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A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight: A Regency Romance with Fantasy Elements
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 7, 2026
I know it's a little uncouth to write a review for your own book (giving myself 5 stars felt weird, so I settled on 4), but I wanted to tell you a few things about A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight.
1. I am a real person. None of this book was written by or with the help of AI. I value my privacy, which is why you won't find much of me online beyond my Instagram (@julianne.sharpe.writes), but I promise I am an actual human being. The cover was also designed by a human being.
2. This is a quick and easy read. I promise. It's only 255 pages long. You'll breeze through it.
3. You will have a whole lot of fun!
This book blends Regency romance with monster hunting. A plucky heroine, her charming sidekick, and a mysterious gentleman join forces to fight the fairy-tale creatures invading their village. There are Austen-esque house parties with dancing and also sneaking around town in the moonlight. There is banter and also a little angst and horror. People die. People fall in love.
I hope you'll give it a try!
--Julianne
1. I am a real person. None of this book was written by or with the help of AI. I value my privacy, which is why you won't find much of me online beyond my Instagram (@julianne.sharpe.writes), but I promise I am an actual human being. The cover was also designed by a human being.
2. This is a quick and easy read. I promise. It's only 255 pages long. You'll breeze through it.
3. You will have a whole lot of fun!
This book blends Regency romance with monster hunting. A plucky heroine, her charming sidekick, and a mysterious gentleman join forces to fight the fairy-tale creatures invading their village. There are Austen-esque house parties with dancing and also sneaking around town in the moonlight. There is banter and also a little angst and horror. People die. People fall in love.
I hope you'll give it a try!
--Julianne
May 22, 2026
I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.
I really enjoyed this one! When I finished I was like, you know, there could be a series in this! More characters, more supernatural beings too (throw a werewolf into it?)
I love that the female is headstrong, smart, and is into things that are outside of the norm for a lady (forensics? medical?). Twenty years old and she is isn't really interested in dating. Yet the dating seems to bloom when a gentleman comes to the town inn around the time three people have been killed. Is he linked to it all, and is he possibly behind the killings? That's what she has to find out.
Paired with her cousin who is more like a brother than a faux beau that people think them to be, she is procuring clues and trying to figure out the mystery of the deaths and, does our gentleman have anything to do with it?
The story didn't meander, it kept right along. There was a surprise death that caught me off guard and made me sad. (Usually when characters bite it people seem to get over the death of that person rather fast. Our female lead did not and spent time mourning.)
I like that the story ended with the possibility of a series (if the author wished to go that way) or a contained ending. For me, with the appearance of the undead, it got me thinking of what more could exist? I really think the author has something here. With these two fighting side by side and uncovering undead / monsters, with romance? Yeah, I could be down for more.
I really enjoyed this one! When I finished I was like, you know, there could be a series in this! More characters, more supernatural beings too (throw a werewolf into it?)
I love that the female is headstrong, smart, and is into things that are outside of the norm for a lady (forensics? medical?). Twenty years old and she is isn't really interested in dating. Yet the dating seems to bloom when a gentleman comes to the town inn around the time three people have been killed. Is he linked to it all, and is he possibly behind the killings? That's what she has to find out.
Paired with her cousin who is more like a brother than a faux beau that people think them to be, she is procuring clues and trying to figure out the mystery of the deaths and, does our gentleman have anything to do with it?
The story didn't meander, it kept right along. There was a surprise death that caught me off guard and made me sad. (Usually when characters bite it people seem to get over the death of that person rather fast. Our female lead did not and spent time mourning.)
I like that the story ended with the possibility of a series (if the author wished to go that way) or a contained ending. For me, with the appearance of the undead, it got me thinking of what more could exist? I really think the author has something here. With these two fighting side by side and uncovering undead / monsters, with romance? Yeah, I could be down for more.
April 7, 2026
A charming and entertaining adventure
What an enjoyable book!
I loved the characters of Elizabeth, Freddie, and James. Elizabeth and Freddie were so wonderful together. I can understand why everyone wanted them to be engaged!
The town was believable and I enjoyed the supporting characters. The juxtaposition of the normal, safe life and the horrible things happening at night was marvelous.
There is a spectacular scene involving a horse near the end of the book. I wasn’t expecting such a dramatic scene, and it worked perfectly.
My only quibble is that I would have preferred if Elizabeth and James had used their words more. Their speech was very modern at times, especially near the end, and I would have loved if they’d been more eloquent in their expressions. Likewise, with some of their behavior, I would have preferred if the characters were scandalized by their own behavior but doing it because they must, rather than doing it and demanding everyone else accept it.
Saying that, the majority of the book does well at presenting the regency era in a modern way. The characters are likable, the monsters are horrific and intriguing, the plot is well paced. It is an entertaining escape. I look forward to reading more by the author.
What an enjoyable book!
I loved the characters of Elizabeth, Freddie, and James. Elizabeth and Freddie were so wonderful together. I can understand why everyone wanted them to be engaged!
The town was believable and I enjoyed the supporting characters. The juxtaposition of the normal, safe life and the horrible things happening at night was marvelous.
There is a spectacular scene involving a horse near the end of the book. I wasn’t expecting such a dramatic scene, and it worked perfectly.
My only quibble is that I would have preferred if Elizabeth and James had used their words more. Their speech was very modern at times, especially near the end, and I would have loved if they’d been more eloquent in their expressions. Likewise, with some of their behavior, I would have preferred if the characters were scandalized by their own behavior but doing it because they must, rather than doing it and demanding everyone else accept it.
Saying that, the majority of the book does well at presenting the regency era in a modern way. The characters are likable, the monsters are horrific and intriguing, the plot is well paced. It is an entertaining escape. I look forward to reading more by the author.
April 5, 2026
I had so much fun reading this story! I love Regency romance, but this romance came with an added supernatural element that I really enjoyed. The characters were wonderfully well-rounded, and the dialogue was often very witty. The monsters were just the right amount of creepy as well! A highly recommended read for fans of historical romance or historical fantasy.
May 18, 2026
Thank you Silver Thistle Press for the review copy of A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight by Julianne Sharpe.
This story follows protagonist Catherine who is a regency lady who lives with her uncle and her cousin Freddie. In the village where Catherine lives there are strange things going on. These strange things seem to coincide with the arrival of the very eligible bachelor Mr hale. Catherine sets out to solve the mystery of the murders plaguing their usually quiet village.
The story was superb! The pacing was done very well, the characters were well developed and only developed to the point they needed to be for the plot. The story has a slow love arc which doesn't overshadow the far more important plot and addresses a few different issues of the era. The use of banshees in this manner was perhaps an odd choice given they acted more like sirens mixed with vampires but this only detracted slightly from the enjoyment. The conclusion was well done and the resolutions whilst gruesome fit the story.
I wasn't sure when I started this how much I'd like it but a few chapters in and I was hooked! Great blending of paranormal fiction with regency and the story was superb.
This story follows protagonist Catherine who is a regency lady who lives with her uncle and her cousin Freddie. In the village where Catherine lives there are strange things going on. These strange things seem to coincide with the arrival of the very eligible bachelor Mr hale. Catherine sets out to solve the mystery of the murders plaguing their usually quiet village.
The story was superb! The pacing was done very well, the characters were well developed and only developed to the point they needed to be for the plot. The story has a slow love arc which doesn't overshadow the far more important plot and addresses a few different issues of the era. The use of banshees in this manner was perhaps an odd choice given they acted more like sirens mixed with vampires but this only detracted slightly from the enjoyment. The conclusion was well done and the resolutions whilst gruesome fit the story.
I wasn't sure when I started this how much I'd like it but a few chapters in and I was hooked! Great blending of paranormal fiction with regency and the story was superb.
May 3, 2026
This was a absolutely random pick up for me, thank you SilverThistle Press!
It was fun historical fiction that did not get too serious, but I couldn't put it down.
There is romance yes but it works trust me, the supernatural tinge kept me guessing and needing to know more, and will everyone survive the... Monsters lurking.
The title was great and really what had me into this, I love a fun spin on what "ladies" should be doing and have guides for like those old timey samplers.
Catherine is suspicious of the deaths that are popping up, but seems to be the only one, when a young girl does she decides someone has to do something.
When a mystery man comes to town everyone seems to me obsessed with him but her, and the murders happening at the same time, can't be a coincidence.
The deeper Catherine and her cousin dig into Mr. Hale and the murders the more horrifying things seem and there is no going back.
Really enjoyed this.
It was fun historical fiction that did not get too serious, but I couldn't put it down.
There is romance yes but it works trust me, the supernatural tinge kept me guessing and needing to know more, and will everyone survive the... Monsters lurking.
The title was great and really what had me into this, I love a fun spin on what "ladies" should be doing and have guides for like those old timey samplers.
Catherine is suspicious of the deaths that are popping up, but seems to be the only one, when a young girl does she decides someone has to do something.
When a mystery man comes to town everyone seems to me obsessed with him but her, and the murders happening at the same time, can't be a coincidence.
The deeper Catherine and her cousin dig into Mr. Hale and the murders the more horrifying things seem and there is no going back.
Really enjoyed this.
June 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
My overall 3.5 ⭐️
This is s short and easy read with drama, regency vibes (think Bridgerton), murder mystery, supernatural elements, romance and friendship.
I found myself laughing more and more with Catherine’s antics and responses plus Freddy really is good friend and cousin/brother.
This started more around the second half, but around the last third some tears were also shed. There is a seriousness to this story that is not all parties, tea and cake, and who can snag the newly arrived bachelor.
I also found out that regency themes probably isn’t my genre, with all those society rules and manners seeming boring for me to read about.
But when the mystery and the parts about Mr. Hale started to pick up I enjoyed it very much.
My overall 3.5 ⭐️
This is s short and easy read with drama, regency vibes (think Bridgerton), murder mystery, supernatural elements, romance and friendship.
I found myself laughing more and more with Catherine’s antics and responses plus Freddy really is good friend and cousin/brother.
This started more around the second half, but around the last third some tears were also shed. There is a seriousness to this story that is not all parties, tea and cake, and who can snag the newly arrived bachelor.
I also found out that regency themes probably isn’t my genre, with all those society rules and manners seeming boring for me to read about.
But when the mystery and the parts about Mr. Hale started to pick up I enjoyed it very much.
May 29, 2026
A Lady’s Guide to Monsters and Moonlight was such a fun read. The gothic atmosphere, moonlit mysteries, and supernatural elements pulled me in right away. I loved the blend of monster hunting, mystery, and romance, and Catherine was an easy heroine to root for with her curiosity and determination.
The story had the perfect balance of cozy and creepy, with enough twists to keep me turning the pages. The world felt magical and immersive, and I especially enjoyed the folklore woven throughout the story.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that I wanted more time with these characters and their world. I wasn’t quite ready for it to end.
Tropes: Gothic Mystery, Monster Hunting, Slow Burn, Regency Fantasy
4.5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️
The story had the perfect balance of cozy and creepy, with enough twists to keep me turning the pages. The world felt magical and immersive, and I especially enjoyed the folklore woven throughout the story.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that I wanted more time with these characters and their world. I wasn’t quite ready for it to end.
Tropes: Gothic Mystery, Monster Hunting, Slow Burn, Regency Fantasy
4.5 ⭐️ 1 🌶️
June 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Silver Thistle Press!
I don't read a lot (or, really, any) Regency-era novels, as they usually aren't to my personal tastes, but this, thankfully, is a rare outlier.
It's rife with characters who seem to leap off the pages and have clear chemistry— whether romantic or platonic—with one another, to varying and entertaining degrees. I loved the dynamic between Catherine and Freddie, and the humour in many of their conversations, as well as their shared relationship and interactions with Uncle Gerard. This was so fun, and conversely, brought me to near tears a few times. I found it well-written, engaging and immersive, and really enjoyed the short time I got to spend with it!
I don't read a lot (or, really, any) Regency-era novels, as they usually aren't to my personal tastes, but this, thankfully, is a rare outlier.
It's rife with characters who seem to leap off the pages and have clear chemistry— whether romantic or platonic—with one another, to varying and entertaining degrees. I loved the dynamic between Catherine and Freddie, and the humour in many of their conversations, as well as their shared relationship and interactions with Uncle Gerard. This was so fun, and conversely, brought me to near tears a few times. I found it well-written, engaging and immersive, and really enjoyed the short time I got to spend with it!
May 22, 2026
A very good first book by this author! Regency combined with supernatural is fun. I’d have preferred it leaned just a smidge more to the romantic side, but the monster hunting was good too. Freddie was possibly my favorite character; it would have been nice for him to have had his own book.
This was a pretty clean read as well.
This was a pretty clean read as well.
June 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for the copy.
This was such an enjoyable read with definite "Bridgerton meets monsters" vibes. Blending Regency charm with folklore, mystery, and supernatural horror, it offered plenty of intrigue, banter, and moonlit adventure.
Catherine is an engaging heroine, and the mystery kept me hooked throughout. If you're looking for a no-spice historical fantasy with fairy-tale horror and monster hunting, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
This was such an enjoyable read with definite "Bridgerton meets monsters" vibes. Blending Regency charm with folklore, mystery, and supernatural horror, it offered plenty of intrigue, banter, and moonlit adventure.
Catherine is an engaging heroine, and the mystery kept me hooked throughout. If you're looking for a no-spice historical fantasy with fairy-tale horror and monster hunting, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
May 30, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I picked this up on NetGalley for no other reason than I liked the cover and then the plot sounded interesting. I was expecting something much more cozy and funny because the tag line is "a regency romance with fantasy and humor". I would never describe this books a funny. I would call it a Regency romantasy. It has a lot of tragic/traumatic scenes for me to call it funny. It is not a silly cozy fantasy (I like those too). This has a more serious plot.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes regency romances and willing to throw in some fantasy or who someone likes a stand alone romantasy. The romance is cute and the fantasy/action was good too. (Closed door romance.)
I picked this up on NetGalley for no other reason than I liked the cover and then the plot sounded interesting. I was expecting something much more cozy and funny because the tag line is "a regency romance with fantasy and humor". I would never describe this books a funny. I would call it a Regency romantasy. It has a lot of tragic/traumatic scenes for me to call it funny. It is not a silly cozy fantasy (I like those too). This has a more serious plot.
I would recommend it to anyone who likes regency romances and willing to throw in some fantasy or who someone likes a stand alone romantasy. The romance is cute and the fantasy/action was good too. (Closed door romance.)
June 25, 2026
Catherine lives with her uncle in the small Yorkshire village of Harwick. When several people die under mysterious circumstances, she becomes convinced that there is more behind the deaths than mere misfortune. Together with her cousin Freddy, who is always ready for a bit of mischief, she sets out to uncover who—or what—is responsible.
Before long, her suspicions fall on the handsome young Mr. Hale, a visitor to Harwick whose behaviour seems increasingly strange. But the truth is far more shocking than Catherine could ever have imagined, and the killing is far from over.
The novel begins as a delightfully light-hearted and entertaining story. Catherine's lively narrative voice, the witty dialogue, the lovable cast of characters, and the sharp observations make it utterly charming, while the mystery surrounding the deaths provides a gentle sense of suspense. Although an undercurrent of danger gradually emerges, I was not prepared for how radically the story would transform its own premise.
While the later developments add considerable emotional weight to the narrative, they also take away some of the dynamics that had made the story so special to me in the first place. As a result, there is a noticeable shift in atmosphere: much of the novel's early lightness gives way to more painful emotions. The tender romance softens some of that impact without diminishing it. In the end, I found the conclusion satisfying and well earned.
I almost read this book in a single sitting because I was so completely absorbed by it. The writing, characterisation, and vivid sense of place are all excellent. However, the playful title and seemingly harmless blurb disguise a story that takes a dramatic and painful turn. In retrospect, I can appreciate how effective this development is, but I am not entirely convinced that the story truly needed it. Either way, I still haven't quite recovered from it.
Before long, her suspicions fall on the handsome young Mr. Hale, a visitor to Harwick whose behaviour seems increasingly strange. But the truth is far more shocking than Catherine could ever have imagined, and the killing is far from over.
The novel begins as a delightfully light-hearted and entertaining story. Catherine's lively narrative voice, the witty dialogue, the lovable cast of characters, and the sharp observations make it utterly charming, while the mystery surrounding the deaths provides a gentle sense of suspense. Although an undercurrent of danger gradually emerges, I was not prepared for how radically the story would transform its own premise.
While the later developments add considerable emotional weight to the narrative, they also take away some of the dynamics that had made the story so special to me in the first place. As a result, there is a noticeable shift in atmosphere: much of the novel's early lightness gives way to more painful emotions. The tender romance softens some of that impact without diminishing it. In the end, I found the conclusion satisfying and well earned.
I almost read this book in a single sitting because I was so completely absorbed by it. The writing, characterisation, and vivid sense of place are all excellent. However, the playful title and seemingly harmless blurb disguise a story that takes a dramatic and painful turn. In retrospect, I can appreciate how effective this development is, but I am not entirely convinced that the story truly needed it. Either way, I still haven't quite recovered from it.
June 23, 2026
3.5⭐
I picked this up entirely because of the tagline and honestly, I don’t regret it - but I do think the blurb sets up slightly different expectations than what the book actually delivers.
I was expecting something fluffier and more romance-focused, but A Lady’s Guide to Monsters and Moonlight is much more of a supernatural mystery with romantic elements than a light Regency romp. It definitely has the historical charm, wit, and some fun banter, but there’s also a much darker and creepier tone running through it than I expected. At points, the horror elements and the deaths in the village felt genuinely unsettling.
That said, I did enjoy it. The mix of Regency setting, murder mystery, monsters, and romance is a really fun concept, and I liked Catherine as a heroine. She’s practical, curious, and easy to root for, and I also really enjoyed her dynamic with Freddie. Mr. Hale brought a nice mysterious edge to the story too, and once the mystery side of things picked up, I was much more invested.
My main issue is that the book felt a little too short for everything it was trying to do. I wanted more tension, more monster presence, and more time spent building the relationships and emotional beats. Some parts felt a bit rushed or underdeveloped, and I think a slightly longer book would have helped the romance, friendships, and horror elements all land more strongly.
Overall, this was a fun, atmospheric read that blends Regency vibes with supernatural mystery really well, even if it didn’t fully hit all the emotional beats for me. I’d definitely recommend it as a spooky season read if you want something entertaining, a little creepy, and a bit different from the usual historical romance.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!
I picked this up entirely because of the tagline and honestly, I don’t regret it - but I do think the blurb sets up slightly different expectations than what the book actually delivers.
I was expecting something fluffier and more romance-focused, but A Lady’s Guide to Monsters and Moonlight is much more of a supernatural mystery with romantic elements than a light Regency romp. It definitely has the historical charm, wit, and some fun banter, but there’s also a much darker and creepier tone running through it than I expected. At points, the horror elements and the deaths in the village felt genuinely unsettling.
That said, I did enjoy it. The mix of Regency setting, murder mystery, monsters, and romance is a really fun concept, and I liked Catherine as a heroine. She’s practical, curious, and easy to root for, and I also really enjoyed her dynamic with Freddie. Mr. Hale brought a nice mysterious edge to the story too, and once the mystery side of things picked up, I was much more invested.
My main issue is that the book felt a little too short for everything it was trying to do. I wanted more tension, more monster presence, and more time spent building the relationships and emotional beats. Some parts felt a bit rushed or underdeveloped, and I think a slightly longer book would have helped the romance, friendships, and horror elements all land more strongly.
Overall, this was a fun, atmospheric read that blends Regency vibes with supernatural mystery really well, even if it didn’t fully hit all the emotional beats for me. I’d definitely recommend it as a spooky season read if you want something entertaining, a little creepy, and a bit different from the usual historical romance.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!
June 21, 2026
3.5⭐️
If you like Pride, prejudice, and zombies you will like this regency era romance with a monster hunting side quest. I loved the plot and thought that the cute romance was well accented by the monsters who were well done.
Whilst I really liked this book I can definitely say that it felt like a debut, there was a lot of telling us things rather than showing and letting us make inferences. The MMC was really sweet though and I felt we should’ve seen more of him as in reality we know very little about him, but given how short this book is compared to how much is going on I think that would be hard to achieve; which is why I am of the opinion that this book should have been longer, with more context and more focus on interaction between characters. For example, I felt like at times there was some weird chemistry between the FMC and her cousin, they swear they have no feelings for each other past sibling-like affection, but everyone is convinced they are engaged and honestly I can see why. The FMC also claims to love her best friend dearly but most of the time I could’ve sworn she forgot about her, we needed more to make those relationships believable. As a result the parts that were supposed to be sad were not because I personally didn’t feel connected to the characters, and I would have liked to see more time spent on getting to know them. There was also a lack of tension or suspense which is likely due to how fast paced this book was, at multiple points I would have liked scenes to be longer or more fleshed out. I also don’t feel that we got much exposure to the monsters and wish we saw more of them, again the book being so short that wasn’t possible. However we did get a lot of somewhat redundant running between houses. The monsters felt underutilised and the threatening vibes could have been much stronger if they were affecting the narrative the whole time instead of just when they were face to face with the FMC. To me it felt like a romcom spliced with a horror and often there wasn’t a very smooth transition between the two. It has so much potential but I think that it needed tightening up a bit more before being ready for publishing. I will definitely be reading any further books from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!
If you like Pride, prejudice, and zombies you will like this regency era romance with a monster hunting side quest. I loved the plot and thought that the cute romance was well accented by the monsters who were well done.
Whilst I really liked this book I can definitely say that it felt like a debut, there was a lot of telling us things rather than showing and letting us make inferences. The MMC was really sweet though and I felt we should’ve seen more of him as in reality we know very little about him, but given how short this book is compared to how much is going on I think that would be hard to achieve; which is why I am of the opinion that this book should have been longer, with more context and more focus on interaction between characters. For example, I felt like at times there was some weird chemistry between the FMC and her cousin, they swear they have no feelings for each other past sibling-like affection, but everyone is convinced they are engaged and honestly I can see why. The FMC also claims to love her best friend dearly but most of the time I could’ve sworn she forgot about her, we needed more to make those relationships believable. As a result the parts that were supposed to be sad were not because I personally didn’t feel connected to the characters, and I would have liked to see more time spent on getting to know them. There was also a lack of tension or suspense which is likely due to how fast paced this book was, at multiple points I would have liked scenes to be longer or more fleshed out. I also don’t feel that we got much exposure to the monsters and wish we saw more of them, again the book being so short that wasn’t possible. However we did get a lot of somewhat redundant running between houses. The monsters felt underutilised and the threatening vibes could have been much stronger if they were affecting the narrative the whole time instead of just when they were face to face with the FMC. To me it felt like a romcom spliced with a horror and often there wasn’t a very smooth transition between the two. It has so much potential but I think that it needed tightening up a bit more before being ready for publishing. I will definitely be reading any further books from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!
June 15, 2026
A Lady’s Guide to Monsters and Moonlight is a charming and atmospheric blend of historical mystery, light romance, and supernatural intrigue. With a tone that feels gently reminiscent of Austen but laced with darker, magical undertones, it strikes a delightful balance between wit and suspense.
Catherine is a wonderfully grounded heroine—curious, practical, and refreshingly skeptical in a village content to accept easy explanations. Her determination to question the suspicious deaths gives the story its momentum, and her dynamic with her cousin Freddie adds warmth and a touch of humour to the investigation.
The arrival of the enigmatic Mr. Hale brings an immediate shift in tone. There’s a subtle tension to his presence that keeps both Catherine—and the reader—slightly off balance. I particularly enjoyed how the story slowly unravels what’s really lurking beneath the surface, moving from quiet suspicion to something far more eerie and otherworldly.
Sharpe’s writing has a soft, immersive quality, with a strong sense of place and just enough gothic atmosphere to keep things intriguing without becoming overly dark. The pacing is steady, allowing the mystery and relationships to develop naturally.
Overall, this is a cosy yet quietly unsettling read, perfect for fans of historical settings with a magical twist. Engaging, whimsical, and just a little bit eerie in all the right ways.
With thanks to Julianne Sharpe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Catherine is a wonderfully grounded heroine—curious, practical, and refreshingly skeptical in a village content to accept easy explanations. Her determination to question the suspicious deaths gives the story its momentum, and her dynamic with her cousin Freddie adds warmth and a touch of humour to the investigation.
The arrival of the enigmatic Mr. Hale brings an immediate shift in tone. There’s a subtle tension to his presence that keeps both Catherine—and the reader—slightly off balance. I particularly enjoyed how the story slowly unravels what’s really lurking beneath the surface, moving from quiet suspicion to something far more eerie and otherworldly.
Sharpe’s writing has a soft, immersive quality, with a strong sense of place and just enough gothic atmosphere to keep things intriguing without becoming overly dark. The pacing is steady, allowing the mystery and relationships to develop naturally.
Overall, this is a cosy yet quietly unsettling read, perfect for fans of historical settings with a magical twist. Engaging, whimsical, and just a little bit eerie in all the right ways.
With thanks to Julianne Sharpe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 10, 2026
I received this as an ARC from Silver Thistle Press via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinion is 100% own and has not been influenced by receiving this as an ARC.
This was a cute book. Total quick read, there was more plot than romance, which was good. The plot was interesting. Catherine was a Regency-era Nancy Drew, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths in her town. Even if she seemed crazy, Freddie did think she was crazy until he saw what was happening. Then everything went sideways.
The story moved at a good pace. I enjoyed Catherine and Freddie so much. They were great together. They were sibling-coded honestly. I can't see how everyone thought they were going to get married; just because they were together a lot doesn't mean there are feelings.
Mr. Hale was great. He was trying desperately to exact revenge for his sister. His cause was great, and his backstory was sad.
Catherine and Jame's romance didn't take up a lot of the story; it was innocent and a good slow burn. I feel that if it had been there the whole time, with instant lust and all. It would have killed the story.
This honestly would make a good fantasy series with some romance dashed in. Have supernatural beings come to town, and have James and Catherine defend the town. All Catherine needs is a good fire poker and a medical textbook.
This was a cute book. Total quick read, there was more plot than romance, which was good. The plot was interesting. Catherine was a Regency-era Nancy Drew, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths in her town. Even if she seemed crazy, Freddie did think she was crazy until he saw what was happening. Then everything went sideways.
The story moved at a good pace. I enjoyed Catherine and Freddie so much. They were great together. They were sibling-coded honestly. I can't see how everyone thought they were going to get married; just because they were together a lot doesn't mean there are feelings.
Mr. Hale was great. He was trying desperately to exact revenge for his sister. His cause was great, and his backstory was sad.
Catherine and Jame's romance didn't take up a lot of the story; it was innocent and a good slow burn. I feel that if it had been there the whole time, with instant lust and all. It would have killed the story.
This honestly would make a good fantasy series with some romance dashed in. Have supernatural beings come to town, and have James and Catherine defend the town. All Catherine needs is a good fire poker and a medical textbook.
June 17, 2026
I received a copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Literally started this this morning and just finished, and I may have done less work today than I should have because I was devouring this one. I happily give A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight a full 5 stars. Just - wow! What a ride!
The pacing is phenomenal, the build up of the mysterious deaths leading into the discovery of a more supernatural cause, the mysterious stranger in town... I was hooked and could hardly put it down! Catherine is smart and clever, but also hindered in some ways by her grounding in a natural world, which puts her into the initial conflict with Mr. Hale. And James himself seems good-hearted (while still being a bit snarky and willing to flex some of society's rules), and his background was solid and emotional.
Honestly I'm likely to just buy myself a copy to keep forever because I enjoyed this so much (and want to give money to people who write things I really enjoy). I definitely recommend it! A focused one-two punch of adventure and regency romance, with a dash of supernatural to give it an exciting twist. An absolute home run to me!
Literally started this this morning and just finished, and I may have done less work today than I should have because I was devouring this one. I happily give A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight a full 5 stars. Just - wow! What a ride!
The pacing is phenomenal, the build up of the mysterious deaths leading into the discovery of a more supernatural cause, the mysterious stranger in town... I was hooked and could hardly put it down! Catherine is smart and clever, but also hindered in some ways by her grounding in a natural world, which puts her into the initial conflict with Mr. Hale. And James himself seems good-hearted (while still being a bit snarky and willing to flex some of society's rules), and his background was solid and emotional.
Honestly I'm likely to just buy myself a copy to keep forever because I enjoyed this so much (and want to give money to people who write things I really enjoy). I definitely recommend it! A focused one-two punch of adventure and regency romance, with a dash of supernatural to give it an exciting twist. An absolute home run to me!
June 19, 2026
Did I 100% request this from NetGalley based on its tagline there: yes, yes I did.
The only thing more mysterious than the deaths plaguing her village is the handsome stranger from Edinburgh.
Perfection! Buuuut, the rest of the blurb I do want to put some caveats on, now that I've finished reading. This is a firmly het story, the "strange woman stirring an irresistable longing" is not (woe!) a lesbian awakening. The mention of "moonlit escapades" make this seem like a bit of a romp, but there were several points where I, a horror wuss, had to take a moment because it was very creepy. Specifically, the "deaths that plague the village" become pretty serious in tone and scope.
It is a well-written story, and I've not read much horror-adjacent Regency fantasy, so it IS a fun vibe blend. But yeah, I was expecting fluff and a strong romantic focus, and neither of those are the case. This is a supernatural mystery, with romantic elements.
I'd particularly recommend this for a Spooky October read, or any time you want to be entertained AND unsettled.
Rating: 15/20
This review is based upon a complimentary reading copy provided by the publisher.
The only thing more mysterious than the deaths plaguing her village is the handsome stranger from Edinburgh.
Perfection! Buuuut, the rest of the blurb I do want to put some caveats on, now that I've finished reading. This is a firmly het story, the "strange woman stirring an irresistable longing" is not (woe!) a lesbian awakening. The mention of "moonlit escapades" make this seem like a bit of a romp, but there were several points where I, a horror wuss, had to take a moment because it was very creepy. Specifically, the "deaths that plague the village" become pretty serious in tone and scope.
It is a well-written story, and I've not read much horror-adjacent Regency fantasy, so it IS a fun vibe blend. But yeah, I was expecting fluff and a strong romantic focus, and neither of those are the case. This is a supernatural mystery, with romantic elements.
I'd particularly recommend this for a Spooky October read, or any time you want to be entertained AND unsettled.
Rating: 15/20
This review is based upon a complimentary reading copy provided by the publisher.
June 12, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy
Rating Breakdown:
Characters 4⭐️
Setting 4⭐️
Plot 4⭐️
Themes 4⭐️
Emotional 4⭐️
Enjoyment 5⭐️
Total Avg: 4.25
"We're very bad at solving mysteries "
This story was such a wonderful surprise-I loved every second of it. A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight features a strong and intelligent protagonist who hooks you with her humor from the very first page. The plot is wonderfully atmospheric, and the supporting characters completely stole my heart (looking at you Freddy!)
This book made me fall in love, broke my heart, and then put all the pieces back together again in the end. it was a strong debut, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future. a very promising start.
"for the sake of appearances, we should restrict our use of Christian names to our new secret lives as hunters of mythical beast."
"Whatever they were, whatever horror was involved. I think there was beauty, too"
#ALadysGuidetoMonstersandMoonlight #NetGalley
Rating Breakdown:
Characters 4⭐️
Setting 4⭐️
Plot 4⭐️
Themes 4⭐️
Emotional 4⭐️
Enjoyment 5⭐️
Total Avg: 4.25
"We're very bad at solving mysteries "
This story was such a wonderful surprise-I loved every second of it. A Lady's Guide to Monsters and Moonlight features a strong and intelligent protagonist who hooks you with her humor from the very first page. The plot is wonderfully atmospheric, and the supporting characters completely stole my heart (looking at you Freddy!)
This book made me fall in love, broke my heart, and then put all the pieces back together again in the end. it was a strong debut, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future. a very promising start.
"for the sake of appearances, we should restrict our use of Christian names to our new secret lives as hunters of mythical beast."
"Whatever they were, whatever horror was involved. I think there was beauty, too"
#ALadysGuidetoMonstersandMoonlight #NetGalley
June 18, 2026
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Silver Thistle Press, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley !!
It’s perfect for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper but with cozier vibes. Perfect for fans of a Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but more fantasy. I loved it. I devoured it. I finished it in a couple of hours. It starts right off with a gripping mystery, a thrilling young man and a beautiful and strong and curious young woman working together to solve that mystery. It felt exactly like trying to solve a secret mission with your best friends and your crush, only you’re not really sure whether he is really your crush and you find yourself in the labyrinth of Pan. It’s strange, exciting and scary ay the same time!! And this is exactly why everyone should read this book !!! I’m so thankful I had a chance to read it !!!
It’s perfect for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper but with cozier vibes. Perfect for fans of a Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but more fantasy. I loved it. I devoured it. I finished it in a couple of hours. It starts right off with a gripping mystery, a thrilling young man and a beautiful and strong and curious young woman working together to solve that mystery. It felt exactly like trying to solve a secret mission with your best friends and your crush, only you’re not really sure whether he is really your crush and you find yourself in the labyrinth of Pan. It’s strange, exciting and scary ay the same time!! And this is exactly why everyone should read this book !!! I’m so thankful I had a chance to read it !!!
July 13, 2026
I think I need more Regency Fantasy (with elements of horror?) in my life. This book was a quick burn and our FMC kept me on my toes - sometimes she was a tiny bit cringey lol. However, I loved the banshee storyline and experiencing our FMC's undying focus on solving the mystery of the deaths plaguing her small town. The love interest build-up was perfection and I was happy to see their relationship build. I wish we had more focus on her female friendships to balance out, but I think with the shortness of the book, the focus truly stayed on Freddy and James. (SOB FREDDY)
Thoughts about a series here where James and Elizabeth fall into more chaos??? (Wishing on a star).
Thank you to Silver Thistle Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book!
Thoughts about a series here where James and Elizabeth fall into more chaos??? (Wishing on a star).
Thank you to Silver Thistle Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book!
June 28, 2026
What a fun read! If you’re looking for a light Regency-era romance with charming characters and surprising supernatural elements, this book is for you! It was an absolutely engaging story!😊
I loved the FMC, Catherine!💕She was the perfect mix of Regency-Era innocence, intelligence and adventurousness! Her relationship with Freddie was so fun and I loved the way everyone made assumptions about them in their small town. In fact, the relationships she had with the people of her town in general was very well done.👏 We get to feel like we are part of this little town!🏘️
The romance has the appropriate restraint of the era with all the expected scrutiny and yearning. Mr. Hale retains a certain mystery that has the town all atwitter and all the Mamas presenting their eligible ladies. Combine that with the mysterious deaths and the town has never seen so much excitement!
I enjoyed this book very much and if you like a fun romance, I think you will too!😁
Thank you to Julianne Sharpe, Silver Thistle Press and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I will always leave an honest review.
I loved the FMC, Catherine!💕She was the perfect mix of Regency-Era innocence, intelligence and adventurousness! Her relationship with Freddie was so fun and I loved the way everyone made assumptions about them in their small town. In fact, the relationships she had with the people of her town in general was very well done.👏 We get to feel like we are part of this little town!🏘️
The romance has the appropriate restraint of the era with all the expected scrutiny and yearning. Mr. Hale retains a certain mystery that has the town all atwitter and all the Mamas presenting their eligible ladies. Combine that with the mysterious deaths and the town has never seen so much excitement!
I enjoyed this book very much and if you like a fun romance, I think you will too!😁
Thank you to Julianne Sharpe, Silver Thistle Press and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I will always leave an honest review.
June 15, 2026
“A Lady’s Guide to Monsters and Moonlight” by Julianne Sharpe is a mysterious and suspenseful book full of surprises. A string of mysterious “natural” deaths in a small town leads our heroine to become suspicious there is much more to the story. Will anyone believe her? Is she putting herself or others in harms way? I really enjoyed the fantasy and gothic elements mixed with regency romance, and I look forward to reading more from the author. #netgalley #goodreads
June 27, 2026
I enjoyed this book!! Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this. Loved the characters and the historical romance mixed with mystery and danger. Would definitely recommend.
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