The Bog Wife is a gothic novel based around a dysfunctional family, The Haddesleys. It gives the creepiness feels, but I did not find one character that I wanted to know more about before the book ended. The children had all been raised away from the real world to believe there were certain rules and traditions that must be followed or their land and home would no longer be theirs. They were lied to all along. The story screamed "cult" to me, even though it involved only one family. The writing was very good and set off scary, underlying feelings. I am not sure I would recommend it.

I love when historical fiction introduces me to a subject I want to research further. Michelle Collins Anderson brings to life the Dance Hall Explosion (based on real life events) in Missouri. The story is told in two decades set 50 years apart. Daisy Flowers is moved to her grandmother's home while her mom and current boyfriend set out west, promising to bring Daisy out when they settle. Living with her grandmother, over her family business of a funeral home, is not something a hippy style teenager thinks will be fun. When Daisy lets slip some personal information about a prominent resident to the local paper, her summer internship is sealed. Not everyone is happy with Daisy's choice of writing about the Dance Hall Explosion, they think some information is better left hidden and not talked about. Daisy soon learns, family isn't just those you live with, but those you let into your life. If I were to change one thing, it might be the cover. I think the newspaper or dance hall might be a better draw for a forward facing book. I recommend this title and look forward to future novels by Michelle Collins Anderson.