In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Pages: 387
Intended Audience: Teens
Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Supernatural
Notes for Parents: There is some coarse language, mild sexual content, and some graphic descriptions of injury and illness.

The Back Cover

In the middle of the 1918 influenza epidemic, Mary Shelley Black arrives in San Diego, where she hopes to be reunited with her childhood best friend—and first love—Stephen Embers. Stephen went abroad to fight in World War I, and his brother is now profiting from the grief-stricken citizens by claiming to commune with the dead through spirit photography—a practice that scientific-minded Mary Shelley believes is fraud. But the connection to the other side may be more real than Mary Shelley thinks possible…and it might be the only way to learn the truth of what happened to Stephen.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the author’s first novel. It was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut Award.

What’s good?

Antique photos bring an eerie realism to this ghost story set during World War I and the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak. Skillful research and a well-drawn setting encapsulates everyday life while purposeful writing and vivid images capture the fear, grief, and desperation of those troubling times. Mary Shelley is a relatable and likable character and the supporting characters are strong and interesting. The pacing is fairly steady and the plot is easy to understand with a few twists and turns.
Best Part: I can almost smell the onions!

What isn’t good?

There was so much, that there wasn’t quite enough of anything. This was a good ghost story, but you only really get a little of everything else – romance, mystery, suspense, history. We only learn a little about Mary Shelley’s dad. We learn a little about shell shock and the war. We learn a little about spirit photography. And we learn a little about the flu epidemic and the panic it caused. But it all left me wanting more at the end.
Worst part: The bird.

Recommendation þþþþo

The cover is what first attracted me to the book. It promised an eerie tale, and it delivered an authentic ghost story. It was easy to be absorbed into the bleakness of the era, to feel Mary Shelley’s grief and her aunt’s fear. It was fascinating to read about how they thought onions would ward off the virus, how coffins were stacked in front yards, and how the ambulances couldn’t respond for days because they were so busy. I found many elements of the story remarkable. The plot lacked a bit of shine, but I still recommend it.

Winters, Cat. The Shadow of Blackbirds. New York: Amulet, 2013.