I won a copy of Christina Baehr‘s Wormwood Abbey over on Instagram.

As a Victorian clergyman’s daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything — until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap. When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire.

Wormwood Abbey isn’t just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there’s also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbour who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.

An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world — especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family’s legacy.

But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap…and some of them have teeth.

I really thought this was marvelously cozy in a fantastical, historic England. I adored the gothic setting, classic literary references, kindnesses, humour, and the characters. I especially enjoyed Edith. I always appreciate a practical heroine, and she is very practical. No hysterics for her, even in the most dire of circumstances. I did think it a little slow, and some of the narrative, while stylistically appealing, was a bit vague on detail. I’d be more than happy to finish the series out, though.

Other Reviews:

Book Review: Wormwood Abbey (The Secrets of Ormdale #1) by Christina Baehr