A review by jesforeverlostinbooks
Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep

adventurous dark informative mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

"The world seems full of good men-even if there are monsters in it." -Bram Stoker, Dracula England, 1890

A perfect gothic mystery… a Dracula inspired tale full of historical elements, a swoony romance, monsters both vampires, & the Bargheust Hound plus a solid faith  thread that you wouldn’t expect in a gothic novel. It was atmospheric, mystical, suspenseful & just the right amount of spooky… plus Bram Stoker makes a few appearances. I love a good author’s note & this one was full historical facts, the unusual terminology, and the unfamiliar legends. Plus I loved learning about the vampire disease, porphyria the symptoms & treatment of it during that time. It’s interesting to think about the poor people who suffered with it in such an era of superstition & folklore. What a wonderful mix of history, science, & romance! A beautifully written gothic tale that delves into themes of deep sorrow that is sure to touch your heart.

Vampires are alive & well in North Yorkshire, at least 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. I was captivated by the first chapter… the atmosphere is somber, a little eerie, & romantic. It’s a town gripped by fear & superstitions.