An Acquaintance With Darkness

Set in the tumultuous final days of the Civil War in Washington D.C., this historical fiction novel follows 14-year-old Emily Pigbush. After her mother's death, Emily is forced to live with her estranged uncle, a talented but morally ambiguous doctor. She soon discovers his involvement in body snatching, a practice he defends as vital for medical advancement. Simultaneously, Emily's best friend's family becomes entangled in the investigation of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, leaving Emily unsure of whom to trust. This book offers a fast-paced, dramatic narrative rich with historical detail, exploring themes of morality, resilience, and a young woman's journey to define her own path amidst societal upheaval and personal loss. It's suitable for middle school and early high school readers.

Fourteen-year-old Emily Pigbush suspects that her uncle is involved in body snatching. Meanwhile, her best friend's family is accused of plotting to kill Abraham Lincoln, and Emily is left unsure of whom she can trust.