Charlie N. Holmberg’s Whimbrel House novels feature magic, an admirable woman, an author, an alternate 19th-century world, some romance and plenty of evil. Now, in this fifth and final installment of her series, LADY OF UNCANNY CHARMS, we travel across the pond to where Owein --- originally the soul occupying the haunted house --- is due to be married.

"To truly enjoy this concluding volume, I strongly suggest you read the first four novels, or some of the events could be confusing. But this is definitely an enjoyable and entertaining series well worth checking out."

Of course, there is plenty of backstory to Owein's current status. When he was extracted from the house, he was put into the body of a dog. It was in England, where the soul in the dog found a new home in a young man. In return for that event, to become a young man, Owein had to promise to marry Cora, the daughter of a prominent British family of good breeding, who also was a ward of Queen Victoria.

The queen is a powerful wizard in her own right, and now Owein must join her League of Magicians. But when he arrives in Great Britain for his wedding, he is told by Victoria that she is canceling it. That's a shock to both Owein and Cora, as they had become very close during their four years of correspondence across the pond. They want to be married in spite of the unusual circumstances that caused them to be engaged.

However, Victoria has other, darker intentions. Owein and Cora must try to thwart her ambitions and evil plans without bringing danger upon themselves. But when centuries-old grievances are uncovered, and old and powerful magic is set loose, no one can foresee what will happen. All the wizards in the queen's league will be needed to stop all of London from burning.

LADY OF UNCANNY CHARMS shares the magic --- literally and figuratively --- of the previous books in the series. While the evil is not as dark here, it is perhaps of a more repressed, repugnant variety. Cora is unique, and she could be the most interesting character in the story. We see how her upbringing and health difficulties, but also her independent nature and intelligence, make her a formidable foe and an amazing ally. 

To truly enjoy this concluding volume, I strongly suggest you read the first four novels, or some of the events could be confusing. But this is definitely an enjoyable and entertaining series well worth checking out.