The sisters become separated from their father and make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend was murdered on the night of the fire. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.
Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.
I love how Jocelyn Green can take a point in history and turn it into an amazing story that feels so real. When this book first started I was surprised I was getting to see the story through the viewpoint of so many of the characters. But I found out I loved that, and it rounded the story out much nicer than I could have guessed. The characters were all very well done, with their own flaws and struggles. This book is not the kind where everything is good as new by the end as if nothing bad ever happened. It is more real than that. It shows people facing struggles and working to overcome them. To find a new path in life, and work though the problems that are holding them back. It was really quite inspiring.
The parts about Chicago during and after the fire were also very well done. I had always heard of it, but this is probably the first time I got a closer look into what it may have really looked and felt like. And the added mystery was also very interesting and I really enjoyed following it. Jocelyn Green is very good at adding twists and turns into the story to throw you off the trail and keep you guessing.
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