Necromancer Abbey

Blake’s fun third contemporary paranormal Austen adaptation (after Sense and Succubus) features a mysterious family secret and an intriguing magical world. From a young age, Catherine “Kat” Morland felt an unusual connection to the cemetery near her house, but her family always insisted she stay far away from anything to do with the dead. At the age of 21, she discovers why: she is a necromancer, a type of powerful magic user feared by most others in the magical community. A new neighbor offers Kat the chance to learn more about magic at her New York City studio, where Kat is taken under the wing of advanced mage Henry Tilney. A visit to Henry’s family’s home goes disastrously awry when the spirit of Henry’s late mother comes to Kat unbidden, causing a rift between the Tilneys. Now Kat will need to work with both the living and dead to keep Henry close and his family together. Kat is easy to relate to despite her unusual powers, and Henry comes off as charming in a refreshingly gentle way. Readers shouldn’t expect too much action, but those who enjoy their magic with equal parts romance and mystery will find plenty to hold their attention. (Jan.)