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The Girl in the Boston Box
Suspenseful, sometimes sad, and slyly funny, THE GIRL IN THE BOSTON BOX follows two seemingly unrelated narratives linked by the urban legend of the Boston Box: hidden rooms in the city’s historic buildings used for shocking crimes.
Risking professional ridicule, architectural historian Caitlyn Gautry digs through Boston’s past and uncovers tales of sex, death, and scandal that threaten to detonate in the present. Mark Chieswicz, rejected by his lover and by his family, struggles to understand a cryptic clue about his estranged brother’s murder in a perilous attempt to hold onto a life-changing, but tainted, inheritance. Before long, the stories of Caitlyn and Mark—strangers to one another—connect in unexpected and complicated ways.
Rich with insider lore about one of America’s great cities, THE GIRL IN THE BOSTON BOX is a multi-layered mystery that will hold you in its grip until its exciting, emotional climax.
Risking professional ridicule, architectural historian Caitlyn Gautry digs through Boston’s past and uncovers tales of sex, death, and scandal that threaten to detonate in the present. Mark Chieswicz, rejected by his lover and by his family, struggles to understand a cryptic clue about his estranged brother’s murder in a perilous attempt to hold onto a life-changing, but tainted, inheritance. Before long, the stories of Caitlyn and Mark—strangers to one another—connect in unexpected and complicated ways.
Rich with insider lore about one of America’s great cities, THE GIRL IN THE BOSTON BOX is a multi-layered mystery that will hold you in its grip until its exciting, emotional climax.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2020
11 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 12, 2020
I received this book thru a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank the author and the publishing company for their generosity.
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This book actually has two stories in it and these separate stories will eventually intertwine with each other. The first story is about a Harvard grad student, Caitlin, who is doing a paper about if Boston boxes exist. Boston boxes are supposedly hidden rooms in houses that were built by the original architects. The second story concerns Mark and his estranged brother Dave who was murdered. Mark soon finds himself in trouble because of Dave's actions before his murder.
I was interested in the book throughout. As a lifelong Boston resident I am always curious to see if an author paints the city correctly. I am happy to say that this author did that. He correctly shows the historical side of Boston and its neighborhoods while showing the new gentrification of some neighborhoods within the city. As for the stories I wanted to know about them and this is where I had a little problem. It seemed like the author at times would concentrate more on the character's lives like dating instead of their predicament. Don't get me wrong. I was interested in the characters but I wanted to know more about the mystery as it seemed like the mystery was put on the backburners. We all know it is a fine line between character depth and the current plot and at times I felt like the author didn't keep to this line. The finale was excellent and was worth every penny.
I enjoyed this book and with a little fine tuning this book could have been something special. I wished the author dropped more teases of the mystery throughout the book instead of just saying I wonder about this mystery. There were also editing issues in this book like sentences being repeated or letters of words missing at the beginning of chapters. I believe this is a debut novel and as debut novels go this is more than passable. I would read this author's next book as I enjoyed his writing and I believe he has a future in writing.
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This book actually has two stories in it and these separate stories will eventually intertwine with each other. The first story is about a Harvard grad student, Caitlin, who is doing a paper about if Boston boxes exist. Boston boxes are supposedly hidden rooms in houses that were built by the original architects. The second story concerns Mark and his estranged brother Dave who was murdered. Mark soon finds himself in trouble because of Dave's actions before his murder.
I was interested in the book throughout. As a lifelong Boston resident I am always curious to see if an author paints the city correctly. I am happy to say that this author did that. He correctly shows the historical side of Boston and its neighborhoods while showing the new gentrification of some neighborhoods within the city. As for the stories I wanted to know about them and this is where I had a little problem. It seemed like the author at times would concentrate more on the character's lives like dating instead of their predicament. Don't get me wrong. I was interested in the characters but I wanted to know more about the mystery as it seemed like the mystery was put on the backburners. We all know it is a fine line between character depth and the current plot and at times I felt like the author didn't keep to this line. The finale was excellent and was worth every penny.
I enjoyed this book and with a little fine tuning this book could have been something special. I wished the author dropped more teases of the mystery throughout the book instead of just saying I wonder about this mystery. There were also editing issues in this book like sentences being repeated or letters of words missing at the beginning of chapters. I believe this is a debut novel and as debut novels go this is more than passable. I would read this author's next book as I enjoyed his writing and I believe he has a future in writing.
March 4, 2024
Very enjoyable read! Loved that there are multiple mysteries and the duel POV. It was fun going around the city of Boston and learning some history along the way. Highly recommend.
November 15, 2021
This book is a good read with interesting characters.
It starts slow for my taste. In the first 150 pages, the mystery unfolds at a leisurely pace. There's a lot of Boston and architectural history/ background. Many people like that. I just tend to like a faster pace.
The book is told in two points of view: Caitlyn and Mark. The timelines of the two characters don't sync up at first. Caitlyn's timeline is about 6 months before Mark's. At first, it disoriented me, but I got used to it pretty quickly, and then it worked.
Once we find out how the two characters' stories are related, the book picks up the pace quite a bit, and I really enjoyed it from that point forward.
The characters are interesting, and the mystery is well done. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy watching a mystery unfold.
It starts slow for my taste. In the first 150 pages, the mystery unfolds at a leisurely pace. There's a lot of Boston and architectural history/ background. Many people like that. I just tend to like a faster pace.
The book is told in two points of view: Caitlyn and Mark. The timelines of the two characters don't sync up at first. Caitlyn's timeline is about 6 months before Mark's. At first, it disoriented me, but I got used to it pretty quickly, and then it worked.
Once we find out how the two characters' stories are related, the book picks up the pace quite a bit, and I really enjoyed it from that point forward.
The characters are interesting, and the mystery is well done. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy watching a mystery unfold.
July 23, 2024
Thank you to my friend Donald for knowing author Chuck because it led me to this great book, which has now increased my suspicions of small spaces but also furthered my desire to visit Boston
July 26, 2021
Let me start out by stating that the author is from the same small hometown as I - Go Shamokinites!!!!!
That being said, I can positively state that my 4 stars has nothing to do with a hometown connection. I truly enjoyed this mystery.
Boston plays an enormous role in the book - almost becoming a third main character. At the same time, this did not distract from the story; rather, it enhanced it.
The two main characters were troubled by their past - their development was well done. Writing about them in different timeframes offered a unique slant.
I'm hoping Chuck is busily working on another tale. I'll be in line, for sure!
That being said, I can positively state that my 4 stars has nothing to do with a hometown connection. I truly enjoyed this mystery.
Boston plays an enormous role in the book - almost becoming a third main character. At the same time, this did not distract from the story; rather, it enhanced it.
The two main characters were troubled by their past - their development was well done. Writing about them in different timeframes offered a unique slant.
I'm hoping Chuck is busily working on another tale. I'll be in line, for sure!
December 17, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A PHD candidate in architecture history learns about rooms called Boston Boxes mostly by accident. These are small hidden rooms throughout Boston, and may or may not be mythical.
Meanwhile, a guy's criminal brother dies, seemingly in the chips. He inherits a good chunk of change, but also seems to have inherited a vendetta.
The two stories come together.
I think it would have been better had the author gone into Lovecraft territory.
A PHD candidate in architecture history learns about rooms called Boston Boxes mostly by accident. These are small hidden rooms throughout Boston, and may or may not be mythical.
Meanwhile, a guy's criminal brother dies, seemingly in the chips. He inherits a good chunk of change, but also seems to have inherited a vendetta.
The two stories come together.
I think it would have been better had the author gone into Lovecraft territory.
October 30, 2021
As a transplanted Bostonian, I really enjoyed this book. It was great to run around the city with the main characters as they investigate each of their mysteries. The two timelines - going at different speeds, was fun, and a great way to connect the two stories. Because they were at different speeds, I wanted to keep reading to see how they intersected. Chuck also came to our book club to discuss the book and his writing process, and was such a delight to hear from!
October 24, 2020
The Girl in the Boston Box is a really GREAT read! I couldn't put this book down from the very start! This quick read is the perfect combination of 2 great mysteries that keep you hooked and wonderful details about the Boston/Cambridge area filled with beautiful descriptions of architecture and history! Completely satisfying ending! I highly recommend this book! I can't wait for the movie!
November 25, 2023
An interesting premise, with a few good twists and turns. A slow build though, and quite long for a mystery!
September 1, 2025
For lovers of historic Boston and mysteries! The dual timeline was very easy to follow and I really enjoyed this!
Perfect for your fall tbr!! (Kindle unlimited)
Perfect for your fall tbr!! (Kindle unlimited)
January 18, 2021
I liked the two contrasting timelines and how they were not synced throughout, it provided a nice ebb and flow of the story. I appreciate the character development and how you could feel what what the characters were feeling. It’s quite fun reading about your home city as well! Great story all around.
January 10, 2021
Personally knowing the author made this book especially exciting to read. It's one of those stories that sucks you in and you don't want to stop reading it until you get to the very end. It goes quickly and smoothly and is totally enjoyable.
December 15, 2020
Excellent story!
Architecture, historical Boston, mystery and murder....Great concepts. The substories helped pace the primary story with balance. Very cool book, Chuck. When is your next book due out?
Architecture, historical Boston, mystery and murder....Great concepts. The substories helped pace the primary story with balance. Very cool book, Chuck. When is your next book due out?
November 21, 2020
Latovich’s The Girl in the Boston Box is a great read that layers complexity and depth under an accessible mystery. The two primary characters are well-developed, flawed people who engage with their crises in believable ways. From the beginning, it was clear that their tales would intertwine, and it was satisfying to watch that narrative develop in a well-paced, suspenseful format. There were enough surprises and plot twists to keep the action moving without the book ever becoming too chaotic. Extra points for the tasty morsels of Boston’s history and architecture sprinkled throughout. I’m looking forward to reading more of Latovich’s work.
November 5, 2020
Disclaimer: I won a digital copy of the book in a giveaway - thanks to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to read & review!
I received this book just before taking my first trip to Boston/Massachusetts (well, second, technically, but the first one didn't count) and even though I didn't have time to read the whole thing before the trip, it was fun reading about the city I'd just visited and recalling the places and neighborhoods mentioned in the story. The author, apparently a long-time Bostonian, is well acquainted with his city and his writing has a strong sense of place.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Two seemingly unrelated narratives, one catching up to the other, comprised the book and entwined neatly at the end. I thought the mystery was interesting, being a bit of an architecture and history nerd myself, and could relate to Catelyn in that way. However, I enjoyed Mark's chapters more, possibly because the author isn't quite as adept at writing from a young woman's perspective.
On the flip side, I found the writing style a bit distracting. The author relied heavily on exposition, telling instead of showing, and focused too much on small details. It felt like he was trying to build up the setting, but the end result was overly involved. There were paragraphs describing the characters' surroundings and actions in minute detail, which didn't really add to the story. Hopefully the author will find a way to include these details in a more organic manner in future works.
Mark's character had a distinct voice, but Catelyn felt more like a construct, a persona instead of a real being. I was also distracted by the dialogue - all characters spoke in the same sort of staccato sentence fragments that read a bit awkwardly and didn't grant any character an individual speaking voice. Still, there were moments that were poignant and funny, especially in Mark's chapters, where the writing was solid and showed a lot of promise.
I had fun reading this book and got pretty caught up in the mysteries!
I received this book just before taking my first trip to Boston/Massachusetts (well, second, technically, but the first one didn't count) and even though I didn't have time to read the whole thing before the trip, it was fun reading about the city I'd just visited and recalling the places and neighborhoods mentioned in the story. The author, apparently a long-time Bostonian, is well acquainted with his city and his writing has a strong sense of place.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Two seemingly unrelated narratives, one catching up to the other, comprised the book and entwined neatly at the end. I thought the mystery was interesting, being a bit of an architecture and history nerd myself, and could relate to Catelyn in that way. However, I enjoyed Mark's chapters more, possibly because the author isn't quite as adept at writing from a young woman's perspective.
On the flip side, I found the writing style a bit distracting. The author relied heavily on exposition, telling instead of showing, and focused too much on small details. It felt like he was trying to build up the setting, but the end result was overly involved. There were paragraphs describing the characters' surroundings and actions in minute detail, which didn't really add to the story. Hopefully the author will find a way to include these details in a more organic manner in future works.
Mark's character had a distinct voice, but Catelyn felt more like a construct, a persona instead of a real being. I was also distracted by the dialogue - all characters spoke in the same sort of staccato sentence fragments that read a bit awkwardly and didn't grant any character an individual speaking voice. Still, there were moments that were poignant and funny, especially in Mark's chapters, where the writing was solid and showed a lot of promise.
I had fun reading this book and got pretty caught up in the mysteries!
October 21, 2020
I just finished reading local author, Chuck Latovich, debut novel, The Girl in the Boston Box. The 400+ page book published in Cambridge by Way We Live Publishers tells the story of two people living in Boston and Cambridge.
One is a down-and-out gay man (Mark) who is estranged from his family and wallowing in self-pity after a break up and the other is a young woman (Caitlyn) studying architecture history at Harvard, who is intrigued by a rumor that some nineteenth century Boston architects may have built hidden rooms in homes of wealthy Bostonians called a “Boston Box”.
I thought this was an enjoayble read filled with short, punchy chapters. Murder mystery and detective literature fans will enjoy the twists and turns of this well written story. I loved how Latovich used Boston and Cambridge as the backdrop with much of the story taking place in the South End, Fenway and Harvard Square neighborhoods.
https://bosguy.com/2020/10/20/book-re...
One is a down-and-out gay man (Mark) who is estranged from his family and wallowing in self-pity after a break up and the other is a young woman (Caitlyn) studying architecture history at Harvard, who is intrigued by a rumor that some nineteenth century Boston architects may have built hidden rooms in homes of wealthy Bostonians called a “Boston Box”.
I thought this was an enjoayble read filled with short, punchy chapters. Murder mystery and detective literature fans will enjoy the twists and turns of this well written story. I loved how Latovich used Boston and Cambridge as the backdrop with much of the story taking place in the South End, Fenway and Harvard Square neighborhoods.
https://bosguy.com/2020/10/20/book-re...
November 12, 2020
Two mysteries in one. Mark is a loser who finds out that his estranged brother was murdered. Caitlyn is at Harvard studying architecture. Both are looking into something called a Boston box which was a hidden room in old houses. Kind of slow going but eventually a good mystery. Glad I stuck with it.
January 14, 2021
I received my copy of The Girl in the Boston Box from a friend of mine and former classmate of the author. Having grown up outside of Boston and worked for Harvard after college, she knew I’d enjoy it. In addition to the nostalgia of revisiting my favorite Boston and Cambridge spots, the book had a lot of great action and mystery. I look forward to reading future books by Chuck Latovich.
January 24, 2021
I don't normally read mysteries. Only purchased because the author is from the hometown I grew up in (coal region of PA). I also like Boston! Happy to say that I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I liked that it is told from the perspective of 2 people, during different months in time. Made me want to put the pieces together.
October 12, 2020
This thriller set in contemporary Boston offers many surprises. The characters go about their lives -sometimes making abysmally bad decisions - never knowing how they are related and how the author will bring them together in the stunning climax. Spicy, a little bit dangerous. Some LGBTQ+ themes.
February 12, 2025
Having just moved to Boston, I adored all the familiar scenes in this book. The story itself seemed slow for about 3/4 of the book, but still kept me interested and then a sudden POW of a scene brought it all together. I enjoyed it very much.
December 12, 2020
I didn't really like the timelines that didn't mesh, but the story was interesting.
February 3, 2021
GREAT read with many surprises! There is such accurate and vivid descriptions of Boston that if you don’t live here you would think you have been!! My book club chose this book for our first read and the author Chuck joined our virtual meeting. Absolutely loved him! Grateful he took the time to describe his thinking behind different aspects of character building and his writing process.
March 31, 2021
3.5 stars
I love a good intertwining stories read!
I love a good intertwining stories read!
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July 2, 2021Hey, GOODREADS Friends...Just want to remind you I've written a book! If you haven't read it yet, I hope you will check it out. (Not sure how I can simply post something....)
October 21, 2021
Dnf 3%. Chapter 1 didn’t grab me
December 15, 2020
Disclaimer...a friend wrote this book, so proud!
The Girl In The Boston Box was one of my favorite reads in 2020. Stuck on my deck, I was engrossed. The plot kept me guessing until the end. The location being Boston, was fun to know somewhat of where I was reading about. A GREAT read!
The Girl In The Boston Box was one of my favorite reads in 2020. Stuck on my deck, I was engrossed. The plot kept me guessing until the end. The location being Boston, was fun to know somewhat of where I was reading about. A GREAT read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews