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| A dramatic psychological mystery |
A psychoanalyst visiting Guatemala accepts a desperate plea to visit the makeshift shelter of a native couple. In broken Spanish, the man and woman beg for help for a girl they say is their daughter.
When Jerry Simpson arrives, he finds Inez locked inside a windowless shed no larger than a box and tethered to a chain. She appears autistic. She is semi-feral. She likely was abused by Marxist guerrillas and government soldiers who are fighting in the hills. And she is mute.
The couple also believe Inez is cursed.
Jerry brings Inez to Canada with him and begins treatment. Four months later, Jerry’s long-time lover, journalist Caitlin Shaughnessy, receives a call. Jerry has been murdered, and Inez was found covered in his blood.
In a gripping series of flashbacks, Sheila Dalton’s The Girl in the Box (Dundurn, 2011) takes readers on a twisting journey of drama and psychological mystery as Caitlin seeks to understand how Jerry was killed—and why.
With a well-researched, fast-paced plot and powerful descriptions, Dalton deftly weaves Guatemalan customs and shamanism with glimpses into the inner workings of the human mind. Readers will be as compelled as Caitlin to discover the mystery that is Inez.
Complex, fascinating, subtle and intensely emotional, this is a book that, like Patricia McCormick’s Sold, will profoundly impact its readers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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| Sheila Dalton |
Born in England, Sheila came to Canada with her family when she was 6 years old. She lives in Newmarket, Ontario, with her husband, son and two cats.
For many years she worked as a freelance writer and editor and is currently an adult services librarian for the Toronto Public Library. Sheila has traveled to Latin America, Morocco, England, France and Holland.
Visit Sheila on her Facebook fan page or her Goodreads author page.
The Girl in the Box is available for pre-order on Amazon.
ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF THE GIRL IN THE BOX
Would you like to have your own copy of this powerfully gripping book? Sheila will be holding a giveaway contest on Goodreads Sept. 15 through Nov. 18. To enter, go to http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12043711-the-girl-in-the-box.
Be sure to watch for Thursday’s interview with author Sheila Dalton.
Your turn: What is one of the most compelling books you’ve recently read?
27 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful book.
My eldest son(The one who have severed links with me) works as a carer in a home for the adult autistic and he once said how demanding the job was,
Great review,
Yvonne.
wow - that sounds amazing!
Wow the cover looks amazing, the details are even more intriguing!!! Thank you so much for shedding a little light on this fabulous author!!!
Hi Michelle, I can vouch for this amazing book as I'm reading an ARC right now. Shelia is an amazing writer, really fabulous and I'm enjoying her book immensely. I highly recommend it!
This sounds great Michelle! Thanks for introducing us to Sheila and her book:)
This sounds like an awesome book! I love a good suspense novel! I'll be sure to enter!
@Yvonne, your knowledge and experiences would add an extra dimension to the reading of this book. I admire your son for the work he does, although I'm sad that it is part of what keeps him away.
@Michelle, both Sheila and The Girl in the Box are phenomenal!
@Jen, isn't this cover powerful and perfect for the story line? The more I read the book the more that image of Inez tore at my heart.
@Jeanne, I can't wait to read your full review, because I love it when a gifted author like you reads a powerful book like Sheila's.
@Deanna, wait until you see the author interview! Sheila really rocks, and she has the most fascinating background.
@Juliana, just let me know how many points to put you down for, because I think you'd really love this book.
oh, wow! this book sounds super fascinating. I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the heads up~ :o) <3
I'm thrilled by all the comments so far, and so grateful to Michelle for all the support she's given me. Thanks everyone who commented.
I'll be reading Michelle's book The Underground Gift soon, and I'm really looking forward to it.
This sounds like a real winner. I'll definitely enter the contest. The most compelling book I've read lately is The Lost Mother by Mary McGarry Morris. I highly recommend it.
@LTM, you said it perfectly when you said Sheila's book is fascinating with its dual mysteries--who is Inez and who killed Jerry?
@Sheila, I am honored and delighted to have you as a critiquer/beta reader for The Underground Gift. Little did I know when I asked for an ARC of your book that I'd make such a wonderful friend as well!
@Rosi, I know you will love and appreciate Sheila's book. And your endorsement has moved The Lost Mother much higher on my TBR list.
Me, too! I want to find out more about The Lost Mother. Thanks, Rosi, for the tip.
Wow, that sounds fascinating! Love the premise.
@Meredith, **waves**
Wow! This sounds really terrific! I can't wait to read it. I read a book called Girl Stolen by April Henry (I think) earlier this summer, and I found that pretty thought-provoking.
This is one I definitely will buy. I started reading it, but never got the chance to finish. I can't imagine how, but I'm sure Sheila has made it loads better since then and it was a fascinating read. Well done, Sheila. Thanks for hosting, Michelle!
Joy! How great to hear from you. Thanks so much for the kind words. As an author yourself, I'm sure you understand how nerve-wracking it is to have your "baby" step out into the world - and face judgement!
Your comments and those of others here have given me a real morale boost. Thank you.
And you're right. It's very different than when you first read and reviewed it on TNBW. I hope it's improved. With the help of my excellent editor at Dundurn, I think it has.
I've been wanting to read this book since I saw it on your page a about a month ago or so, and this only makes me want to read it more. I will be all over that Goodreads page in about two seconds.
Wow, it sounds intense and like a great read. Maybe I'll use it for my upcoming book reports this year.
Thank you all for your interest. It's quite humbling.
I've read two of the earlier drafts and know this book will be a winner. Can't wait to get my copy.
Sheila, I don't think you have to worry. I'm sure GiB is a great read. Looking forward to making its acquaintance soon. Congrats again!
@Susanna, Girl Stolen sounds very intriguing, and I've just reserved it from the library. Thank you so much for sharing this title.
@J.L., your thumbs up is the icing on the cake; I'm with you that Sheila's book rocks hard.
@Sheila, I love watching how a story evolves and takes on even more life of its own. I can't imagine Girl being any other way, it is so perfect as it is.
@Marlena, I'm so excited that today is the day Sheila's Goodreads contest goes live. In case it doesn't show, I LOVE this book. :)
@McKenzie, this book is filled with topics that would lend itself to a rocking book report. I'd love to hear what you think about The Girl in the Box.
@Linda, welcome to Bird's-eye View! What a wonderful opportunity to have know Girl through all its stages! Both you and Sheila are gifted authors.
Thanks again, everyone.
The Goodread giveaway actually goes live tomorrow, not today. Best of luck to those who enter!
@Sheila, I've just realized I'm an entire day ahead this week. Sheesh! You have my sincere apologies for trying to start the Goodreads giveaway a day sooner. I'm just that excited about it. :)
Wow, sounds intense. I'd love to read it.
@Medeia, I think you'd really appreciate Sheila's book.
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