The Gilded Cage

Gr 9 Up—Sixteen-year-old Katherine and her brother George grew up farming in rural Virginia. Their lives are changed forever when an unknown relative dies, unexpectedly leaving George a title and an estate in England. Suddenly farm girl Katherine is a young lady, dressed in finery and trying her best to follow the restrictive rules imposed on her by restrictive 1820s society. Just as they are settling into this new life, however, George dies in what everyone but Katherine believes to have been a terrible accident. Is she simply overcome by her grief, or could there be something to the rumors of a creature lurking in the woods? What follows is a story full of mystery, intrigue, and a little romance that keeps readers guessing as they root for Katherine. The plot advances quickly, building suspense and laying groundwork for events readers still might not see coming. The heroine's strong character and the plot twists will appeal even to teens who aren't normally interested in historical fiction.