Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green

Review: Isn't historical fiction amazing? I love being able to read a fantastic and well written story that is woven into a fascinating piece of history. I get to be thoroughly entertained while, at the same time, learn something of history.

Jovelyn Green is definitely establishing herself as a name to follow in the historical fiction genre. The detail in her books proves her devotion to research and fact finding. I found myself immersed in 1871 Chicago during the days before and after the Great Fire. The details and descriptions in this book make me feel like I was there, and this book gave me a much greater insight into this time period and the events around the Chiago fire than I had previously.

In addition to placing her story within the belly of the Great Chicago Fire and thus riveting you to your seat with the rapidly unfolding drama...Jocelyn Green takes her story one step further and halls us into the dark corridors of the late 1800 mental institutes. The asylum made my skin crawl and my gut clench. How could people have possibly thought that the kind of measures implemented in those places could have helped any hurting soul. Disgusting.

Veiled in Smoke was a satisfying read. I found myself lost in the 'who-done-it' drama of an unsolved crime, sympathizing with Meg's traumatized veteran father, and cheering on the budding romance between Meg and her reporter. There was a little something of everything in this book, and I really enjoyed reading it. It was authentic and well written. I would definitely recommend this book.

Back Cover:

The Flames Took So Much.
She Can't Lose Her Father As Well.
Meg Townsend and her sister, Sylvie, seek a quiet existence managing the family bookshop. Meg feels responsible for caring for their father, Stephen, whose spirit and health are both damaged from his time as a prisoner during the Civil War. Her one escape is the paintings she creates and sells in the bookshop.

Then the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district. The fiery explosions and chaos stir up memories of war for Stephen as he runs from the blaze and becomes separated from his daughters. Days later, when the smoke has cleared, Meg and Sylvie manage to reunite with him. Their home and shop are lost, and what's left among the ashes may be even more threatening than the flames, for they learn that a close friend was murdered the night of the fire--and Stephen has been charged with the crime. After he is committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum, where they cannot visit him, Stephen feels as lost to them as the shop that now lies in rubble.

Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life but prove the truth of what happened that night, before the asylum truly drives her father mad.

Thank-you to Graf Martin Communcations and to Baker Publishing House of a copy of the novel.