Bury Me Deep by Megan Abbott is a gripping tale inspired by a notorious true crime that shocked America in 1931. This historical fiction novel, steeped in the decadence of the Jazz Age and the desperation of the Great Depression, delves into the complexities of desire, jealousy, and betrayal. Marion Seeley, the story’s protagonist, is a young woman abandoned by her doctor husband. She works at a medical clinic in Phoenix, where she befriends Louise, a vivacious nurse, and Ginny, a sickly blonde who supplements their meagre income with wild parties and dangerous liaisons. As Marion becomes more entwined with these women, she falls for the charismatic, yet dangerous, Joe Lanigan, a politician on the rise whose connections to the women pull Marion into a web of treachery.
Bury Me Deep is not just a thrilling crime novel, but also a story of shifting loyalties and the dark side of desire. Abbott expertly captures the mood of an era marked by excess and moral ambiguity. Drawing from the 1931 case of the two trunks discovered in a Los Angeles train station, the book explores themes of betrayal, obsession, and the lengths to which individuals will go when trapped in a world of their own making. As the story unfolds, Marion’s life spirals out of control in a way that will leave readers questioning what is real and what is driven by their own deepest desires.
This novel is a must-read for fans of noir, mystery thrillers, and historical crime fiction. Megan Abbott’s signature style, marked by psychological depth and tension-filled suspense, ensures this book is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. Bury Me Deep is perfect for those who enjoy a rich blend of dark desire, moral complexity, and a touch of historical intrigue.
