A coworker loaned the book to me
5 stars
Set in Catawissa, Pennsylvania in 1867, The Caged Graves is an historical mystery with just enough romance to keep it emotional as well. It is the story of Verity Boone, sent back to live with her father while she waits to marry the man she knows only from letters. She discovers two graves that are covered in cages, opening up a family, and town, mystery. She must rediscover a relationship with her father, form one with her fiance, and learn about everyone in the town she left 15 years before, all while solving the mystery of her family's past.
Verity is a very realistic character. She is a strong character, but not unbelievably so. She pushes things just a bit, wanting to find out more, but not really stepping out of the role of a young woman in the 1860's. The author does a good job of introducing other characters thoroughly, but definitely keeping the focus on Verity.
I have a soft spot for historical mysteries if they are well written. The Caged Graves is a winner in my book. It wasn't bogged down by too much of a history lesson, but it was still there. While I'm not always big on romance, there was just enough here to keep me wanting more. Then there is the mystery part of it. Perfect! I had a hard time putting this one down because I wanted to know what the significance of the cages was. Throughout the book, I felt it was going to be anticlimactic, very easily solved, and just not nearly as interesting as it ended up being. The story kept me interested though, and thankfully the ending was perfect. The author note at the end explaining where the story came from and the true historical tie-in made me love the book even more.
Great for any teen (or adult) that likes historical fiction or mysteries, and especially those that love both.
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