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The Red Bird Sings: A chilling and gripping historical gothic fiction debut, winner of the Kate O'Brien Award 2024*
West Virginia, 1897. Young newlywed Zona Heaster Shue is found dead in her house, in what seems to have been a tragic accident. However, her mother, Mary Jane, is convinced Zona was murdered - and by none other than Zona's husband, Trout, the handsome blacksmith beloved in their small Southern town.
But when Trout is put on trial, no one believes he could have done it, apart from Mary Jane and Zona's best friend Lucy, who was always suspicious of Trout. As the trial raises to fever pitch and the men of Greenbrier County stand aligned against them, Mary Jane and Lucy must decide whether to reveal Zona's greatest secret in the service of justice. But it's Zona herself, from beyond the grave, who still has one last revelation to make.
But when Trout is put on trial, no one believes he could have done it, apart from Mary Jane and Zona's best friend Lucy, who was always suspicious of Trout. As the trial raises to fever pitch and the men of Greenbrier County stand aligned against them, Mary Jane and Lucy must decide whether to reveal Zona's greatest secret in the service of justice. But it's Zona herself, from beyond the grave, who still has one last revelation to make.
326 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
March 28, 2023
Dublin-based writer Aoife Fitzpatrick’s promising debut novel’s apparently inspired by an actual court case. Set in West Virginia in the 1890s it centres on the sudden death of Zona recently wed to local blacksmith Trout. Zona has a troubled past, forced to give up Elizabeth, her baby, after being abandoned by her lover. So she’s completely smitten by the mature, incredibly attentive Trout. But her best friend Lucy, an unashamedly “new woman” and aspiring journalist - complete with bicycle and armed with a typewriter - is less sure about Zona’s decision and Trout’s intentions. Then, just three months after the wedding, Zona’s found dead. Fitzpatrick’s story follows Lucy and Zona’s mother Mary Jane as they try to make sense of Zona’s sudden death, as they delve deeper they begin to suspect murder. Although Lucy favours conventional means of investigation while Mary Jane’s obsession with spiritualism involves her in attempts to commune with Zona’s spirit.
Fitzpatrick’s well-researched piece develops into an unusual examination of coercive control and domestic violence at a time when wives were often considered their husbands’ property. Her narrative shifts between characters and points of view with a focus on Lucy and Mary Jane. Their accounts are interspersed with court transcripts, and letters from Zona meant for her lost daughter. Although there were numerous elements that interested me, this wasn’t totally to my taste, I found the different perspectives a little distracting, and I’d have preferred more emphasis on character and on setting. I also found Fitzpatrick’s writing style difficult to engage with. However, an earlier draft of the novel An Arrangement in Grey and Black won the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize and I imagine this finished version would be a more than decent read for fans of this kind of historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and to publisher Virago for an ARC
Rating: 2.5
Fitzpatrick’s well-researched piece develops into an unusual examination of coercive control and domestic violence at a time when wives were often considered their husbands’ property. Her narrative shifts between characters and points of view with a focus on Lucy and Mary Jane. Their accounts are interspersed with court transcripts, and letters from Zona meant for her lost daughter. Although there were numerous elements that interested me, this wasn’t totally to my taste, I found the different perspectives a little distracting, and I’d have preferred more emphasis on character and on setting. I also found Fitzpatrick’s writing style difficult to engage with. However, an earlier draft of the novel An Arrangement in Grey and Black won the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize and I imagine this finished version would be a more than decent read for fans of this kind of historical fiction.
Thanks to Netgalley and to publisher Virago for an ARC
Rating: 2.5
March 28, 2023
West Virgina, 1897. when young Zona Heaster Shue dies only a few months after her wedding, her mother Mary Jane becomes convinced that Zona was murdered - and by none other than her husband, Trout, the handsome blacksmith beloved in their small Southern town. But when Trout is put on trial, no one believes he could have done it, apart from Mary Jane and Zona's best friend, Lucy, who was always suspicious of Trout. As the trial raises to fever pitch, and the men of Greenbrier County stand aligned against them, Mary Jane and Lucy must decide whether to reveal Zona's secret in the service of justice. But it's Zona herself, from beyond the grave, who still has one last revelation to make.
This story is based on true events. It starts off slowly, but the pace soon picks up. It's beautifully written and the words just flow from the pages. The mystery behind Zona's death is told from different timeframes and from two people's perspectives. The tension mounts as the trial begins, and new evidence threatening to ruin expectations, it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I never saw the big twist in the courtroom coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK #Virago and the author #AoifeFitzpatrick for my ARC of #TheRedBirdSings in exchange for an honest review.
This story is based on true events. It starts off slowly, but the pace soon picks up. It's beautifully written and the words just flow from the pages. The mystery behind Zona's death is told from different timeframes and from two people's perspectives. The tension mounts as the trial begins, and new evidence threatening to ruin expectations, it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. I never saw the big twist in the courtroom coming.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK #Virago and the author #AoifeFitzpatrick for my ARC of #TheRedBirdSings in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
I found this book difficult to engage with and confusing to follow. The beginning was slow and the characters did not feel fully drawn. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
March 9, 2024
Unfortunately The Red Bird Sings has been a bit of a chore to read!
After a promising opening, with a very emotional letter from Zone to her little girl, it descended into a rather confusing(at times!) introduction to a very unlikable cast of characters, constantly at each other throats, not much love lost between members of the same family kind of scenario and then suddenly a murder in the family.... Needless to say that Zona's death causes the family to implode, supernatural elements are being introduced, and everyone scrambles to prove he did it! And then you have the feminist undertones: Lucy's attempts at being a real journalist without being taken seriously, all that talk about corsets etc etc ...
In my view this novel wanted to be too many things at once without doing any of them well. I did enjoy some bits like Zona's letters to her child, Lucy's articles about the trial and there where moments and I found myself thinking how gorgeous the writing was. But great writing doesn't always make for a great book ...
Despite not enjoying this novel, I do think Fitzpatrick is a promising writer, so I am curios to see where she will go next!
*Book from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher!
After a promising opening, with a very emotional letter from Zone to her little girl, it descended into a rather confusing(at times!) introduction to a very unlikable cast of characters, constantly at each other throats, not much love lost between members of the same family kind of scenario and then suddenly a murder in the family.... Needless to say that Zona's death causes the family to implode, supernatural elements are being introduced, and everyone scrambles to prove he did it! And then you have the feminist undertones: Lucy's attempts at being a real journalist without being taken seriously, all that talk about corsets etc etc ...
In my view this novel wanted to be too many things at once without doing any of them well. I did enjoy some bits like Zona's letters to her child, Lucy's articles about the trial and there where moments and I found myself thinking how gorgeous the writing was. But great writing doesn't always make for a great book ...
Despite not enjoying this novel, I do think Fitzpatrick is a promising writer, so I am curios to see where she will go next!
*Book from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher!
February 18, 2025
Tikrai gera istorija, perskaičiau gana įsitraukus. Gaila, kad per daug nuspėjama. 3 žvaigždutės dėl turinio lengvumo.
March 20, 2023
4.5 stars: I'm only knocking off the half point because the start was quite slow and until I was a third in did I get totally invested in this book. After that I was so hooked that I sat (quite literally) on the edge of my seat until I finished it.
The whole book is about the death of Zona Heaster, a woman with a dubious past that involves the adoption of a child born "out of wedlock". She then finds love with Edward (Trout) Shue but this ends in tragedy when Zona's body is found at the bottom of the stairs of her home. After a strange burial suspicion finally lands on Trout and the history of Zona's life is interspersed with the account of the trial by Zona's best friend, Lucy Frye.
As I said it is a slow start but once the trial began I was absolutely riveted. I had to stop myself from going to the end just to find out what happened because I was getting far too emotional. Set as it is at the end of the 19th century there are plenty of references as to the expected (and accepted) behaviour of women that had me (unsurprisingly) seething.
I'd have to give my wholehearted agreement to the judges of the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize. This is a worthy winner. I hope to read more by Aoife Fitzpatrick in the future.
The whole book is about the death of Zona Heaster, a woman with a dubious past that involves the adoption of a child born "out of wedlock". She then finds love with Edward (Trout) Shue but this ends in tragedy when Zona's body is found at the bottom of the stairs of her home. After a strange burial suspicion finally lands on Trout and the history of Zona's life is interspersed with the account of the trial by Zona's best friend, Lucy Frye.
As I said it is a slow start but once the trial began I was absolutely riveted. I had to stop myself from going to the end just to find out what happened because I was getting far too emotional. Set as it is at the end of the 19th century there are plenty of references as to the expected (and accepted) behaviour of women that had me (unsurprisingly) seething.
I'd have to give my wholehearted agreement to the judges of the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize. This is a worthy winner. I hope to read more by Aoife Fitzpatrick in the future.
September 18, 2024
Man ši nelabai patiko ir skaitėsi nuobodžiai.
May 4, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Inspired by true events, The Red Bird Sings follows Mary-Jane and Lucy in West Virginia, 1987, as their daughter and friend Zona dies, apparently from the hands of her new husband. Determined to prove the man guilty, Lucy gathers evidence to avenge her best friend while Mary-Jane is convinced her daughter is speaking to her beyond the grave.
This book is well written and I think the historical setting is really good. I liked how we got to know Zona a little bit and received glimpses of her real spirit and character before her marriage to Edward Shue, and death. Mary-Jane as a character is probably one of the biggest and loudest in the books due to her eccentricities and her ferociousness in her love for her daughter but Lucy was definitely the stand-out character for me due to her determined nature and her clever way of making things right.
I enjoyed reading this and I think this is an excellent debut novel. I will definitely be reading anything else Aoife Fitzpatrick writes as she definitely has a talent, especially considering she is an Irish author writing an American setting. It felt very authentic to me. However, this story was fine for me. I enjoyed it, it was very good but it wasn't a stand out novel to me, or one I'd be rushing to recommend. And I think it's just a me thing, and not a big problem with the story itself.
Inspired by true events, The Red Bird Sings follows Mary-Jane and Lucy in West Virginia, 1987, as their daughter and friend Zona dies, apparently from the hands of her new husband. Determined to prove the man guilty, Lucy gathers evidence to avenge her best friend while Mary-Jane is convinced her daughter is speaking to her beyond the grave.
This book is well written and I think the historical setting is really good. I liked how we got to know Zona a little bit and received glimpses of her real spirit and character before her marriage to Edward Shue, and death. Mary-Jane as a character is probably one of the biggest and loudest in the books due to her eccentricities and her ferociousness in her love for her daughter but Lucy was definitely the stand-out character for me due to her determined nature and her clever way of making things right.
I enjoyed reading this and I think this is an excellent debut novel. I will definitely be reading anything else Aoife Fitzpatrick writes as she definitely has a talent, especially considering she is an Irish author writing an American setting. It felt very authentic to me. However, this story was fine for me. I enjoyed it, it was very good but it wasn't a stand out novel to me, or one I'd be rushing to recommend. And I think it's just a me thing, and not a big problem with the story itself.
October 2, 2024
It's been a while since I've read a historical fiction, especially one set in the courtroom. This kept me intrigued and I enjoyed the different formats of letters, newspaper articles and the points of view of two main characters. I'm even more intrigued as it's based on true events so I want to go and research that now!
This was a quick read for me and although I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable it was written well enough that I wanted to find out what happened to Zona and what the big secret was.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group and the author.
This was a quick read for me and although I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable it was written well enough that I wanted to find out what happened to Zona and what the big secret was.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group and the author.
December 28, 2022
The Red Bird Sings by Aoife Fitzpatrick is based on the true story of the 1897 trial of Trout Shue for the murder of his young wife in West Virginia.
Ms Fitzpatrick’s writing skills are clear in this her debut book, and while this reader struggles with the difficulty in separating fact from fiction in this type of story, The Red Bird Sings is a solid, well-organised and entertaining work.
While Zona and her friend Lucy come across as Anne of Green Gables types in the background section, as the tension intensifies during the trial, Lucy’s character, in her bravery and selflessness comes to the fore. The balance within the character of blackhearted Shue, a cold, arrogant, depressive, with equal numbers of supporters and opponents, and a clever courtroom twist builds to a dramatic conclusion.
This is a clever telling of a true story veiled in mystery and hearsay.
With thanks to Netgalley UK and Little, Brown Book Group UK
Ms Fitzpatrick’s writing skills are clear in this her debut book, and while this reader struggles with the difficulty in separating fact from fiction in this type of story, The Red Bird Sings is a solid, well-organised and entertaining work.
While Zona and her friend Lucy come across as Anne of Green Gables types in the background section, as the tension intensifies during the trial, Lucy’s character, in her bravery and selflessness comes to the fore. The balance within the character of blackhearted Shue, a cold, arrogant, depressive, with equal numbers of supporters and opponents, and a clever courtroom twist builds to a dramatic conclusion.
This is a clever telling of a true story veiled in mystery and hearsay.
With thanks to Netgalley UK and Little, Brown Book Group UK
April 7, 2023
This was a compelling historic court-room drama based on true events. The plot had interesting twists and turns and there was thought-provoking discussion about domestic violence and how women were treated at the time.
However, I struggled with the writing style a little which let the book down for me. The prose felt a little muddy and scattered and the alternate narratives between two characters, which is normally a style I enjoy, in this case felt confused.
But, overall an enjoyable gripping read.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
However, I struggled with the writing style a little which let the book down for me. The prose felt a little muddy and scattered and the alternate narratives between two characters, which is normally a style I enjoy, in this case felt confused.
But, overall an enjoyable gripping read.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
April 7, 2023
I was in another slump until I picked up this wonderfully amazing gothic true crime debut.
The Red Bird Sings recounts the story of Zona Heaster Shue, The Greenbriar Ghost, who only three months into her marriage to Trout Shue is found dead at the bottom of her stairs. Buried under the impression of "everlasting faint", Zona reappears to her mother Mary Jane and tells her that Trout murdered her. When Mary Jane tells the county prosecuter, he doesn't believe her, but discrepancies in death certificate by the local doctor give John Preston cause to exhume Zona's body and what they find is more than they bargained for.
Aoife Fitzpatrick's writing of Lucy Frye and Mary Jane Heaster was just beautiful. The language was fleshed out to the point that I felt I wasn't reading a debut novel. It flowed beautifully and left me wanting more at each chapter. The mixture of third person account, letters and a fictional journalistic recounting of the trial made for a fresher feeling.
Any reader can tell how much Fitzpatrick researched the case of The Greenbriar Ghost, and other historical elements. The attitudes of men and women during the trial really reflect the setting of the novel. It just all works so well together, the language, the historical accuracy, the attitudes.
Women didn't have a voice in 1897, some women still don't. And the title, there is a scene in the novel of a lost cardinal singing. But it reflects more on the unheard voices of women suffering at the hands of men, the suppression of their souls whilst trying to live a life they are expected to. No one would suspect the upstanding blacksmith, Trout Shue of brutally choking Zona, but the way her ghost goes full "you're going to hear me sing" at the trial was so stark. Zona's case is a reflection of what still happens today.
The Red Bird Sings recounts the story of Zona Heaster Shue, The Greenbriar Ghost, who only three months into her marriage to Trout Shue is found dead at the bottom of her stairs. Buried under the impression of "everlasting faint", Zona reappears to her mother Mary Jane and tells her that Trout murdered her. When Mary Jane tells the county prosecuter, he doesn't believe her, but discrepancies in death certificate by the local doctor give John Preston cause to exhume Zona's body and what they find is more than they bargained for.
Aoife Fitzpatrick's writing of Lucy Frye and Mary Jane Heaster was just beautiful. The language was fleshed out to the point that I felt I wasn't reading a debut novel. It flowed beautifully and left me wanting more at each chapter. The mixture of third person account, letters and a fictional journalistic recounting of the trial made for a fresher feeling.
Any reader can tell how much Fitzpatrick researched the case of The Greenbriar Ghost, and other historical elements. The attitudes of men and women during the trial really reflect the setting of the novel. It just all works so well together, the language, the historical accuracy, the attitudes.
Women didn't have a voice in 1897, some women still don't. And the title, there is a scene in the novel of a lost cardinal singing. But it reflects more on the unheard voices of women suffering at the hands of men, the suppression of their souls whilst trying to live a life they are expected to. No one would suspect the upstanding blacksmith, Trout Shue of brutally choking Zona, but the way her ghost goes full "you're going to hear me sing" at the trial was so stark. Zona's case is a reflection of what still happens today.
April 26, 2023
THE RED BIRD SINGS, by Aoife Fitzpatrick was a Goldsboro members' pick. While not a genre I normally turn to, this Historical Fiction (with a Gothic edge), is the second "surprise" book that I have recently read and enjoyed from them.
The story revolves around a newly married woman who dies, and her family (with her best friend) certain that her husband murdered her. In this time, nobody thinks an upstanding man's word is less than fact, and women were often ignored (simply "emotional"). When the victim's ghost tries to communicate to her mother, she knows she needs to try to bring about justice, despite the odds against her.
A captivating read, rich in detail and seeped with history.
Recommended.
The story revolves around a newly married woman who dies, and her family (with her best friend) certain that her husband murdered her. In this time, nobody thinks an upstanding man's word is less than fact, and women were often ignored (simply "emotional"). When the victim's ghost tries to communicate to her mother, she knows she needs to try to bring about justice, despite the odds against her.
A captivating read, rich in detail and seeped with history.
Recommended.
April 5, 2024
Simple yet profound. Sometimes you need a book that has a straightforward narrative from start to finish with no embellishments, but is well written, with great characters and that is what you get in Red Bird. The quest for justice for Zona Heaster in the courtroom in rural West Virginia was totally giving me To Kill a Mockingbird vibes, bringing a tear to me eye and a few choice angry words. A thoroughly emotional, yet enjoyable read.
August 21, 2025
The times rašo, kad norėsiu versti puslapį po puslapio....gaila, bet tie puslapiai vertėsi sunkiai.. taip detektyvinė istorija, net sakyčiau nebloga, bet visas apipavidalinimas tikrai nuobodokas...
August 4, 2023
A dark, atmospheric novel, well written.
I was quite surprised when I finished it and did a bit of Googling to find that all the facts were true!
I was quite surprised when I finished it and did a bit of Googling to find that all the facts were true!
April 3, 2023
I was lucky enough to read a proof of THE RED BIRD SINGS, Aoife Fitzpatrick’s gorgeously written, thriller of a novel. Based on real events that took place in Greenbriar, West Virginia in the late nineteenth century, the story opens in the setting of the trial of Trout Shue, accused of killing his young bride, Zona Heaster. A series of newspaper articles penned by Zona’s good friend, Lucy Frye, recount the court proceedings and are interwoven at critical junctures, along with letters the deceased wrote to her daughter, Elizabeth, whom Zona gave up for adoption at birth. Zona intended the letters for her daughter when she was old enough to understand the difficult circumstances that led her mother to give her away. More than that, the letters are windows into Zona’s soul. “There’s a hole in my mind. A place called Missing You. And like a lens bending the light, it changes how I see things.” And as the story unfolds, the letters become testimony from beyond the grave, critical to establishing the facts of what happened when the eponymous red bird sings.
Fitzpatrick weaves an intriguing story, filled with complicated, conflicted characters, none without flaws, but none as flawed as the guileful Trout Shue. The writing is rich with sensuous imagery, evoking the West Virginia setting and sketching the complicated web of Lucy and Zona’s friendship, as well as the fraught relationship between Zona and her mother, Mary Jane, in a richly textured syntax told from different points of view.
The story builds slowly. Fitzpatrick takes her time to establish that things in Greenbriar are not what they first appear to be. Lucy’s jealousy of Trout derives from her worry that he’ll rupture her friendship with Zona. When that happens, she blames Zona for not standing up to him, her jealousy blinding her to clues that sinister forces lie behind her friend’s unwillingness to defend the friendship. Mary Jane believes she can communicate with the dead, a fact that might jeopardize the killer’s conviction. Zona’s father, Jacob, seems to care most for his daughter. But his own blind ambition might have put her at risk.
As the story builds to its crescendo, layers of deception and self-deception begin to fall away, revealing the tragedy at the heart of the story—the violence against women that can be hidden behind closed doors and beneath a clever veneer of respectability.
Fitzpatrick weaves an intriguing story, filled with complicated, conflicted characters, none without flaws, but none as flawed as the guileful Trout Shue. The writing is rich with sensuous imagery, evoking the West Virginia setting and sketching the complicated web of Lucy and Zona’s friendship, as well as the fraught relationship between Zona and her mother, Mary Jane, in a richly textured syntax told from different points of view.
The story builds slowly. Fitzpatrick takes her time to establish that things in Greenbriar are not what they first appear to be. Lucy’s jealousy of Trout derives from her worry that he’ll rupture her friendship with Zona. When that happens, she blames Zona for not standing up to him, her jealousy blinding her to clues that sinister forces lie behind her friend’s unwillingness to defend the friendship. Mary Jane believes she can communicate with the dead, a fact that might jeopardize the killer’s conviction. Zona’s father, Jacob, seems to care most for his daughter. But his own blind ambition might have put her at risk.
As the story builds to its crescendo, layers of deception and self-deception begin to fall away, revealing the tragedy at the heart of the story—the violence against women that can be hidden behind closed doors and beneath a clever veneer of respectability.
April 15, 2023
This was such an atmospheric, original book and I found it a captivating read. I loved the fact it was based on real events in West Virginia from 1897.
Zona Heaster dies a few months after marrying Trout, the handsome blacksmith. Following her death Zona's mother Mary has a vision and as a result both Mary and her best friend Lucy believe that her death was not accidental. What follows is a court case where Trout is accused of murdering his new wife.
I enjoyed the different elements of the story which were told through court proceedings, letters as well as the narration from Zona's mother and her best friend.
Although the story starts quite slowly, the book really reaches a crescendo in the final chapters and I couldn't put it down. It was hard to predict the end result of the court case. I really enjoyed the ending!
I would recommend this to historical fiction fans who like a gothic twist with some hints of the supernatural. This is a fantastic debut.
Zona Heaster dies a few months after marrying Trout, the handsome blacksmith. Following her death Zona's mother Mary has a vision and as a result both Mary and her best friend Lucy believe that her death was not accidental. What follows is a court case where Trout is accused of murdering his new wife.
I enjoyed the different elements of the story which were told through court proceedings, letters as well as the narration from Zona's mother and her best friend.
Although the story starts quite slowly, the book really reaches a crescendo in the final chapters and I couldn't put it down. It was hard to predict the end result of the court case. I really enjoyed the ending!
I would recommend this to historical fiction fans who like a gothic twist with some hints of the supernatural. This is a fantastic debut.
March 31, 2023
Set in Virginia in 1897 this novel tells the story of newly married Zola who is found murdered in her home. Her husband Trout , the local blacksmith is arrested for the murder and taken to trial. Told through narrative, letters and court records this story explores what happened and how no-one seems to be quite who they seem to be. A story of patriarchy and how reputation can so easily be destroyed. A story of mother and daughter relationships and above all loyalty and friendship. I really enjoyed this novel and will be looking for more from this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
September 23, 2023
Every sentence in this book is simply beautiful. This is a lesson in what good writing is.
April 7, 2023
I was in another slump until I picked up this wonderfully amazing gothic true crime debut.
The Red Bird Sings recounts the story of Zona Heaster Shue, The Greenbriar Ghost, who only three months into her marriage to Trout Shue is found dead at the bottom of her stairs. Buried under the impression of "everlasting faint", Zona reappears to her mother Mary Jane and tells her that Trout murdered her. When Mary Jane tells the county prosecuter, he doesn't believe her, but discrepancies in death certificate by the local doctor give John Preston cause to exhume Zona's body and what they find is more than they bargained for.
Aoife Fitzpatrick's writing of Lucy Frye and Mary Jane Heaster was just beautiful. The language was fleshed out to the point that I felt I wasn't reading a debut novel. It flowed beautifully and left me wanting more at each chapter. The mixture of third person account, letters and a fictional journalistic recounting of the trial made for a fresher feeling.
Any reader can tell how much Fitzpatrick researched the case of The Greenbriar Ghost, and other historical elements. The attitudes of men and women during the trial really reflect the setting of the novel. It just all works so well together, the language, the historical accuracy, the attitudes.
Women didn't have a voice in 1897, some women still don't. And the title, there is a scene in the novel of a lost cardinal singing. But it reflects more on the unheard voices of women suffering at the hands of men, the suppression of their souls whilst trying to live a life they are expected to. No one would suspect the upstanding blacksmith, Trout Shue of brutally choking Zona, but the way her ghost goes full "you're going to hear me sing" at the trial was so stark. Zona's case is a reflection of what still happens today.
The Red Bird Sings recounts the story of Zona Heaster Shue, The Greenbriar Ghost, who only three months into her marriage to Trout Shue is found dead at the bottom of her stairs. Buried under the impression of "everlasting faint", Zona reappears to her mother Mary Jane and tells her that Trout murdered her. When Mary Jane tells the county prosecuter, he doesn't believe her, but discrepancies in death certificate by the local doctor give John Preston cause to exhume Zona's body and what they find is more than they bargained for.
Aoife Fitzpatrick's writing of Lucy Frye and Mary Jane Heaster was just beautiful. The language was fleshed out to the point that I felt I wasn't reading a debut novel. It flowed beautifully and left me wanting more at each chapter. The mixture of third person account, letters and a fictional journalistic recounting of the trial made for a fresher feeling.
Any reader can tell how much Fitzpatrick researched the case of The Greenbriar Ghost, and other historical elements. The attitudes of men and women during the trial really reflect the setting of the novel. It just all works so well together, the language, the historical accuracy, the attitudes.
Women didn't have a voice in 1897, some women still don't. And the title, there is a scene in the novel of a lost cardinal singing. But it reflects more on the unheard voices of women suffering at the hands of men, the suppression of their souls whilst trying to live a life they are expected to. No one would suspect the upstanding blacksmith, Trout Shue of brutally choking Zona, but the way her ghost goes full "you're going to hear me sing" at the trial was so stark. Zona's case is a reflection of what still happens today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, easy read and a page turner but with complex and interesting themes, and immersive writing and imagery. I absolutely loved the switching narration between the two complex, and fully imagined characters of Mary Jane and Lucy - both of their descriptions of Zona also conveyed a fully rounded, fascinating character - all of these women had a unique viewpoint and a life that existed beyond the story. I loved the mixture of realist court trial, alongside the supernatural/ghost story. All my fave themes of feminism, the supernatural, death and complex relationships (particularly loved the portrayal of the mother/daughter relationship). 4 stars rather than 5 because I wanted more of all the above - was more plot focused and quite quick when actually I could have read a much longer book that examined the relational and power dynamics more intricately.
Plot reminder: Book begins with young Zona giving birth to her child out of wedlock in secret and giving her up for adoption. Zona then marries local respected blacksmith Trout, but their relationship is clearly controlling and violent from the outset. Zona retreats and trout drives a wedge between her and her mother and her best friend Lucy. Zona is then killed, and Lucy and Mary Jane suspect trout - Mary Jane believes she is visited by zina’s spirit who tells the story. Court case takes place and trout convicted of the murder. Ends several years later with lucy as a journalist and Mary jane about to meet her granddaughter. Narration moves between third person account (but with perspective of Lucy or Mary Jane), Lucy’s articles about the trial, transcripts of the trial, and Zona’s letters to her child
Plot reminder: Book begins with young Zona giving birth to her child out of wedlock in secret and giving her up for adoption. Zona then marries local respected blacksmith Trout, but their relationship is clearly controlling and violent from the outset. Zona retreats and trout drives a wedge between her and her mother and her best friend Lucy. Zona is then killed, and Lucy and Mary Jane suspect trout - Mary Jane believes she is visited by zina’s spirit who tells the story. Court case takes place and trout convicted of the murder. Ends several years later with lucy as a journalist and Mary jane about to meet her granddaughter. Narration moves between third person account (but with perspective of Lucy or Mary Jane), Lucy’s articles about the trial, transcripts of the trial, and Zona’s letters to her child
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
I loved this book! The Red Bird Sings follows an American court trial in 1897, and is loosely based on a real court hearing of the time. The trial is to determine whether Trout Shue is guilty of murdering his new bride, Zona, and the court proceedings are covered throughout by wannabe female reporter and best friend of the victim, Lucy Frye. This book has so much: feisty feminist characters ahead of their time, ghosts, historical drama, justice, beautiful writing. For fans of Where the Crawdads Sing and To Kill a Mockingbird, this novel is lyrical and charming. I liked the stubbornly persistent heroine of Lucy and also the idea of the fakely charming and persuasive Trout. The writing style was genuinely delightful. Zona is based on a real woman of the same name who really was murdered in 1897 in Greenbrier County, so this novel owes a lot to real historical accounts, but I think the questions the author raises in her fictional telling of this story are really interesting and relevant today.
My thanks to #NetGalley and Virago for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to #NetGalley and Virago for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2023
The Red Bird Sings is about a real life murder comitted in 1897.
When Zona Shue dies only a few months after marrying Trout Shue, her mother and best friend believe that she has been murdered by none other than her husband. Trout Shue is a beloved member of the community and noonne else believes that he is capable of murder.
This book highlights an issue that is still as prevalent in todays society as it was then, women are not believed when crimes are comitted against them. The jurors at the trial are all men and the judge is a man and it seems to be implied at the beginning that they are on the side of Trout rather than Zona.
I found the book to be quite slow paced but enjoyable. I will certainly be looking out for more books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
When Zona Shue dies only a few months after marrying Trout Shue, her mother and best friend believe that she has been murdered by none other than her husband. Trout Shue is a beloved member of the community and noonne else believes that he is capable of murder.
This book highlights an issue that is still as prevalent in todays society as it was then, women are not believed when crimes are comitted against them. The jurors at the trial are all men and the judge is a man and it seems to be implied at the beginning that they are on the side of Trout rather than Zona.
I found the book to be quite slow paced but enjoyable. I will certainly be looking out for more books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2023
I love the cover and the reason for the title – you will have to read this compelling novel to find out why! – and oh, that I could have read the book in one sitting! Based on real events, the author adds atmosphere, empathy, intrigue and guile, plus her imagination, to a compelling read. Aoife Fitzpatrick’s prose is a delight to read: elegant, engaging and lyrical. She envelops the reader in a time and tide (happily) mostly not seen nowadays, capturing the determination of a mother to find justice, which should never be underestimated. In tandem, the events invite the reader to consider the issues described in the cover material: Who is listened to and who is ignored? Why are women so often not believed? And what does justice truly mean?
I shall look forward to more volumes from this author – a new addition to the many marvellous Irish writers – but hope the proofreading will be a little more thorough. A repeated paragraph was distracting, as were some of the typos (hence four stars) but overall, I truly enjoyed the journey
I shall look forward to more volumes from this author – a new addition to the many marvellous Irish writers – but hope the proofreading will be a little more thorough. A repeated paragraph was distracting, as were some of the typos (hence four stars) but overall, I truly enjoyed the journey
March 30, 2025
A truly outstanding debut novel, both beautifully written and meticulously researched. Based on a true crime, the story becomes even more shocking and another example of the times in which men could lie and be instantly believed while honest upstanding women could be disparaged and called hysterical (sound familiar still?!)
Absolutely loved all the characters, particularly brave, and way before her time, Lucy.
This author is definitely one to watch, her writing was mesmerising, hence me reading most of it in one go into the small hours!
Absolutely loved all the characters, particularly brave, and way before her time, Lucy.
This author is definitely one to watch, her writing was mesmerising, hence me reading most of it in one go into the small hours!
April 15, 2023
This plot was really intriguing about the death / murder of Zona Heaster. However it had a really slow start and I struggled to stay interested. It started to pick up a little after 30% and I really liked the alternating chapters between Mary Jane (Zona's mother) and Lucy (her friend) as they try to get justice for her death. I liked the plot but found it too slow to really enjoy.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy and I leave this review voluntarily *
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy and I leave this review voluntarily *
October 28, 2023
This one is based on a true trial, in which a mother claimed to be possessed by the spirit of her murdered daughter to reveal the truth about her murder by her husband's hands.
It also deals heavily with the role of women in society and family during the 1890s, drawing parallels to issues that are still relevant today.
I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style or the characters, so I give it 3 stars. It doesn't offend but doesn't stick out positively either.
It also deals heavily with the role of women in society and family during the 1890s, drawing parallels to issues that are still relevant today.
I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style or the characters, so I give it 3 stars. It doesn't offend but doesn't stick out positively either.
February 26, 2024
West Virginia, 1897, and something unsettling is in the air which will alter the lives of those who once knew nothing of such atrocities….
Young newlywed Zona Heaster Shue is found dead at the bottom of the stairs in her house, which to the unassuming would call it nothing more than a tragic accident which could happen to the best of us, the poor soul snuffed out like the flame by your bedside.
However, cast your eye closer and you’ll soon see things are never so straight forward as Zona’s mother, Mary Jane, is convinced Zona did not leave this world as many assume and she believes her precious daughter was murdered by none other than her husband, Trout, the handsome blacksmith beloved by all in their small town yet she will have a battle on her hands if she is to convince others of such things.
When Trout is put on trial, not one soul could ever believe such a man could have done it, that is apart from Mary Jane and Zona’s best friend, Lucy, for they both know something is amiss, and as time ticks on and the trial raises to fever pitch and the men of Greenbrier County stand against them, Mary Jane and Lucy must decide if revealing Zona’s greatest secret will rebalance the scales of justice, or leave her very name and character tarnished forever.
When one option remains open to them, everyone will witness the true power of a mother’s love.
But it is Zona herself, from beyond the grave, who still has one last revelation which must be heard and Mary Jane will ensure than her short existence won’t merely be forgotten or mocked. She will have her time.
A heady blend of scandal, murder mystery, and courtroom drama, The Red Bird Sings is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Young newlywed Zona Heaster Shue is found dead at the bottom of the stairs in her house, which to the unassuming would call it nothing more than a tragic accident which could happen to the best of us, the poor soul snuffed out like the flame by your bedside.
However, cast your eye closer and you’ll soon see things are never so straight forward as Zona’s mother, Mary Jane, is convinced Zona did not leave this world as many assume and she believes her precious daughter was murdered by none other than her husband, Trout, the handsome blacksmith beloved by all in their small town yet she will have a battle on her hands if she is to convince others of such things.
When Trout is put on trial, not one soul could ever believe such a man could have done it, that is apart from Mary Jane and Zona’s best friend, Lucy, for they both know something is amiss, and as time ticks on and the trial raises to fever pitch and the men of Greenbrier County stand against them, Mary Jane and Lucy must decide if revealing Zona’s greatest secret will rebalance the scales of justice, or leave her very name and character tarnished forever.
When one option remains open to them, everyone will witness the true power of a mother’s love.
But it is Zona herself, from beyond the grave, who still has one last revelation which must be heard and Mary Jane will ensure than her short existence won’t merely be forgotten or mocked. She will have her time.
A heady blend of scandal, murder mystery, and courtroom drama, The Red Bird Sings is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
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