The Cemetery Keeper’s Wife

Thank you to NetGalley and Three Women Press for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. I love true crime and I love historical fiction. I didn't initially realize this was based on a true story. I can see why the author chose this as her subject, for her first historical fiction novel. This story is centered around Tillie Smith, a young domestic, trying to improve her life, but her life ended in rape and murder. This is woven around a new bride, with a history of her own, and her husband, who runs the local cemetery. When I closed the book, I immediately sought out more information on Tillie's history...this, to me, is always the mark of a good historical fiction novel.

Following the trend of many new books, the main character is first introduced to us through her husband’s occupation in the title. Instead of the focus being on this smart auctioneer/historian, we are introduced to her as the wife of the Cemetary Keeper. In the beginning, she is just barely that, as they have just been married. She has a secret and so does he. Instead of starting out this new path with a clean slate the author has decided that they should stumble through things trying to hide who they are and yet create a new life together. There seems to be a theme of new beginnings overshadowed by the darkness of hidden secrets of the past. Rachel, our main character, is drawn to a monument that the entire town seems bent on not talking about. Set in New Jersey, this small town full of secrets would not be out of place in the Deep South. Full of secrets and people insisting that “you should let things alone” it is no wonder that our lead is drawn into the history that combines the town’s past, her own, and perhaps even threatens the future she is so carefully trying to create.

Based on a true story, this is an excellent start for author Maryann McFadden to dip her toes into historical fiction. There is less time spent in the historical aspect and more time in the contemporary. While the search for the details of the case seems to be a bit too easy, I can understand how the fiction part of this can lend itself to an easier time. It would be a falt book if Rachel had to stop her search due to a fire or a flooded basement as many historians or genealogy researchers have had to do. This book brings up a lot of things that readers may find hard to read about but giving a voice to many college freshmen who find themselves victims during their first year is refreshing. It is nice to see that the women are seen as victims instead of fallen women. The push for mental health help is also refreshing in historical fiction where often the best path to relief is to seek revenge.

Even though it touches on several sensitive subjects, I would recommend this to readers who love contemporary fiction and are interested in historical fiction. There is very little that readers will need to know ahead of time, and the author does a great job of not only working explanations into the storyline but also showing much of the details.

*This eBook was provided by Three Women Press and NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback*

Not until I as completely done with this book did I realize this book is a recreation of happened to a teenage servant in the late 1800's. I really enjoyed this book, a lot! Reading this brought out so many emotions in me! It takes place in two time periods, modern times and the late 1800's. Adam is a seventh generation cemetery keeper and he is newly married. His wife, Rachel had a traumatic experience 18 years ago when she was 18. She has not been able to heal from this and carries her scars with her to this day. It has affected all of her romantic relationships but she desperately wants this relationship to work out she is newly married and in love with her husband. She sees a monument in the cemetery to Tillie Smith it says, "She died defending her honor" . She feels a kinship to Tillie even though the tragedy happened 130 years ago. Rachel develops and interest/obsession with Tillie and seeks out all the info she can find out about the young woman and her last moments, looking at old news clips and digging up the trial news. I became invested in reading about Tillie's life as she worked at bettering herself by learning to read and moving up in station fraternizing with society girls. Reading the details of her last day of Tillie's life I was holding my breath knowing what was coming and wanting to yell at her and tell her to arrive home just 10 minutes earlier so she wouldn't be locked outside and have the tragedy happen. Oh poor Tillie. My heart weeps for you. Dealing with Tillie's situation helps Rachel heal from her own tragedy and justice is served. Amazing book and would love to read more by this author!
Pub Date 08 May 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Three Women Press through NetGalley. Thank you. All expressed opinions are my own.

I love books that link the past and present. The way the author interweaved the two stories so well, left me dying to find out more. I stayed up way too late too many nights reading this book. Very enjoyable!

My 8th Generation Kindle, assisted by my Bluetooth speaker or headset, read this book to me in one day…. I literally did not want to put the book down. The first chapter sealed my interest for the entire story, a perfect way to begin an awesome book. The author has such a wonderful story telling ability by taking you from past to present with Tillie and Rachel, I was so taken with both of them, each one struggling and trying to make their lives better, for completely different reasons. I loved the writing style, just enough hints were dropped to keep you wanting to read a little bit more to find the answers. The book does cover the feelings, effects and possible lasting repercussions for a victim of rape.
Since this book is based on the true murder/mystery events surrounding Tillie Smith’s demise, it made it even more entrancing. The story does have a little bit of clairvoyance going on, but by the end, I was feeling it. The last major scene where Rachel follows Tillie’s footsteps on her last night, absolutely fantastic writing!!
I give high 5*****’s and would highly recommend!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Three Women Press, Independent Book Publishers Association through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book The Cemetery Keeper‘s Wife and immediately purchased another book by Maryann McFadden. Easy to read style of writing that’s fast paced with suspense and thrills. Historical Mystery Fiction set in two time periods present time and 1886. Fictional story about a famous murder mystery that happened in New Jersey. Look forward to reading more books by Ms. McFadden. Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for making this book available to me to read and review.

I live near where this book took place and after having so many customers tell me I had to read it, I decided to even though it is not my type of book. I am not one for historical fiction, but thoroughly enjoyed this book and the journey the narrator took throughout it. I see why the book has been a hit, and the author is a wonderful woman as well (we asked her to stop in and sign a few copies!). I plan on buying a few at my store to give out as gifts and am happy I stepped out of my comfort zone to read it.

A very promising new novel! I enjoyed both the characters and storyline. It was both well written and entertaining. I highly recommend!

I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Set in duo timelines, current day Rachel Miller becomes obsessed with the rape and murder of Tillie Smith in 1886. Researching and understanding what happened to Tillie provides a type of catharsis to the rape Rachel endured nearly 20 yrs before.

Well written. After finishing the book, I realized that it was based on real history.

3.75 rounded up to 4☆

This is a interesting historical novel that transitions between two time periods, 1886 and present day. It is a intriguing story of two women's lives, one raped and murdered in Victorian times and one who is fascinated with her crime and investigates it in current time. The author writes well between both time periods. I enjoyed this fascinating look at Victorian times for one woman who struggled as a domestic and then lost her life so cruelly. A good read.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.

This story was hard to put down! I enjoyed the duo timelines and it was easy to follow. Tillie’s story was sad and heartbreaking. I really liked this book and will recommend it to everyone