The Caged Graves

“Readers who enjoy historical fiction, as well as mystery, will enjoy Salerni’s tale of witchcraft, hunt for lost treasure, and the real-life mystery.”—VOYA

The year is 1867, and seventeen-year-old Verity Boone is excited to return from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Catawissa, Pennsylvania, the hometown she left when she was just a baby. Now she will finally meet the fiancé she knows only through letters! Soon, however, she discovers two strangely caged graves . . . and learns that one of them is her own mother’s. Verity swears she’ll get to the bottom of why her mother was buried in unhallowed ground in this suspenseful teen mystery that swirls with rumors of witchcraft, buried gold from the days of the War of Independence, and even more shocking family secrets.

“Verity is a likable, feisty, and outspoken heroine . . . Salerni is a masterful storyteller who uses eloquent prose to craft a suspenseful historical mystery that is absolutely impossible to put down.”—School Library Journal (starred review)

“Salerni’s immensely readable novel is based on the author’s discovery of two real caged graves in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. Hand this fast-paced, creepy tale to fans of mysteries, forensics, paranormal and historical fiction, and the CSI TV series.”—Booklist

“Salerni grounds her story in local Revolutionary War lore, creates a spirited heroine with enough self-reflection to feel convincing and crafts a suspenseful plot that skirts sensationalism. This unusual romantic mystery stands out.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Salerni constructs an absorbing, atmospheric, and dense work of historical fiction.”—Publishers Weekly

“This one’s perfect for a rainy night, a comfy blanket, and a cup of tea.”—Bulletin