Set in Victorian London, The Bone Flower is sweet and romantic -- until it's not.

The book opens with Edward Montieth, a shy, inexperienced and purposeless man of leisure, and the circle of gentlemen with whom he associates idly discussing ghosts and spirits over drinks. They decide to attend a show by an American spiritualist, and that brief adventure sparks an unlikely romance between Edward and Settie, a Gypsy flower-seller he meets outside the theater. (Note: I know the word "Gypsy" is no longer in favor, but it was the word commonly used in the era in which this novel is set, so not using it would be disingenuous. I hope no one takes offense.)

The first quarter of the book is primarily a romance novel, although with a few trappings of spiritualism that give the book its gothic flavor. Settie, of course, is not of Edward's social class, and their relationship is kept secret until nature takes its course and exposure becomes likely. She wants him to acknowledge her publicly, to marry her and give her a proper home, but he quails at the prospect of his father's disapproval.

Then tragedy strikes, and the second part opens some two years later. Edward is newly married and living outside of London with his bride, Marisol, whom he met on a trip to Sicily. At first this, too, seems like it will be a romance novel, but then strange sounds -- a child crying, small feet shuffling down the hall -- begin to disturb the young couple at night. They have a child, and things get even worse for the couple; their son seems to be developing speech and motor skills at an uncanny rate, as if he were older than he should be.

And soon, Edward realizes his past has come back to haunt him. Quite literally.

This is not a scary book, although it is certainly spooky and even unsettling at times. Edward wrestles with his own nagging guilt even as he tries to save his wife and child from torment. And, of course, Settie's Gypsy family is seeking both answers and retribution.

Charles Lambert builds a dank and anxious atmosphere around Edward as he tries to come to terms with the demons that won't let him rest and enjoy his new life. The Bone Flower is an enjoyably creepy book that just might have you sniffing the air and checking the dark corners of the room while you read it.