Grimm Curiosities

Fisher (Salt & Broom) sets this tense and romantic historical fantasy in 1851 York, England’s “most haunted city.” Lizzy Grimm takes over her late father’s novelty shop after her mother, a medium, catches a mysterious illness from the spirit realm. When a stranger named Ambrose Stoke inquires about a set of rare books Lizzy’s father has expressly forbidden the sale of, the promise of enough money to pay the shop’s overdue rent leaves Lizzy tempted to make a deal. As she mulls this over, the local baron’s son, Antony Carlisle, visits the store seeking a cure for his sister, who has succumbed to the same illness as Lizzy’s mother. The pair team up to investigate their loved ones’ condition, leading them back to Ambrose and the forbidden books, which may hold the answers. Meanwhile, romance blossoms between the leads, evan as their social standing prevents them from being together. Fisher allows the suspense to build slowly even as the romance burns quickly. Romantasy readers will be hooked. (Nov.)