Publication Date: July 2, 2024
Polly Kinnell is a renowned chocolate taster for many of the world’s most famous chocolatiers (Ghirardelli’s, Godiva, Hershey, etc.). When her father dies on the Island of Skye, the distraught Polly travels to Scotland for his funeral where she has several unsettling encounters with a peculiar gravedigger, Ian MacIan.
Ian, like his ancestors, “buries the dead” as a religious vocation, and he seems to be rewarded with certain privileges for his total commitment. Although initially upset by her powerful attraction to Ian, Polly eventually has to make crucial decisions after a terrible car crash leaves Ian in a deadly coma.
How much does Polly really love him? Can she save him?
What sacrifices would she have to make?
The Gravedigger by William Baer is a contemporary romance set in New York and the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The story revolves around Polly and Ian and is filled with chocolate, all things Scottish, stories from their pasts, and lots of Gaelic.
The supporting characters were very important to the story, and each one played a special and significant role, but none more than Ian’s cousin Jimmy, who lived with him, and Rickie, Polly’s best friend. I loved getting to know all of them a little at a time and also learning about their relationships with the others. The titles of each chapter were a nice touch and helped set the stage for what was to come.
There’s some darkness and otherworldly beliefs that add richness to the story. There are secrets and superstitions, reminiscing and memories, the importance of the church’s role, loss, illnesses, injuries, family and friends, and unexpected connections. Beautiful and vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there. There are unanticipated twists and turns, adding depth to the story. The pacing was good, holding my interest throughout. There is some closure and a happily ever after, but I would have preferred it to have gone on a bit longer.
The Gravedigger is a contemporary romance with an unpredictable premise that works. Likable characters, wonderful settings, and descriptions drew me in and kept me turning the pages. Sit back with a nice cup of tea and immerse yourself in this tale of love.
William Baer is author of thirty-five books including fourteen novels. His various books include The Gravedigger, Central Park, Annie Oakley Mystery, One-and-Twenty Tales, Mary Pickford Mystery, Classic American Films, Psalter, Love Sonnets, and the Deirdre Flanagan mystery series. He’s been very fortunate to receive a Creative Writing Fellowship in fiction from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Fulbright (Portugal), and a Guggenheim Fellowship. He lives happily in a yellow log cabin in Northern New Jersey, enjoying pizza, books, sports, and chocolate.
