Book Review: ‘Silent Came The Monster: A Novel Of The 1916 Jersey Shore Shark Attacks’ By Amy Hill Hearth

The year is 1916, and the Germans are at war, an epidemic (polio) is sweeping the country, and on the Jersey Shore, a shark has attacked, and killed a man. No one wants to believe it was a shark, except for Dr. Halsey, who is screaming loud that it will attack again. Everyone has a guess what it might be, but no one wants to believe it’s a shark. Then it strikes again in different locations. The Doctor is determined to get people to listen to him, and then out at sea one day, the shark attacks, and it could be the end of his life. There are a number of side stories involving the locals, and those who are attacked by the shark, and how they must go on with their lives. This novel is based on the real life 1916 shark attacks, which I knew nothing about, and is a fascinating read. Author Hearth has really done her research, and is a good summer read, before you go into the water.

You can pick up Silent Came The Monster in stores on Tuesday, May 16th from Blackstone.