Description
Book SynopsisBut when Jo's father is found dead in his study after an alleged accident, her life becomes far more exciting than even Jo would wish.
Trade ReviewAn intelligent, personable heroine-Jo Montfort's hopes for an enlightened future uncover a dark past, resulting in a splendidly hair-raising tour of the brightest and darkest corners of Victorian New York. * Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of CODE NAME VERITY *
THESE SHALLOW GRAVES delivered all that I adore: lovely prose, historical intrigue, unique chracters and setting. I devoured this book! * Ruta Sepetys, New York Times bestselling author of BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY and OUT OF THE EASY *
A fast-paced Gilded Age crime thriller that plunges its intrepid investigative-journalist heroine into the sordid underworld of nineteenth-century New York City and into her own family's dark secrets * Julie Berry, award-winning author of ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME *
Murder, morgues, asylums, dirty secrets and a slow-burning romance in this epic historical thriller * Editor's Choice, The Bookseller *
Superbly plotted, suspenseful historical mystery with a great sense of place and a sprawling cast of shifty characters worthy of Dickens. Cracking read! * Peters - Librarian's Pick *
Donnelly's action-packed chapters propel this compelling mystery. Through Jo's sheltered perspective, readers learn about class disparity right alongside her, and Donnelly is as adept at describing an opulent ball as she is a seedy neighbourhood. * Publishers Weekly *
Engaging characters and historical accuracy make clear the appalling conditions endured by the poor of New York and the changing attitudes towards the role of women . . . this well-paced story will satisfy those who enjoy a good mystery. An added element of romance makes this book all the more appealing -- Judy Pomeroy * Inis Reading Guide *
If George Clooney had walked in to the room I would have told him to come back later when I'd finished ... Mattie is a heroine on a par with Jo in Little Women or Cassandra in I Capture the Castle. Donnelly captures period and place with almost supernatural skill. * The Telegraph (Praise for A GATHERING LIGHT) *
This is as brilliantly written as you would expect from Jennifer Donnelly. She delivers a compelling thriller but also a rich thought provoking novel about late nineteenth century New York. This is a novel that will educate young readers as it enthrals them. -- Andrea Regan * School Librarian SLA Journal *
These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly is the story of a wealthy family, the wealthiest, in a gilded age where the future is planned. What happens when you want to break away from the future and be independent? With grit, violence and challenge this is a must-read for teens. * Armadillo Magazine *
