The Sinister Booksellers of Bath

This sequel to The Left-Handed Booksellers of London may be even better than the first book. The Sinister Booksellers of London by Garth Nix is set primarily in Bath, plus some time in London, and their alternate magical worlds. When Merlin is transported into an alternate world through the remnants of a magical map, Susan Arkshaw is summoned to Bath to assist Veronica in his rescue. This leads to the discovery of a plan of an Ancient Sovereign to cause destruction on the night of the Winter Solstice.

As the magical booksellers group together to prevent this plan eventuating it is discovered that Susan is the immediate target so all efforts are required to protect her from danger. Through her dreams Susan has also been contacted by her father, The Old Man of Coniston, and realises that she is gaining some of his magical powers, which she tries to resist.

Once again the author takes the reader into a world of  magic with the tension increasing as the hour of the Solstice approaches. Throughout the book there is an array of weird underworld characters, including Bath stone sculptured creatures, that threaten anyone or anything in their path. As time is running out Susan realises what she has to do. You might also discover the titles of books that you might like to read or reread scattered throughout the book. Another great book by Garth Nix.

Awarded the 2024 Ditmar Award for Australian Science Fiction.