The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donovan

by Patricia Bailey

Life in a 1905 Nevada mining town is not easy for any thirteen-year-old. For Kit Donovan, it seems downright impossible. When her mother dies of a fever, Kit is certain she is to blame. Guilt-ridden, she is determined to honor her promises to her mother—namely to be a “proper lady.” Only being a lady is tougher than it looks. When Kit discovers that Papa’s boss at the gold mine (the menacing and self-serving Mr. Granger) is profiting from unsafe working conditions in the mine, she convinces her dad to speak out. But sometimes doing the right thing leads to trouble. Now Kit must find a way to expose Granger’s misdeeds before it’s too late. Aided by an eccentric woman, a Shoshone boy, and a drunken newspaperman, Kit puts her big mouth and all the life skills she’s learned from reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to work. With a man’s hat and a printing press, Kit defies threats of violence and discovers that justice doesn’t always look like she imagined it would.

Albert Whitman has bought Patricia Bailey's debut middle grade novel, The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donovan, set in a Nevada mining town in 1905. The story follows 13-year-old orphan Kit on her quest to reveal the unfair practices at the local mine, avenge the death of her father, go undercover as a boy at the local newspaper, and survive the how-to-be-a-proper-lady lessons at school and home. Publication is planned for spring 2017.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fiction, Childrens

Hardcover

First published April 25, 2017

About the author

Patricia Bailey grew up in a small town in Oregon. She now lives in a slightly larger town in Oregon with her husband and three cats. She spends her time exploring forgotten places, hiking mountain trails, and scribbling story ideas on sticky notes.

Reviews

[Whitney Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donovan may not be true, but they are tragic - and rollicking! Equal parts Nancy Drew, Series of Unfortunate Events, with a heavy helping of Kit's own hero Huck Finn, Kit struggles to fit the mold of womanhood prescribed by society in her two-bit gold rush town in Nevada. A series of mining accidents and her own follies fitting in at school compel Kit to take action, doing what no woman, even no adult, has the nerve to - and eventually to find a new path in life! The story bursts at the seams with action, thrilling danger, intrigue, multiple-sided characters, and mystery which is too delicious to spoil here. The western setting, far from being tired, allows us to see fascinating sides of frontier life and turn-of-the-century advances: Unionization! The gold rush! Coastal vs Western culture! Automobiles! The importance of a free press! (Don't worry, there's at least one shootout, too.) Patricia Bailey writes with such ease and confidence that the pages just fell away and I was done, ready for the next Kit adventure, before I knew it. Kit is a wonderful spitfire of a modern hero and I can easily see many, many sequels in her future. Bravo!

[Breeana Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made my Nancy Drew-loving heart happy! Kit Donovan is such an easy heroine to root for—she’s determined, brave, clever, and took me on an adventure that had me flipping the pages late into the night. And the setting—a small Nevada mining town during the Gold rush—added layers of interest and intrigue. Kit is a girl ahead of her times, determined to forge her own path in a world that expects her to be minding her manners in a proper dress, instead of going undercover to work at a newspaper or solving crimes. This is a read-under-the-covers-with-a-flashlight kind of story, chock full of adventure and mystery.

[Katie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about friendship, justice, and finding the courage to be yourself!

Kit is the perfect middle grade heroine! Equal parts Nancy Drew and Anne Shirley, she speaks her mind (even when it gets her in trouble), is determined to uncover the truth, but underneath that, she has a heart of gold. Set in a poor mining town in Nevada during the gold rush, I felt the dirt on my face and the grit in the water as I read this novel, all while cheering for Kit to solve her father's murder. The adventure kept me turning pages, but it was the friendships between the characters that I loved the most. Arnie, the chauffer, and Clara, the hardened old woman both stole my heart, as well as the newspaper owner and his wife who join forces with Kit.

This is a fun novel for any reader who wants a little adventure!

[Supriya Kelkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donovan is an exciting story set in Nevada during the gold rush. It was a great read and I love Kit. She is a brave, strong, smart, adventurous girl who is relatable and inspiring as she keeps going despite being knocked down by tragedy.

[Alexandra Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and endearing read! Kit Donovan is the kind of heroine I love--brave, clever, resourceful, and determined. Fans of middle grade mysteries and historical fiction will really love this! Highly recommend.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Patricia Bailey’s endearing historical middle-grade debut, THE TRAGICALLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF KIT DONOVAN, we meet Kit, a bright and resourceful 13-year-old who personifies the word “spunky.” Newly transplanted from the city of Baltimore to the dusty gold-rush town of Goldfield, Nevada, Kit is forced to undergo a succession of tragic events after the untimely death of her mother. With threats of violence lurking at every turn, and exposure to the unsavory presence of good-mine corruption, Kit must do everything she can to survive in this rough-and-tumble environment—even if it means putting her safety in jeopardy. A fast-paced, well crafted MG adventure. Highly recommended.

[Joanne O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to love in this book! Kit is such a delightful and well rounded character and those who surround her are wonderful and well developed, too. As a reader and writer of historical fiction, I loved all the obviously well researched historical details from this vivid period of history. Kit's story was adventurous indeed, but also had great heart. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. This book is classified as middle grade, but I think it's perfect for teens and adults, too. Highly recommended!

[Kim Ventrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will fall in love with thirteen-year-old Kit Donovan! She is fiery, resilient and full of grit. Patricia Bailey does a great job capturing the atmosphere of an early 1900's gold rush boomtown, complete with saloons, street fights and corrupt mine owners. This book is packed full of tragic events, overwhelming odds, big bad villains and one plucky heroine who meets it all head-on. A great historical middle grade novel for anyone who's ever felt like the underdog. Hooray for Kit!

[Suzanne Maley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit Donovan's life really is tragic but she doesn't allow that to ruin her spunk. The characters are well developed and the reader will feel as if they know each person. The setting is so well described that the reader will feel that they are right there beside Kit, Arnie, Clara and the others.

[Wendy MacKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow, I loved this book. Kit had me heart from page 1 and never let it go. Kit is a heroine for the ages and this book thrilled me and amazed me. The writing is top-notch and the characters memorable. A must-read!

[Corabel Shofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historic West, Miners, and Tragic Truth. Telling the truth leads to trouble especially for an "almost perfect lady."

[Jill CD · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book filled with adventure, goldmines, burros, a murder, and a girl who acts like Huck Finn! A bit of mild swearing occurs but it fits the character. You will love that, Kit!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Newsies-meets-the-wild-west debut by Patricia Bailey! I read it in a day and was fascinated by Kit's courage and the constant links to Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn.

When Kit's mom dies of the influenza, and her dad is murdered in cold blood, it's up to her to prove it was murder and save not only her father's reputation, but the whole town from a scheming mine owner. Standing up for what you believe in isn't easy, especially when no one else is willing to risk it, but Kit is a shining example of doing what's right, even when it's hard. Even when it's not the popular thing to do. And even when it might have some pretty scary consequences. All those who have ever made a difference in the world have done so at the risk of their own comforts, and I love how Kit has to look those risks right in the face before making her decisions. My heart ached for Kit and the things that not only she suffered, but that the people she loved suffered, too.

I loved how Ms. Bailey wove in the history of the town of Goldfield, Nevada with Kit's story, and made me feel like I was there. For those who loves adventure, great story-telling, and hanging out with regular old people who do great things, I highly recommend it!

[Karen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

close to a 5

Awesome debut.
Strong female protagonist, lots of interesting history and humor, and super use of language/voice.

At first I almost abandoned the book because I had a few issues. Too much tragedy and sadness for one kid I thought. Plus the family came from a well-to-do-ish background back east but she sounded pretty uneducated and it didn't ring true. But there was something there that made me continue reading (I also asked my partner to read the first couple chapters and give me his opinion and he loved it).

So, I continued. And I got hooked on the mystery and the clever spunkiness of Kit. I can imagine middle readers absolutely loving how the book unfolds with plenty of complications to overcome.

I'm looking forward to reading more from Patricia Bailey.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donkvan is a lovely young adult mystery story. It adds enough historical elements to give you a taste of the gold rush then mixes in murder and theivery. It's a wonderful story of knowing the culprit, but not all the facts and reasoning. It will entertain readers as they search with Kit to find the proof her father was mudered and bring justice to both her family and the town of Goldfield, Nevada. All the while avoiding her aunt's plans to take her back east and turn her into a proper lady. This book has a nice mixture of it all mystery, intrique, and even a bit of romance.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7th grader and I are spending the year reading historical fiction (set in the United States, to go along with our US History studies) featuring brave and amazing girls. Kit's story is tragic, losing both parents in the beginning of the book -- but author Patricia Bailey has surrounded her with incredible, caring allies who help her find justice for the death of her father. I loved seeing Sheriff Virgil Earp make a small appearance in the story, since he and his brothers lived in our little town when they were boys.

[Janet Riegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with the period of time during the gold rush in a small town in Nevada. Kit's father works in the local mine and she attends school. Initially she has no friends. As a reader you really begin pulling for Kit to have better experiences and friends. The adventure that unfolds in the 2nd part of the book really draws the reader in and you are pulling for Kit to the very end. Better for older elementary students.

[Sali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess that this book sat on my side table far too long. This past week I caught a nasty cold and after working all day I couldn’t face electronics. I picked up the book and within pages, was hooked. Read the second half the following night and then sent a note to the author asking ehe the next edition of Kit would be out! I highly recommend it!

[Addie D.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading, I thought that Kit's story would score three...maybe four. But as I kept reading, the story both lightened up and progressed swimmingly. Ms. Bailey's writing is incredibly poignant and easy to follow, and I enjoyed Kit's story up to the last page. Three cheers for Kit Donovan.

[Jonathan Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that take place in different time periods and this one was great. Really felt the mood of being in a Gold Rush town. Kit is such a great character to root for, and I love the mystery. Definitely reminded me of Nancy Drew. I highly recommend and look forward to more from this author!

[Jennifer Donovant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story. A great read for older kids when studying the gold rush. The book did have a lot of the word d@mn and a few others I didn’t care for, but since it was a read aloud I altered it for my 10yr old.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooray for smart, strong Kit! An empowering story for all ages.

[Taylor G · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It was an enjoyable easy read
Not very memorable though

[K.L. Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I killed my mother. Twice, if I am to be completely honest—though she only died the one time.”

Entering Kit’s word we are sent back to 1905 Goldfield, Nevada during the gold rush, and meet Kit Donovan, thirteen-years-old, blaming and publically shaming herself for her mother’s death from pneumonia.

It’s dusty and dirty, and she lives in a tent with her father. Her school is in a tent. Classmates tease her incessantly and throw stones! Her teacher ostracizes and humiliates her. It’s the hard knock life for sure.

Kit’s father works in the local gold mine, and one day she comes home and finds the neighbor, Wild Woman, Clara, pulling wood splinters and bandaging her father’s arm and talking about Mr. Granger, the corrupt owner of the mine Goliath, who wants to blow the wells to kingdom come. Regardless of who is harmed or killed.

Kit convinces her father to speak out about the dangers of the gold mine, and when he doesn’t she takes the truth to the local newspaper. The whole town explodes with the news. Her father’s gunned down on Main Street right in front of her. Granger holds the smoking pistol, shouting, “It was self-defense.” Her father now labeled “agitator” and dead.

She finds solace at the horse stables with a borrowed copy The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The only book she has, other than the Bible, to keep her from “becoming as dull and stupid as this savage place” A promise she made her mother. She meets Arnie in the stables, a Shoshone boy, reading the copy of Huck Finn, and he quickly becomes an ally.

With her keen curiosity and determination, advanced spelling skills, (even if she suppresses her intelligence so she’s not teased at school) she lands a job at the local Times, after a few adjustments to the part about being a girl, she goes undercover in the mines to find out first hand and prove her father’s innocence. She learns that her father knew even more about the dangers of the mines.


This book was such a pleasure to read. The setting and atmosphere were well developed and the characters grip your heart. You’re right with Kit, as she heroically and tragically sets off, each adventure more tragic than the next.

Published on April 25th, 2017 by Albert Whitman

The review will be on the Kidliterati Blog May 29, 2017.

[T.J. Burns]

I received a copy of this book from Albert Whitman & Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite my dislike for the "gutsy in anachronistic ways girl lead" genre, this doesn't irk me as much. Possibly it's because in the Wild West gender roles were often somewhat nontraditional, with girls given more freedom than their Eastern counterparts. Having said that, there is a large dose of improbability that adult readers will have to swallow; younger readers won't have read as much and will be swept along by the plot to notice.

ARC provided by publisher.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely transported to 1905 Goldfield, Nevada in this book! The author expertly crafts a complex novel about a young girl standing up for the right thing (even when it's difficult – and dangerous), overcoming obstacles, and finding her own identity in a rough-and-tough goldmining town. I loved Kit's spunk, smarts, courage, and resourcefulness! Her adventures in unearthing a mystery – and possible corruption in the goldmining community – lead up to a fast-paced climatic ending that had my heart pounding until the very end. It's Anne Shirley meets the Gold Rush!

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Tragically True Adventures of Kit Donovan
I really wish I could have given this more praise, as the description seemed to be of interest. The story however failed to capture my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.

[Ruth Schiffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. Kit has spunk, she has heart, and hers is a story that you just won’t want to put down.