Shelly Cawood Cawood itibaren Dolno Konjsko, Macedonia (FYROM) itibaren Dolno Konjsko, Macedonia (FYROM)

Yay, another wonderful Canadian author! This is the first book I’ve read by Barbara Haworth-Attard but it definitely won’t be the last. This is a superbly written book. It’s a murder mystery wrapped up in a spooky little ghost story and deals with all kinds of interesting and difficult issues. Ms. Haworth-Attard’s depiction of rural Canada in the early 1900’s is vivid and convincing and explores the narrow-mindedness and prejudices that run rampant in small towns even in the present day and which were particularly present during that time period. Issues such as domestic abuse, the role of women in society, the indifference and apathy toward education, and the callous, often cruel treatment of mentally challenged people are all dealt with in a compelling and accurate manner. Dee was a well-developed character; a young girl gifted or oftentimes cursed with the ability to see and feel ghosts and forced to mature quickly while helping her stern, taciturn grandmother with her midwife duties. Both Dee and Gran are looked upon by many of the townsfolk as witches doing the evil handiwork of the Devil, and I felt profoundly sorry for Dee having to deal with such bigotry and intolerance at such a young age. The mystery was gripping and, even though I guessed who the murderer was before his/her identity was revealed, Ms. Haworth-Attard’s writing was such that I wasn’t entirely sure right up until the end. For those readers who enjoy mystery, the supernatural and history, I would highly recommend this book.