Medium

... but this was still a great book! Admittedly, I got this audiobook for free in exchange for an unbiased review, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the story and the performance!

Brava, Alessandra!

I loved everything about this novel. It was essentially the biography of a fictional woman with strength I can only hope for. Good, bad, or ugly, she never compromised. I was with Alessandra from start to finish.

Mr. Schmicker's writing excellence is evident in his detailed descriptions of 19th century Europe and particularly, the precarious existence of women (especially poor women) during that era. I look forward to reading much more of his work.

Mr. Perkins' narration was superb. His performance truly heightened my enjoyment of the book and kept me from completing every chore until I finished.

Don't miss this book!

Entertaining and interesting!

Great narrator, full bodied story, fun read on the train. would recommend to anyone who likes a blend of thrill, spirits, and the underdog.

A wonderful historical novel and a great listen

I never thought a paranormal fiction could hit this hard in my feels.
Great audiobook as well. Loved the way narrator conveyed the feel of retro Italy with his accented accords.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story, bit spooky at times, yet completly worth the run. I need sometime to process my feelings.

Soo good!

It was an emotional roller coaster but I loved every minute. I could listen to Derek Perkins forever.