In Victorian London (1897) a teenager inherits a magical cupboard that transports him to
modern-day London, where knowledge of the past and future explains his grandfather’s
eclectic antiques shop and covert financial success. But with the upper class circling like
vultures and his closest friendship shifting into dangerous emotional terrain, his greatest
secret might be impossible to keep.

SYNOPSIS:

Book Overview: Most Curious Shop by Trevor Learey

Published by Rothchild Hathaway Pty Ltd, 2025

Genre: Historical Fiction / Speculative Fiction

Most Curious Shop is a richly woven tale that seamlessly blends historical fiction with

speculative elements, producing a novel that is both emotionally grounded and intellectually

provocative. Set in late 19th-century London, the story explores themes of class, identity,

legacy, and time through the eyes of William “Will” Rossmore, a working-class youth living

with his enigmatic grandfather above a dusty, chaotic antique shop in Lisson Grove.

From the outset, the Author crafts an evocative portrait of Victorian London, brimming with

social tension, atmospheric detail, and youthful curiosity. The book’s early chapters establish

a deeply human narrative of friendship and community, particularly the bond between Will

and Hanna Brimcroft, the daughter of the local baker. Their innocent rapport grounds the

novel in relatable emotion, serving as a foil to the complex social stratification that looms just

beyond the railway line in Regents Park.

What sets Most Curious Shop apart is its unexpected shift into speculative territory,

introduced subtly through the titular shop. As Will uncovers the truth about his grandfather’s

success, not merely business acumen, but literal time travel. The shop contains a mysterious

wardrobe that connects 1897 to 2018, allowing Rossmore to profit from historical knowledge

and transport items across centuries. This temporal bridge becomes both a literal and

metaphorical vehicle for intergenerational exchange, capitalism, and the burdens of inherited

secrecy.

Prose is clear and nostalgic, often lyrical when describing the city or interpersonal moments.

Dialogue is authentic, rich with period colloquialisms and class distinctions, particularly in

the interactions between the working-class protagonists and the aristocratic Seymour family.

The depiction of Lord Seymour and his calculating daughter Victoria introduces a tension

that highlights the entrenched values of old money and the desperation behind fading

aristocracy.

At its core, the novel is about transitions—personal, historical, and social. Will’s coming-of-

age journey intersects with Hanna’s own reckoning with identity and societal expectations,

especially as her non-heteronormative orientation places her in conflict with the rigid gender

norms of her time. The author approaches this subplot with empathy and realism, adding

emotional depth to a narrative already pulsing with subtle rebellion and quiet resilience.

The speculative elements—while fantastic—never overshadow the human story. Instead, they

amplify it, adding layers of ethical complexity to the Rossmores’ otherwise benign success.

By the final chapters, Most Curious Shop raises questions about time, agency, and what it

truly means to carry forward a legacy.

Verdict:

Most Curious Shop is a compelling and imaginative novel that will appeal to fans of

historical fiction with a speculative twist. Authors masterfully combines charm, wit,

and moral complexity in a narrative that is as curious as its title suggests. With its strong

character development, thematic richness, and unique premise, this debut offers a memorable

reading experience that lingers well beyond the final page.