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Book Recommendations
Recommended books can be ordered on Bookshop.
Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Readers are plunged into 1851 York, England, during the Christmas season. The story alternates perspectives between Lizzy Grimm and Antony Carlisle. She is an only child. Following the death of her father and the mysterious illness of her mother, Lizzy manages the family’s store, Grimm Curiosities, on Goodramgate. It contains antiques and an assortment of bric-a-brac. However, since her father’s death, commerce has decreased. In fact, Madam Grimm made a more profitable living as a medium until… While conversing with a ghost for a client, Madam Grimm fell into a trance. Though her condition improved, she remained mute. This strange occurrence brings Lizzy into the orbit of Mr. Antony Carlisle. His mother, Lady Carlisle, died recently. The night before she became mute, his sister had been overhead speaking with Lady Carlisle. Lizzy and Antony search for answers. They uncover a connection between their loved ones and a collection of books. Herbert Grimm saved a dozen A.A. books by Ginnel Press. These tomes contain legends and myths from various European cultures. Given the Christmas season, tales of St. Nicholas and Krampus abound. Lizzy enjoyed these stories as a child, never appreciating their importance. When a wealthy gentleman named Ambrose Stoke offers a significant payment for one of the books, Lizzy gives them another perusal. Soon, she and Antony realize secrets in these tales. Their desperate collaboration brings romance and danger.“…she would appear as a lovely vision on my doorstep, swept upon a frothy ocean wave, like a siren in one of her father’s books.” The author creates suspense by explaining how York is the most haunted city in England. Rich, detailed descriptions cast an accurate historical perspective. Fisher shows how the restrictions on class and sex affect Lizzy’s options and choices. At times, I tired of the purple prose and tangential details. The ending became muddled and landed more toward the romantic. As a mystery and paranormal fan, I wanted the backstory on the book collection emphasized. Overall, a good adventure. I read it in one day.
Readers are plunged into 1851 York, England, during the Christmas season. The story alternates perspectives between Lizzy Grimm and Antony Carlisle. She is an only child. Following the death of her father and the mysterious illness of her mother, Lizzy manages the family’s store, Grimm Curiosities, on Goodramgate. It contains antiques and an assortment of bric-a-brac. However, since her father’s death, commerce has decreased. In fact, Madam Grimm made a more profitable living as a medium until… While conversing with a ghost for a client, Madam Grimm fell into a trance. Though her condition improved, she remained mute. This strange occurrence brings Lizzy into the orbit of Mr. Antony Carlisle. His mother, Lady Carlisle, died recently. The night before she became mute, his sister had been overhead speaking with Lady Carlisle. Lizzy and Antony search for answers. They uncover a connection between their loved ones and a collection of books. Herbert Grimm saved a dozen A.A. books by Ginnel Press. These tomes contain legends and myths from various European cultures. Given the Christmas season, tales of St. Nicholas and Krampus abound. Lizzy enjoyed these stories as a child, never appreciating their importance. When a wealthy gentleman named Ambrose Stoke offers a significant payment for one of the books, Lizzy gives them another perusal. Soon, she and Antony realize secrets in these tales. Their desperate collaboration brings romance and danger.“…she would appear as a lovely vision on my doorstep, swept upon a frothy ocean wave, like a siren in one of her father’s books.” The author creates suspense by explaining how York is the most haunted city in England. Rich, detailed descriptions cast an accurate historical perspective. Fisher shows how the restrictions on class and sex affect Lizzy’s options and choices. At times, I tired of the purple prose and tangential details. The ending became muddled and landed more toward the romantic. As a mystery and paranormal fan, I wanted the backstory on the book collection emphasized. Overall, a good adventure. I read it in one day.
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