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Grimm Curiosities
In Victorian England, a young woman inherits her father’s curiosity shop and all its ghostly secrets in a bewitching novel by the author of Salt & Broom.
It’s 1851 in old York. Lizzy Grimm struggles to save her late father’s charmingly creepy yet floundering antique shop, Grimm Curiosities. Then, during a particularly snowy December in this most haunted city in England, things turn…curiouser.
Lizzy meets Antony Carlisle, whose sister suffers from the same perplexing affliction as Lizzy’s mother—both stricken silent and unresponsive after speaking with ghosts. Working closely together to fathom what power has transformed their loved ones and why, Lizzy and Antony discover an important her father’s treasured set of rare books on ancient folktales, enchantments, and yuletide myths. Books that a persistent collector is awfully keen to purchase. Books Lizzy can’t bear to sell.
Every bewitching passage and illustration opens a doorway to something ancient and dangerously inviting. Keys to a mystery Lizzy and Antony are compelled to solve—even if doing so means unleashing one of this bright holiday’s darkest myths.
It’s 1851 in old York. Lizzy Grimm struggles to save her late father’s charmingly creepy yet floundering antique shop, Grimm Curiosities. Then, during a particularly snowy December in this most haunted city in England, things turn…curiouser.
Lizzy meets Antony Carlisle, whose sister suffers from the same perplexing affliction as Lizzy’s mother—both stricken silent and unresponsive after speaking with ghosts. Working closely together to fathom what power has transformed their loved ones and why, Lizzy and Antony discover an important her father’s treasured set of rare books on ancient folktales, enchantments, and yuletide myths. Books that a persistent collector is awfully keen to purchase. Books Lizzy can’t bear to sell.
Every bewitching passage and illustration opens a doorway to something ancient and dangerously inviting. Keys to a mystery Lizzy and Antony are compelled to solve—even if doing so means unleashing one of this bright holiday’s darkest myths.
285 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2024
1345 people are currently reading
10528 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lynn Fisher
15 books671 followersSharon Lynn Fisher writes mash-ups of fantasy, mystery, and slow-burn romance set in lush and atmospheric worlds. Her current series of stand-alone novels (which began with Salt & Broom) features cozy gothic fantasies set in Victorian England.
Sharon's other books include Grimm Curiosities, Tea & Alchemy, the Faery Rehistory historical romantasy series, and a trio of science fiction romances. Sharon is an Amazon bestselling author.
When Sharon's not writing, you'll mostly find her wandering the Pacific Northwest woods looking for fairies and mushrooms.
For more information about Sharon and her writing, visit www.sharonlynnfisher.com.
Sharon's other books include Grimm Curiosities, Tea & Alchemy, the Faery Rehistory historical romantasy series, and a trio of science fiction romances. Sharon is an Amazon bestselling author.
When Sharon's not writing, you'll mostly find her wandering the Pacific Northwest woods looking for fairies and mushrooms.
For more information about Sharon and her writing, visit www.sharonlynnfisher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
November 4, 2024
Grimm Curiosities
by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Fantasy Paranormal Mystery
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Nov 5, 2024
47North
Ages: 14+
After her father dies, Lizzy Grimm struggles to run her father's antique shop called Grimm Curiosities, but then her mother is stricken by an ailment while contacting a spirit for a client.
When a man comes into the shop and upon finding an old book about magic he asks if Lizzy has the rest of the copies and was willing to pay a lot of money, which would help Lizzy pay off her and her mother's debts, and keep her father's shop open.
Then walks in Antony Carlisle whose sister suffers from the same affliction as Lizzy's mother, and together they search for a cause.
But as they investigate, they start to believe that those books of folktales, magic, and myths that the other man wants so desperately may have something to do with the affliction.
When I requested this, I did not realize that this could be considered a Christmas story loosely based on the actual origins of Christmas, meaning Yule.
It's a cute, cozy mystery about Lizzy struggling in 1851 to keep her father's shop open while caring for her mother. The plot is simple, but it moves along at a good pace and does keep one guessing even though the outcome is obvious within the first few chapters. It's the mystery that makes this a unique story.
There's nothing overly graphic, though there is romance but it stayed in the PG area. There's some violence and a tad bit of suspense, but no gore so it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.
A little more depth in the plot, characters, and setting would have earned this one more star.
3 Stars
by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Fantasy Paranormal Mystery
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Nov 5, 2024
47North
Ages: 14+
After her father dies, Lizzy Grimm struggles to run her father's antique shop called Grimm Curiosities, but then her mother is stricken by an ailment while contacting a spirit for a client.
When a man comes into the shop and upon finding an old book about magic he asks if Lizzy has the rest of the copies and was willing to pay a lot of money, which would help Lizzy pay off her and her mother's debts, and keep her father's shop open.
Then walks in Antony Carlisle whose sister suffers from the same affliction as Lizzy's mother, and together they search for a cause.
But as they investigate, they start to believe that those books of folktales, magic, and myths that the other man wants so desperately may have something to do with the affliction.
When I requested this, I did not realize that this could be considered a Christmas story loosely based on the actual origins of Christmas, meaning Yule.
It's a cute, cozy mystery about Lizzy struggling in 1851 to keep her father's shop open while caring for her mother. The plot is simple, but it moves along at a good pace and does keep one guessing even though the outcome is obvious within the first few chapters. It's the mystery that makes this a unique story.
There's nothing overly graphic, though there is romance but it stayed in the PG area. There's some violence and a tad bit of suspense, but no gore so it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.
A little more depth in the plot, characters, and setting would have earned this one more star.
3 Stars
February 9, 2025
An interesting, atmospheric story
Perfect reading for winter during the holidays
Mysterious and romantic, although I wasn't particularly moved by the love aspect
Perfect reading for winter during the holidays
Mysterious and romantic, although I wasn't particularly moved by the love aspect
January 21, 2025
This story is told in alternating first person by Lizzy and Antony. Lizzy is doing her best to run her late father’s antique shop in 1851 York but always struggling to make the rent and put food on the table. After the death of her father, Lizzy’s mother made extra money working as a medium but was struck down with some sort of catatonic malady during a session and now needs round the clock care. Antony comes from a money and a titled family and after his mother’s death, his sister went into a similar state as Lizzy’s mother. Antony seeks out the medium to help his sister, unaware of their comparable conditions.
The antique shop is visited by a variety of customers, and one in particular is looking for a set of rare books that Lizzy remembers reading in her childhood. She eventually locates the set in the shop’s storage with a mysterious note from her father. The books are comprised of fairytales and various myths and folklore pertaining to subjects surrounding the solstice and yuletide such as The Wild Hunt and Krampus (that seems to be turning up in my seasonal reads a lot this year). Lizzy and Antony join forces to solve the mystery of the books and their respective relative's maladies.
I found this story to be wonderfully atmospheric. The main characters were likable and easily relatable with a dash of irritating relatives, supportive friends and both dastardly and manipulative villains not to mention a cross-class romance. The setting of the antique shop was just the right touch of suspenseful and creepy. While the story takes place in December, I think this would be an enjoyable read during any winter months.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for a copy provided for an honest review.
The antique shop is visited by a variety of customers, and one in particular is looking for a set of rare books that Lizzy remembers reading in her childhood. She eventually locates the set in the shop’s storage with a mysterious note from her father. The books are comprised of fairytales and various myths and folklore pertaining to subjects surrounding the solstice and yuletide such as The Wild Hunt and Krampus (that seems to be turning up in my seasonal reads a lot this year). Lizzy and Antony join forces to solve the mystery of the books and their respective relative's maladies.
I found this story to be wonderfully atmospheric. The main characters were likable and easily relatable with a dash of irritating relatives, supportive friends and both dastardly and manipulative villains not to mention a cross-class romance. The setting of the antique shop was just the right touch of suspenseful and creepy. While the story takes place in December, I think this would be an enjoyable read during any winter months.
Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for a copy provided for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
3 1/2 stars rounded down to 3.
Ms. Fisher has a way with words and history and blends them together expertly. I really was in York, England in 1851. A lilting breeze of mystery swept through the narration. From the very beginning of our tale, we can feel a touch of the supernatural as well as the promise that something is amiss. A cosy fantasy with gentle characters that I truly liked. The simple air of magic entices you to keep reading. And this is one of those ‘must read’ books. The writing is warm and comforting, perfect for a Christmas tale in old York. We get to see the city through our main character, Miss Grimm, and it’s a wonderful, innocent look. It’s a very slow burn, but this is one of the tropes of a supernatural cosy, after all. And there’s a sweet little romance thrown in at no extra charge.
I have a bit of an issue with the pacing, which is a bit slow in the middle. And the mystery does feel a bit like a Nancy Drew adventure, especially near the ending. The conclusion was as expected.
Will I read something else by Ms. Fisher? Yes.
Ms. Fisher has a way with words and history and blends them together expertly. I really was in York, England in 1851. A lilting breeze of mystery swept through the narration. From the very beginning of our tale, we can feel a touch of the supernatural as well as the promise that something is amiss. A cosy fantasy with gentle characters that I truly liked. The simple air of magic entices you to keep reading. And this is one of those ‘must read’ books. The writing is warm and comforting, perfect for a Christmas tale in old York. We get to see the city through our main character, Miss Grimm, and it’s a wonderful, innocent look. It’s a very slow burn, but this is one of the tropes of a supernatural cosy, after all. And there’s a sweet little romance thrown in at no extra charge.
I have a bit of an issue with the pacing, which is a bit slow in the middle. And the mystery does feel a bit like a Nancy Drew adventure, especially near the ending. The conclusion was as expected.
Will I read something else by Ms. Fisher? Yes.
November 8, 2024
Fisher’s bio says she writes genre mashups, and that’s both this book’s biggest strength and greatest weakness. Grimm Curiosities started off fantastically as a historical gothic - we have our intrepid heroine, many mysterious goings on, and lots of detail about the city of York (which makes a nice change from all those London-set historicals). I was really looking forward to watching Lizzy unravel the secrets her father left behind, and falling in love along the way.
Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, the instalove romance comes to the fore, and our intrepid heroine suddenly becomes blind to the mystery in front of her, in lieu of pining over a man she’s known for mere weeks. The mystery plot ultimately becomes rushed, and some of the gothic elements became a letdown for me (I really wanted more of the ghosts than we ultimately got).
This book had the bones of a great story, but some more deftness in blending the very elements, and a trifle more characterisation for its leads would have elevated it from an ok book to a good one.
Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, the instalove romance comes to the fore, and our intrepid heroine suddenly becomes blind to the mystery in front of her, in lieu of pining over a man she’s known for mere weeks. The mystery plot ultimately becomes rushed, and some of the gothic elements became a letdown for me (I really wanted more of the ghosts than we ultimately got).
This book had the bones of a great story, but some more deftness in blending the very elements, and a trifle more characterisation for its leads would have elevated it from an ok book to a good one.
December 4, 2025
Reread 12/4/25:
Still 4.5⭐️ Just so vibey for December 🖤
12/8/24:
4.5⭐️ I loved the 1851 old York setting during a snowy December. This was a great atmospheric read for this holiday month. I loved the mystery, folklore, and old fashioned slow burn romance🥰 I am a huge fan of easy to follow, quick reads. The story moved along quickly with so many interesting mysterious and magical elements. I also loved Salt & Broom by Fisher and will definitely continue to pick up her books.
Still 4.5⭐️ Just so vibey for December 🖤
12/8/24:
4.5⭐️ I loved the 1851 old York setting during a snowy December. This was a great atmospheric read for this holiday month. I loved the mystery, folklore, and old fashioned slow burn romance🥰 I am a huge fan of easy to follow, quick reads. The story moved along quickly with so many interesting mysterious and magical elements. I also loved Salt & Broom by Fisher and will definitely continue to pick up her books.
January 8, 2026
GRIMM CURIOSITIES is a cozy holiday mystery/Victorian romance that delves into Yule folklore. The main character Lizzy is struggling to keep her father's curiosity shop afloat after his death and her mother's strange affliction. I enjoyed how the story began as a gothic mystery, but it seemed to switch genres along the way, which I wasn't thrilled about. I think fans of sweet romantasy may enjoy this one, but for me, I was expecting something with darker vibes and a faster pace.
December 7, 2025
A charming Christmas story that I wouldn't have picked up had it not been chosen as a bookclub pick. Its folklore coming to life. I enjoyed the mix of genres/themes with it being semi gothic, fairy tale, mystery, romance, mythilogical, supernatural, ghosts, and set at Christmas time, It's perfect to read this time of year. The book is historical fantasy fiction set in 1851 in York. whilst I wasn't particularly moved by the love story elements, it's well written, and a wonderful alternative to other books set at Christmas time. I really enjoyed reading it.
November 14, 2024
Perfection holds no candle to Sharon and her writing, she is everything I want in an author, witchy vibes, spooky energy, magic, fun, and beautiful flawed characters.
Grimm Curiosities was such a lovely addition to Sharon’s already amazing repertoire. I read it with speeds unlike anything before.
You can tell she did a lot of research for this historical fantasy novel because I learned a few things about Krampus and Victorian curiosity shops (which were a thing!!).
I await more wonderful storytelling from my favourite author.
Grimm Curiosities was such a lovely addition to Sharon’s already amazing repertoire. I read it with speeds unlike anything before.
You can tell she did a lot of research for this historical fantasy novel because I learned a few things about Krampus and Victorian curiosity shops (which were a thing!!).
I await more wonderful storytelling from my favourite author.
March 10, 2025
3.5 stars for a unique twist on fairy tales
.This was a decent read and listen. The characters were well written, as was the world building. However, the story felt a bit slow and rushed all at once. For most of the story, Lizzy is worried about money (fair) and her mother (also fair), but because of this, the investigation seemed to take a back seat except for 2 instances, where everything seemed to miraculously come together. I would have liked it better if this had been a second book in a dualology or if the book had been longer. This would have allowed more time to learn the history and context of the world.
.This was a decent read and listen. The characters were well written, as was the world building. However, the story felt a bit slow and rushed all at once. For most of the story, Lizzy is worried about money (fair) and her mother (also fair), but because of this, the investigation seemed to take a back seat except for 2 instances, where everything seemed to miraculously come together. I would have liked it better if this had been a second book in a dualology or if the book had been longer. This would have allowed more time to learn the history and context of the world.
February 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this! It's cozy, mysterious, a little dark, tense, and cute all at the same time. I loved the folklore elements; the plot was interesting and held my attention. I tend to enjoy adventure over romance but I actually found myself invested in the relationship between the main characters. So glad I picked this up on a whim!
January 10, 2025
A wintery tale of romance and mystery, where not everything is always as it seems.
Granted, I gave this book only 2 stars, but I strongly believe that is more of a “me” issue than anything else. The romance between the two leads was fine, and while I felt the ending to be a bit rushed and chaotic, overall I didn’t have much issue with this book in terms of storytelling.
However. Much of the reason I disliked this book is because, like seems to happen often, more than one potential romantic partner is introduced and I prefer them to the one chosen by the author. I knew going in who the romantic male lead was - we even have his point of view written for us! It’s obvious - and yet, I found him to be rather bland and lacking. He’s a fine choice as a romantic lead, but not when you’ve given me the option for a mysterious man of unknown motives who treats the main character openly well and respected, and is a more dynamic and interesting character overall.
Antony Carlisle is a fine choice, in theory, but my issues with him mostly stem with the fact that he never - until the very end of this book - tells Lizzy how he feels, and allows her to be disrespected by those around him. He is from a dramatically different social circle than her, and yet doesn’t seem to realize how negatively his actions would affect her status - especially since she is a woman, unmarried, and running the shop attempting to make ends meet. Instead, he - rather abruptly - decides he cares for her, and yet both never indicates to her his feelings in any conceivable way, either lies or omits details from her that make it seem like he doesn’t care about her, and doesn’t seem to care that the way he is treating her would make the general public believe she is promiscuous.
And while the other romantic lead is never really an option, I felt it a bit ridiculous how the author decided to make him not an option at all. I won’t spoil it, but the way that he was so violently removed from being a potential romantic partner was so shoe-horned in that it felt almost like it was included solely to force me to stop liking him more than the real romantic lead.
I felt the middle of this novel kind of wavered a bit, where as soon as Lizzy meets Carlisle she spends all her time pining over him - despite him never really doing anything to deserve this. She has, up until this point, been the one keeping food on the table and caring for her mother, but the second a man shows up starts fantasizing about being taken care of and cannot focus on work. Okay, I guess.
The mystery was also really quickly ended, and kind of poorly thought out. Really, once Lizzy finds out one single thing she is then given a letter that essentially solves everything for her, and then a bunch of really wild and unconnected things happen and now the book is over and everything is perfect.
I do think this book could be a fun read for anyone not irritated that the objectively better choice of a male romantic lead was so violently shoved in the corner to make way for the most boring man in existence. Romance authors need to stop giving me options if they want me to like the man they’ve chosen for the main character, in my opinion. However, if - unlike me - you don’t generally choose the more dynamic and interesting character, I think you’ll like the romance enough to ignore the strange and abrupt way this book resolves its central mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing this e-ARC.
Granted, I gave this book only 2 stars, but I strongly believe that is more of a “me” issue than anything else. The romance between the two leads was fine, and while I felt the ending to be a bit rushed and chaotic, overall I didn’t have much issue with this book in terms of storytelling.
However. Much of the reason I disliked this book is because, like seems to happen often, more than one potential romantic partner is introduced and I prefer them to the one chosen by the author. I knew going in who the romantic male lead was - we even have his point of view written for us! It’s obvious - and yet, I found him to be rather bland and lacking. He’s a fine choice as a romantic lead, but not when you’ve given me the option for a mysterious man of unknown motives who treats the main character openly well and respected, and is a more dynamic and interesting character overall.
Antony Carlisle is a fine choice, in theory, but my issues with him mostly stem with the fact that he never - until the very end of this book - tells Lizzy how he feels, and allows her to be disrespected by those around him. He is from a dramatically different social circle than her, and yet doesn’t seem to realize how negatively his actions would affect her status - especially since she is a woman, unmarried, and running the shop attempting to make ends meet. Instead, he - rather abruptly - decides he cares for her, and yet both never indicates to her his feelings in any conceivable way, either lies or omits details from her that make it seem like he doesn’t care about her, and doesn’t seem to care that the way he is treating her would make the general public believe she is promiscuous.
And while the other romantic lead is never really an option, I felt it a bit ridiculous how the author decided to make him not an option at all. I won’t spoil it, but the way that he was so violently removed from being a potential romantic partner was so shoe-horned in that it felt almost like it was included solely to force me to stop liking him more than the real romantic lead.
I felt the middle of this novel kind of wavered a bit, where as soon as Lizzy meets Carlisle she spends all her time pining over him - despite him never really doing anything to deserve this. She has, up until this point, been the one keeping food on the table and caring for her mother, but the second a man shows up starts fantasizing about being taken care of and cannot focus on work. Okay, I guess.
The mystery was also really quickly ended, and kind of poorly thought out. Really, once Lizzy finds out one single thing she is then given a letter that essentially solves everything for her, and then a bunch of really wild and unconnected things happen and now the book is over and everything is perfect.
I do think this book could be a fun read for anyone not irritated that the objectively better choice of a male romantic lead was so violently shoved in the corner to make way for the most boring man in existence. Romance authors need to stop giving me options if they want me to like the man they’ve chosen for the main character, in my opinion. However, if - unlike me - you don’t generally choose the more dynamic and interesting character, I think you’ll like the romance enough to ignore the strange and abrupt way this book resolves its central mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing this e-ARC.
November 29, 2024
Having not read Salt and Broom by this author I can definitely say I will be seeking it out!
What an exciting start to my Christmas reads for this year. I loved the characters! The way they interacted with each other I felt was very moreish. The time period I adore. Victorian delights in every page. The setting was great at each section.
The similarities to a certain children's book that I am about to re-read are of course apparent(near the end)but it works so well and in its own way.
The whole thing just works so well. I would really adore reading more about these characters if there was a second book in some way to follow this.
The spooky elements were great and the twist in the story at the end I didnt expect.
Perfect winter read! Love it 🥰
Thank you to the Author and publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
Pub date was 5/11/24.
What an exciting start to my Christmas reads for this year. I loved the characters! The way they interacted with each other I felt was very moreish. The time period I adore. Victorian delights in every page. The setting was great at each section.
The similarities to a certain children's book that I am about to re-read are of course apparent(near the end)but it works so well and in its own way.
The whole thing just works so well. I would really adore reading more about these characters if there was a second book in some way to follow this.
The spooky elements were great and the twist in the story at the end I didnt expect.
Perfect winter read! Love it 🥰
Thank you to the Author and publisher through Netgalley for the ARC.
Pub date was 5/11/24.
December 17, 2025
3.5 stars. I'm not a fan of romance in novels, but the romance in this book was quite sweet and not too cloying. I did really enjoy the pagan and folkloric elements and the way the author successfully conjured up the atmosphere of 19th century York in December. Perfect reading for this time of year.
December 10, 2025
This was a nice read, though it lacked depth and while the atmosphere was there, it could have been amped up had the language been not quite so straight forward.
December 17, 2024
It feels like I read a different book than some of these reviewers! I didn’t really enjoy this at all. It tried to straddle both fantasy and mystery and ended up doing neither well. With a suspect list that’s only 3 people long, the mystery was a non starter from the beginning and with only the barest hints of the supernatural it didn’t tick that box either. Instead we are led to pages of Victorian angst which wasn’t why I picked it up.
Lizzy is struggling to keep her curiosities store open when a wealthy patron comes in requesting a set of books. As Lizzy dives deeper into understanding where these books came from she realizes that they might have more power than she suspected.
I found myself bored in large chunks of this one and the last minute info dump felt like a novice move. I just wasn’t a fan.
Lizzy is struggling to keep her curiosities store open when a wealthy patron comes in requesting a set of books. As Lizzy dives deeper into understanding where these books came from she realizes that they might have more power than she suspected.
I found myself bored in large chunks of this one and the last minute info dump felt like a novice move. I just wasn’t a fan.
December 31, 2024
An immersive fairytale and portal fantasy that provides a fun adventure and a happily ever after conclusion.
This is a little thin on description and atmosphere, which was disappointing, but the story itself is solidly done. It’s a little tough to talk about York being “the most haunted place in England” and then give the reader little to no eerie atmosphere to set that scene. The curiosity shop too was a wonderful idea that doesn’t get the descriptive treatment that it deserves.
But the story is a fun fairytale interpretation, and it’s an excellent use of portal magic, which generally doesn’t work all that well. I liked the Christmas themes, especially with Krampus because he’s so delightfully creepy. And the fact that Krampus—despite his menace and role in Christmas tradition—isn’t the true villain of this story speaks to some clever writing and a well-structured plot.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is a little thin on description and atmosphere, which was disappointing, but the story itself is solidly done. It’s a little tough to talk about York being “the most haunted place in England” and then give the reader little to no eerie atmosphere to set that scene. The curiosity shop too was a wonderful idea that doesn’t get the descriptive treatment that it deserves.
But the story is a fun fairytale interpretation, and it’s an excellent use of portal magic, which generally doesn’t work all that well. I liked the Christmas themes, especially with Krampus because he’s so delightfully creepy. And the fact that Krampus—despite his menace and role in Christmas tradition—isn’t the true villain of this story speaks to some clever writing and a well-structured plot.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 21, 2024
This is a cute cozy mystery set around Yule tide, I actually would really recommend reading this at the holiday season! Especially if you enjoy Victoria aesthetics and cute cozy interiors. I really love the way. Fisher is able to paint a scene for the beautiful settings. Grimm Curiosities is an antique shop in the Victorian era, talk about cute and cozy settings! I also loved the upstairs room bed and her mom were living in, I would love so deeply to live there lol.
My big complaint is the ending felt so left field and I wish there had been more build up and curiosity on Lizzy, the main character’s part. It was hard to see how we got to where we were with that big reveals. They were good ones though - just would have loved to have a few more clues and spooky things happening before it all went down.
My big complaint is the ending felt so left field and I wish there had been more build up and curiosity on Lizzy, the main character’s part. It was hard to see how we got to where we were with that big reveals. They were good ones though - just would have loved to have a few more clues and spooky things happening before it all went down.
January 27, 2025
Мені сподобалась в цілому ця казково-фентезійна історія, однак готичного тут мало що є (а я саме це і шукала у книзі). На середині книги історія звернула у більш романтичний бік і мені перестало бути так цікаво за нею слідкувати. Кінець історії можна було передбачити ще на початку і це теж, як на мене, мінус.
Ця історія про дівчину Ліззі, яка після смерті батька та загадкової хвороби матері, управляє сама магазином античних предметів. Випадковий візит багатого сина барона Ентоні перевертає для неї рутинний уклад. Його сестра так само страждає на невідому недугу, яка дуже схожа на ту, що в її матері. Звідси та починаються їхні пригоди разом: розслідування загадкових збігів, зустріч з привидами та багато романтики.
Ця історія про дівчину Ліззі, яка після смерті батька та загадкової хвороби матері, управляє сама магазином античних предметів. Випадковий візит багатого сина барона Ентоні перевертає для неї рутинний уклад. Його сестра так само страждає на невідому недугу, яка дуже схожа на ту, що в її матері. Звідси та починаються їхні пригоди разом: розслідування загадкових збігів, зустріч з привидами та багато романтики.
February 15, 2025
OMGosh this was soooo good l ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It’s a Victorian Gothic bookish ghost story with a sprinkle of sweet romance and a mystery to solve set in a curiosity shop. I couldn’t put it down and so sad when it was over. Sharon Lynn Fisher is a fabulous storyteller.
October 18, 2024
A creepy, wintry tale that is both riveting and endearing--the perfect cozy read to compliment a warm beverage on a chilly weekend.
I LOVED this story. Where to begin? Firstly, I devoured it. The setting of 1800s York is well researched and descriptive. Fisher even included a York terms reference guide in the which I adored and helped me know what a ginnel was, among other Yorkish words.
Fisher weaves the tale of a modern woman caring for her invalid mother by running a Curiosities shop in a city steeped in centuries of history. What's not to love? When a young Baron shows up wanting to speak to her mother about a ghost, shenanigans ensue.
I loved the relationship between Lizzy and Antony. It developed so naturally. THIS is a romantasy where the romance is inseparable from the plot. I've read too many "romantasies" where one could separate the two without any hindrance to one or the other. Grimm Curiosities is not like that. The romance and plot develop together and build on one another to further the narrative to its satisfying conclusion, and I really really enjoyed it. Edge of my seat slow burn. It's *chef's kiss*.
Fisher also weaves in old Christmas folktales and ghosts with a villain and a sinister mystery surrounding a set of books and two hauntings.
I'm in awe of how Fisher blended all of these themes together into a seamless, edge of my seat plot. The writing is so so good.
This book is perfect for readers seeking a Halloween OR Christmas story, with plenty of creepy/snowy vibes to enjoy curled up in a blankie with a brew of your favorite warm beverage.
I LOVED this story. Where to begin? Firstly, I devoured it. The setting of 1800s York is well researched and descriptive. Fisher even included a York terms reference guide in the which I adored and helped me know what a ginnel was, among other Yorkish words.
Fisher weaves the tale of a modern woman caring for her invalid mother by running a Curiosities shop in a city steeped in centuries of history. What's not to love? When a young Baron shows up wanting to speak to her mother about a ghost, shenanigans ensue.
I loved the relationship between Lizzy and Antony. It developed so naturally. THIS is a romantasy where the romance is inseparable from the plot. I've read too many "romantasies" where one could separate the two without any hindrance to one or the other. Grimm Curiosities is not like that. The romance and plot develop together and build on one another to further the narrative to its satisfying conclusion, and I really really enjoyed it. Edge of my seat slow burn. It's *chef's kiss*.
Fisher also weaves in old Christmas folktales and ghosts with a villain and a sinister mystery surrounding a set of books and two hauntings.
I'm in awe of how Fisher blended all of these themes together into a seamless, edge of my seat plot. The writing is so so good.
This book is perfect for readers seeking a Halloween OR Christmas story, with plenty of creepy/snowy vibes to enjoy curled up in a blankie with a brew of your favorite warm beverage.
November 13, 2024
Lizzy Grimm is, for all intents and purposes, the current proprietor of Grimm Curiosities. Her father has passed away, and her mother's gift for communing with the dead has left her unresponsive. As Christmas approaches and rent is long past due, two new visitors begin frequenting purveyor of oddities. The handsome young noble Antony Carlisle has a sister in a similar situation to Mrs. Grimm, and he and Lizzy soon form a close friendship despite their different social spheres. Meanwhile Mr. Stoke, apparently an old friend of Mr. Grimm, has come seeking a rare collection of anonymously-penned books about the paranormal.
But things are starting to shift, and not just as Lizzy navigates her feelings for Antony. Lizzy begins sharing her mother's gift, seeing ghosts around York. The books Mr. Stoke craves start leaving storage and arranging themselves around the shop. And A.A., the anonymous author of Mr. Grimm's collection, turns out to be closer to home than anyone expected. As Antony and Lizzy try to heal their beloved family members, a decades-old conspiracy—with roots in something more ancient still—emerges.
Grimm Curiosities is a stunning romantasy of manners. For most of the novel, the paranormal remains just under the surface, rearing its head only occasionally until the doors literally burst open and a whole new world spills into Victorian York. If you're a fan of Bridgerton but wish it had a bit of dark fantasy threaded through, this is a perfect read. And as we venture into the dark winter months, it's tonally appropriate, too!
But things are starting to shift, and not just as Lizzy navigates her feelings for Antony. Lizzy begins sharing her mother's gift, seeing ghosts around York. The books Mr. Stoke craves start leaving storage and arranging themselves around the shop. And A.A., the anonymous author of Mr. Grimm's collection, turns out to be closer to home than anyone expected. As Antony and Lizzy try to heal their beloved family members, a decades-old conspiracy—with roots in something more ancient still—emerges.
Grimm Curiosities is a stunning romantasy of manners. For most of the novel, the paranormal remains just under the surface, rearing its head only occasionally until the doors literally burst open and a whole new world spills into Victorian York. If you're a fan of Bridgerton but wish it had a bit of dark fantasy threaded through, this is a perfect read. And as we venture into the dark winter months, it's tonally appropriate, too!
October 24, 2024
Responsibilities in Lizzy Grimm's life have now taken a toll. She not only has to look after the antique shop (Grimm Curiosities) her father left behind but also look after her mother who has suddenly stopped speaking. As she navigates through her struggles trying to be the bread earner, 2 strange encounters have left her puzzled & a little spooked👻. Her heart demands what she cannot have and her future hangs in the balance of the choices she is afraid to make.
As weird and spooky as the title of the book is, the story and the characters were equally riveting. I loved the ambience of the shop, a historical setting acting as a backdrop curtain to this tale along with the mystery around the rare books. There's also a trope of forbidden love from a financial societal angle which was wired well with the magic of the shop.
It was a great read & if you pair this up with the audiobook it works even better ✨️
4.5/5 ⭐️
As weird and spooky as the title of the book is, the story and the characters were equally riveting. I loved the ambience of the shop, a historical setting acting as a backdrop curtain to this tale along with the mystery around the rare books. There's also a trope of forbidden love from a financial societal angle which was wired well with the magic of the shop.
It was a great read & if you pair this up with the audiobook it works even better ✨️
4.5/5 ⭐️
August 29, 2025
4 ⭐️
While I don’t love the writing, I have got to say that Fisher always writes highly addictive stories. I loved the gothic yet historical setting that she paints. I was hoping for a bit more to happen, though, and it was a little silly how quickly Lizzie and Antony jumped to conclusions. Oh yes, obviously that man with the cane is in cahoots with KRAMPUS!? What?! lol. But overall a good book, mainly because of the atmosphere and vibes. I also loved that old fairytales were involved but wished we had gotten a bit more of that aspect of it.
While I don’t love the writing, I have got to say that Fisher always writes highly addictive stories. I loved the gothic yet historical setting that she paints. I was hoping for a bit more to happen, though, and it was a little silly how quickly Lizzie and Antony jumped to conclusions. Oh yes, obviously that man with the cane is in cahoots with KRAMPUS!? What?! lol. But overall a good book, mainly because of the atmosphere and vibes. I also loved that old fairytales were involved but wished we had gotten a bit more of that aspect of it.
December 16, 2025
This was a fun little wintery to read right before Christmas. Grimm Curiosities takes place in England. You follow Lizzie and Antony, as they try to figure out what caused their loves ones to become a shell of a person. This romance, mystery is worth a read.
February 6, 2026
Fisher, much like Kingfisher, is quickly taking her place as a current favorite author of mine. I love a good curiosities shop (although they are rarer to find these days) and her characters and settings continue to pull the reader in. Salt and Broom is next on my list and I have high expectations!
December 25, 2024
4.5 I would highly recommend this! It was different and such a great holiday read!
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