December 11, 2023
In this twist-filled romantic urban fantasy from Lim (Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club), ex-lovers Camille Buhay and Ward Dunbar reunite and rediscover their spark when they both accept jobs in London, not realizing their new employers represent two sides of a single mysterious business serving a tiny, select clientele. Camille accepts the position of night shift acquisitions at Lethe’s Curiosities, a posh antique shop, while Ward takes on the day shift in Lethe’s, another high-end antiquities and jewelry store. Despite their opposite schedules, the two are determined to make their rekindled relationship work. That is, until they realize they’re both trapped in their respective locations between shifts and caught up in a strange and deadly game of gods and ghosts. They’ve been chosen for some unknown reason to help bring about the end of an ancient conflict once and for all. Barely able to communicate with each other and unsure who to trust among the enigmatic, mercurial beings who frequent the stores, the two lovers are all that stand between victory and apocalypse. Despite the epic stakes, Lim’s tale feels intimate and almost claustrophobic, her limited cast and setting lending both atmosphere and tension. Though the fascinating concept and skillful storytelling will carry readers through to the end, at times it’s hard to see what Camille and Ward have in common besides intense physical attraction. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy here. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency.
