Streets of Shadow

by Rebecca Bischoff

In the fall of 1665, fifteen-year-old Kenna discovers that her sister was murdered. Forced to flee her grandfather’s Scottish estate for her own safety, she finds a prison instead of a refuge. Strangers capture her and brings her to the city of Edinburgh, where they lock her inside the gate at the head of Stewart’s Close, a long and narrow alleyway in the poorest section of the city. The local lawman accuses Kenna of leaving a house struck with plague, sets a guard at the gate and ties a white cloth there as a warning that disease has struck and no one may enter or leave the close. Kenna has no money, friends, or shelter, and no way out. She wants nothing more than justice for her murdered sister. But first, she has to survive.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

paperback

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Rebecca Bischoff is the author of five books including: "The French Impressionist," a contemporary YA novel, "The Grave Digger," a middle grade historical fiction mystery set in the Civil War era, "Hole in the Rock," a humorous middle grade novel, and "Streets of Shadow," a historical YA mystery set in 17th century Scotland. Both "The Grave Digger" and "Hole in the Rock" were honored as finalists in the Best Book Awards for 2019 and 2021, respectively. "Streets of Shadow" was recently honored with a silver medal in the Reader's Choice Awards of 2023. A new historical middle grade novel, "The Summer of Mud," is being released in May, 2024. Rebecca is an avid reader, Netflix binge-watcher and chocolate eater. She lives in Idaho with her family.

Reviews

[Mare Lars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a surprising mystery, I loved this story! There was the perfect amount of foreshadowing to make the ending satisfying. It was a great happy ending without being too cheesy perfect. I loved the details of the characters and their lives, definitely a fun way to learn a little about a time period/place I don’t know about.

[Catherine Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It usually takes me a couple of chapters to get into a book, but with this book, I was hooked after only about 10 pages. I couldn't put it down! It was a very enjoyable read for me. I enjoyed the main character's personality and sheer determination to overcome the odds against her. There were also several twists that I didn't see coming, which was a lot of fun. I also really loved how clean the book was and it would be perfect for a pre-teen, teenager, or an adult. I highly recommend this book to any that simply wants to get lost in an adventure!

*I received an advance copy of the book.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streets of Shadow is set in Scotland in the year 1665. The story centers around fifteen-year-old Kenna who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden, and unexplained sickness that has confined her sister to bed. When her sister dies, Kenna discovers that she was murdered by someone close to her. Suspecting she knows who the murderer is young Kenna turns to the one person with whom feels close to and can trust. She is whisked away to safety from her grandfather’s estate but instead finds something far more sinister and dangerous.

Suddenly, Kenna is on the run and finds herself kidnapped and taken to the city of Edinburgh. Her kidnapper locks her inside the gates of Stewart’s Close. Kenna is frightened at being thrown into the poorest part of the city with no way out. Even more frightening is that the local lawman raises a white flag and spreads the rumor that Kenna has come from a home that has been stricken with the plague. As she struggles to find someone to help her she is shunned and refused help because the townspeople are frightened of dying from the disease she carries. With no food, money, friends, or shelter young Kenna must fight to survive the harsh streets and the scorn of the locals. Will she be strong enough to survive and bring justice to her sister?

I was hooked on this book from the first pages and became totally immersed in the storyline and setting. The scenes were so vividly described that it felt as though I was transported back to Stewart’s Close in 1665. I was there with Kenna as she walked the dirty streets, hid in dark alleys, and traversed through underground passages. The characters were well developed and as the story progressed we see Kenna grow and mature as a person. She started out naïve to the harshness of the world and how so many people fought to survive and feed their families. She grew up with wealth, privilege and the luxuries of having servants and an abundance of food. Stewart’s Close was a whole different world for her and Kenna had to learn to fight and fend for herself in order to survive. Kenna ultimately finds out that she is even stronger than she realized as she fights for survival in a cruel world. This book was superbly written, and I am anxious to read more books by this author.

I loved the author’s notes at the end about where she found her inspiration for this story and the characters. I loved learning that it was based on a real place and that little Annie was based on a real little girl. Kudos to the author for bringing this little girl the happy ending she deserved. Bless your heart.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical YA novel which had me hooked from start to finish. I fell in love with the main character, Kenna literally on page one when the reader is introduced to her, whilst she’s scaling a wall in her skirts! Of course the book is set in 1665 so a fifteen year old girl should definitely not be scaling walls. This act alone gives the reader a taste of Kenna’s character and personality. Kenna is fleeing from her grandfather’s Scottish estate having suspected that her sister was murdered by her husband, and fears that she will be next. However, as she was fleeing she is kidnapped by a stranger who takes her into the city of Edinburgh, where she is locked inside the gate at the head of Stewart’s Close.
The Close is a long, narrow alleyway into the poorest part of the city. Kenna is accused by the local lawman of leaving a plague stricken house, so a white cloth is tied outside to warn others that the disease has struck, and no one can enter or leave the close. Without money, or friends she has no way of leaving, all she wanted was to find justice for her murdered sister, but now she needs to survive and escape herself. This has a gripping storyline with plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life, and the added historical details transported me to Edinburgh in 1665.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is year 1665,in Scotland, and fifteen year old Kenna is struggling with her sister's death. More than that, she discovers her sister did not die accidentally. Kenna suspects the culprit and murderer is none other than her sister's husband, and she is now in danger herself. While on the run, a guard captures her in the poorest section of the city, Stewart's Close. Accused of running from a home struck by plague, Kenna is locked inside the gates, where no one is allowed in or out. As word spreads that the young girl came from a home stricken with the plague, she is further isolated and shunned. Kenna has no food, money, or friends within these walls, and all she wants is to survive and avenge her sister. I am not accustomed to reading books set in this time period, but I love a good murder mystery. The author is new to me but I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure this story took me on. The plot was well written and easy to follow, and the character development was believable. I enjoyed that Kenna started out naive and scared but as the story matures, so does she. I really enjoyed learning that this book was also based on a real place and the amount of research done for the book is noticed in the subtle details. I definitely recommend this book and author.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical story. It was full of mystery but it was the historical side that really brought this story to life for me.
The author's research into the history of Stewart's Close and Edinburgh during that era really puts an added layer onto this story for me.
Kenna's character has to endure so much in this story but what I love about her is through it all she never loses her determination to return and get the justice for her sister. Even when it seems all hope is lost and there is no way she can overcome the odds her strength and determination proves anything is possible.
When her is murdered Kenna plans to see justice done but then things are taken out of her control. She is moved around and ends up on Stewarts Close in Edinburgh which has been locked up because of the plague. With no one being able to come in and no one able to leave how can Kenna escape? When the fight turns into a fight for her life as well as getting justice does Kenna have the strength to overcome it all.
This book is full of twists and turns which make it a read that you will be hooked on and the attention to the historical really brings the era to life

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenna is a 15 year old young lady when she finds out that her dear sister, who is more like her mother, has been murdered. When Kenna goes to her Grandfather, the Earl, she is comforted by him, but only briefly. Next thing she knows, she's being put in a carriage and taken to Stewart's Close. It's an alleyway that is in the most extreme poor of communities. She's also being accused of the murder of her sister. If that's not enough, Stewart's Close is under quarantine because of Kenna...she may have brought the plague to them.

Kenna has suddenly gone from a Lady to a beggar. She's sleeping in the filthiest of places and stealing for food. It's a battle of survival for her! No one wants anything to do with the "Poisoner" until Donny and his wife decide to take her in...but at a price.

Will Kenna be able to avenge her sister's death? Will she ever regain her rightful place as a Lady in society? Will she even be able to survive?

This book grabbed me from the get-go! It's full of adventure and history. There are plot twists at every corner as well! This is my first read by this author but I'll be looking for more of her work!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff is the first book that I have read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. It is a young adult/teen historical mystery set in Scotland in 1665, which gives the story an extra element of interest as well as adding some darker tones to the overall storyline.
A bit of a coming-of-age story woven through the plot while also providing plenty of suspense, danger, action, adventure, intrigue, murder, tragedy, lies, disease, challenges, and even a touch of romance.
Teenage Kenna (15) goes from discovering her sister has been murdered, to being on the run, to then being captured and locked up underground with no means to escape. She could lose all hope, but Kenna is a tough one, and she’s determined to survive and find justice for her sister. What happens makes for a thought-provoking and intriguing read.
Ms. Bischoff has brought the 1600’s to life with vivid descriptions and attention to detail. Her story and characters are well-developed and interesting. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of her stories in the future.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Rebecca Bischoff!

[Risa Nyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streets of Shadow is a story full of mystery and plot twists that transports the reader to Edinburgh in 1665. Rebecca Bischoff has a special gift for writing historical fiction. The vocabulary and dialect, as well as the vivid descriptions of the setting, including having to dodge the emptying of slop bowls while walking in a narrow lane, are so real.

From the first chapter, you are hooked into Kenna’s story when her sister is murdered at their grandfather’s estate, and Kenna is kidnapped and locked away in Stewart’s Close which is put under quarantine. Kenna’s struggle for survival without food or shelter is made worse when she is accused of her sister’s murder and a bounty is placed on her head.

Kenna never loses her determination to return to her grandfather and avenge her sister’s death. She faces vicious people who want to kill her and quirky people who offer her shelter and teach her how to fight to protect herself. She loses her rich girl entitled life and learns what people go through just to exist.

The reader witnesses the highs and lows of humanity through Kenna's eyes.

[Breanne Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1665, Streets of Shadow follows the plights of Kenna, a fifteen year old girl who discovers that her sister has been murdered. To save her own life, she runs to her grandfather’s property. While on the run, she is captured and brought to Edinburgh and is locked within a narrow alleyway. This is only the beginning of her struggles. She is then accused of leaving a plague-filled house and is forced to stay within the gate. Will she be able to survive? Will she find the justice her sister deserves? Find out in Streets of Shadow.
The characters are relatable as is their feelings. The tale is intricately woven and is full of twists and turns. It is a historical fiction with realistic events. This book had me hooked from the first page and held my interest all the way until the end. It kept me guessing and surprised me with every turn. Rebecca Bischoff has a way with words that makes her readers feel as though they are in the story themselves.
I highly suggest picking up a copy of Streets of Shadow. There are so many twists and turns that make this book hard to put down. If you are looking for a historical fiction read with some mystery intertwined, look no further!

[Barbara]

Rebecca Bischoff always manages to put her characters into the kinds of moral dilemmas that can spark introspection and conversations. You don't have to agree with the choices the characters make to appreciate the complexity of cultures and situations different from your own.

This book started out with a bit of a gothic feel to it with a mysterious illness and a heroine who finds herself in grave danger. It also has a bit of Dickens-like darkness in the story, and I found myself feeling quite sad and hopeless right alongside the heroine. It was very immersive in that way! As someone who loves happy endings, I was glad that the book ended on a hopeful note.

I would recommend this book to readers who love history and want to learn a bit more about life in Scotland in the 1600s. You'll find mystery, intrigue, and even a little touch of romance.

*I received an advance copy of this book.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streets of Shadows is a YA historical fiction story set in 17th-century Scotland. I always look forward to reading a good historical fiction story, and this did not disappoint. Kenna wants to avenge the murder of her sister, but before she can, she is taken by a mysterious stranger. Locked away in the poorest slums of Edinburgh, she must find her way out and figure out who and what the players are in the situation. I enjoyed delving into some Scottish history and seeing a different viewpoint of the plague. Kenna is a well-developed character who kept me on the edge of my seat at times. There was a lot of development of the different characters and the setting and story. Even though there was a lot of detail to put you into the 17th century, it wasn't so overdone, making the story drag. I hadn't read this author before, but I will now look for other books by her. I look forward to passing this book on to my niece to read soon.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this historical mystery story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story where a sister wants nothing more than to get justice for her sister that was murdered. I enjoyed Kenna’s character. She is a determined, strong character that added so much to the story. She brought different emotions and at times I felt bad for her. I also enjoyed how she pulled me into her world of the plague and how she was treated. There is great growth of the characters throughout. They are connectable and supportive of each other. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. A story that kept me turning pages just to see what would happen next. Will Kenna find her justice, you don’t want to miss what happens. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Streets of Shadow is a YA historical mystery tale with a hint of romance and a hint of darkness. It is set in 1665 Scotland. Kenna a young lady had it all being the granddaughter of an earl of Scotland. Now with all that gone she has been cast off like vermin with nothing. Locked away in the dark underground of Stewart’s Close of Edinburgh. Where the poorest of the poor exist if they are lucky to stay alive.
The character are fully developed and realised and the passionate details of Rebecca’s writing and history will set about evoking strong emotions.
With adventure and tragedy, murder and plagues, lies and deceit this clever and fresh tale will surprise you.
Will she be able to uncover the truth and clear he name or is she set to live the rest of her life as an outcast? If only she can survive the danger.
This tale will keep you on edge.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff . I have truly enjoyed this series and this author has the magical way of writing that makes you feel like you are in Edinburgh in the 1600s. Its the story of 15 year old Kenna who has discovered her sister has been murdered she is determined to not stop until she finds the killer. Kenna may be only 15 but she is strong, determined, hard working and ready to see this case thru. She is putting herself in all kinds of danger trying to solve this murder. When the police think she is trying to throw them off her scent they begin to suspect she is the killer. She is trying to solve the murder of her sister all the while trying to remain a lady and keep her place in society Will she be able to solve the case and also survive? Read this fast paced, beautifully written young adult thriller to find out.

[Brandy Jo Rymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Bischoff’s book “Streets of Shadow” was an amazing historical work of fiction that kept me guessing who was trustworthy and who was the story's villain. The characters are all well-developed, you will fall in love with Kenna, our heroine, and all of her new friends that we meet along her journey. You will also despise those working against her, but not everyone is who we think! Did Kenna’s brother-in-law Oliver really poison his wife Cinaed, or was there foul play from someone else, who is this Cecilia, is she Oliver’s mistress as Kenna suspects? You will cheer on Kenna as she fights to survive the horrible fate that has befallen her and will scream in anguish at all of the wrongful deeds that she is put through and the mistreatment that she must endure. This was one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read, and I highly recommend it.
@Brandy Rymer 3/2023

[Tia Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year: 1665.

The problem: 15 year old Kenna has watched her sister die. She suspects her sister’s husband and thinks if she stays, she’ll be next.

So she runs. During her escape she is kidnapped and locked in at Stewart’s Close, an alley trapped in the poorest section of the city and there’s only one way out.

She’s accused of leaving a home struck by the plague and a guard is set at the gate to make sure no one enters, and no one leaves. Kenna wants nothing but to avenge her sister, if she can survive.

I found this book to be well written, however, it wasn’t my usual style of a read so I wasn’t fully involved in the story. I enjoyed Kenna’s determination and love she has for her sister. I think she’s a well done character with a heartbreaking story. You definitely find yourself rooting for Kenna and the misfit band she gathers along the way.

[Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The first page, with Kenna scaling a wall in her skirts, gives me thrills! I re-read it half a dozen times, just because I could. I love the lyrical voice Bischoff uses for Kenna's story.

Rebecca Bischoff's characters are multi-faceted and practically leap from the pages. Kenna's journey, learning to appreciate the people around her, is fantastically done.

The setting is meticulously researched, and Bischoff does a great job of honoring the people who lived in that historical setting.

And of course, the plot keeps me turning pages, to see how everything will turn out!

I have been lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book, and I am so excited to see it published, so more people can enjoy it!

[Nan J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted when I was gifted an advance copy of Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff. I had to wait until I had a minute off work to read it... good thing too! I read until my eyes wouldn't stay open and as soon as light broke the next morning, I picked up where I remembered (had to backtrack because I kept reading when I was not awake or coherent and I had to catch up) and continued racing thru until it was done! I was living it! Confused! Disoriented! Lost! Freezing! I felt like a rag doll caught in an icy whirlpool. I did think it covered more time than the story claimed and carried along my personal chill and exhaustion and hunger to match my perceptions. Some kids grow up faster than others and family is not always blood.

[Noor Jivraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a riveting and captivating read! I really enjoyed the mystery, adventure and action packed into this amazing novel! Kenna's character had a full development throughout the story and really showed her life change from the way she grew up to what she had to endure to get justice. I found this book to be very interesting and a real page turner! This murder mystery really took you back and showed how people lived and how much of a gap there was, and what money could buy in those days. Money was power and those that had it had influence and were able to literally get away with murder! I could not put this book down and look forward to more books written by Rebecca Bischoff. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Streets of Shadow" is the first book I have read by Rebecca Bischoff, and I will be seeking out her others. My favorite part of this 1600s-setting novel is the descriptions Rebecca writes of the dark alleyways and living conditions of Scotland. Every night I read this novel, I felt like I was transported to the sounds, sights, and social dramas of the time period.

The story itself features around a very likable fifteen year old named Kenna, and the trials and tribulations she endures in order to discover what true family and friends are. Along the way, she grows up in many different aspects and transforms from the high-society girl she thought she was on the outset. Well written, thought out plot makes this book a very enjoyable read, wanting to know what Kenna does next.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It was a wonderful historical fiction that takes place in 1665. I also really enjoyed how clean the story was. Kenna Somerled is the granddaughter of an Earl. She is devastated when her sister dies. She is certain that her brother in law, Oliver, killed her sister. She tells her grandfather then finds herself whisked away and left in a slum area. The area gets locked down for having the plague, and she finds herself stuck there. While on the streets, she finds a little girl. While Kenna saved the little girl, the little girl also saved Kenna. There were a couple of twists that were well foreshadowed, and I was able to figure them out. But the big twist completely threw me for a loop! This is well worth your time to read!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this YA historical romance and I loved the glimpse that the author gave us into historical Scotland. I thought the story was a really interesting and well written one. The pacing was great and I found myself connecting with the story easily.
The main character really added to the storyline. She was strong and had such a feistiness about her that you couldn’t help but like her. I thought this was all a perfect combination and I found that I couldn’t wait to see how things would play out. This was a brilliant story that appeals to a wide audience and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streets of Shadow
By: Rebecca Bischoff

This is an amazing historical mystery. It is very well written with really enjoyable characters. I truly love that this features a sister who is trying to get justice for her sister. Kenna is such a well developed character with many facets to her. She is the granddaughter of an earl who really lost it all. Not to mention that the plague is all around. But Kenna doesn’t let this all deter her from finding the person who murdered her sister. This story really kept me reading to find out what would happen next. I really truly recommend this! I loved it so much!

[Rebecca Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book is spectacular. I loved the opening and was hooked instantly. However, I kept wanting to slap the protagonist for being so slow to learn what she needed to, and so slow to let go of her arrogant attitude, and for making stupid choices. I started to lose empathy by mid-book. I might have even stopped reading (something I almost never do) except I really did need to find out how she would get out of her situation. I predicted the twist, but that's not a bad thing, I guess, since the author did give us clues to make it believable. I wanted to love this book, but I was rather happy to be done with it and have the problems resolved.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for YA fiction, and this one was a page turner.
Kenna, fighting for her life after witnessing her sister's murder, must learn many hard lessons in order to survive the most dire circumstances.
I was impressed with the historical aspect of this story, which allowed for a lot of growth for a young, female protagonist.
Bischoff writes the inner dialogue for Kenna well, and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Her hero's journey was a little different than some YA books in that her mentors were there with her every step of the way instead of occasionally stepping into view.
I appreciated the resolution, which was set up well with hints all along the way.

[Emma Samways · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this!
It follows Kenna as her life is turned upside down by someone she thinks is her ally! She meets little Annie and they instantly bond. What I found frustrating was how Kenna would walk herself into trouble time and time again, not even thinking about her new friends and how they would feel. She's quite a naive character but by the end I quite like that about her. She meets some rough characters along her journey of self discovery. She finds out that family isn't always about blood relatives. Some twists and shocks towards the end. I loved it!

[Jade Brunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! I wanted to read this book because I just came back from Scotland and toured a close. It was fun to imagine Scotland during this time period. Kenna's story is a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I could hardly ever predict what was going to happen to her next and I found myself anxious about some of the choices that she made and how the story would turn out. if you are looking for a book to keep you on your toes that will also give you some valuable life lessons, this is the book for you!

[Karen Pearman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written by a new author to me, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from her. What I found is another great author I will be looking to read more of. This is an adventurous young adult story that takes place during The Renaissance period. As a fan of this era, I was not disappointed especially considering the main character was a member of a Scottish Earl. There were so many twists and turns I found myself holding my breath in certain chapters. If you, or someone you know, is a fan of this genre I highly recommend you read this story. You will not be disappointed.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure enjoyed this book. A definite mix of everything from mystery, adventure to romance. I love stories that start with the main character scaling walls, especially in times where that wasn’t common. This young lady goes through a lot. The story is wonderful. The characters are terrifically written. Oliver is such a scoundrel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.