Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 10/27/2023 + 601 more book reviews

I don't usually read novels about vampires, but I knew I was safe with Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep. Her Of Monsters and Men series is so unique because each book explores a classic "monster" and provides medical and societal history to explain the lore surrounding them while embracing the original novel. Every chapter of this book began with a quote from Dracula by Bram Stoker. The fact that she does this in the Christian fiction genre is even more unique!

In 1890 Whitby, England, the gruesome killing of livestock spark gossip of vampires. When the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns from Transylvania to care for his ailing mother, rumors about his strange behavior fly through the village. Rosa encounters James while delivering books from her father's subscription library and is immediately intrigued. Her days are filled with working at the library and fending off marriage proposals arranged by her mother, but her thoughts keep returning to James. When she learns the townspeople's ignorance put James' life at risk, she takes action that could alienate her from her family and neighbors.

This story has a dark Gothic atmosphere and is perfect for spooky season. I learned a lot about the medical condition porphyria and loved the references to Bram Stoker and homage to Beauty and the Beast. A plot involving a library always appeals to me, and the faith elements felt natural and elevated the reading experience.

I loved listening to the audiobook expertly narrated by Natasha Soudek. She used strong accents for the characters, which I may not have enjoyed from other narrators, but appreciated in this production.

Thank you to Barbour for the print copy of this novel.

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