[Review] Forbidden by Eve Bunting

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read with quirky, creepy characters and a great setting on the Scottish coast. Young Josie is recently orphaned and sent to live with her aunt and uncle. When she arrives she finds that while they are not thrilled to see her they have something in mind for her to do and it involves their secretive livelihood. Fortunately, she befriends a local boy named Eli and his grandmother, and together they provide the only friendly faces amongst a town full of weird and disturbing people. Even the dog is disturbing!

Poor Josie was so naive that I couldn't help but worry about her and hope that she found a way to get away from her horrible aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, the ending made very little sense. It explained some things about Eli and his odd habits and way of dressing, but beyond that it was just strange and almost silly. The afterward by the author is worth reading though, because I doubt most people are aware that the type of activity that Josie's aunt and uncle were engaged in was real and that there are many accounts in history of this very thing occurring along the rocky coastline of Scotland. I can't say anymore without spoiling the story for anyone who has not read it.

This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Clarion in exchange for an honest review.

[Review] These Shallow Graves--Jennifer Donnelly

Historical mystery is a favorite genre of mine, especially those that are set in NYC or London. This one is set in NYC and concerns the mysterious death of Charles Montfort, a partner in a successful, international shipping business. His 17-year old daughter Jo isn’t satisfied with the official conclusion that her father accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun. Searching for answers she encounters Eddie, a handsome news reporter, who not only agrees to help her but also shows her the gritty realities of life from which she has always been sheltered, first by her father and then by her doting uncle Philip. Jo learns things aren’t always as they seem and finds some unlikely friends along the way, all while trying to maintain the façade of a demure society girl engaged to a boy from one of the city’s wealthiest families.

Overall, the story is good and the characters are enjoyable. The romance between Jo and Eddie is cute if not somewhat predictable. The mystery, however, is obvious from the beginning and Jo remains incredibly naïve nearly until the end. At almost 500 pages, this book is way too long. I skipped around for the last 100 pages or so and was still able to follow what was happening. The conclusion is great though, and absolutely justified sticking with the story, at least for me.

These Shallow Graves will be released in late October by Delacorte Press. Thanks to Delacorte and Netgalley for providing this ARC for review.