These Shallow Graves

Kim Bubbs skillfully gives voice to Josephine Montford, a wealthy young woman in late-nineteenth-century New York, and her love interest, an aspiring reporter named Eddie. Together, they set out to track down the man who murdered Jo's father, a newspaper publisher. Donnelly describes Jo's "porcelain coolness" as a "veneer" under which lies a "fierce intelligence," and Bubbs's portrayal deftly reflects those traits. She reveals Jo's education and privilege through genteel enunciation and a level tone, which make her moments of na•veté more believable. Jo's intelligence especially comes through in her fast-paced, passionate exchanges with Eddie. The poor denizens of the city, also competently portrayed, are effectively juxtaposed with the privileged. E.M.C. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Starred review from August 17, 2015
Josephine Montfort, one of the wealthy elite in 1890 New York City, is supposed to finish school, marry a suitable gentleman, raise a family, “and that is all.” But smart, self-assured Jo desires more from life—and wants to become a reporter like Nellie Bly. When Jo’s father unexpectedly dies, and she discovers that his death wasn’t an accident, she teams up with an intrepid reporter named Eddie to find out what really happened. They uncover secrets that upend everything she has known, and
Jo risks her reputation as they visit checkered parts of the city and she starts to fall for Eddie. While this isn’t a short book, Donnelly’s (Revolution) action-packed chapters propel this compelling mystery. Through Jo’s sheltered perspective, readers learn about class disparity right alongside her, and Donnelly is as adept at describing an opulent ball
as she is a seedy neighborhood. Though some of the constraints placed on female behavior during that time period have faded, the injustices Donnelly highlights remain all too relevant. Ages 12–up. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.