Pictue the Dead by Adele Griffin and Illustrated by Lisa Brown

Title: Picture the Dead
Author: Adele Griffin
Illustrator: Lisa Brown
Published: May 1, 2010 by Sourcebooks Fire
Special Note: This is an ARC review

Plot:

Jennie’s connection with her twin brother, Toby, grew stronger after he died in 1864. Now Jennie must rely on her ability to communicate with the dead to find out what has happened to her beloved fiance, Will, while he was off at war. The army says he died honorably in battle. His brother confides that he became a violent criminal and died in a prison camp. Jennie begins to doubt that anyone is telling her the truth.


This intriguing combination of historical romance, paranormal thriller, and clever mystery is illustrated by bestselling artist Lisa Brown. The unique visuals originated from real Civil War daguerreotypes that were transformed into eerie mementos for Jennie’s scrapbook.

With the help of a spiritualist photographer, the spirit of her dead fiance, and the clues she discovers and keeps in her scrapbook, Jennie must put together the pieces of this mystery before she loses her home, her fortune, and possibly her life

My Thoughts:

This book is so different than anything I have read lately. It's written in first person point of view, which I love, from the main character, Jennie, and is set in the Civil War period. Most paranormal novels today are set in today's time frame, so to be taken back in time by the author of this novel, Adele Griffin, was a breath of fresh air. Not only was I hooked right away--who wouldn't be when you find our the main character is communicating with her twin brother who just recently died in the war--but the romantic feel of the novel kept me engaged the entire time. Jennie's fiance also "falls on the battlefield" (who is also her cousin BTW---I know, I know, but that was totally accepted back then) and she turns to spiritualism to help her cope.

I won't tell you much more, because I don't want to ruin it for you, but I will say if you are looking for a historical paranormal novel with a strong female protagonist, this ones for you.