“THESE SHALLOW GRAVES,” by Jennifer Donnelly, Delacorte Press, Oct. 27, 2015, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Jo Montfort is beautiful and rich, and soon she’ll graduate from finishing school and be married off to a wealthy bachelor. Which is the last thing she wants. Jo dreams of becoming a writer — a newspaper reporter like the trailblazing Nellie Bly. Wild aspirations aside, Jo’s life seems perfect until her father is found dead, apparently killing himself while cleaning his pistol. Charles Montfort was one of New York City’s wealthiest men, and Jo knows he was far too smart to clean a loaded gun. The more Jo hears about her father’s death, the more something feels wrong. Then Jo meets Eddie — a young, smart, infuriatingly handsome reporter at her father’s newspaper — and it becomes all too clear how much she stands to lose if she keeps searching for the truth. But now it might be too late to stop. — synopsis via Delacorte Press
In my former life, I was a newspaperwoman. I spent my time editing and writing headlines in the late afternoon and evenings, and writing feature pieces — mostly about books and authors — during the day. When the newspaper industry changed, I found myself with a new career, but the love of working in a newsroom will always remain.
I think that’s why “These Shallow Graves” stuck with me from the beginning. I understand Jo’s thirst for a good story; the research and passion that comes with the telling. It’s a good hook, but it’s just the beginning for what turns out to be an intricate and well-rounded novel.
“These Shallow Graves” is Jennifer Donnelly’s first historical novel in several years. It’s where she shines, and I’m glad she’s returned. Her novel is fast-paced and nuanced. She truly understands the time in which it is set — 1890 — and comfortably transports you there within the first few paragraphs.
“These Shallow Graves” is a mystery, character study and love story weaved together in an enticing and believable web.
