Book Review: Wormwood Abbey & Drake Hall

Books #6 & #7: Wormwood Abbey and Drake Hall by Christina Baehr
208 pages / published October 2023 / available here, 4.5/5 ★
203 pages / published January 2024 / available here, 3/5 ★

Goodreads Blurb: (book one) 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. ... 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.

My Reviews: (book one) What a delightful read! Somehow perfectly blending historical, fantastical, cozy, and gothic all in one. The writing style is enchanting – accessibly Regency-era vibes with excellent syntax and vocabulary as well as a touch of Agatha Christie. It’s so refreshing to read writing that feels smart as well as entertaining. The MC is smart and full of gumption, while also sensibly navigating her own emotional journey (narrated beautifully in her own words). I was less interested in the romance potential with the brooding neighbor, so I was pleased that Baehr focused much more on the burgeoning friendship between cousins. It was also nice that there is a big conflict in the middle of the book, not just at the end. Plenty of resolution to satisfy one book, but also plenty left to keep me hooked for the next in the series. 

(book two) Book number two in this series feels more like a bridge between exciting stories than a great standalone work. I enjoyed the thoughtful progression on the romantic plot, but felt a little thrown by the friendship/companionship and conflict with Helena. While I still really enjoyed the writing and character building, but plot felt a little lackluster. However, at only ~200 pages, I’m definitely still hooked for book three and feel confident it’s going to be much more action-packed. Library hold already placed!

CW: parent loss, brief antisemitism, mention of miscarriage/infant loss