Book Review: Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

Synopsis:
Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn Manor: the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor’s occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another…

With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas – along with their new maid Mercy – will have to work together to discover the source of the magic behind the malfunctioning wards before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Not an easy task when the house is filled with unexpected secrets, and all Elisabeth can think about is kissing Nathaniel in peace. But when it becomes clear that the house, influenced by the magic of Nathaniel’s ancestors, requires a price for its obedience, Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right.

Review:
I was worried I had left it too late to read Mysteries of Thorn Manor as I’d read Sorcery of Thorns in 2020 and didn’t think I remembered what happened. Well, there was no need to worry. Subtle reminders of events from the first book were sprinkled throughout and it made it so easy to get back into this world.

I really enjoyed the first book but Mysteries of Thorn Manor made me fall in love with his world and its characters even more. I’d forgotten just how much of a loveable nerd Nathaniel is and just how cool Elisabeth is. They’re such great characters, I really wish we got to spend more time with them.

The romance between Elisabeth and Nathaniel was only just starting to bloom at the end of Sorcery of Thorns and I’d hoped for more. This novella fully delivers on all the romance cuteness. I don’t want to spoil anything but the ending was just perfect.

Considering this is only a short novella, there is plenty of action and even character development too. So much happened that Mysteries of Thorn Manor felt longer than it was, which is a very good thing. I would have read hundreds more pages of Elisabeth and Nathaniel doing the most mundane things.

If you’ve read Sorcery of Thorns and couldn’t get enough of the world and its characters, you absolutely need to check out Mysteries of Thorn Manor. It’s a great way to get more of the series in a low-stakes setting.