Nobody's Secret: A Novel
3.5/5
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About this ebook
One day, fifteen-year-old Emily Dickinson meets a mysterious, handsome young man. Surprisingly, he doesn’t seem to know who she or her family is. And even more surprisingly, he playfully refuses to divulge his name. Emily enjoys her secret flirtation with Mr. “Nobody” until he turns up dead in her family’s pond. She’s stricken with guilt. Only Emily can discover who this enigmatic stranger was before he’s condemned to be buried in an anonymous grave. Her investigation takes her deep into town secrets, blossoming romance, and deadly danger.
Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, this novel celebrates Emily Dickinson’s intellect and spunk in a page-turner of a book that will excite fans of mystery, romance, and poetry alike.
Includes bonus material!
- Book Club Discussion Guide
- Sneak peek chapter from Always Emily by Michaela MacColl
“Life in 1845 small-town Massachusetts is painstakingly portrayed throughout this suspenseful tale . . . The fast-moving plot makes this a well-crafted page-turner.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“[An] imaginative take on the young poet.” —Booklist
“MacColl takes a character that most people do not really know much about and brings her to life . . . Fun, interesting reading.” —VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates
“Gracefully folds factual elements of Dickinson’s life and work into the fiction.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Read more from Michaela Maccoll
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Reviews for Nobody's Secret
50 ratings17 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5To be fair to this book, I feel like I need to mention two possible prejudices on my part. One is that I read very little realistic YA -- that is, non fantasy/dystopian. So it's obviously not my wheelhouse. The other is that while I do read a lot of historical fiction, including historical crime fiction, I really don't like novels where the protagonist is 1) a real historical figure of note and 2) solves crimes. It just seems like Queen Elizabeth or Jane Austen ... or in this case, Emily Dickinson, were interesting enough people in their own right that turning them into detectives seems a bit silly. I don't mind real historical figures showing up in historical fiction. But I'd prefer they do things that they plausibly would have done.So this book was not really my thing. But I don't think it's a bad book and I might have liked it quite a bit when I was 12 or so. I do worry about impressionable youngsters forming their image of Emily Dickinson based on this story .... But then, I suppose I should be glad any impressionable youngsters would be exposed to Dickinson at all. And just maybe some of them would be interested enough to read more of her poetry and find out more about her real life, which is plenty interesting without the need for her to solve crimes.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A great mix of historical fiction and mystery in this story featuring a teenage Emily Dickinson as the protagonist and her poetry central to the story. A clever, engaging novel.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A very interesting book. I would say it was appropriate for middle school and up. I enjoyed the mystery although I would have also enjoyed a little more of the love story before the main death occurred.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A loving and fascinating tribute to young Emily Dickinson, featuring lines from her poems for each chapter heading and an imaginative, but realistic plot. MacColl's novel inspired me to learn more about Dickinson.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book is a well written, young adult novel. It gives the young reader a glimpse into what life was like when Emily Dickinson was alive. At the same time, it provides a clever mystery for the reader to try to solve. I would recommend this book for middle and high schooler as well as any adult who enjoys the simplicity and innocence of young adult literature.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I liked this book more than I expected. I loved the character's. The first chapter pulled me in and I hated when I had to put the book down. I would recommend this novel to someone who would enjoy a relaxing read that will draw you in.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Who knew Emily Dickinson could be a super sleuth? When a body shows up in her family’s pond, Emily sets out to find out who is behind the murder of Mr. Nobody. I absolutely loved this book! The author does an excellent job of crafting Emily’s character – she is sweet, curious, courageous, witty, and highly intelligent. The family dynamic of the Dickinson's is wonderful too – Mrs. Dickinson's constant worrying is hilarious and I really enjoyed the bond between Emily and her sister Vinnie. The mystery was intriguing and though there weren’t many twists or surprises, there is a big one at the end. Overall this was a short but delightful read.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Frankly, I though I was going to hate the idea of Emily Dickinson playing amateur detective, but this worked.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Short and Sweet:Nobody's Secret was sweet and wonderful for a murder mystery. I loved the imagination of the author concerning Emily Dickinson and the poetry mixed through out. I felt like I was reading a historical Veronica Mars episode and I want to kiss Michaela MacColl's face for writing this wonderful book. :)To Elaborate....The story begins with Emily laying in a field of wildflowers hoping a bee will land on her nose.... just to experience something different. After a few moments she hears footsteps approaching and thinking it is her mother or sister coming to bring her back to her chores she closes her eyes and wills herself to be invisible. However, when she opens her eyes she meets the curious Mr. Nobody who engages in (extremely adorable) conversation with her. He appreciates her quirkiness where everyone else tries to shape her into a 'proper' young lady. Sadly, after a few days he is found, presumably drowned, in her family's pond. Since Emily had never learned his name, she becomes determined to solve the mystery of who "Mr. Nobody" was. However, along the way she discovers that someone doesn't want Mr. Nobody to be identified. More determined than ever, Emily slowly discovers the many secrets of Mr. Nobody including his identity. Just a cool, cool book through and through. LOVE.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5*This is an ARC copy I received via library thing*4 StarsIn 1845 Emily Dickinson is just fifteen and already feels the monotony of a domesticated lifestyle. While waiting for some kind of excitement to enter her life she meets a handsome young man who knows nothing about her or her family for a change. He’s a mystery that she finds surprising and she wants to keep their new friendship a secret. The mystery of his identity, however, turns Emily’s life upside down when his body is found in her pond and she has to race the clock to not only find out who is he but also how he died.As far as a mystery goes this one was pretty predictable, which would be my one complaint. This being a book for young adults’ I would expect more to the mystery and this reads more like a mystery for a middle readers’ (which I am also a fan of). Otherwise I really enjoyed this. There’s a tad bit of everything a good story needs plus a tad bit of Emily Dickinson’s poetry. I could absolutely envision the author’s Emily as the real life Ms. Dickinson that I have read about in the past. This novel seems well researched and the author provides the reader with titles for further reading if they are so inclined. The characters, along with the plot, make this a quick and enjoyable read. Even though there is a little bit of dark mixed in it’s ultimately a feel good story. This one will definitely generate some interest into an amazing writer and poet.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I found this book very entertaining. I haven't read many historical fiction works but this has turned me on to them. It is an easy read as it is a YA. I enjoyed the adventure that Emily takes us on when she decides it is her duty to solve a murder. The author really did her homework on the life and neighborhood of Emily Dickinson, I enjoyed reading the Author's Notes. Michaela uses facts from Emilys life to fill the pages and uses her poems as inspiration for each chapter. A strong female character in a wonderfully written book, I enjoyed it very much!
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Emily Dickinson, girl detective! MacColl imagines the elusive poet as a fifteen-year-old girl, who meets an intriguing young man she names Mr. Nobody. Without giving away any spoilers, I'll only say that this meeting leads to a great mystery which Emily makes it her mission to solve. While I enjoy books which take real people and thrust them into decidedly fictional situations, the whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking, "Mamma Mia." You know, the musical that weaves its story from ABBA songs. In this case, the story is woven from themes in Emily Dickinson's poetry: nobody, bees, sister, church, death. Which is fine, as the story does work and unfolds very well. I just couldn't give it more than 3 stars, because it does come across as contrived. This is a YA novel and appropriate for young teen readers and would make a good introduction to a study of the poet.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An entertaining YA cozy featuring a teen-aged Emily Dickinson as the sleuth. Emily meets a handsome stranger who later turns up dead in the family fish pond. She feels the authorities aren't giving the case the attention it deserves and sets out to solve the mystery. The author pays great attention to the details; vividly describing the world of Emily's time and the life she led. Each chapter starts with a snippet of Dickinson's poetry that sets the mood for that chapter. I really enjoyed this one and wouldn't mind reading more about the teen-aged Emily.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Nice quick light read that will definitely capture the attention of the your adult reader. The determination that young Emily has to uncover the truth keeps you turning pages to see what she will do or think of next. Very simply written but with enough mystery to keep you interested, this a a book that I can see my nieces enjoying.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I was a little disappointed with this story. They characters seemed under developed and the story was not very compelling. I honestly wished it has stuck more with some real life Emily Dickinson facts instead of strictly fiction. If it was developed deeper I believe it could have made a great novel for all ages- as it stands I believe it is a good Young Adult novel.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Emily Dickinson never really investigated a murder; had she done so, however, I think she would have done it exactly as she does in Nobody's Secret.The book is written clearly, pitch perfect in tone, simply and it is a good mystery aimed at the JF/YA reading crowd. This book will appeal to those readers that enjoy Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes or Angie Frazier's Suzanna Snow.Each chapter begins with one of Dickinson's poems and it is easy to imagine that the book will create interest in Emily and her poetry. Emily comes across as an interesting, honest, determined person - someone you would like to know better. The mystery is complicated enough to be engaging, clues are there - for those who can see - and the guilty party may be a surprise to you.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5This is an ARC won through a giveaway.Emily Dickinson the next great Sherlock Holmes! Ms. MacColl's second novel centers around famed American poet Emily Dickinson. In this novel, Emily is 15 and has found herself compelled to investigate the murder of a gentleman she briefly met and who calls himself 'Mr. Nobody'.A classic who dunnit, the story flows quickly. The author intertweaves between Emily's 'career' as sleuth and her dutiful 'career' as a young lady of the 1800's. Ms. MacColl does a fair job of helping the reader visualize the stifling life Emily presently leads. The life of a young girl at this time was full of chores and strict do's and don'ts, all leading to the inevitable final prize of marriage.But it's Emily's restlessness also serves a greater good in the story, leading her to do her Christian duty and uncovering the name of the unidentified body of Mr. Nobody.Prose is simple to read and main characters are developed nicely. Perhaps not on a deep level but enough to give the story substance.A well written quick read.
Book preview
Nobody's Secret - Michaela Maccoll
I ’m nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody too?
CHAPTER 1
Emily lay perfectly still, hidden in the tall grass, her eyes closed tight. A chain of wildflowers lay wilted around her neck. But no matter how quiet she was, the bee would not land on her nose. Emily, she told herself sternly, bees are special. You can’t expect the first one to accept your invitation.
The bee thrummed. A delicate brush of wings tickled her cheek. Pollen drifted into Emily’s nose. She sneezed. She didn’t need to open her eyes to know that her quarry had flitted away.
The crunch of nearby footsteps made her sigh. Had her mother sent Vinnie to fetch her already? In Mother’s view, to play truant from housekeeping was a terrible crime. Especially on laundry day. But this was the first day Emily had felt well enough to wander; she wasn’t going home yet. She willed herself to become as invisible as the blur of hummingbirds’ wings.
The footsteps came closer. A shadow came between her and the sun. Someone was standing over her. She squeezed her eyes closed even tighter and thought only of the bees.
A young lady lying hidden among the wildflowers. . . . How unexpected.
Emily’s eyes flew open. A young man towered over her. Hastily, she sat up, craning her neck to see him. His silhouette was rimmed with sunlight and his fair hair glistened like strands of fine silk. Her sun-warmed skin suddenly felt chill.
Hello,
she answered warily, glancing toward the stand of white pines that stood between her and home. Then she took a closer look at his fine clothing and her confidence returned. From the high polish on his black shoes and the gold watch peeking from the left pocket of his vest, she could tell he was from a city, perhaps Boston or even New York. He couldn’t be more than twenty—twenty-two at the oldest. Harmless, she thought. Are you a student at the college?
The college on the hill dominated Amherst’s landscape as well as the rhythms of the Dickinson family. Emily’s grandfather was one of the founders of Amherst College, and her father was its treasurer.
I’m no scholar,
he said, grimacing. I’ve never had any interest in a formal education.
I’m eager to go to Mount Holyoke Seminary next year.
She looked at him curiously, unable to fathom not wanting to learn everything about everything. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want to go to school.
I’ve been too busy living.
He shrugged. "What could I learn in college that I couldn’t learn traveling the world?
The world! Rather than let her envy show on her face, Emily’s glance traveled from his well-trimmed hair to his shined shoes. The civilized parts, I presume.
I’m off to California as soon as I’ve finished my business here,
he said.
Emily couldn’t imagine the courage it would take to go to the wilds of California. You’ll need more rugged clothes if you are going West,
she pointed out, gesturing to his tailored coat.
He burst out laughing, but it was a good laugh, not high-pitched and not too hearty.
May I assist you?
He offered his hand. After a brief hesitation, she put her hand in his. He easily pulled her off the ground. She was small and he was very tall. Her hand lingered on his and for just a moment she could feel the roughness of his skin.
Your hands prove you aren’t a student,
she said. Amherst students rarely work hard enough to callus their hands.
You’re the local expert on college students?
he teased.
I know all of them,
she sighed. My father is . . . connected with the College.
To her pleasure, the stranger didn’t seem interested in her father. As if it were of no importance, he asked, What were you doing down there, anyway?
She paused, considering his intelligent eyes. Finally, she told the bald truth without explanation: Hoping a bee would land on my nose.
He nodded, as though that made all the sense in the world. The silence lengthened while Emily waited for the inevitable question. Finally she said, You aren’t going to ask me why?
He pursed his lips. I suspect you want to know what it feels like.
His easy understanding was like a blow to the body. She nodded, speechless.
But aren’t you afraid of being stung?
he asked.
I don’t know. It hasn’t happened yet.
She paused. But I’m sure it will be excruciating.
His forehead crinkled and his mouth twisted to stop a smile. "And that’s a good thing?
It’s a new experience. If you are sequestered at home, as I am, new experiences are to be savored.
Perhaps you’ll be lucky,
he said. I have a relation who keeps bees. He doesn’t even notice the beestings.
I’m very sensitive to natural poisons,
Emily assured him. Of all the girls in my botany class, I reacted most to poison oak. So if I’m stung, it’s bound to be painful. But I still hope a bee will visit.
You’ve picked a good spot,
he said, with all these wildflowers about.
So far the bees have decided my nose is not the place for them.
She picked a long blade of grass from her braid of red hair and smoothed her dark cotton skirt. It was short, showing several inches above her ankle. Her mother scolded her daily to wear longer dresses that were appropriate to her fifteen years. Emily usually chose the shorter dress that permitted free movement, but today she wished she had listened to her mother.
Lavender is a favorite for bees.
He looked around and spied a purple bush. He pulled a sprig from it and handed it to her. Try this.
She secreted his offering in her pocket. "And whom do I have the pleasure of thanking for my gift?
He started to introduce himself, then seemed to think better of it. I’m nobody important.
He grinned, revealing a mouth of straight teeth. Who are you?
Emily paused. She was the eldest daughter of one of the town fathers and everyone knew her name. But this stranger didn’t.
How dreary to be somebody all the time, she thought. Feeling very mischievous, she said, I’m nobody too.
Hello, Miss Nobody,
he said with an inclination of his head. Do you live around here?
She nodded. Just beyond that stand of white pines.
Harmless as he might appear, it wouldn’t hurt for him to know that her home and family were close.
It’s a pleasing spot. Amherst always was a pretty town.
You aren’t from around here.
It wasn’t a question.
I’ve visited Amherst before,
he said, but I don’t belong anywhere.
The gleam in his eye forbade her to pity him. After a moment, he asked, How old are you?
Almost sixteen,
she said.
So fifteen,
he said, but in such a genial way Emily didn’t take offense. And why aren’t you in school, if it’s so important? Are you playing truant?
I go to Amherst Academy. It’s just up the road off the Common, but we’re between terms right now.
And you’re free to frolic with the bees? No chores at home calling out for you to do?
She couldn’t meet his eyes.
I don’t blame you, Miss Nobody,
he said. I ran away from home to be free from what was expected of me.
I’ll go home soon,
she said. But only when the washing is finished!
Much better to make friends with bees.
He looked around thoughtfully. But if you’re fifteen—excuse me, almost sixteen—you’re old enough to know that if you really want to attract a bee, you need to be sweeter.
Emily felt a hint of a blush on her cheeks. My family is always complaining of my prickly disposition,
she agreed.
I’m sure that’s not true.
He bowed gallantly. I meant you must taste of summer. That’s what a bee wants. Close your eyes.
Emily pursed her lips, considering him and his odd request. His open visage reassured her, and with hardly any reluctance she did as he asked.
Oh!
she said, stepping back in surprise. He had dabbed her nose with a sticky substance. She opened her eyes and saw that he held a chunk of oozing honeycomb in his right hand.
This will summon every bee in the township.
His eyebrows lifted, almost daring her to take offense.
We’ll have to see, won’t we, Mr. Nobody?
Emily crossed her eyes to catch a glimpse of her nose.
I’ll leave you to it,
he said. I must be going now.
"To California?
Soon. First I have to take care of some family business.
His genial mood disappeared like a shadow at high noon. He folded his honeycomb back in the handkerchief. She noticed a monogram with a bold JW
embroidered with black silk thread. Some unpleasant accounts need to be settled.
Sometimes we have to endure unpleasantness to do the right thing,
Emily agreed, recalling more than one such occasion. It’s often inconvenient.
Unavoidable, in this case.
His voice had an edge belied by his gentle manner. But unpleasantness is the last thing a pretty girl like you should worry about.
Emily’s forthright nature couldn’t allow such an untruth to stand. I’m not pretty,
she said, matter-of-factly, as if it did not bother her at all. I’m the plain sister.
How refreshing to meet such modesty, but I think it’s misplaced.
Another item to add to his list of good qualities; he thought she was pretty. She crinkled her nose, wishing it wasn’t dotted with freckles. That’s very kind of you, but I think you flatter me.
Better to flatter than to wound. That’s always been my maxim.
He pulled out his pocket watch, a gold affair with a W
engraved on its back. His face displayed his consternation. It’s getting late. Good luck with your bee hunting.
Thank you,
she said. Have a good day, Mr. Nobody.
And you, Miss Nobody!
With a wave, he turned and strode away, disappearing into the hazy sunshine. Staring after him, she dabbed at her nose with a fingertip and licked it. The honey was full of clover, honeysuckle, and green apples, made by bees with discriminating taste. The hive must be nearby for the honey to be so fresh. Emily wished she had asked Mr. Nobody where to find it.
She lay down in the grass, arranging her body straight and comfortable. Mr. Nobody’s honey was indeed the missing catalyst for her experiment. Only moments later, a large bee landed on her nose. Eyes closed, Emily concentrated on every detail. The vibration of the buzzing tickled her nostrils. She felt certain she could count each one of the bee’s six legs. Its fur smelled of flowers. And all the while, her body quivered, wanting to flee before the sting.
Some keep the Sabbath going to church; I keep it, staying at home
CHAPTER 2
Rain streamed down the windows. Translucent trails marked their passing like prison bars. A comfortable prison to be sure, Emily had to admit, with soft chairs arranged for conversation and needlework and books close at hand.
She arranged the sprig of lavender just so in the center of the flower press and screwed down the glass plate to flatten the flower. When it was ready, she would put it in her most private of notebooks.
Emily already knew what she would write in memory of her meeting with the mysterious Mr. Nobody:
There is a flower that Bees prefer.
She didn’t know which words would follow yet, but doubtless they would come to her.
With a sigh, she leaned her forehead against the windowpane, straining to make out the graveyard on the far side of the garden. On the whole, the Dickinsons were very fond of their home on North Pleasant Street with its ample rooms, wide-planked floors, and large, light-filled kitchen, but only Emily counted the graveyard as one of the house’s assets. She enjoyed walking up the gentle rise to commune with its inhabitants, who were all but forgotten except for the names on tombstones, eroded by wind and weather. One of her favorite places to sit and think was at the spring-fed pond at the edge of their property that adjoined the cemetery. But not in the pouring rain, and not with Mother so suspicious.
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson, stop staring out the window. You aren’t going anywhere—not after you abandoned your sister yesterday!
Her mother was wrapped in quilts. Mrs. Dickinson half-closed her eyes, trying to ward off one of her devastating headaches.
Mama, it’s all right,
protested Vinnie from her position in the armchair next to the small fire, a purring tomcat on her lap and Godey’s Lady’s Book, her favorite fashion magazine, in her hand. As Emily had hinted to Mr. Nobody, Vinnie was the pretty sister, full of health and blessed with an easy disposition. Almost three years younger than Emily, she was already more popular at school. Her chestnut hair was thick and lush. Mrs. Dickinson had only recently let her begin to grow it out. I didn’t mind doing Emily’s share.
Emily snorted. Vinnie had indeed minded, and had told Emily so in no uncertain terms the night before in their shared bedroom. But the Dickinson children always honored their alliance against their parents, much to the dismay of their mother.
Nevertheless, it was unfair of Emily,
Mrs. Dickinson continued. Today she has to make up for it. Have you finished dusting?
Yes, Mother.
Emily hastily retrieved the discarded dust cloth and rubbed at the window sash without conviction.
And you’ve polished the tables?
Yes, Mother,
Emily said. Under her breath she whispered, All the pestilence is swept away.
Very well.
Mrs. Dickinson was holding the Hampshire Gazette, the family’s preferred local paper. I see your father’s business card is prominently displayed on the front page.
Emily came to look over her shoulder.
Edward Dickinson
Commissioner in Bankruptcy,
Master in Chancery, Attorney
Amherst, Ma
It looks very distinguished,
Emily said.
Mrs. Dickinson’s eyes were already moving down the page. More news about potatoes. Our potatoes were fine; I don’t see this blight they keep writing about.
Emily and Vinnie exchanged glances. Their mother was
quite capable of ignoring anything that didn’t directly touch her home or family.
Girls, listen to this.
Mrs. Dickinson began to read from her favorite part of the newspaper, the Miscellany, where humorous and tragic stories were collected from all over the country. It’s from Greenville, South Carolina.