Publishers Weekly
09/27/2021
Griep (The Thief of Blackfriars Lane) delivers a thrilling Regency romance centered on a life-changing surgery. In 1815 London, independent Amelia Balfour is proud of her career as a travel writer, but when her estranged father dies, she becomes guardian of her brother, Colin, a gentle giant with a disfigured face. Before dying, their father arranged for Uriah Peckwood to perform a cutting-edge surgery on Colin to correct his disfigurement. Graham Lambert, a man desperate to atone for past sins, is Peckwood’s new assistant, and he soon grows uneasy about Peckwood’s methods, concerns that increase when he discovers a corpse in Peckwood’s room. Over the weeks leading up to Colin’s surgery, Graham falls in love with Amelia, who returns Graham’s feelings but is torn between choosing marriage or her career. Colin places his trust in God before the risky surgery, and Amelia and Graham must also learn to rely on God after the surgery goes awry. Frankenstein fans will appreciate the nod to that story throughout Griep’s faith-infused homage, including an appearance by Mary Godwin herself. Readers who enjoy historical inspirationals should take a look. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Michelle Griep’s wonderful gothic novel, Lost in Darkness, transported me back to 1815 England and entranced me with well-developed characters and a vivid setting. Griep’s superpower is her rich prose so reminiscent of the classics. I’ll never look at Frankenstein the same way again. Highly recommended! —Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of the Pelican Harbor series
With the despairing elements of Frankenstein, Griep takes her readers into the twisted alleyways of greed and malicious intent. A monstrous applause for Michelle Griep’s latest read Lost in Darkness! — Jaime Jo Wright, author of On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor
Lost in Darkness is Gothic fiction at its finest with characters so flawed yet endearing you'll count them friends. With her unique signature style, Michelle Griep delivers a broody, romantic tale of Regency intrigue that makes the pages fly. Her best yet! —Laura Frantz, author of A Heart Adrift
An absolutely captivating story, brimming with tension and suspense. While set on a Gothic stage, Lost in Darkness explores timeless questions relevant for every generation. The best and worst of humanity come together in these pages, turning on its head what it means to be either monstrous or heroic. As ever, Michelle Griep writes with courage and authority, weaving truth throughout the tale. —Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City
Lost in Darkness is the perfect blend of mysterious and romantic. The characters are so complex, each one strong in some ways and yet tenderly vulnerable in others. I was rooting for a happy ending for them all, even though I couldn't imagine how Michelle Griep could pull it off. And the homage to Mary Shelley was perfection. —Erica Vetsch, author of The Serendipity & Secrets series
Tense and heartrending, with echoes of Frankenstein, Griep is at the top of her game in gothic romance with this one! It will suck you in and keep you up half the night with the need to find out what happens. I don’t know how she keeps getting better and better, but she does! —Shannon McNear, 2014 RITA® nominee, 2021 SELAH winner, and author of Daughters of the Lost Colony: Elinor
Griep’s latest is a unique, standout story that evokes all the deliciously eerie tones of gothic classics, but with generous doses of hope and beauty. Tender moments stand in beautiful contrast to the shocking and terrible events that play out, and I never knew what to expect from one page to the next. Griep pens noble yet broken characters unlike any you’d find in other books, and carries them through the most surprising, amazing circumstances. A light-filled twist on Shelley’s Frankenstein, Lost in Darkness is a read-all-night sort of book! —Joanna Davidson Politano, author of A Midnight Dance and other historical novels Michelle Griep’s Lost in Darkness is an atmospheric page-turner packed with romantic tension, faith, and shades of Frankenstein. Fans of Jaime Jo Wright won’t want to miss this one. —Julie Klassen, author of Shadows of Swanford Abbey Never one to shy from sympathetic, flawed characters, Griep’s prowess shines in Lost in Darkness. Fans of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein character will fall in love with gentle giant Colin Balfour. This book is not to be missed! —Elizabeth Ludwig, USA Today Bestselling Author Michelle Griep once again stuns with this spell-binding tale of love, loss, and sacrifice. Lost in Darkness left me breathless with every turn of the page. A powerful story that reveals the monsters some keep inside…and the gentle beauty of those the world rejects. This is a masterpiece I’ll not soon forget! —Tara Johnson, author of Engraved on the Heart, Where Dandelions Bloom, and All Through the Night Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast with a twist, I was captivated by this “what-could-have-been” tale from page one and not released—even after I turned the last page. I can’t stop thinking about the characters. —Ane Mulligan, author of In High Cotton and the bestselling Chapel Springs series Hauntingly brilliant and masterfully written, Lost in Darkness is yet another example of how Ms. Griep never fails to entertain, to romance, and to take one on a journey not soon forgotten. Her characters are deep, her prose exceptional, and her storytelling provocative. Another not-to-be-missed novel from this remarkable author. —MaryLu Tyndall, award-winning author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series
JANUARY 2022 - AudioFile
An origin story of the tale of Frankenstein, narrated by Nan McNamara, brings the listener to 1815 England. A travel writer named Amelia delays a prime writing assignment that would take her to Cairo, instead fulfilling her father’s deathbed demand. She returns home to care for her disfigured brother as he endures an experimental medical procedure. There she meets Graham, one of her brother’s physicians. McNamara’s pleasant tone is well suited to both Amelia and Graham, and she aptly portrays the secondary characters’ personalities. She captures the emotional breadth of the story, notably Amelia’s anguish over her brother’s fate. While the decision to switch between American and British accents during the narrative and dialogue may distract the listener, McNamara’s talent with voices is apparent. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
