Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Lesley Kagen returns with the sequel to her New York Times bestselling debut, Whistling in the Dark.

Whistling in the Dark captivated readers with the story of ten-year-old Sally O'Malley and her sister, Troo, during Milwaukee's summer of 1959. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and was named a Midwest Honor Award winner.

In Good Graces, it's one year later, and a heat wave has everyone in the close-knit Milwaukee neighborhood on edge. None more so than Sally O'Malley, who remains deeply traumatized by the sudden death of her daddy and her near escape from a murderer and molester the previous summer. Although outwardly she and her sister, Troo, are more secure, Sally's confidence in her own judgment and much of her faith have been whittled away. When a series of disquieting events unfold in the neighborhood-a string of home burglaries, the escape from reform school of a nemesis, and the mysterious disappearance of an orphan, crimes that may involve the increasingly rebellious Troo-Sally is called upon to rise above her inner demons. She made a deathbed promise to her daddy to keep Troo safe, a promise she can't break, even if her life depends on it. But when events reach a crisis point, will Sally have the courage and discernment to make the right choices? Or will her false assumptions lead her and those she loves into danger once again?

Lesley Kagen's gift for imbuing her child narrators with compelling authenticity shines as never before in Good Graces, a novel told with sensitivity, wit, and warmth.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

65 people are currently reading
1425 people want to read

About the author

Lesley Kagen

12 books684 followers
Lesley Kagen is a mother of two, a grandmother of two, an actress, narrator, speaker, essayist, and the award winning, New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including her newest, EVERY NOW AND THEN. She lives in a charming small town in Wisconsin in a hundred-fifty-year-old farm house with her dog, Gracie.

More about Lesley and reading guides can be found at: www.lesleykagen.com and www.facebook.com/LesleyKagenBooks.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
465 (30%)
4 stars
590 (38%)
3 stars
357 (23%)
2 stars
80 (5%)
1 star
22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
Profile Image for Erin.
3,889 reviews466 followers
October 30, 2017
Audiobook narrated by Lesley Kagen 10h

The sequel to Whistling in the Dark and set a year later in the summer of 1960. Nothing better than having the author narrating their own book.

Sisters Sally and Troo O'Malley are dealing with the recent engagement of their mother and a series of exciting events in their Milwaukee neighbourhood. I was a big fan of Whistling in the Dark and I feel that Lesley Kagen wanted to return her fans to these wonderful characters. However, I didn't like it as much as book one. I had found Sally such an endearing character, but in this book I wanted to refer her to psychiatry.
Profile Image for Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com.
2,218 reviews93 followers
August 30, 2012
I have to say that the wait for Good Graces was definitely worth it. I was able to read a galley of the book and was blown away at how good it was. I absolutely loved Whistling in the Dark and was anxiously awaiting the sequel . When reading Whistling in the Dark I felt like I was transported in time and that I became part of the O'Malley sisters lives. To be able to revisit these girls again in Good Graces was a gift that Kagen delivered with a giant bow. This is by far one of the greatest sequels ever written. I read nearly 100 books a year and there are very few books that resonate with me long after I read them. In that way, this book is a rare gem. The dialogue is spot on, being both serious and funny in perfect unison. You find yourself lost in the book due to the beautifully woven and intricate plot. You crave more and are not disappointed. Good Graces is the type of story that can only be written by an author that is authentic and truly gifted. Kagen has proven again that she deserves to be on the National Best Sellers List. This is a book that cannot be missed. It is everything that I hoped it would be and more. I look forward to seeing what else Kagen can dream up. She is truly one of the best authors out there. Preorder this book now, you will not be disappointed. If you have not read Whistling in the Dark make sure to get it and read it while you wait for Good Graces!!!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,120 reviews424 followers
September 27, 2011
Unpredictable and an awful lot like a fun time. Sally is the narrator and Sally is telling the story in her 12 year old voice. She captures the time period, the tone, and the innocence so well! Absolutely loved the Point of view, each character and the way Sally describes each character. Politically incorrect language of the 1970's, it is not offensive but consistent with the way people talked.

I loved every single character and the way they presented themselves to Sally. I loved the Pollacks, Black Irish, Negroes, Mongoloids, and even the way Sally no longer believed in God, being a bad Catholic now and the way He answers her prayers.

Fun, fun read. It reminds me of the movie, Sandlot only in a different setting with the protagonist a 12 year old girl instead of a boy.

There is swearing with a few strategic "f" bombs.
Dialogue contains innuendo but fairly clean.
Violence is what you would expect on a playground.
Themes are appropriate for a teen but it is clearly written for the woman who has ever had a bad Toni perm.
Profile Image for Rochelle Staab.
Author 6 books149 followers
April 12, 2011
I'm grinning from ear to ear. Fortunate to have an advance, I finished GOOD GRACES in a marathon two day read. The themes in the story are delicious – Kagen pokes at the ugly truths everyone conveniently hid back in 1960s Milwaukee. Never wanted to put the story down, never did. The pacing was riveting (one more chapter then lunch, no, one more chapter then bed, go to bathroom when this chapter ends.) I always enjoy Kagen’s voice and her stream of consciousness style.


I was so happy to be with the O'Malley girls again after their first appearance in WHISTLING IN THE DARK. GOOD GRACES took me right back into the old neighborhood with Sally and Troo - their spirit, their loyalty, their self-assurance and their daring. How they doubt adults (and should) and see past color and handicaps. A delight to read, all the way to The End.
Profile Image for Becca.
926 reviews5 followers
July 12, 2017
Troo & Sally are back in this second story. Was waiting for big surprises like the first book, Whistling in the Dark, but not the case. the first book was fabulous, this one just okay.
97 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2011
I was lucky enough to get this book from Netgalley and didn't realise it was a sequel so had to buy and read the first book before I read this. Although I didn't like it quite as much as Whistling in the Dark, I still loved Good Graces. The cast of characters are what really makes the book - the heroine Sally O'Malley and her sister Troo, their friends, neighbours and parents all make the book warm and a pleasure to read. Once again the author really makes Sally come alive with her funny one liners and misquotes. It has all the makings of a great story - the goodies and the baddies and the usual happy ending. I've bought another one of the author's books and am so pleased to have come across someone who really writes my kind of book!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
Author 1 book8 followers
November 27, 2011
This follow-up to Whistling in the Dark was worth the wait. Kagen hasn't lost her touch for describing the north-west side of Milwaukee in the early 1960's. I had to laugh, because so much of the social commentary still holds true today in the melting pot that is Milwaukee. The comments about Italians (don't stand too close to them when they are talking- you'll get hit by their flapping arms, the fact they can turn on you in a second)really cracked me up. All and all, it was wonderful to spend another summer with Sally and Troo O'Malley.
Profile Image for Jessica.
603 reviews87 followers
February 17, 2017
9/3: Started last night; I am so ridiculously excited for this book. I have quite the soft spot for the O'Malley sisters, especially since they live in Wisconsin, close to where I grew up.

9/14: Oh Lesley Kagen, how can I thank you for this series? I'd love to give this book 10 stars. I adore Sally & Troo and I can only hope that there will be more. It took me a while to finish because I wanted to savor it. I definitely will re-read it.
Profile Image for Allison.
400 reviews34 followers
Read
August 27, 2024
Sequel Season continues this summer with Lesley Kagen’s “Good Graces” which is a follow up to “Whistling in the Dark.” I enjoyed coming back to the O’Malley sisters who are growing up in my same hometown just decades before I would. Kagen clearly knows Milwaukee, and the attention to detail is greatly appreciated.

Sally O’Malley and her sister Margaret (or Troo, for Trooper) have been through *a lot* between these two books. I read book one ages ago, and while I remembered kind of the core elements, particularly about the mystery at the root of “Whistling in the Dark,” I had forgotten some of the real trauma these two children go through. Notably that their Daddy dies in a car accident. Well in the time between me reading book one and book two, so did mine. And mere miles away from where theirs does. It took me awhile to really read this book because I had to work through that, but so were they and that was also helpful.

I also greatly appreciated Kagen’s messaging about the trappings and corruption within the Catholic Church within this book. And WHEW there’s a whole essay I could write about the Catholic Church’s grip on my hometown.

Sally’s relationship with the various families and adults across town is where this book really shines. There are things that a child can tell you and work through in a book, and things people will explain to children (IE racism) that we need talking tos about. Even as an adult. Sally and Troo’s sisterhood is the heartbeat of this story, and as they are getting a little older there’s more secrets between them, especially as they struggle to understand some of the revelations from the first book.

So all that to say, this book was cathartic. I would put this firmly in Historical Fiction, there is some mystery but it's not nearly as core to the plot as in the first book.
Profile Image for La Crosse County Library.
573 reviews202 followers
May 25, 2022
Review originally published April 2012
Spoilers warning for the first book in this series, Whistling in the Dark

The year is 1959. Two sisters are fending for themselves most of the time in the Washington Park neighborhood of Milwaukee. The older girl, Sally, at age 11, has promised her dying father that she will keep her 10 year-old sister Margaret safe. If you knew her sister, nicknamed "Troo" for trooper, this is not an easy task!

Good Graces by Lesley Kagen is the sequel to Whistling in the Dark. Life has settled down since last summer when their mother was gravely ill. During her recovery, their mother rekindles an old romance with the neighborhood beat cop, Dave. He becomes the stable person in their lives even though it is difficult for the girls to trust him.

These girls have difficulty trusting people they should, and sometimes they trust people they shouldn’t. Most notable are Mrs. Galecki their neighbor, her housekeeper, Ethel, Father Mickey, Greasy Al, and the Goldman’s. Kagen uses in-depth descriptions of characters as observed by the girls, which in turn makes them rather believable.

This is a story of loyalty and friendships, of innocence and guilt, of childish flights of imagination and grown-up realities. At times, the neighborhood kids are too street-smart and beyond their years in their thoughts and speech. It is not the innocent 50’s neighborhood we like to remember, but sad as it is, these broken families and “adult” children exist.

There’s murder-mystery and adventure for these sisters whether they are at summer camp, visiting the playground, the corner five and dime, or Samson the gorilla at the Washington Park Zoo.

This book can be requested at any of the La Crosse County Libraries located in Onalaska, Campbell, West Salem, Holmen, and Bangor. You can also reserve a copy through our website at www.lacrossecountylibrary.org

Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
Profile Image for McGuffy Morris.
Author 2 books19 followers
June 3, 2011
Lesley Kagen continues the story of Sally O’Malley and her sister Troo, from her bestselling novel Whistling in the Dark. However, to simply call this a sequel, while the transition is seamless, does not do this book justice. Good Graces has its own story to tell.

It is one year later in 1960 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A year in the life of the O’Malley sisters has seen many changes. While home life is more secure, both girls are still grieving the sudden loss of their father a year ago. Ever the good girl, Sally is determined to keep her deathbed promise to take care of Troo. Troo is not making it easy, becoming increasingly rebellious. Troo constantly pushes the limits and crosses lines. Her need for attention and love of drama drives her.

Summer has brought a heat wave, making everyone restless. As the summer heats up, so does the danger. The disappearance of a local boy and the escape of Troo’s nemesis from reform school are problem enough for Sally. Making matters worse, a series of home burglaries in the neighbourhood seem to possibly be connected to Troo. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Sally is unsure of her own judgment regarding both people and situations. Eventually things come to a boiling point and Sally is forced to find the courage to make decisions that surprise even her.

Lesley Kagen is an extraordinary author. She captures the essence of adolescence, with its conflict of innocence and awareness. She has a gift of giving authentic voice to her child characters. Her books are humorous yet sensitive and sweet, leaving you wanting more.




Profile Image for Sharon.
737 reviews25 followers
April 5, 2012
This is a charming story told from the perspective of an 11-year-old in 1960. I enjoyed the story and the insights into relationships that were skillfully shown and not narrated to the reader. I have a few nits: 1) the use of cliches was overdone to the point of being annoying and unnatural. It was funny at first, charming, but it was too unbelievable that one kid that age would use nearly every one known to man at that period of time. 2) The voice of Sally was inconsistent for a girl that age, sometimes sounding just right, sometimes too immature (way too immature), and other times things just weren't believable to me. An 11-year-old will be inconsistent for sure but not in the ways Sally was. I was a youngster in that time period. No 10-year-old I knew smoked, as Troo did, and definitely none used the f word. That's common now but it wasn't then.

I loved the characters of Wendy and Ethel. They were exceedingly well done. The overall story was good, well worth reading especially for those who like somewhat lighter reading. There were some very funny spots and some very sad spots. I liked the neighborhood and all the many characters and families.

The "scheme" at the end and the way it turned out were not very believable, but it was nonetheless satisfying if you're willing to suspend reality a bit, which we often do in books. The accident by Wendy seemed possible, but the aftermath of the priest and life going on as usual didn't feel quite right. Overall, the story is charming and has some suspense and many life situations.
Profile Image for Nancy.
17 reviews
October 26, 2011
When I finished Good Graces I intended to write a review - but I couldn't. I'm not sure why, I guess it was "writer's block" - but it was also because I couldn't sort out my feelings about the story. I still find it difficult to put into words because so much of my love of the book is about how it made me feel as I read it. For awhile I thought I was disappointed in Troo and Sally's mother. Given the danger of the previous summer (depicted in "Whistling in the Dark") I just couldn't understand how they could be in danger again. The happy ending of "Whistling in the Dark" seemed once again elusive. Why were these wonderful girls not being more closely supervised? While I thought about it I was taken once again to memories of my own childhood, the freedom of being a child in the 60s. Parents didn't have to watch their children as closely back then. They would never suspect that there could be danger two summers in a row. The portrayal of Helen now seems perfectly normal. In Good Graces Lesley Kagen's writing is so brilliantly descriptive that i can almost smell the playground air as the sun is setting. I can hear the voices of children as they head for home before it gets dark and I can feel the summer breeze coming through the open bedroom window. I loved the book and can't wait to see what the author will do next!
89 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2011
I re-read Whistling in the Dark prior to reading this sequel and I have to say that the sequel is better than the original novel. I really enjoyed hanging with the O'Malley girls once again. Lesley Kagen has a terrific memory for the times she writes about. Having lived through those times myself, I was frequently caught up with a detail that made me say, "Wow, I had forgotten about that." The time spent with Sally and Troo O'Malley is as satisfying as the best comfort food you can think of.
The author has the most delightful sense of humor that shines from every page. As an older sister charged with the minding of a younger, 'quite a handful' sister, I could identify with the trials that Sally went through to watch over Troo just as she promised her father she would.
This book rings true. I found that all the characters were fully developed. I especially want to compliment the author on her treatment of the young girl with Down Syndrome, Wendy Latour. It is a great read and one that you should not deny yourself. Run, not walk to your favorite bookstore and get this novel. You will be happy that you did.
Profile Image for Lorri.
178 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2011
This is the sequel to Whistling In The Dark, which I have not read. Even though I didn't read the first book, I could understand and follow everything going on. It starts out with Sally being in her 60's, telling the story of what happened in the summer of 1960- where someone was buried that only her and her sister knew about. Sally feels obligated to watch Troo and keep her out of trouble. It not only causes her to give up her free time, but lose sleep. Sally also finds out that her deceased father was not her biological dad, and the man her mother now wants to marry, is. Not only that, but she is still trying to get over almost being killed last summer. I enjoyed it and found the characters interesting and liked the strong bond between the sisters.
2 reviews
May 2, 2011
I had the privilege of being an early reader of Good Graces, Lesley Kagen's sequel to her first novel, Whistling in the Dark. The continuation of the story of the wise and wonderful O'Malley sisters, Sally and Troo from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is endearing, and heart-warming and will not to be forgotten by Lesley's fans. Trust me, you will not be able to put it aside once you open the beautifully designed cover and immerse yourself in this September, 2011 release. You will find your questions about "the girls" answered and if you are like me, will beg Lesley to write her final story for a trilogy.
1 review
June 2, 2011
"Good Graces" by Lesley Kagen - I just spent the better part of today reunited with dear friends, living in the Washington Park area of Milwaukee, WI. in the 1960s. The unforgettable characters & clever twists of plot kept me reading voraciously...not wanting to miss a thing.

The ending was...Oh, you will have to read "Good Graces" to find out for yourself!! This sequel to "Whistling in the Dark" reminds me of the imagination at work in a 12 year old girl's mind, as a long hot summer stretches out before her. An added plus is the fimiliar places in the town where I grew up. Lesley, you never dissapoint me!
Profile Image for Amber.
89 reviews14 followers
September 12, 2011
I received this book for free from goodreads first reads. I loved this book.It was set in 1960. The narrator is a young girl (Sally) and her innocence shows through in her story telling and made me smile. Her little sister Troo is a handful and I admit had me actually laugh out loud. This book has well developed characters. The main characters are all likeable. This is a sequel, but it can stand alone as well. My only gripe about this book is that I didn't read the first one but I intend to fix that!
5 reviews
October 11, 2011
Lesley Kagen's descriptions in Good Graces are amazing! You will feel as though you are in the Milwaukee neighborhood with Troo and Sally O'Malley! When I was a little girl we always went to see Sampson the gorilla at the Milwaukee Zoo. When Lesley wrote about the girls' visit with Sampson I felt the excitement that I used to feel so many years ago when I went to see him. This is a "keep reading-can't put it down" book! Don't stop with Good Graces. Make sure you read Lesley's other books: Whistling in the Dark (read 1st if you can), Land of a Hundred Wonders, and Tomorrow River!
Profile Image for Jeanie ~ MyFairytaleLibrary.
630 reviews76 followers
February 26, 2023

*Review*
The sequel to Whistling in the Dark. It’s 1960 and one year after the events of the fist book. This one is also narrated by Sally and the author voices the audiobook. It’s a hot summer and Sally is still recovering from her trauma. After Troo has written very funny and hateful letters to Greasy Al in jail, they find out he’s escaped. There’s also been a series of home robberies.

I loved the sequel almost as much as Whistling in the Dark. If there’s ever a third one, count me in!



1 review
August 7, 2011
Bravo,Bravo!!!!Lesley Kagen has done it again!! She has brought our two little sweethearts back to the pages of our imagination!! While reading this book you can't help but feel you are sitting right next to Sally experienceing the same emotions. This book is flawless and has left me wanting more. What kind of twisting and turning adventures would come of the O'Malley sisters next summer! This book is a must read!!! Thank you Lesley for your gift of writing!!
1 review
April 15, 2011
When I heard there was going to be a sequel to Whistling in the Dark I was excited, but also nervous that the author could surpass herself. I needn't have worried. Good Graces is wonderful! What a great book club read! Thank you, Ms. Kagen. Brava!
Profile Image for Patricia.
13 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2011
This was such a great book. I loved how the characters really shined in the book. I know this was a follow up to another book I would like to read the first one. The time and place in this book was brought forth so well. It made me feel like I was in the book with them..
Profile Image for Dena.
170 reviews
October 10, 2011
I LOVE LESLEY KAGEN books! She did it again!
Profile Image for Ruth Vanderhart.
803 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2011
If you liked Whisling in the Dark, don't miss this book. Excellent sequel!
Profile Image for Heidi.
229 reviews19 followers
April 27, 2012
Liked it better than the first one!
Profile Image for Gloria.
48 reviews
September 29, 2011
I didn't want this book to end, I wish I had these 2 little girls living next to me. It keeps me thinking on how to be "charitable".
26 reviews
October 20, 2011
One of the best sequals I have read. Good story teller, good characters, and just an enjoyable read with some suspense. Can't wait to read her other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.