These Shallow Graves

Donnelly, Jennifer. These Shallow Graves. 2015. 487p. ISBN 978-0-385-73765-4. Available at FIC DON on the library shelves.

Jo Montfort, a member of New York City’s social elite, is soon to be married to a wealthy young man from an upstanding family. Jo, however, has ambitions that don’t fit very well with her family’s desire for this perfect union. She wishes to become a writer, and joins the rank of upstanding reporters like Nellie Bly, making a difference in the lives of poor and unfortunate people. There is no way, however, that her family will allow her this choice.

Tragedy strikes with the death of Jo’s father, Charles Montfort, partner in a shipping company. When the death is ruled a suicide, more questions arise than are answered. Jo decides to investigate her father’s death. Digging and uncovering clues, she runs into Eddie Gallagher, a young reporter at her father’s newspaper. Igniting an infuriating friendship, the two of them expose a conspiracy aimed to protect a family secret. As they get closer to this buried secret, however, they have to dig deeper and the stakes get deadlier. With a killer on the loose and the city’s criminal underbelly involved, Jo and Eddie’s quest to discover the truth could cost them everything.

A great mystery taking place during the height of investigative journalism, fans of suspenseful novels will appreciate Jo Montfort’s tale that begins with her and Eddie digging up a grave at New York’s insane asylum, and then flashes back to how they got there. A great page turner that will have the reader worried for Jo’s sanity and for her very life!