Member Reviews

This was fun for me since I never read fiction set in the Roaring Twenties. It's very atmospheric and the fashion side of it was a lot of fun. It kept me entertained and intrigued the whole time.

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This was sadly a no for me.

First of all, even with the seriousness of the topics everything felt a bit childish. And for me there was a lack of depth to the characters to make believable the things they were doing. I also find the two main characters very weird individuals, and it didn’t help the fact that they were too dramatic for certain things but without making me feel the urge and danger of the situation. And instead I was annoyed.They certainly didn’t sell the story to me. That being said, they both did have some supernatural qualities that can come interesting but It was never explored or exploited. It seemed that they just had them which was very convenient for Ruby and her self imposed job as well to solve the mystery but that also took away the thrill of figuring it out. And for Guy his ability was a motivator to control it and understand it but nothing really comes out of it for him.

Going back to Ruby and her "altruistic” job. Why were there no consequences for her? she literally was killing right and left (bad men of course) but nonetheless not the best actions out there. Not very inspiring, but very thought provoking. would she have done the same to a bad woman? or in this universe are only bad men?

One of the elements I was expecting the most of the story was the romance but even when the characters were together, I didn't feel the romance in the room with us.

Also, the writing was not a good fit for me and I felt that it took too long to get to the main plot and the big twist of the story.

This book also made me realize that maybe I don’t like stories set in the 1920’s. Which is a bit random but it could have been a contributing factor on why I didn’t enjoy it besides everything else.

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A hilarious summer murder mystery featuring a young woman who is decidedly out of the box for the place and time in which she lives, namely the crime-plagued Chicago of the 1930s. Ruby is not only unconventional because she has decided to solve the problem of violence against women in an unorthodox way, but also because she has a peculiarity that, if known, would turn her into something of a freak. Neither her family nor her best friend are aware of this, until a young man, himself very very strange, appears on the scene and turns the tables. Certainly not a masterpiece, but a well-written novel, capable of providing a few hours of entertainment and some food for thought.

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I'll be honest, it took me a few tries to get into Murder for the Modern Girl but once my head was in the right place (aka not trying to compare it to The Diviners) I couldn't put it down. And sure Flappers with powers is definitely in the vein of the Diviners the books are completely different, but if you love one you'll love the other.
I truly enjoyed the dual narrative of Ruby and "Guy," knowing what they both knew but what the other one didn't was fantastic. It wasn't just the mystery that kept me turning the pages but curiosity over what would happen when the characters realized what they knew. That level of suspense could only be achieved by the dual perspective and I loved it!

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This was a stressful but interesting read! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the story and loved everything from it being set in the roaring 20's to the main character being a mind reader! It was a unique story but definitely gave off The Diviners vibes.

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I found myself fully enthralled with this story, with the glamour and the 20's, it was lovely to escape to a whole other world and I loved the murder mystery premise of it all too.

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ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I really liked this book. It was very fun and pretty quick to get through.

The book was set in 1920's Chicago where main character, Ruby kills the men who escape Chicago's clutches. Men who plan to do bad things to women including killing them. Genius boy, Guy is on the run. He changed his entire identity, running away from the man he was before. Working at the morgue under the professional who can help him figure out his gift for shapeshifting, Guy discovers that the string of deaths in Chicago are not coincidental. They are the work of a murderer. As Guy tries to figure out the identity of the murderer, Ruby goes to Guy for help on discovering who is targeting her father and wanting to kill him. All the time, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensures between the both of them as well as a blossoming romance.

The book is told in two parts: Guy's and Ruby's. Personally I liked Guy's parts more as I found Ruby's personality and dialogue a bit annoying. Guy was also so innocent and sweet. I must admit, I didn't ship the two of them as I found Ruby taking advantage of him and his shapeshifting abilities. I wasn't really convinced on their chemistry and relationship because I felt like Guy was just being manipulated and strung along by her.

While I liked the plot line and Guy, I didn't get a sense of the glitz and glamour of the 20's that I was expecting. We knew Ruby was a rich girl and a socialite but what about that allure during the roaring 20's? I felt like this could've been improved on in future books.

Overall, this was a good read that was very fun too. I liked Guy but felt like the chemistry could've been better because I felt like Guy was being used in the relationship rather than actually loved. Maybe towards the end yes, but I felt like there was no romantic build up between the two and they got together quickly after their feelings were realised.

ACTUAL RATING: 3.7 STARS

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I find myself reading more and more about stories which happen in the 20s of XX century. This book brings back the glamour, the sensation of wealth and power in an exciting thriller with a clever protagonist. Loved it!

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(First of all, thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review)

Synopsis: Until now, eighteen-year-old Ruby’s penchant for poison has been a secret. No one knows that she uses her mind-reading abilities to target men who prey on vulnerable women, men who escape the clutches of Chicago “justice.” When she meets a brilliant boy working at the morgue, his knack for forensic detail threatens to uncover her dark hobby. Even more unfortunately: sharp, independent Ruby has fallen in love with him.

Waltzing between a supernaturally enhanced romance, the battle to take down a gentleman’s club, and loyal friendships worth their weight in diamonds, Ruby brings defiant charm to every page of Murder for the Modern Girl—not to mention killer fashion. An irresistible caper perfect for fans of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, in an exquisite hardcover package with rose-gold foil.

I purchase this ARC because I wanted to read a mix of romance, historical fiction, and mystery when I am accustomed to romance fantasy or just... romance. However, I didn't find the right moment to read it yet. If you are interested in these categories I recommend you this book because the premise is good and I think you will enjoy it. If I found the moment to read it I will actualize the review and give my honest and hopefully 5-star opinion.

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This was really fun and entertaining, and I loved the 20s vibes. The cover drew me in too!

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC.

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an entertaining read! it was definitely what I needed in the moment and it did it’s job. I wasn’t overly impressed by it but still recommend giving it a shot.

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The cover is what drew me in at first but when I read the synopsis I new it was a book for me, and it didn't disappoint. I loved it from beginning to end. Highly reccommend.

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This was such a fun, thoughtful story with vibrant characters and a sweet romance. The mystery is not the biggest part of it but I had fun uncovering all the developments. The star of the show were definitely the characters - both leads but also secondary characters. Great chemistry between all of them, had me rooting for them the whole time!

What a gem, pick it up!

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So much fun! This book was everything I imagined and more. Ruby is able to read minds and murders men who abuse women. What isn't to love about that? The romance was fantastic! And great character development throughout!

If you enjoyed Stalking Jack the Ripper definitely check this out!

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okay so i originally had this book on will not give feedback but i decided i wanted to pick it up anyway and i really enjoyed it! i loved both main characters, the Great Gatsby vibes were extremely investing and the story itself was so gripping!! 4 stars!

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This book has been waiting for me to read it for almost a year. Especially with review copies I usually try to read them sooner, but somehow… I didn’t. I don’t even know why because this book was right up my alley. It’s set in the 20s, the female protagonist is a badass girl with mind reading abilities who’s fighting for justice in her city. The male protagonist is so unbelievably good hearted and a little bit naive but they complete each other very well.

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I loved the Gatsby vibes! This was a fun mystery read that I enjoyed. Thank you to the publisher and author for my copy in exchange for a review.

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A nice murder mystery set in the roaring 20s!

This follows Ruby who can read minds and murders the bad men (CAN I BE HER?). The love interest is Guy (kind of) who is a cinnamon roll cutie who I loved! He works in the morgue and puts together that all the bodies coming in are connected, hence a serial killer, Ruby! Guy is really cool, he can turn into any person he wants, so is he really Guy after all?

It is a dual POV story that I loved! The difference between the writing in the two POVS is crazy and should be noted, it's amazing! It is fast paced and interesting in every chapter. Definitely pick this one up! 5/5

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC!

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This book is ab-si-tive-ly AMAZING! It has strong main characters: strong willed and slightly-gray(?) female heroine and male character that's figuring himself out Both are gifted with unique power. While Ruby used her power for vigilante works, Guy has to hide and disguise himself to get closer to the man who had studies related to his power. They have different causes and while she can make him believing in himself, he doesn't know that she's the key to his cause.

I love the concept, the glamorous 1920s settings, and the plot. It's refreshing. The dual POVs story telling makes this book more intriguing. I love the connection of the characters, especially when they slowly unraveling the secrets and the truth they've been hiding. They had connection and growing feelings, but the doubting and confusion they felt before they realizing their feelings towards each other are so appealing and honest. I thought they'll be like a Bonnie and Clyde of the 20s but they become something more meaningful and i love it. Great side characters too!

This book filled with crime, suspenseful, slight romance, and unexpected twists that makes you crave for more and also feeling good. Totally worth the read!

Overall rate: 4.25/5

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I just love finding a book that is exactly what I hoped and expected when I started it. This was precisely what I wanted it to be, and it is incredible.

Deliciously atmospheric, surprisingly funny, and utterly unique, "Murder for the Modern Girl" is full of adorable characters and intriguing mystery. It does a great job of balancing the historical aspect with fantasy elements. It's probably the only book to feature the miscommunication trope where I didn't hate it (because finally, someone has done it right)

Ruby and Guy are fascinating protagonists to follow. Both have plenty of secrets that are slowly unraveled as the story progresses, and I love their dynamic together. (the charming/street-smart girl and the soft boy will always be a superior ship dynamic in my opinion) They're both intelligent and flawed and human, and it's great to see them both grow over the course of the novel.

The side characters are fantastic as well, I adore the relationship between Ruby and Maggie, they're so precious. And also Ruby's relationships with her family members! were so cute! I'd absolutely read more adventures with these characters if the author ever wanted to write them.

The plot and mystery are intriguing, the pacing was great, I just had a wonderful time reading this book. It gets 4.5 stars from me!

Content warnings for violence (and obviously, murder), mentions of unsavory things done by unsavory people, kissing, and a good bit of profanity (nothing too strong, but it's there).

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

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