Is there life after death? That question has been for posed all of human history, but for the early twentieth century after millions of lives have been sacrificed on the battlefields of World War I and the Spanish Flu Epidemic, the search for an answer would reach new heights. As the bereaved desperately sought ways to connect with their dead loved ones, psychics and spirit mediums emerged from the shadows to offer hope and solace.
By the 1920's Spiritualism was as in vogue as Jazz and in 1923 Scientific American Magazine launched the era's most ambitious inquiry into the paranormal. Assembling a five man committee of esteemed experts, the magazine offered a large cash prize to the medium who could demonstrate verifiable psychic phenomenon. What ensued is a fascinating story of mystery and rivalry that screen writer David Jaher has brought to life in his new book The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World.
