These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly on the surface is an extremely good book. It is a well crafted mystery set in New York during the 1800’s. It is the story of Josephine Montfort, a young debutante, coming of age in high society. Jo quickly found a place in my heart of literary characters because she is smart, determined, driven, and yet naive and sheltered. She has a strong vision about her future, but is hindered by family expectations. Very early in the story a tragedy occurs in the Montfort family, and Jo, with her curious spirit, soon finds herself embroiled on a search for a killer and on a mission to uncover the truth of a crime that occurred many years ago. This also leads Jo to discover some of the most refreshing and captivating supporting cast I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Some of my favorite characters in this book include Fay, the streetwise young grifter that will soon be sold into prostitution, Oscar, the ever so funny coroner intern, and Eddie Gallagher, the young ambitious news reporter who steals Jo’s heart. They are all written so lively that they literally jump off the page and quickly become characters the reader is wholeheartedly connected to.
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July 2020
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