A Must Read! These Shallow Graves

These Shallow Graves
Written by Jennifer Donnelly
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Published November 2015
320 Pages
★★★★★
Josephine Montfort is from one of New York's oldest, most respected, and wealthiest families. Like most well off girls of the era her future looks set, after a finishing school education, she will be favourably married off to a handsome wealthy gentleman. But Jo wants a more meaningful and exciting life, she wants to be an investigative journalist like her heroine Nellie Bly.

But when Jo's father dies after an alleged accident, she begins to investigate his death with the help of a young reporter, Eddie Gallagher. It quickly becomes clear he was murdered, and in their race against time to discover the culprit and his motive, Jo and Eddie find themselves not only battling dark characters of the violent and gritty streets of New York, but also their growing feelings for each other.
Josephine is a Montfort and the next generation of one of New York's elite families and is expected to little more than a charming yet demure wife to be. The year is 1890 and young ladies are being trained to marry well, keep a tidy home and occupy their time with the garden or being an effervescent host. All except Jo. Jo considers herself as a writer, wanting to delve into the problems of the world and reporting the truth to those who seek more. So when her father is found dead from what the police are saying is an unfortunate accident, Jo knows that to find the truth she must investigate.

Jo finds herself at her family owned newspaper, and while eavesdropping on a jovial conversation between reporters, it's there that she meets Eddie. Eddie is a reporter who craves action, no longer content to report on society's elite so when Jo asks for his help in finding out who played a part in her father's murder, Eddie hesitantly agrees. Trying to keep the young heiress in line is proving to be a task far more difficult than Eddie expected, Jo isn't the shy, meek girl he had expected and isn't afraid to ask the tough questions. Whoever killed her father will stop at nothing from keeping Jo and Eddie from discovering the truth, including putting both their lives in danger.

Kelly's thoughts

I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction, let's face it, it's quite often boring and like watching paint dry. But These Shallow Graves? Phenomenal. I loved it from cover to cover. I may have even licked the pages a little. It follows the storyline of Josephine, a society girl born into wealth in an era where girls are trophies, lovely to look at but not held in high regard. She dabbles with investigative articles for her school's whimsical newspaper, but craves more and dreams of being able to report from the slums of New York's underbelly. I adored how Jennifer Donnelly highlighted how restricted females were in 1890, trained as doting wives and not allowed independent thoughts. None more prevalent than when Jo walks into Eddie's life.

Eddie is a knockabout larrikin. He's a reporter who wants to investigate real stories, not just the society pages he's forced to write. He's never met anyone like Jo, determined as she is beautiful and not at all like the well polished girl from the society pages. As the two follow the leads to find her father's killer, Jo and Eddie form a tense and tentative friendship. Their attraction is undeniable, but Jo is from a wealthy family who would never accept a lowly writer as her companion, especially not now she's betrothed to one of New York's most eligible bachelors. The forbidden romance was intense, seeing the bond forming between Jo and Eddie was so incredibly lovely as Eddie struggled to keep her safe. In an era where women of substance are well bred and demure, Jo refuses to conform. I adored her character as an individual and within her budding relationship with Eddie. She doesn't lose perspective or is willing to play the damsel in distress, which is often the issue I find with young adult historical fiction.

The only issue I found was that the big reveal was predictable. But then again, when it comes to mysteries, I'm suspicious of most characters. I would have loved to have seen this turn into a series. With Jo's conclusion, readers could follow her story beyond the final page and I for one would buy the shit outta that.

The final Verdict

These Shallow Graves is nothing short of lovely. Telling the story of an oppressed girl in an era where women are treated as breakable, demure and incompetent of independent thought. Josephine's dry sarcasm and her ability to discover a world so far removed from her own was incredibly charming. An intense and slow burning romance, mystery and intrigue, These Shallow Graves is a phenomenal read from a fresh voice in young adult historical fiction.

Kelly would one day like to play an extra on The Walking Dead and is currently practicing her zombie moaning.


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43 comments

  1. I haven't read this book yet but I know I am going to love it. And I've heard nothing but great things! Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution is my all-time favorite book. It's amazing! I highly recommend it.

    Haraiah @ Random Things In Action

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    1. I just bought that one too Haraiah and after reading These Shallow Graves, I can't wait to get stuck into it. I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction, but it was so incredibly engaging and the writing was beautiful! I really hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

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    2. Same here. I usually only read historical books if it has paranormal or fantasy aspects. That is actually why it took me a long time to pick up Revolution. I didn't give it a lot of attention before no matter how many times I've heard of it. I was hooked since the first page! Jennifer Donnelly's writing really is beautiful. I hope you love it, too.

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  2. This title really reminds me of another book that just recently came out. I think it has the exactly same title (you may even know what I'm talking about?) And don't feel bad Kels because PFFT, I'm not a huge fan of Historical fiction either and I've never tried it nor have I ever wanted to, but maybe Historical romance? Idk, I just like romance, okay?? Teehee It seems you really, really, realllyyy liked this one girl! I love it when you're so excited over books because it makes me all happy and excited! <3

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    1. It could actually be the same one poppet, this is the Australian cover and the US edition is darker and has a hand coming out of what looks like a grave I think. You'll luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurve the romance, it's snarky, intense and one of those slow burning forbidden romances. It'll truly knock your socks off. You must get a copy at once, I'm dying to see what you think of it!

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  3. Yeah, if you know there is a mystery, sometimes you just start wondering about everyone and ultimately figure it out! I'm glad you really liked this one though. I really want to read it!!

    -Lauren

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    1. It was absolutely brilliant Lauren, one of the best page turners I've read in quite a while and now has me seeking out her other books.

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  4. Sounds interesting Kelly and I'm not a fan of historical fiction either!

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    1. Usually I find historical fiction kind of dull and there's only been a small few which I've enjoyed. One was Prisoner of Night and Fog and now this one. I loved it and would love to see it turned into a series.

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  5. Ooooh this sounds awesome. And while I'm with you (because honestly historical fiction is often so long it's ACTUALLY like watching grass grow) I really like mysteries. And girl power. Plus, it's got the Kelly sticker of approval ;)

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    1. Yes! You need this book in your life poppet. I'm exactly the same. Usually they're super long and it's almost painful to get through, but I was flipping pages into the early hours of the morning and just couldn't put it down. This is one of those books that will have non historical readers like us rethinking the genre and seeking out more.

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  6. Look interesting! Never read historical fiction, looking forward to it. :)

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    1. This would be the perfect book to start with then Choki, it's an amazing read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.

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  7. This sounds absolutely amazing! I've read two other books by Jennifer and really liked both of them, so I am crossing my fingers that this one is just as good. But your review and seeing how much you liked it makes me want to get my hands on a copy ASAP. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3

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    1. Thanks Zoe.

      If you enjoyed her previous releases, then you'll absolutely adore this one too. I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  8. I loveeeeeeee historical fiction so this is right up my alley! To be honest, I'm very familiar with this title, but because I never read the synopsis, (I'm known for not reading the synopsis to books lol) I had no clue what it was actually about. I love the sound of this. For some reason it reminds me of Jackaby which I haven't read either, but maybe it's only because of the reporter thing lol. Anywho, I shall be picking this up because I tend to buy all the books you love! Thanks for always breaking my pockets you poppet monster :)

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    1. Poppet monster. You win the internet.

      You have to buy a copy so we can discuss this one at length. The romance, oh how you'll swoon. I haven't read Jackaby either, so will have to check it out.

      Buy it. As soon as humanly possible.

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  9. Licked the pages, eh? That's all I need to convince me to check the library stat!

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    1. I was licking them, nibbling on the cover. This book is awesome Alyssa. I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  10. This is the first review I've read for this book, mainly because I thought it was an adult book and I'd never really heard about it and I just didn't think it'd be by thing, but if you loved it so much, I'll definitely be adding it to my TBR...I love historical fiction, so who knows what I'm going to end up thinking of this one. Lovely review, Kel! <3

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    1. If you love historical fiction, you'll adore this. I can almost guarantee it. It's one of those books that will appeal to anyone who reads young adult, as it's usually not my genre. I loved this Ebs, it's a brilliant read and can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  11. Ok, I'll have to check this out. I'm with you and can tend to find historical fiction umm a little bland, to put it nicely - but I like the sound of this. And you haven't let me down yet with your "must reads" :-)

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    1. Me too Sarah, but not this one. Far from it. I was flipping pages almost until the sun came up, I was just that enamored by it. This isn't just a must read, it's a you need this book in your life read, it's just that incredible!

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  12. I tend to suspect everyone. They're all guilty until proven innocent with me. lol. I think it's saying something that you loved this so much and it's a genre you usually don't.

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    1. I'm exactly the same Christy. If a character even hints that she / he might be even remotely sinister, I'm yelling she did it, she did it and most of the time I'm dead wrong. Even though this was a little on the predictable side, it didn't take anything away from the storyline. If anything, it allowed me to enjoy it even more without that suspenseful surprise factor.

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  13. I bought a copy of this one and I can't wait to read this one myself, Kelly! I'm so happy you loved it as much as you did and I hope I'll feel the same way. Plus, I adore historical fiction so I have no doubt it will work well for me.
    Lovely review!

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    1. YAY! I hope you can push it up that TBR list soon Nick, I'd love to see what you think of it. I can almost guarantee that you'll absolutely adore it too.

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  14. I'm literally just about to start this so I'm so glad to see you loved it so much!!

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    1. I can't wait to see what you think of it Bec, it's been one of my favourite reads this year.

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  15. I am glad you enjoyed this. I really struggled with Jo, I wish there was more character growth in this book, I did not feel like there has been. She was still too trusting, even with all the shaddy characters that she had met. I was disappointed. I loved historical fiction and really, really, wanted to like this one.

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    1. She lead a pretty sheltered life and even more so with the era it's set in. I really liked Jo, especially when she began learning about the real world. I love that dry, sarcastic humour. I'm so sorry you didn't like this one Lily, have you tried her other releases?

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  16. Gah! I need to pick up a copy. I love this author and she does Historical Fiction well. Brilliant review, as always!

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    1. Thanks Joy and you totally do! My goodness it was glorious! I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  17. I've heard great things about this slow burn romance and the mystery as well, Aila loved this one so I'll be reading this some time! Thanks for the review Kelly!

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    1. You'll love this one Jeann. It's so wonderfully written and such a pleasure to read. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts.

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  18. I really want to read this one now! It's the third positive review I've read this week. Everyone praises the romance and the characterization, so I'm definitely adding this to my list! Great review, Kelly! :)

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    1. Thanks Marinanne. It's such a wonderful read. but I want more! I would love to see These Shallow Graves turned into a series following Jo in what is predominately a man's world. She's been one of my favourite characters and her dry humour is hilarious!

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  19. YES, YES. I am so glad everyone is loving this one. I really enjoyed it!

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    1. It was utter perfection wasn't it! Just so wonderfully written and the forbidden romance. Oh how I swooned!

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  20. AGREE SO SO MUCH THIS REVIEW!! Ahhh wasn't the romance just *swooooon*? And I ADORE Jo's character and how she grew throughout the book. The mystery was still exciting despite the predictability, I must admit. I love seeing them unravel all the secrets. :D AWESOME REVIEW!!

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    1. Thanks Aila and I loved seeing how much you enjoyed it as well. It was such a beautiful read. I would love to see it made into a series follow Jo as she discovers the world in her new position. How can we make this happen?

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  21. TUT TUT. Didn't anyone tell you that licking covers isn't acceptable in society. Who am I kidding. We both know, we all do it. *throws hands in the air*

    I am so glad to hear you liked this one, Kelly! I completely agree with what you said about historical fiction though! I usually avoid it because it isn't my thing but there have been times when it just *works* for me.

    Beautiful review as always, Kelly-bear <3 <3

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  22. I'm definitely adding this to my to-read list after reading your review. It sounds amazing!

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