REVIEW: THE IVORY CITY by EMILY BAIN MURPHY

 Hey everyone!

Today I have a review for The Ivory City by Emily Bain Murphy! Check out details for the book below and then my review!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Bain Murphy was born in Indiana and raised in Hong Kong and Japan. She graduated from Tufts University and has also called Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California home.

Murphy is the author of the young adult historical fantasy novels "Splinters of Scarlet" and "The Disappearances." "The Disappearances" was a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, an ALAN Pick, and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. “Splinters of Scarlet” received starred reviews from School Library Journal and BookPage and has been translated into multiple languages.

Murphy is also the author of the adult historical romantic mysteries “Enchanted Hill” (2023), and “The Ivory City” (2025).

Her debut middle grade series, a fantasy trilogy called LIGHTSEEKERS, will publish with WaterBrook/Penguin Randomhouse in 2026.

Murphy is represented by Peter Knapp at Park, Fine & Brower Literary and Media. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband and three children.

THE BOOK

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.

Find it on AMAZON.

THE REVIEW

I will admit, I was swept away by the beginning of the book and then found myself struggling to get into it for the next 20% or so--my main struggle was relating and becoming invested in the characters, even though the main character Grace is easy to understand. BUT I'm glad I kept going through it, because it really hits the ground running. This book is very clearly researched, well-written, and elaborate. While it's fairly clear who the villains are from the start, the story still takes you on some good twists and turns along the way, which are well worthwhile! (And on a side note: I'm obsessed with the cover!)