Jennifer Brown, editor at Shelf Awareness, did an interview with me a few months ago about Nobody’s Secret. Her questions were so smart that she made me feel smart for writing a book that inspired such clever questions! The review just came out and Nobody’s Secret has another star. I’m so pleased. This novel was a departure for me. It was my first mystery and I knew I was playing with fire by borrowing Emily Dickinson as my “detective.” Jennifer got the concept and liked it. Call me grateful and humble today!
Archives for April 2013
The Countdown to Nobody’s Secret’s Release Date
The hardest part about a new book coming out is the waiting. To while away the time, I thought I’d share some of the reviews that Nobody’s Secret is receiving… This one is from The Mother – Daughter Bookclub. Cindy writes a great blog to help Moms and daughters talk about books. Check it out!
School Library Journal is a fan of Nobody’s Secret
SLJ is an important review for me. I know several librarians who only have time to read (and purchase) the books with starred reviews. Plus, all their reviews are from librarians. So when SLJ stars my books, I’m delighted. Here’s the whole review:
When 15-year-old Emily Dickinson meets and flirts with a handsome stranger, she feels the first flicker of romance. Then the young man is found dead in her family’s pond, and the budding poet is sure that he was a victim of foul play. Determined to see that justice is done, she and her younger sister, Vinnie, investigate and discover that he is James Wentworth, heir to a fortune from which his aunt and uncle have defrauded him. Suspecting murder, Emily sets out to solve the case, almost becoming a victim herself. Life in 1845 small-town Massachusetts is painstakingly portrayed throughout this suspenseful tale. Emily is extremely well drawn, revealing her enthusiasm for and intense curiosity about the smallest of life’s details, while minor characters have just enough depth to provoke interest. The fast-moving plot makes this a well-crafted page-turner. The dialogue rings true, both to the historical time and to the chronological ages and social status of the characters. The full text of “I’m Nobody,” as well as quotes from other poems, not only focus readers’ thoughts but also provide an easy introduction to the recluse’s poetry. The author’s note explains which of the novel’s details are based on fact. MacColl once again brings a strong female protagonist to life, revealing pertinent and interesting information about a literary figure.