Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
Adrienne Young, author of the young adult books, Fable, Namesake, and The last legacy, has written an engrossing mystery for adults and older teens which was very difficult to put down. August Salt is returning with his mother’s ashes to Saiorse Island, a place that he and his mother had fled many years before when he had been accused of the murder of a young woman, Lily. Emery Blackwood had loved August and had planned to run away with him after their graduation, leaving the island and its superstitions far behind but the death of her best friend Lily put an end to all her dreams. Now August is back, and old mysteries and rivalries haunt the rural community.
The story is told by Emery and August in alternating voices, bringing the past events to life as they describe what happened on the island before that fateful night when the apple orchard caught alight, and Lily’s body was found amongst the trees. August is not welcomed home and gradually the reader is given clues to what really happened to Lily and just what the islanders are covering up.
Saiorse Island is described vividly, and it is easy to imagine the fishing village, the lighthouse and rocks and the rows of apples in the orchard. The community is tight knit and relies on tourists who come to pick the apples from the orchard. The tourists are disliked but they are essential to the well-being of the islanders, as is the apple orchard, once owned by August’s grandfather.
Witchcraft plays a subtle part in the life of the island where old habits and superstitions are part of the fabric of life. Emery comes from a long line of women who have the power of reading tea leaves and casting spells and she and Lily had read spells in Emery’s grandmother’s spell book.
Young expertly brings together the island folklore and the relationship between August and Emery in an exciting mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy well crafted tales with a touch of the supernatural.
Themes: Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Fantasy.
Pat Pledger