cover image The Prisoner of Hell Gate

The Prisoner of Hell Gate

Dana I. Wolff. Picador, $16 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-250-08970-0

The legend and mystery surrounding Mary Mallon, better known as Typhoid Mary, is given a supernatural twist in Wolff’s creepy but unsatisfying debut. During a pleasure cruise on the East River with friends, graduate student Karalee Soper can’t resist the lure of North Brother Island, where Mary Mallon was quarantined a century ago. In fact, Karalee’s great-grandfather, George A. Soper, was the one who finally captured Mary after she sickened many people with her cooking. The friends intend to explore the ruins and get off the island before dark, but they meet a woman dressed in rags named Mary, and she has other plans for them. Interspersed passages from Mary’s point of view humanize a woman who was made a pariah, making it clear that Karalee’s connection to her goes deep. As very bad things begin to happen to Karalee and her friends, a violent conclusion seems inevitable, but the abrupt ending means Karalee’s motivations aren’t explored thoroughly. This story of vengeance is atmospheric and spooky, with a pervasive sense of dread, but it could use some fleshing out. Agent: Sharon Pelletier, Dystel & Goderich Literary Agency. (July)