Step back in time to a place where rumors of vampires run rampant. I loved how the author gives us a look at how rumors and gossip can lead to shunning of a person. I loved Sir James instantly and thought his character was very easy to like. As you read the story you will find that he is not trusting of others and stays to himself. With so many people spreading lies about him and his family, it is no wonder he doesn’t want to get close to anyone.

Rosa is a sweet character who works as a librarian with her father. Oh she adores books and has this heart to bring books to those who can’t pay the fee to read them. When Rosa and James meet it is a bit funny but it sure did open my eyes to how Janes so desired to be accepted. Their encounters grow into a friendship that upsets some but Rosa feels like he is a good man. Her dream to be a secretary is not received well by her parents. They want to marry her off but she stands her ground.

With a feel of chills going down my spine and a nod to Bram Stroker I devoured every word as James has a urgent need to find a cure for his mother as people surround me with threats and danger. Rosa is his constant along with faith that is evident throughout the story. I have to say this story is one that has a deep message that shows how God is ever present in our times of need. To find out what happens to James and Rosa, grab a copy and get ready for a must read, heart pounding adventure where rumors can harm people and faith withstands lies.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

If you enjoy historical fiction combined with elements of beloved classics, be sure to add Michelle Griep’s Of Monsters and Men series to your TBR! I really enjoyed this twist of Dracula—this book is so well researched and thoroughly unique while still paying homage to the original story. I’m excited for more books (hopefully) in this series. 4/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Author Michelle Griep has become well known for her historical fiction, most often set in Regency England. Her characters are often those not thought about; the poorest of the poor. The ones society despises. And in Man of Shadow and Mist, that continues.

We meet Sir James Morgan who hides from the people of the town who believe he is cursed. Except for Rosa Edwards, who will not tolerate such nonsense. Both are strong, likable characters with strengths and weaknesses. Desires and fears. But what do a vampire and a librarian have in common?

Griep, ever the master storyteller, even finds a way to write Bram Stoker, author of Count Dracula, into her story. That was so much fun to read!

Throughout the entire story there is a thread of hope. When things look the bleakest, when my heart ached for all of the characters, God was still present and active. I highly recommend reading Man of Shadow and Mist.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I DNFed at 20%. The writing style and characters were not gripping my interest. I think I was expecting something spookier and less sweet romance. I suggest people give it a try since my hangups might not affect your enjoyment of the book.

“I am an outsider. I have always seen things differently, and it puts people on edge. Makes them nervous when their long-held beliefs are challenged.”

“How do I love thee? Let count the ways.” No, I am not talking about the relationship between the heroine, Rosa Edwards, and either of the possible love interests, Sir James Morgan or Albin Mallow. Rather, I speak of the wonder of the novel that is Man of Shadow and Mist by Michelle Griep. Spooky, inviting cover!! Spell-binding. Mesmerizing. Unpredictable. Full of true faith. Great Quotes. Masterful. Griep is a Wordsmith Extraordinaire. ( ie: “A few more word grenades launched from Mallow and the situation would explode Miss Edwards’s reputation to shreds.” or
“Morgrave Manor was as pleasant as a cold slap to the cheek.” (Can’t you just feel that one?!! ) And so many other great visual word pictures I want to share but will save for you to discover!!

How can two solitary individuals fight ugly, local superstitions and rumors that villanize a rich, transplanted family? As evil happenings increase and coincide with either the appearance of Sir James Morgan or ill weather, gossip runs rampant and feelings get out of hand.

I loved that Rosa Edwards is brave enough to stand against public opinion and defend her new friend against ridiculous, unfounded claims. I also love to see that while her parents are eager to marry her off, she maintains a special connection and understanding with her father. This is not true in most books in the time of arranged marriages.

Sir James is tall, good looking, and underneath all his frightening demeanor, the kindest, most thoughtful, caring man I’d ever want to meet. With an amazing faith that doesn’t require God to answer prayers in his favor.

The parson and Mrs. Hawkins are both secondary characters whose influence is greatly needed and freely bestowed, without being judgmental. Will James and Rosa take their timely words to heart?

I love how Griep inserts Bram Stoker himself and his manuscript into the novel. Talk about an Easter egg. This has got to be a Fabergé! Each chapter begins with quote from Dracula by Bram Stoker.

I recommend this extraordinary novel for historical fiction lovers, faith quote lovers, possibly Jaime Jo Wright readers, and Dracula lovers.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Barbour Books, and also through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought a 3rd copy to give away. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Lady Dorina hails from Transylvania, the historical birthplace of such monsters.” Mrs. Edwards sniffed. “My family roots tie back to Ireland, sir, but that doesn’t make me a leprechaun.”

“If God wor so small tha’ thou could understan’ ‘im, ‘e would not be good enuff ta stand wi’ thou in all that ye face. Every one of us needs a God who is bigger than we credit, else ‘e ‘ood not be God.”

“Expect the good Lord ta give thou a glass o’ water when yer parched, ta grant thou rest when weary, ta gi’ miracles ‘n mercy ‘n a regular dose o’ comfort when thou needs. But the one thin’ thou shouldn’t expect—ever—is for ‘im ta show up lookin’ like thou might imagine.”


‘Tis the moment thou lets go of thy expectations tha’ God can fettle wi’ ye. ‘Til then, ye’ve not surrendered, thou see?”

“It’s not what goes into the body that makes one an infidel, but what comes out of the heart.”

“Ye can trust that God will grow each of His true children into His likeness in His own time and in His own way.”

This is a review for NetGalley of Michelle Griep's latest book titled Man of Shadow and Mist.  I am a huge fan of Michelle Griep because her stories are amazing and very engaging, and this story was right up her alley! I also highly recommend Lost in Darkness, the book she wrote previous to this, as it is a great story, but you don't need to read if to understand this at all!!

For Man of Shadow and Mist, I was engaged from the onset, and as I read, the story kept getting more and more exciting, finally ending with a climax that left me wanting to read more of her books, but very satisfied as the ending was completely unpredictable, which is what I like in a story!  This is not one genre, but includes the regency era, mystery, suspense, romance, and as always, a story of faith and grace, and repentance that will warm the heart!  I can't say that about many books, but with all those genres wrapped in one, the story flowed nicely, and the characters blended together in great ways, which really made me love this story!  It has a Dracula feel to it, but not in a way Dracula is normally portrayed, and actually Michelle does include Bram Stoker in the story, but that only adds to the story, not takes away! I actually bought Dracula as a result of reading this book, and I can't wait to read it!  But again , I loved this book, and this author!  I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

The story takes place in 1890 in England, where vampire lore is rampant, superstition is very much alive! Rosa Edwards, a local librarian isn't having any of it! She wants to stop the superstition, as she sees it is doing way more hard than good to her whole community. But the gossip mill kicks superstition into high gear as Sir James Morgan returns to his manor that seems to be shadowed in darkness!

Sir James is not happy to be back in England, because he hates the weather, the rumors and the suspicion that he sees in the eyes of his superstitious neighbors.  But he is forced to stay due to his mother who is dying of an illness that he is desperately trying to find a cure for because it also affects him!  He believes this illness will very soon claim his mother, and eventually take his own life!  As a result of the illness, Sir James is unable to go into the sun because it causes welts to occur on his skin, but the gossip mongers think it is because he is a vampire!!

Rosa wants to refute these rumors, so she befriends Sir James, in hopes of quelling said rumors, and she finds herself drawn to him, but there seem to be more questions than answers  they as their relationship develops.  James has to fight the rumors and superstition, which eventually leads to violence, and Rosa must !ale the choice whether to follow the people she grew up with, or stand up for a very mysterious man who she seems drawn to!  But you must read the story to find out what happens!

This is an exciting book! I was captivated from the start!  I loved it, and highly recommend it!  Michelle Griep continues to be one of my favorites, and this is  the 6th book of hers that I read!

There is a nice blend of the dark Gothic themes along with the positivity and hope of Christianity. It's an interesting take on Dracula. The creep factor is definitely there and engages the reader. Thankfully, the romance angle was minimal. Occasional lulls in the middle of the book did pull me out of the story, and the ending wrapped up a bit too neatly, but it was an enjoyable read overall.

Lovely young Rosa works in the town library with her father in the 1800's where she is trying to save enough money to travel to America one day to study to become a secretary in New York. This has been a lifelong dream for Rosa since her parents consider it foolishness while they try to find a suitable husband to marry their daughter.
An ambitious and single young woman is quite frowned upon in those times so Rosa hope to teach more people to read while she tries to accomplish her goals and therefore refuses to be married off.

Mysterious James has just arrived from Transylvania to take care of family business while trying unsuccessfully to find a cure for his mother's terminal illness where most of the townspeople believe she and James are vampires due to their being afflicted from sunlight and the legends about Transylvania that have always plagued the family.
The people in the village of North Yorkshire are mostly uneducated with the true ways if the world and fall back on their history of old legends and folklore so they are very unkind and unruly around James who has always been a loner so he knows how to handle himself in most situations until the day he meets the lovely Rosa!


This was a lovely, gothic mystery and romance dealing with Dracula legends and the fear of small towns overcome by their superstition. The story was so very well-written and suspenseful at times. I had no idea this was Christian mystery although I feel it is suitable for everyone. The characters were fun and amazing with their personalities relating to those difficult times in history. How difficult to be an independent woman with dreams while being chastised for wanting to be different than the usual cookie cutter mold that was expected of young ladies during that period. I'm definitely glad as a woman to have been born in this century where we can make our own choices of how we wish to live our lives. The author "Michelle Griep" did a superb job with her research of the folklore and history of that era. The book was atmospheric, mystical, entertaining as well as humorous in spots.


There was also an unexpected and seriously fun shout-out and introduction to Bram Stoker as well which I really enjoyed and appreciated. This book was truly an unexpected delight to read. I would gladly read another book written by this author. I must say that the book was more romantic than a scary vampire story which could be disappointing to some if they had other expectations but for myself this book was a wonderful, historical, romantic and suspenseful treat which I highly recommend to all readers!


I want to thank the publisher "Barbour Publishing" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

I have given this book a rating of 4 1/2 STUNNING AND SUPERSTITIOUS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!

I’m not usually a fan of this type of book which reminds me of Beauty and the Beast, but I was drawn in by the writing of Michelle Griep. Rosa Edwards and Sir James Morgan are the two main characters. Rosa works with her father in the town library, but her desire is to become a secretary. Sir James is cast aside by villagers as he is thought to be a vampire. Actually, he’s suffering from a skin disease called Porphyria and is constantly looking for a cure as his mother suffers also.

Albin Mallow is constantly after Rosa to become his wife, pushed on by his father who has ulterior motives. Rosa wants nothing to do with him, but her mother is constantly pushing her that way. I enjoyed how the author brings James and Rosa together and couldn’t wait to see how things would turn out.

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the advance copy of the book. I was under no obligation to provide a review.

Michelle Griep takes the reader on another adventure into historical England, where superstition and gossip make a deadly mix. This mesmerizing tale pulls the reader into a different world that thrives on "monster" tales and mob mentality to fix what they see as wrong. This Gothic story resurrects the Dracula tale, bringing a dark and mysterious hero into a young librarian's boring life. She daily fights to get people to learn and reject the silly superstitions that lead her small community. When her handsome new hero becomes a patron of the library, a new world opens before her, giving her a romance she feared lost. These memorable characters are masterfully written to leap off the page and pull the reader into their lives. History comes alive under Michelle Griep's pen, vivid descriptions paint a detailed picture of each moment in this thrilling story. Nothing is spared as Michelle Griep takes her hero and heroine to the very depths and testing their hope for a positive outcome. I couldn't put this book down! The hope and redemption woven through the entire story was amazing, shows a true look at humanity. Michelle Griep is always a must read for me, with such amazing stories that stay with me well after the last page has been flipped. This is another must that you will not regret spending your time on. But be ready, you will not want to put this book down for anything! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was very intrigued by the book description. I was grateful for the Netgalley approval! This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I will continue following and reading her books. I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Beauty and the Beast vibes but it’s so much more than that. Rosa was wonderful! As was James. Everything about this book (settings, characters, plot) was so well done.

Set in Victorian England of 1890, Man of Shadow and Mist beautifully ties the gothic with romance and faith. What a fascinating historical romance! The swirling mystery and intrigue regarding a vampire kept the underlying tension taut as we discovered the character of Sir James, one page at a time. The rare but devasting medical condition called porphyria was interesting to read about. I loved the cameo appearance of Bram Stoker and the beginning of how his manuscript of Dracula may have come about, as well as some secondary characters in this book named after those in his book.

Sir James was a perfect Victorian hero - brooding, abrupt, and mysterious, yet loyal, noble, honorable, kind, and thoughtful. Rosa was a great heroine - a lover of books, spunky, and progressive in her thoughts. Their faith and surrender to God's will were profound. Albin Mallow was an interesting character that gave us a light-hearted break from the heaviness and sorrow in James' life (but he also made a choice that showed his growth and maturity in the end).

If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of gothic, you will absolutely love this book. I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Animals are being slaughtered in the countryside and people warn Rosa about riding her bike Heather and fro to deliver books because of the monster that’s killing them. James is back in England and when he gets invited to dinner at roses family home she is way past being over her mom‘s matchmaking attempts and despite the fact she’s almost middle-age for that time. She wants to go to school to learn how to be a secretary. She is also on a mission to thwart the beliefs of the town people in their superstitions and believes educating them through books is the way to go. As far as her not wanting to marry she truly believe that until James came along he is unlike any man she’s ever met and I first she blows a moth eventually for Rosa that will not be an option. Before reading this book I didn’t know this book series existed but now that I do I will be paying close attention and reading the first book. I love books with unconventional romances and I would say falling in love with a monster would be one of those. I found this book to be very interesting with a great plot and although I thought Rosa at 24 being a little older still want to go to school in 1890 that is a small thing compared to all the other greatness. I received this book from NetGalley and Barbara publishing but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

“She really ought to pedal onward and get back to the library, but there was such raw power in the way he moved that it mesmerized her like little else she had known. She watched his tall form until shadows and mist swallowed him whole, leaving her entirely unsettled.”

Absolutely loved this second book in the Of Monsters and Men series! I have to admit Dracula is one of my favorite “horror” stories and Michelle Griep brilliantly took the idea of a vampire and turned it on its head. She created a character so sympathetic and tortured that he instantly drew my compassion. It’s the story of a troubled man trying to find a cure for the life threatening illness he faces which also plagues his mother, all the while resisting love and warding off villagers bent on his destruction.

Sir James Morgan traveled to Whitby, England from his castle in Transylvania to care for his mother who suffers from porphyria. After rescuing a beautiful woman after a bicycle accident, he’s pleasantly surprised to find she works in her father’s library where he’s hoping to find medical texts. As he desperately searches for a cure, he can’t help but fall in love with Rosa. Knowing the outcome of the disease, he resists anything more than friendship and keeps himself shuttered away from others. The strange symptoms of the disease, the cattle found mutilated, and the superstitious nature of the townsfolk foster the idea that Sir James is indeed a dreaded vampire.

Rosa Edwards is a forward thinking librarian studying to be a secretary. She wants nothing more than to share books and knowledge with her small English village to help combat superstitions. Though many can’t afford the subscription, she finds ways to provide books. When she meets James, he has a profound effect on her. As she tries to discourage a persistent suitor, she wants nothing more than to get to know the mysterious stranger better. James is elusive, yet always seems to be there when she needs him. If she can only get him to trust her, and take a chance on love.

I loved everything about this story! The atmosphere was fantastic with an eerie manor, freakish thunderstorms, and fog shrouded streets. The romance between Rosa and James was electric with a passionate undercurrent throughout. Their first kiss was amazing! I loved how he tried to scare her off at times by playing the vampire role. I so sympathized with James. He wanted nothing more than what he felt was best for Rosa, yet he yearned for love and acceptance. I loved the kind rector who helped convince James he needed the companionship of others.

All the nods to Dracula were fabulous. I enjoyed the way the author weaved Bram Stoker into the story and the little Easter eggs pointing to the classic novel. I loved that James’ butler was named Renfield and chuckled every time I saw his name. It was fascinating learning more about porphyria and how the symptoms matched so well with the concept of a vampire.

It’s a fast paced, perfectly gothic romance, with a touch of inspiration and suspense. Highly recommend to gothic and historical romance fans as well as those who enjoy the classics. I can’t wait to see which “monster” she’ll tackle next, although I have a theory. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

Where do I begin! Michelle does it again! She wrote a beautiful love story with a gothic twist. I was a bit hesitant to read it since I'm not really into gothic themed books. But once I started reading it I could not put it down. I loved the relationship between the main characters. The book is about Sir James the mysterious town "vampire" and Rosa Edwards the librarian's daughter. The way Michelle played out this story just left me in awe! I will definitely be rereading this book in the future!

I received an e-book copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
Thank you Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this amazing book!

This is a cute story with likable characters and interesting historical details but there were times I struggled to reconcile the characters thoughts or feelings. In one chapter, one of the main characters debates what to do to the point that I thought, get on with it already! They make a decision, it goes as expected, they're surprised when everyone reacts the way they thought they might. There were other parts where I just didn't feel the reactions or feelings matched what a real person in that same situation would experience or feel. Those times generally felt like things were written that way to advance the storyline.

Top 3 reasons I loved this book:
1. It's by Michelle Griep
2. It's an "Of Monsters and Men" book
3. It's by Michelle Griep

The story-line grabbed me from the very start, and didn't let up until I stayed up WAY too late one night just so that I could finish. The characters are so well written that I feel like I'm losing some new friends by the end of the story. I also LOVE how the authors of the books that these are drawn from show up in cameos throughout the story. Now, breathlessly anticipating a hopefully 3rd book to this series. 😉

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle, and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great story! I really enjoyed the setting and the characters, even the gloomy, gothic vibe. James was dreamy, even when he was in one of his moods. I really liked the way faith was intertwined in the story. It felt natural. Overall, a great read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

5/5 stars.

This book was _excellent_!

I read (listened to, actually) _Dracula_ last year for the first time, and truly wondered where it had been all my life. (The audiobook full-cast production, btw--with the swoonworthy Simon Vance as Jonathan Harker--is fantastic.) Of course, never having been a vampire fan before (or since) that listen--that might have had something to do with it.

Count this book as #2 in my "vampire-esque novels to read" list. :) It's written, as are a majority of my reads, from a very bluntly Christian perspective--just how I like it--and is packed with theology, much like _Dracula_ itself. And I loved the incorporation of Bram Stoker as an actual character in the read, along with historical events; be sure to read the author's note about the true events incorporated into the story. Some familiar names, as well, I recognized from the _Dracula_ novel--fun Easter eggs other readers of the classic will enjoy too.

I liked this book better than the first, just as I enjoyed reading _Dracula_ over _Frankenstein_ (the subject of Book 1, Lost in Darkness)--but Book 1 is certainly quite good, and recommended as well. Both are particularly good fall/spooky/Halloween-time reads, for sure!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it ~quote from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”

I devoured Michelle’s book “Lost in Darkness” and knew I had to get my hands on this one! I’ve read many, if not most, of her books and this was a very different feel from her usual writing. Rest assured, that is said in a very complimentary way! Atmospheric in its depth, a bit shivery at times and definitely immerses the reader as manifested in the late nights I stayed up to read “just one more chapter”. You cannot go wrong with anything this author writes!

Is James Morgan indeed a vampire or is the town just bent on believing in superstition? And what of Rosa Edwards, can she prove there is no such thing before the town goes mad trying to rid itself of such evil? All these questions (and more) are masterfully answered as the reader delves into this satisfying Gothic tale. The nod to Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” with quotes before each chapter was clever in its design. Michelle’s ability to weave historical facts with fiction is beyond brilliant and it shows in this story as well as in “Lost in Darkness”. I loved every minute of it!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *