The Ivory City - by Emily Bain Murphy (Paperback)

About the Book

The St. Louis World's Fair, 1904: A miniature city of palaces and pavilions that becomes a backdrop for romance, betrayal--and murder.
Cousins Grace and Lillie have been best friends since birth, despite Grace's vastly inferior social status ever since her mother married for love instead of wealth. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century--the legendary World's Fair, also known as "The Ivory City"--Grace hopes her fortunes might be about to change.
But when a member of their party is brutally killed at the fair, and suspicion falls on Lillie's brother Oliver, Grace must prove Oliver's innocence before her beloved cousins' family is ruined forever. Along the way, she'll discover that the city's wealthy elite--including Oliver's handsome but irritable friend Theodore--aren't quite who they appear to be. And amidst the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City lurks a danger that just may claim her life.

Book Synopsis

The Devil in the White City meets Pride and Prejudice in this romantic historical murder mystery set at the 1904 World's Fair.

The St. Louis World's Fair, 1904:

A miniature city of palaces and pavilions that becomes a backdrop for romance, betrayal--and murder.

Cousins Grace and Lillie have been best friends since birth, despite Grace's vastly inferior social status ever since her mother married for love instead of wealth. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century--the legendary World's Fair, also known as "The Ivory City"--Grace hopes her fortunes might be about to change.

But when a member of their party is brutally killed at the fair, and suspicion falls on Lillie's brother Oliver, Grace must prove Oliver's innocence before her beloved cousins' family is ruined forever. Along the way, she'll discover that the city's wealthy elite--including Oliver's handsome but irritable friend Theodore--aren't quite who they appear to be. And amidst the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City lurks a danger that just may claim her life.

Review Quotes

"I'm a total fan girl over Emily Bain Murphy's writing! Like all her novels, The Ivory City is a story to savor--a mosaic of rich description, witty banter, and brilliant themes. I loved touring the opulent St. Louis Exposition with her and experiencing its fleeting grandeur from a multitude of perspectives and places, all while trying to figure out exactly what happened at the fair."--Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton and Catching the Wind

"Vividly drawn with rich historical detail, The Ivory City is a sizzling mystery filled with intrigue, glamour and good old-fashioned romance that brilliantly ignites against the backdrop of the St. Louis World's Fair. Emily Bain Murphy's latest novel is a sheer delight!"--Alyson Richman, USA and International Bestselling author of "The Time Keepers and The Missing Pages."

"Grace Covington is the perfect amateur detective mixing charm and ingenuity in this richly detailed murder mystery set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. A delightful read!"--Julia Kelly, international bestselling author of A Traitor in Whitehall

"The Ivory City will have you mesmerized by the magnificent sights of the 1904 World's Fair -- the perfect backdrop for danger, deceit -- and one determined young woman's quest for justice"--Michelle Collins Anderson, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Flower Sisters

"A compelling mystery played out against the atmospheric backdrop of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, Ivory City is a pleasure to read."--Nilima Rao, award-winning author of A Disappearance in Fiji

About the Author

Emily Bain Murphy is the author of two critically acclaimed young adult novels--The Disappearances, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and Splinters of Scarlet--as well as the popular historical mystery novel Enchanted Hill. Murphy lives in St. Louis with her husband, three children, and a rescue bunny, where she's always on the lookout for beautiful old mansions hiding new stories.

AUTHOR RESIDENCE: St. Louis, MO