Blackbirds & Spirit Pictures

The Great War, a pandemic, accusations of treason, and ghosts of dead soldiers, set in San Diego. What more could a story need to keep you turning the pages?

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Last year, I was given a book, In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. A paranormal, historical, young adult novel, this was Ms. Winters’s debut, published in 2013. Last month I was sorting through the books and papers on my desk, it jumped out at me and said, READ ME NOW! Given that we are in the midst of a pandemic, the topic was, to say the least, appropriate.

The book follows Mary Shelley Black, yes, she is named for the author of Frankenstein. When we join her, Mary Shelley is on the train from Portland, Oregon, to San Diego, California. She is going to live with her Aunt Eva after her father is arrested for treason. Shortly after having her picture taken by a spiritual photographer, she learns her best friend Stephen has died in France, another casualty of the Great War. That night she is hit by lighting – then things really take a turn for the weird.

So many questions. Will her father go to prison? Who will get the flu next? How did Stephen die?

As Mary Shelly moves through San Diego, Ms. Winters puts you there in the middle of the events. I can see the streets of San Diego and Coronado Island. When Mary Shelley takes the streetcar to Balboa Park, I’m there. I’ve been on a bus down the same street and walked across the bridge into the park. When she visits family friends on Coronado Island, I know the house she described, or at least one very like it.

• 

  Santa Fe Depot

• 

  Cabrillo Bridge

• 

  Ferry to Coronado

I could feel Mary Shelley’s fear grow as the suspense builds. Who’s going to get sick next? Will all the garlic and onions really help? What do the blackbirds mean? Who can she trust?

Mary Shelley is a firm believer in science and is skeptical of the spiritualists around her. The spirit photographs have to be a trick, right?

I could say more, but I do not want to wander into spoiler territory.

The story is meticulously researched, and the prose weaves image and emotion together. This is done so well that there were times while reading it when I had to close the book to catch my breath.

Cat Winters (Photo by Aedan Studio Photography)

Check out her website, The Dark Fiction of Cat Winters . There you can watch a well-produced video about the Spanish Flu pandemic. There is also information on her other books, including her newest releases, Odd & True and Raven’s Tale.

And what tea would go with this book? I’d suggest Ms. Winter’s favorite, a London Fog. A tea latte that is a lovely blend of Earl Gray, lavender, and vanilla. Trust me, you’ll like it.

London Fog Recipe

• 1 cup (8 oz.) strongly-brewed earl grey tea, brewed with 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender (the lavender is optional, but I recommend it!)
• 1/2 cup (4 oz.) steamed milk (any kind, I use oat milk.)
• 1- 2 tablespoons of vanilla syrup or more or less to taste.

Brew earl grey tea and lavender together, and steep for 3 minutes (or according to tea instructions).  Remove the tea bag and strain out the lavender.  Stir in remaining ingredients until combined.  Serve warm or over ice.

Note: If like me, you don’t have a steamer, gently warm the milk (don’t let it boil) and froth with a small whisk.

             Until next time, remember the door is always open, and the kettle is always on!