Kindle Spotlight -- Victorian

Jordan Elizabeth is back with her latest novel, the supernatural mystery Victorian. Is it worth your time? Let's find out.

Contrary to the title, the story doesn't take place in England or the 19th century. It actually takes place in modern day New York. In the beginning, we are introduced to two teenage girls, introverted Celeste and antisocial rebel Weronika. The story switches between the two, but primarily focuses on Celeste. Both girls meet at a counseling group and strike up a friendship.

Celeste wants to be more outgoing, so she opts to join an upcoming event, the 1867 Fair which will be held at an abandoned village. The fair will showcase life in Victorian England, and although it's not the most historically accurate event, Celeste and Weronika get on board with it.

At first, things seem to be going well. But then Celeste begins seeing people others can't see and realizes the fair is haunted. Worse, these spirits didn't have peaceful deaths, and Celeste knows they need her help to pass on. So, with help from bad boy Zander, she digs into the village's past and uncovers a horrifying crime. She then sets out to tell everyone the truth. Meanwhile, both she and Weronika have tragic secrets that need to be let out, but do they have the strength to face their respective pasts?

Those looking for action should steer clear of Victorian. It has very little to get your adrenaline flowing. But if you're willing to read a slower, more human story of love and loss, this is the book for you. Celeste and Weronika are interesting heroines with their own flaws and insecurities. Weronika's past, in particular, is so heart-wrenching you might wonder if her life can ever be salvaged. This is a well-written story which anyone who has ever experienced loss and trauma can identify with.

However, I'm not sure the author handled Weronika correctly. She's used a lot less than Celeste and ends up being irrelevant to the solving of the big mystery. She's mostly just there to spur Celeste's growth as a character. I think she should have been more central to the main plot.

Nevertheless, it's a good story and I have no problem recommending it.

https://www.amazon.com/Victorian-Jordan-Elizabeth-ebook/dp/B01HC4NU12/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469740124&sr=1-5&keywords=jordan+elizabeth+mierek#navbar