A review by whosemuse
The Sinister Booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix

4.0

When I reviewed my notes on the first book in this series, I was reminded that Susan, the protagonist, discovers her supernatural powers, and seems unfazed by the idea that her father is a powerful spirit of the earth. She sort of tumbles into the action of the story without really questioning the reality of the situation. Which, of course, is a hallmark of fantasy and especially urban fantasy. In this outing, Susan spends most of the story resisting (indeed, continuing to resist, as we learn she has been doing in the intervening period between stories) her newfound power. But, she is drawn in when a series of murders, perpetrated by another supernatural being, is discovered, and the booksellers jump in to put a stop to it -- especially when Susan's particular part in the whole situation is uncovered. This is a well-paced story, with enough fantastical elements to get the mind whirring, and enough reality (it is set in the '80s, just after the original Royal Wedding, long before cell phones and email) to keep it grounded. It feels like there is much more story to tell here, as Susan gets drawn into her new life.