–Bram Stoker, Dracula
England, 1890
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?
My Thoughts
Michelle Griep has become one of my favorite authors. Her novels usually hearken back to a piece of classical literature which is an added bonus to me. In this instance the classic literature is Bram Stoker's Dracula. In fact Bram Stoker himself is a character in the story.
The book was fascinating because it used the superstitions of the people to create the underlying conflict. Sir James has a blood disorder that makes him avoid direct sunlight. Which of course makes him somewhat of a recluse and just adds fuel to the fire of the superstitions.
In contrast to Sir James is librarian Rosa Edwards. She is a beloved member of the community. She has a deep desire to eradicate the superstitions of the people by educating them. Much to her father's dismay and displeasure she continues to sneak books out of the library for those that are unable to afford a subscription.
Through a chance meeting Sir James and Rosa become acquainted, which leads to a fabulous story. I picked this book up out of my TBR pile without realizing that it is book two in the series. I'm eagerly anticipating going back and reading book one. And I will be eagerly anticipating any additional books in this series.
If you enjoy historical fiction that has overtones of gothic romance, I am sure that you will enjoy this title as much as I did. Don't forget to read book one as well!
1. Lost in Darkness
2. Man of Shadow & Mist
Disclosure
I received a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate my review.
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