LOST IN DARKNESS by MICHELLE GRIEP

Publication date 1/11/21

LOST IN DARKNESS by MICHELLE GRIEP is the heart wrenching story of Colin Balfour, a terrifying monster to look at but with a heart of gold, and his beautiful, devoted, older sister Amelia, who longs for him to be able to come out of hiding and live a normal life. Their father was overbearing and unloving and left instructions in his will for the unconventional surgeon, Mr Peckwood, to operate on his son’s brain in order to make him look normal.

Graham Lambert, a former ship’s surgeon, has become Peckwood’s partner and assistant, and as such does his best to alleviate the pain caused by the painful procedures he has to perform on Colin every day. Graham has become very close to his patient and to Colin’s sister Amelia. The day of the operation dawns at last…and I will leave you there for fear of spoiling things for you!

I like the author’s portrayal of the characters - Amelia, the successful author of travel articles with her superstitions and her need to appear perfect, Colin with his loving heart and strong faith in God, Graham with his compassion and growing faith, and the rather strange and frightening Mr Peckwood, to name a few. 

Taking place in England in 1815, there is a decided Gothic atmosphere in the novel, with strange people, strange occurrences, hallucinations, monsters and dark intrigue. 

I found Lost In Darkness fascinating and highly recommend it for the great story, well defined characters and strong Christian message.

I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.