The first thing that drew me to the book was the stunning cover art. The dark tones with the ghostly whites are gorgeous. This immediately led me to think that this was going to be a dark story.
What I got instead was a cosy mystery with some darker elements to it.
We follow Lizzy and Antony as they team up to discover what has caused an affliction on their families. Set in 19th century England, there is more to worry about than the sudden illness that befalls her mother and his sister. Sharon does an excellent job at setting the world, and I really appreciated the author's note at the beginning to describe some of the terminology being used. It is a dark and lived-in place (York) and, at times, it feels like you are outside on a cold winter’s evening, walking through the snow. The expectations of Lizzy running a shop, and taking care of her mother are stressful. And when suitors are being introduced, the awkward feeling of being pushed into higher society is felt when reading it.
Antony is the epitome of a Gentleman. He is always respectful, ensures that Lizzie's mother is walking with them on the streets to serve as ‘chaperone’. He took rejection very well and was humbled.
Ambrose, on the other hand, is very much like a polite snake in the grass. It was obvious from the get go as to who he was going to be in the end (essentially the bad guy).
I found the story lulled a bit with the brief friendship between Ambrose and Lizzie, right up until the end of the ball. I wonder if there was another way to convey the message behind that scene in a different way. And from the time of the relationship, to the time he betrays her, I just didn’t care about the relationship.
The only side character that I would like to have seen more of was Charlie. For some reason I just got a sense of reality from her and I really liked her character.
Overall I gave this 4 stars.

4.5 stars rounded up. This book caught my eye and had my attention right from the first chapter! Set in 19th century York, England, Grimm Curiosities follows Lizzy and Antony as they solve the mystery behind the supernatural affliction that has plagued their loved ones. I thought I signed myself up for a paranormal thriller, but this book surprised me with a magical, cozy ride!

Through the authors words, I felt like I could step right into this hauntingly beautiful town woven in threads of Yuletide folklore. I also found main characters loveable. Despite what life has thrown at them, Lizzy remains strong-willed and pleasant, while Antony carries himself as a kind and compassionate gentleman. I enjoyed seeing the two of them bond over their adventures and shared experiences, while navigating their relationship against the divide in social class. I would definitely be interested in reading other works by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The world — from the shop to the narrow alleys, to the ball — feels grounded and lived in. People act like people, and more than that, react. When rumor gets out that Miss Grimm and Mr Carlisle (a shop girl and a member of the peerage) are spending time together, rumors circulate, some kind, some unkind, rather than it being ignored by the people around them. When walking into a bar, the barkeep doesn’t want to serve Lizzy at first, as she’s from a more respectable circle of society. It’s little moments like this that please me, because it feels as if what the characters do matter, that opinions can be made or lost, and as though there are people living in the world beyond Lizzy and Antony.

Speaking of, the relationship between the two of them is sweet, built on mutual respect and both of them devoted to curing Lizzy’s mother and Antony’s sister from a mysterious curse. They share a sense of humor, a sense of purpose, and work well together. Everything they did felt earned, from foolish mistakes to the grand conclusion, with both of them acting on kindness, hope, and a strong faith that doing the right thing for the right reasons would always save the day.

This book was just a lot of fun. It’s light, easy to read, and would be a perfect Christmas read if you want something feeling somewhat Victorian, with myths and legends and the necessary ghosts of Christmas past. I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for granting me access to an advanced reader copy

In 1851, in the haunted city of York, Lizzy Grimm struggles to keep her father's curiosities shop afloat while taking care of her mother, a woman capable of talking with spirits, who mysteriously fell into a catatonic state. When she meets Antony Carlisle, the son of an aristocrat, whose sisters is in the same state as Lizzy's mother, they decide to cooperate to help their loved ones.
After Lizzy finds the mysterious books on yuletide myths, folklore stories and magic she read as a child, she uncovers secrets that may help her mother and Antony's sister.

Sharon Lynn Fisher has written a mystery filled with magic, spirits and a bit of romance.

This book was perfection, I didn't want to stop reading it. The author did an awesome job.

I loved the characters, especially Lizzy, who is a young, strong and intelligent woman that never gave up on her mother and her late father's shop.
Antony, is a perfect gentlemen, he never doubted Lizzy and her abilities and he trusted her completely, he never once tried to make her feel inferior, despite their different social status.

Can't wait to read other books written by this author.

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and when I started reading, I couldn't put it down.

The descriptions of York were beautifully excavated, and the environment was almost felt. The characters were all outstanding, and I felt I actually knew the people.

The only critique I have with this book, is that some of the words have been Americanised. The book is set in England, and even though the author is American, she should have used proper English instead of the Americanised.

This was brilliant. Atmospheric and utterly addictive gothic story with a heart warming romance. The mystery was very satisfying and I loved the characters.

Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher is a folklore-filled romantic mystery that is impossible to put down! Set in 1851 York, the most haunted city in England, the novel introduces readers to Lizzie Grimm, the daughter of a mother who can communicate with spirits and a deceased father who once owned and operated the now struggling curiosities shop. When Lizzie’s mother falls into a trance after an encounter with a ghost, Lizzie must manage the household and the family’s flailing business to make ends meet.

Grimm Curiosities takes place at Christmastime, and it is during an atmospheric snowfall that Lizzie encounters two men with an occult interest in what her shop has to offer. The first man, Antony Carlisle, the son of a Baron, has lost his own mother to illness and seen his little sister suffer from the same strange affliction that affects Lizzie’s mother. The second man, Ambrose Stoke, a collector of antiquities, hopes to purchase a series of old books from the shop, but the books have a sentimental value to Lizzie because they contain stories and folklore she once shared with her father. When Antony and Lizzie also discover that the books are connected to the perplexing afflictions of their loved ones, they work together to uncover the mystery all while navigating the strict social environment that would keep the son of a baron and the daughter of a shopkeeper from moving in the same circles.

Sharon Lynn Fisher has written a heartwarming, romantic story populated with engaging characters navigating a rich, winter atmosphere, but her book offers so much more than a typical read! Fisher’s novel is permeated with folklore, making specters, spirits, ghosts, and portals to other worlds a palpable part of a real-world mystery. The treasured collection of books Lizzie inherits from her father includes titles like The Krampus, The Wild Hunt, The Werewolf, and Ireland’s Merrow, and each volume blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, between the world we recognize and the worlds we dream about. The Victorian propriety of a charity Christmas Ball mingles with haunted artifacts and ancient legends as Lizzie, Antony, and Ambrose discover long lost secrets and uncover hidden family connections.

Grimm Curiosities can be enjoyed all year long, but it is sure to become a staple to be revisited each Yuletide. If you enjoy Victorian romance with well-researched folklore and a touch of mystery, then this book is for you! I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.

Grimm Curiosities is a cozy supernatural Christmas mystery set in 19th century York and a Narnia-esque curiousity shop.

In 1851 York, Lizzy Grimm has taken over her deceased father's curiousity shop struggling to make end's meet while managing the care of her mother, who after a mediumship session gone wrong, is now in a catatonic state. When the aristocrat Antony Carlisle pays the shop a visit, he discovers that Lizzy's mother and his sister are both afflicted with the same strange malady. Working together to solve the mystery, Lizzy discovers a rare set of her father's most treasured books on folktales, fairytales, and Yule myths that may or may not have the answers they seek.

With a snowy charming backdrop with ghosts and folktales adding a supernatural touch, this heartwarming story would melt the coldest of hearts. Apparitions, portals, and mythological figures juxtapose nicely with the festivities of Christmas in this enchanting story. The settings were magical and the characters were sweet. It was nice to read about people who chose to do the right thing. There was a Narnia inspired element to the story and Christmas folklore as well. I liked the story because of its unique plot, lovely characters, and beguiling settings. It was a quick and easy read that both fans of historical fantasy and cozy mysteries would enjoy.

I was pleasantly surprised by Grimm Curiosities. A mix of history, mystery, and fantasy that culminated in a fascinating read.

The characters were well developed and the plot captured my attention from the first page.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers f or giving me the chance to read this ARC.

What a delight! I wish I could have found this around December so it could be one of my Christmastime reads.

A tale of a young, hardworking woman who does everything she can to keep her family business and heritage alive will always steal my heart. This story had a lace of gothic air with ghosts and magic around it and also plenty of mythology. It gave subtle nudges to more gross sides of history where women couldn’t even enter a bar alone and the misconceptions of women-owned businesses being lustful.

The romance in this was perfect, for me. It had innocent yearning and a polite gentleman. Quite a refreshing change from the factory-line of broody, dark haired bullies that us readers are getting force fed nowadays.

Thank you, NetGalley, for another wonderful ARC!

A beautifully written historical fantasy with a sprinkle of romance. But more importantly an almost perfect book. And I mean that. Everything about this book is wonderful; the characters, the descriptions, the wintery setting.

The story follows Lizzy, or Miss Grimm, as she navigates running a curiosity shop in Victorian York following the death of her Father. Full of ghosts, folklore, and friendships, Sharon Lynn Fisher's careful setting and descriptive characters sweep you through the tale. If you're looking for something fantastical to while way the cosy nights consider this a recommendation. Grimm's Curiosities is magical.

Thanks Net Galley, 47North and Sharon Lynn Fisher for the ARC 📖🌟

grimm curiosities is full of intrigue, mystery, romance, and comfort. a really cozy read set around the holidays with victorian fantastical elements. unfortunately, the dialogue was a big let down for me and at times seemed repetitive. fisher’s strength lies in environment and characterization. solid 3 star read ★⋆. ࿐࿔

thank you netgalley and sharon lynn fisher for the ARC ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

I just finished reading Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher and so here I am with the review. I received this book early from Net Galley and the publisher.

Grimm Curiosities stars Miss Grimm and Mr. Carlisle on a cozy romantic fairy tale adventure. Miss Grimm’s mother, a medium, saw something in the afterlife and then talked no more. The same thing happened to Mr. Carlisle’s sister. When the two of them realize they have something in common, they work to figure out if they can solve the mystery of their loved ones common illness. What follows is a story full of spirits, mystery, and romance. Its a fairy tale with some danger but most of all, its a cozy wonderful tale.

The book feels like a fairy tale, a light adventure with some stakes but overall, its the kind of story that you would read to get away from darker adventures. It also touches upon a common theme in books I’ve read here and there: doorways to other worlds. I never get tired of reading about that. I love those stories.

Sharon Lynn Fisher is a really good writer. She gives some description, but never too much. The dialogue is well done and the time period feels authentic while also dream like. After reading Children of the Dark, a rather bleak story, Grimm Curiosities was a breath of fresh air. It was a well told fairy tale full of twists and turns. There were some unexpected surprises and some exciting moments, but there was also romance like you’d find in a Hallmark movie. I don’t say that as an insult. I’ve seen some really wonderful Hallmark movies and this romance would fit well with them.

Grimm Curiosities was a really good book. I enjoyed it a lot.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing an early digital copy of Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher. The book releases to the world on November 5th, 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sharon Lynn Fisher, and 47North for allowing me access to the e-Arc.

I really enjoyed this Gothic tale that has mystery, historical, and fantasy elements. Lizzy is a strong FMC who wants to help her mom with her affliction. That has caused her to not be able to communicate to anyone anymore. I thought this was well done Victorian tale. It talks about class and social customs. I can’t wait to read more from Sharon Lynn Fisher.

I highly recommend it!

Enjoyable cozy romantic mystery set in the Victorian era with magic. Fisher clearly did her research and the setting of York comes alive; our heroine Lizzy is plucky and intrepid in the best way as she struggles to understand her mother's sudden affliction and keep her small family afloat. That said, the book had a YA feel to me - at times Lizzy and Anthony (both of whose viewpoints we see) are sensible Victorians, and other times they are modern romance leads whose behavior and thinking makes no sense in a Victorian context. In general, though, that lends to the cozy feel; the looming threats of the Victorian era (disinheritance, asylums, etc.) feel less frightening that way, and the peril less perilous, which makes this an ideal book to read when it's cold and you have a mug of cocoa.

Engaging and inventive, this is a fun folklore mashup with a great mystery element! Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book gave me the warm fuzzies! This book had so many of my favorite components: romance, mystery, and fantasy. It gave a different twist on Grimm fairy tales, which I greatly appreciate, especially when it came to Krampus. This is story is perfect to curl up on the couch with a toasty beverage.

So this book is a tricky one to describe because it’s not quite like any of the historical fantasies I’ve read before. It’s a little like The Parasol Protectorate series yet so elegant and refined. The fantasy elements slotted so neatly within the historical setting, you can barely see the seams. Excellent world building, executed with casual skill.

On top of that, the attention paid to social classes and their limitations was such a compelling and realistic touch. It really heightened the tension of the romance and made the angst all the sweeter when the two main characters, Lizzy and Antony, longed keenly for each other in defiance of convention.

And the romance. Oh, the romance. 🥰 I adore a slow burn and the sweet, respectful way Anthony carefully pursued Lizzy, even when he didn’t mean to be or probably shouldn’t have...😘👌 Chef's kiss. 10/10

Can’t wait to read this again during the holidays!

So good. No other words needed. I love a good Grimm brothers based retelling. It was twisty and turny and just had a great time reading this

I just love Grimm stories! I just love everything that has Grimm's in it so...... obviously I devoured this book in just a day. I recommend you do the same readers.