Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

Fans of Sorcery of Thorns will be delighted in this romantic sequel. Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas and their maid, Mercy, find that Thorn Manor has trapped them inside the wards that surround the house and will not let anyone in or out. They have a week to work out the source of the magic before the Midwinter Ball that Nathaniel is supposed to host. They realise that the wards behaved badly whenever Elisabeth and Nathaniel begin to get close and they discover a grimoire penned by Nathaniel's ancestor Clothilde Thorn, revealing that Nathaniel should be courting Elisabeth in the proper way. He is given three difficult tasks to fulfil before Thorn Manor will open its wards.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor occurs a few months after the events in Sorcery of thorns and readers will enjoy it much more if they have read the first book. All Elisabeth wants to do is settle down peacefully after the life-and-death events they faced in the first book, and longs to get an opportunity to kiss Nathaniel, but the Manor has other ideas. The blooming of the romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel is delightful. It is also fun to follow the adventures of the main characters, including such absurdities as a fight with a dressing gown, and uncover some of the secrets of the house.

This is a warm, cosy short story set in a fabulous house with engaging characters and magical adventures that readers are sure to enjoy.

Themes: Magic, Romance.

Pat Pledger