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?
Click here to get your copy!
Book Review
I am ashamed to admit that this is the first book by Michelle Griep I have ever read. I’ve heard so many good things about her and her writing and even own The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane and have yet to read it. It’s not that I never wanted to, I just haven’t yet. And I am sad that I have waited so long, because Michelle Griep more than lives up to the hype I’ve heard about her.
Man of Shadow and Mist is a novel filled with suspense, faith, and love. The town of Whitby believes that Sir James Morgan is a vampire–and truly, there is much to back up these rumors, including Morgan’s disease and the fact that livestock are being brutally murdered when he arrives into town. Honestly, Morgan’s character intrigued me from the very start and I just had to know what happened to him. Will he be able to fight back against these rumors? Will he be able to save his mother–and even himself–from this terrible disease they both suffer from? These questions kept me turning the pages.
I also loved Rosa’s character. She refused to believe whatever rumors the town made up, and made it her life goal to educate the townspeople so they would stop believing in such tales, such as vampires. I commended her for this noble goal and for not shying away or being afraid of Morgan.
There is so much more about this novel that I loved–the side characters, including Bram Stoker himself making an appearance here and there; the way Griep masterfully weaves gothic with Christianity; and the setting itself, and the way Griep describes it in such a way that I feel that I am actually there.
What I liked most about the novel is that the romantic subplot did not overshadow the main plot. While it was there, and there were times that I felt it did get to be too much for my own liking, it did not take over, and I very much appreciated that.
Overall, I would highly recommend this novel and I will not wait too long to read another book by Michelle Griep.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
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.
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L, June 29
Book Looks by Lisa, June 29
Betti Mace, June 30
Vicky Sluiter, June 30
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1
Back Porch Reads, July 1
Daysong Reflections, July 2
Texas Book-aholic, July 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 3
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 3
To Everything There Is A Season , July 4
Cover Lover Book Review, July 4
Kristina Hall, July 4
Connie’s History Classroom, July 5
Scott’s book reviews, July 5
Lights in a Dark World, July 5
Sylvan Musings, July 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 7
Pause for Tales, July 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews , July 8
annette_reads_daily, July 8
Through the Fire Blogs, July 8
Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Blogging With Carol, July 9
Where Faith and Books Meet, July 10
Wishful Endings, July 10
For Him and My Family, July 11
Blossoms and Blessings, July 11
Holly’s Book Corner, July 12
Splashes of Joy , July 12
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.