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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Confucius said, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves,” which is a sentiment one character does not consider in The Reckoning by Ann Nolder Heinz. It opens in 1873 with a mysterious man standing outside a quiet residence, wrestling with a decision that could change his life forever. At the same time, Harriet Mitchell, a focused Vassar student and aspiring writer, is living on campus and envisions a bright future. When she learns of an attack at her family’s Brooklyn home, her sense of security is shattered. As she finds out more about what happened, Harriet is drawn into the worlds of law, politics, and journalism. She decides to investigate who might have committed the crime against them. With the help of newspaper reporter Andrew McPherson, she speaks with anyone who might have answers. Their search takes them beyond New York, uncovering how one man’s grievance ties into a larger web of corruption. Along the way, she begins to realize she may not have to face the future alone.
The Reckoning by Ann Nolder Heinz pulled me in right away with its slightly suspenseful beginning. I really liked how grounded Harriet is. She’s practical, stubborn, and deeply committed to the written word, yet still very young and unsure in some ways. I enjoyed her dynamic with Andrew; their back-and-forth feels realistic, particularly when they disagree (especially on who needs protection). I could also relate to the idea of seeking justice. The writing is clear with just enough period detail to set the scene without overdoing it. I enjoyed this book a lot, especially the way it balances character growth with the slow reveal of the plot. Readers who enjoy stories that are a bit of a mystery, are character-driven, or take place during the Reconstruction-era will not be able to put this novel down.
