The Great Passenger Pigeon migration of 1871 brings hordes of strangers to Placid, Wisconsin. The flocks of birds nesting in the woods around the town mean meat and eggs for everyone. The hordes of pigeoners coming to hunt the birds mean business for every seller ten miles around.
Here, extra people mean extra money, prosperity for all, but particularly for the owners of the general store, the Bolte family.
But, as the skies clear of pigeons and the streets clear of people, tragedy strikes and Agatha Burkhardt—Georgie’s older sister and Grandfather Bolte’s senior granddaughter—goes missing.
A few days later and a hundred miles away, in Dog Hollow, a body is found. The body is dressed in the most beautiful green-blue gown. There’s but one gown like that in the state. The gown Mrs. Burkhardt sewed for her daughter Agatha.
The entire town of Placid mourns Agatha. Everyone but Georgie, who sets out to uncover the truth behind Agatha’s disappearance. Alongside Georgie is Billy, Agatha’s first beau, and Placid’s handsome hunk.
Both Georgie and Billy carry regrets. Regrets that may have gotten Agatha killed.
Georgie also carries her Springfield single-shot rifle and the best aim in the region. Billy carries a repeater, seven shots without reloading, and a smile to melt any girl’s heart. The road to Dog Hollow is known for its predators, none more dangerous than the humans living along the river, so both weapons and talents will be needed.
To say that I liked this book is an understatement. It fascinated me. The historic facts, the narrative, the voice, the very convincing plot development and the very satisfying, albeit heartbreaking, conclusion work each on their own. But, all put together, they make for an excellent middle-grade novel.
It’s no secret that I have a weakness for stubborn protagonists, but only when they have the talent to back up their dodginess, and Georgie Burkhardt has lots of that. She’s also an outsider—to her family, the town people, her peers at school. She sees the world, and understands it, in ways that elude others. Yet, simple things others seem to catch on without difficulty are a mystery to her.
In Georgie, Timberlake has managed to create a character that is equal parts endearing and insufferable. You both want to hug Georgie hard and send her to her room for a time out. And, in my opinion, that’s the mark of good character development, creating a person that is not just one thing, but a little bit of many.
Likewise, Billy is also not a flat stereotype, but a conflicted young man in need of redemption.
To make the book even more readable, the voice, Georgie’s voice, is distinct and likable, different enough to be remembered but not far enough from everyday speech to become cartoon-like.
All in all, a great read.
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