About the Book

Book: Man of Shadow and Mist

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: June, 2023

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”

–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?

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My Thoughts:

This was an excellent read. Just enough romance, intrigue, gothic vibes, and creepiness all wrapped up in an addicting story that was so hard to put down. I have always had a weird fondness for vampire stories, and author Griep hit this one out of the park. The atmosphere of Whitby in midsummer had me shivering just a bit. That fog must be something to see.

Sir James Morgan has dedicated his life to finding a cure for his mother and himself. He knows the rumors that swirl about him and his family. He understands that he will forever be alone except for a few faithful servants. He knows that not only will he live life alone but die alone as well. Until one day a bit of sunshine enters his life in the form of Rosa Edwards.

Rosa is a librarian who wants a bit more out of life than what her mother has planned. Her mother blames it on all the books her father, the library owner, has allowed her to read. Rosa just wants to make the poor lives better, and to help them stop believing in all of the old superstitions and see that there is an explanation for things, most of the time anyway. But people themselves can turn into monsters when the mob mentality awakens, and Rosa would like to prevent that from happening with her newfound friend.

Rosa and James have an interesting relationship. They do both try to hide their attraction for one another. Rosa is also well aware of the many secrets James is hiding. Could she be just his friend so that he might trust her, even though she would like to be so much more? Could they make a life together no matter his dreaded secrets?

With an atmosphere of eeriness and trouble just around the corner, this tale of forbidden love had me caught in its snares. The notes the author provides at the end were enlightening as well.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

More from Michelle

A Visit to Whitby

Every time I skip across the pond, I make it a point to visit Whitby. What’s the draw? This northern Yorkshire town is steeped in history and is every bit as magical today as it was back in Bram Stoker’s day…when he went to visit and was inspired to set much of his Dracula tale there. In fact, that is exactly where he got the inspiration for the name Dracula when he visited the library and did a bit of research.

Sound interesting? Then come along with me on a virtual visit with pictures from my last trip.

When walking the windy, narrow roads of Whitby, you can’t help but let your imagination wander because it’s as if you’re there in the nineteenth century. Can’t you just see a long-gowned heroine glancing over her shoulder at you as she flees down this lane?

And overlooking these lanes is the infamous abbey ruins, an eerie sentinel that sits atop the cliffs. It is rumoured a ghostly woman appears in the window, but I didn’t see her.

Still in operation today is this old coaching inn, which of course I had to use in one of my scenes.

There are still fishermen who ply these waters for trade, but this harbor isn’t nearly as active as it was centuries ago.

Twice I’ve made the coastal hike from Whitby to Robinhood’s Bay. This is where I imagined librarian Rosa Edwards riding her bicycle delivering books.

And yes, indeed, the sea mists are a very real thing, sometimes so thick it’s disorienting.

So, see what I mean? Whitby is a magical place, well worth the effort to get to if you ever venture over to England. And if that doesn’t quite fit into your budget or schedule, never fear.