Eliza Nellums

It's been over a week since I read The Bone Cay, but I can still hear the roaring of the wind and still feel an old house crumbling beneath me as the waters rise-- Eliza Nellum's claustrophobic setting is that good. The mystery as to what really happened to the poet Isobel Reyes is easy to deduce, but that is such a small part of what is going on in this book that it almost doesn't signify.

Magda Trudell is a fantastic character. Smithsonian-trained, her dedication and focus on Whimbrel House and Isobel Reyes is total. She has spent over a decade of her life determined to restore the house and grounds to their original state so that, if Isobel were to return, the poet would find it exactly as she left it. From the lemurs living on the estate, to the condition of the floors, to her tender nurturing of heritage Key lime trees, Magda's own life is subsumed by Whimbrel House, and when the two strangers appear needing shelter, she wishes she didn't have to bring them in because it means she has less time to save "her" house. Readers will soon discover that when Magda says to herself "at least she could try," this woman is more than willing to die trying. She will not give up, even as her suspicions about the teenage girl and her father become more profound.

Everything is so serious. Two strange people Magda needs to keep an eye on. The hurricane raging all around them. Most of their provisions lost in the floodwaters. Her beloved old house being eaten alive by hungry-looking murky water. An old trunk filled with old bones. The tension is even higher than the suspense, so it's good that there are occasional flashes of dark humor that allow readers (and Magda) to laugh and lighten up for a moment or two.

The Bone Cay is a tension-filled tale of survival that kept me wondering how Magda Trudell could come out on top when everything was stacked against her. I was in the mood for an elemental, atmospheric, nail-biting tale about a strong, memorable woman. I wish that I could meet her again in the future.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)… (more)

4.5 stars.All That's Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums is a poignant mystery written from the perspective of six year old Aoife Scott.

When her mom, Siobhan, goes into a hospital mental ward, Aoife's Uncle Donny comes to stay with her. Although she adores him, Aoife is desperate for her beloved mother to come home. She is an imaginative, smart little girl who clings tightly to the family's faith and her imaginary friend Teddy. Aoife is also friends with next door neighbor, Hannah, who convinces her they need to investigate Aoife's brother Theo's murder. Aoife's struggles to understand her mother's mental illness and the loss of her brother lead her on a risky journey to uncover the truth about what happened to Theo.

Aoife is precocious and mature for age but she is still only six years old. Her understanding of the events is filtered through living with a mentally ill mom and their strong Catholic faith. Her interpretations and understanding of snippets of conversations is achingly poignant and occasionally humorous. Aoife's conviction that learning the circumstances of Theo's death will bring her mother home drives her to make dangerous choices during her quest.

Donny Scott's life is the complete opposite of his troubled sister. A bachelor with no children of his own, he does not hesitate to drop everything to care for his niece. Donny is a bit distracted and his inexperience with caring for children sometimes leads to inattention about what Aoife and Hannah are up to. Donny tries to be honest with Aoife but he sometimes struggles when faced with his niece's simple questions that have very complex answers.

Occasional letters from Siobhan offer a somewhat heartrending glimpse of her battle with mental illness. She is very troubled as the doctors try to find the right mix of drugs to stabilize her so she can return home. The Scott family has a history of mental illness and it is obvious Siobhan has been dealing with her illness for several years.

All That's Bright and Gone is an extremely well-written and captivating debut. The characters are beautifully developed and quite likeable. The storyline is clever and well-executed. With a few stunning twists and unanticipated turns, Eliza Nellums brings this inventive mystery to a surprising conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this unique, delightful novel.… (more)