These Shallow Graves

TheseShallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly, 487 pages

Jo Montfort’s life is turned upside down the day her father is found shot in his office.  She soon comes to realize that it wasn’t an accident, as was reported, but that he was murdered.  With the help of a reporter, Eddie, Jo delves into New York’s underworld to try to find her father’s murderer.  In the process, she learns more than she dreamed possible about what happens to underprivileged people on the streets and also finds some very uncomfortable information about her father’s business.  Both he and his partners may have been involved in some shady dealings.  Upset, but undeterred, Jo is determined to discover the truth, no matter who gets hurt.  This was an exciting book.  I would highly recommend it to teens who like historical fiction and adventure with strong female characters.