Review: Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black

Continuing our Halloween themed week, today we bring you a review of a recent historical, gothic, paranormal release, Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black. Hope you check out my thoughts below! Many thanks to Tor Teen and Macmillian Audio for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook, which in no way influences my review.

 

Girl at the Grave

by Teri Bailey Black
Narrator: Erin Spencer
Published by: Tor Teen
on August 7, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
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Goodreads

Valentine has spent years trying to outrun her mother's legacy. But small towns have long memories, and when a new string of murders occurs, all signs point to the daughter of a murderer.

Only one person believes Valentine is innocent—Rowan Blackshaw, the son of the man her mother killed all those years ago. Valentine vows to find the real killer, but when she finally uncovers the horrifying truth, she must choose to face her own dark secrets, even if it means losing Rowan in the end.

 

 

Review

Girl at the Grave is a story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction with mystery undertones (similar to Stalking Jack the Ripper – slightly genre defying). While the mystery was slow to unroll, I enjoyed getting to know the characters, including the setting which functioned very much as a character in this story. Paying attention to the social cues of the setting made it that much more enjoyable.

When her mother is convicted of murder and hung without much of a trial, Valentine’s whole world shifts. In a time where the sins of the parents taint a child’s future (especially a young lady), Valentine remains haunted by the mystery surrounding her mother’s quick confession…and by a new set of murders happening in her town.

The layers of this mystery slowly peel back and as Valentine realizes the how, the why, and the who, she begins to slowly unravel. Luckily there’s a handsome (off limits) love interest to bring her back on course.

Listening to this book was a treat. I took the long way running back home so that I could get to certain parts of the story. Overall a solid debut with a matching narrator.