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Shadows of Deringham #2
The Baron's Shadows
The troubles of the dead aren’t always buried with them.
Julia refuses to let her ghostly visions get in the way of a normal life with her husband, Gabriel. But when a stranger comes seeking information she would just as soon forget, Julia finds her hopes for a normal life falling further out of reach—and the dead’s problems quickly become hers.
Gabriel is determined to crush any threat to Julia’s happiness, but after a mysterious attack leaves them shaken, he realizes there are some problems he can’t solve alone. Desperate to protect his wife, he seeks help from the last person in the world who’d be willing to give the elusive witch he’s been chasing for centuries. The witch is just as likely to kill them as aid them. Yet she might be the only one who can save Julia’s life.
If they can find her.
The witch’s whereabouts aren’t the only challenge. As Gabriel and Julia embark on their hunt, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is determined to stop them. With shadows dogging their every step, an already risky journey becomes more dangerous than either could have anticipated.
And death may be the least of those dangers.
The Baron’s Shadows is the second book of the Shadows of Deringham series, a gothic romantic fantasy where Victorian splendor meets supernatural horror.
Julia refuses to let her ghostly visions get in the way of a normal life with her husband, Gabriel. But when a stranger comes seeking information she would just as soon forget, Julia finds her hopes for a normal life falling further out of reach—and the dead’s problems quickly become hers.
Gabriel is determined to crush any threat to Julia’s happiness, but after a mysterious attack leaves them shaken, he realizes there are some problems he can’t solve alone. Desperate to protect his wife, he seeks help from the last person in the world who’d be willing to give the elusive witch he’s been chasing for centuries. The witch is just as likely to kill them as aid them. Yet she might be the only one who can save Julia’s life.
If they can find her.
The witch’s whereabouts aren’t the only challenge. As Gabriel and Julia embark on their hunt, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is determined to stop them. With shadows dogging their every step, an already risky journey becomes more dangerous than either could have anticipated.
And death may be the least of those dangers.
The Baron’s Shadows is the second book of the Shadows of Deringham series, a gothic romantic fantasy where Victorian splendor meets supernatural horror.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 1, 2025
Review to come, as I read an early draft of it, but when I say you are NOT READY for what Erin Elle has in store, I mean it. This is going to blow y'all away.
March 20, 2026
Thank you Erin and team for this highly anticipated ARC!
I re-read The Baron's Demons (book 1) in preparation for this book and I devoured both in a matter of days. No notes. I enjoyed every moment whilst reading this. If I didn't have to go to work, I would have completed this book in a single sitting.
This was a perfect second book of the series. I loved how it retained the allure and eeriness of a supernatural Victorian world but it also highlighted so much love and light from the romance between Gabriel and Julia. Also the ton drama was a treat to read about.
So much depth and detail was added to the characters and overarching plot. The writing itself was easy to read and follow - and that's coming from someone who doesn't typically read any historical romances. The twists and turns and revelations had me glued to my Kindle. The mysteries were crafted and unfolded masterfully. I didn't really think much about where the plot was going because I was so engrossed in the moment whilst reading it page by page. And the spice was just right for the story and provided some much needed moments of levity amongst this much darker and gritter story.
Much like book 1, I especially enjoyed how it was written in 3rd person yet we still got a thorough understanding of what the main characters were feeling and going through. The flashbacks were incorporated seamlessly and added so much intrigue to the overall lore of this world. I loved how we got to expand and travel this world yet it didn't feel discombobulating or disjointed. The writing was so atmospheric and visceral I could literally picture the scenes in my head like a movie whilst reading. The writing scratched my brain just right - I felt the book was so polished and well plotted. There were no run-on sentences or overwhelming paragraphs or dialogue, and any loose ends were neatly tied up. Even the ending left just the right amount of mystery to keep me coming back for more and awaiting the next book's release.
And I cannot finish this review without mentioning the superb character work. Both main characters as well as the side characters were so well developed and multifaceted they all had their distinct voices which truly enriched the story. I'm typically drawn to the romance aspect of a story but the general plot and characters really stole the show for me in this book.
Would definitely read again, as well as anything else Erin Elle writes. Highly recommend this book (and the series in general) if you're after a bingeable gothic romance fantasy with Bridgerton and One Dark Window vibes.
I'm so so so excited for the next book.
Overall rating: 5/5
I re-read The Baron's Demons (book 1) in preparation for this book and I devoured both in a matter of days. No notes. I enjoyed every moment whilst reading this. If I didn't have to go to work, I would have completed this book in a single sitting.
This was a perfect second book of the series. I loved how it retained the allure and eeriness of a supernatural Victorian world but it also highlighted so much love and light from the romance between Gabriel and Julia. Also the ton drama was a treat to read about.
So much depth and detail was added to the characters and overarching plot. The writing itself was easy to read and follow - and that's coming from someone who doesn't typically read any historical romances. The twists and turns and revelations had me glued to my Kindle. The mysteries were crafted and unfolded masterfully. I didn't really think much about where the plot was going because I was so engrossed in the moment whilst reading it page by page. And the spice was just right for the story and provided some much needed moments of levity amongst this much darker and gritter story.
Much like book 1, I especially enjoyed how it was written in 3rd person yet we still got a thorough understanding of what the main characters were feeling and going through. The flashbacks were incorporated seamlessly and added so much intrigue to the overall lore of this world. I loved how we got to expand and travel this world yet it didn't feel discombobulating or disjointed. The writing was so atmospheric and visceral I could literally picture the scenes in my head like a movie whilst reading. The writing scratched my brain just right - I felt the book was so polished and well plotted. There were no run-on sentences or overwhelming paragraphs or dialogue, and any loose ends were neatly tied up. Even the ending left just the right amount of mystery to keep me coming back for more and awaiting the next book's release.
And I cannot finish this review without mentioning the superb character work. Both main characters as well as the side characters were so well developed and multifaceted they all had their distinct voices which truly enriched the story. I'm typically drawn to the romance aspect of a story but the general plot and characters really stole the show for me in this book.
Would definitely read again, as well as anything else Erin Elle writes. Highly recommend this book (and the series in general) if you're after a bingeable gothic romance fantasy with Bridgerton and One Dark Window vibes.
I'm so so so excited for the next book.
Overall rating: 5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was kindly given this as an ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gothic horror!
I really liked that our female main character felt like she was “of the time”. She was gentle, deferring to her husband and, slightly fragile and weak of health. She wasn't this trailblazing heroine, and it was quite refreshing though sometimes a little frustrating that she allowed her husband to tell her what to do and she would comply. But it came across as realistic.
Similarly, the MMC was arrogant and domineering, which is very much my impression of a classic Victorian age aristocrat.
The story itself, the mystery, was very thrilling and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I'm definitely looking forward to book 3.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gothic horror!
I really liked that our female main character felt like she was “of the time”. She was gentle, deferring to her husband and, slightly fragile and weak of health. She wasn't this trailblazing heroine, and it was quite refreshing though sometimes a little frustrating that she allowed her husband to tell her what to do and she would comply. But it came across as realistic.
Similarly, the MMC was arrogant and domineering, which is very much my impression of a classic Victorian age aristocrat.
The story itself, the mystery, was very thrilling and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I'm definitely looking forward to book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Darker, faster, and even more interesting
This was a strong follow-up and felt a bit more confident than the first book. The story opens up more, the stakes are higher, and things get complicated pretty quickly for everyone involved. Not that anything was ever simple to begin with.
I liked seeing more of Julia and Gabriel working together, even if their situation continues to be, less than ideal. The tone stays consistent, with that same slightly eerie edge, but there’s more going on this time around, which kept it engaging.
It does get a little busy in places, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. Overall, it builds nicely on the first book and keeps things moving in an interesting direction.
thank you to Erin for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
This was a strong follow-up and felt a bit more confident than the first book. The story opens up more, the stakes are higher, and things get complicated pretty quickly for everyone involved. Not that anything was ever simple to begin with.
I liked seeing more of Julia and Gabriel working together, even if their situation continues to be, less than ideal. The tone stays consistent, with that same slightly eerie edge, but there’s more going on this time around, which kept it engaging.
It does get a little busy in places, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. Overall, it builds nicely on the first book and keeps things moving in an interesting direction.
thank you to Erin for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
March 22, 2026
This was absolutely amazing way to continue from book 1 in this series. I was truly blown away. "The troubles of the dead aren’t always buried with them." I read in the blurb and again new this was going to be another wild ride with Julia and Gabriel. I love how their love has blossomed and grew. I loved everything about this and how Gabriel is protective of Julia. Overall, the character development was amazing as well as the plot and world building. I cannot wait to see if there is a book 3 to the Shadows of Deringham series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this follow-up to The Baron's Demons.
I loved Gabe and Julia in the first book, and I loved them in this one as well! Their devotion and loyalty to each other made me smile despite being faced with challenge after challenge, it is clear how deep their love runs. If there is a book 3 coming, yes please! I want more!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you Erin Elle for my copy!
I loved Gabe and Julia in the first book, and I loved them in this one as well! Their devotion and loyalty to each other made me smile despite being faced with challenge after challenge, it is clear how deep their love runs. If there is a book 3 coming, yes please! I want more!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you Erin Elle for my copy!
March 25, 2026
I have been so excited for this book since I finished book 1 a while ago.
OMG it did not disappoint.
I felt like I just rejoined my old friends Julia and Gabriel where we left off even though its been two years.
The story did not disappoint adding new twists and turns and mystery keeping me on my toes the whole way through.
I'm so in love with this series I would like it never to end. Can't wait for the possibility of a book 3 with the way that ended.
OMG it did not disappoint.
I felt like I just rejoined my old friends Julia and Gabriel where we left off even though its been two years.
The story did not disappoint adding new twists and turns and mystery keeping me on my toes the whole way through.
I'm so in love with this series I would like it never to end. Can't wait for the possibility of a book 3 with the way that ended.
April 3, 2026
this book was so well written, the suspense and twists were just delicious with just the right amount of foreshadowing. the mystery draws the reader in, compelling you to try to figure out the puzzle as the writer carefully reveals piece after piece. really loved the storytelling and would love to read another book with these characters
April 7, 2026
I was given this book as an Arc by the author first i must apologise as it took me longer than normal as i reread the first in the series.
I loved this second one it was just full of action and drama, magic and mayhem. The story development was so good and it really took you state side. The era is one of my favourites and this was just such a good read. Really recommend this author and series.
I loved this second one it was just full of action and drama, magic and mayhem. The story development was so good and it really took you state side. The era is one of my favourites and this was just such a good read. Really recommend this author and series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Came for the cover.
Stayed for the plot.
This was a smooth fast read with twists and turns. Loved it.
Stayed for the plot.
This was a smooth fast read with twists and turns. Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This installment had me clutching my proverbial pearls! I was second guessing who could be trusted till the very end; not even the FMC's own mind was trustworthy. I was fuming towards the end; ready to throw my kindle, if I was going to be left on a cliffhanger. No cliffhanger, but definitely lots of untold questions, left open for book 3. I received this as an ARC.
April 8, 2026
The Baron’s Shadows continues the story perfectly. I loved how the pieces of the mystery begin to fall into place while still leaving plenty of tension about what might happen next.
The witches and demons take on a much bigger role in this book, which adds even more depth and intrigue to the world. I also enjoyed seeing the friend still involved in the story and getting glimpses of his travels—though I would have loved to learn even more.
The new challenges and difficult decisions make the journey even more compelling. I’m completely invested now and need the next book ASAP.
The witches and demons take on a much bigger role in this book, which adds even more depth and intrigue to the world. I also enjoyed seeing the friend still involved in the story and getting glimpses of his travels—though I would have loved to learn even more.
The new challenges and difficult decisions make the journey even more compelling. I’m completely invested now and need the next book ASAP.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews