Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Kill Her Twice is set in 1932 Los Angeles and follows Gemma and May who are sisters living in Chinatown which is about to be destroyed for a new Union Station. On top of that, the girls find May's childhood best friend nad movie star Lulu Wong murdered in their neighborhood. As they start to look into the murder, they find that the destruction of their neighborhood and Lulu's death might be more closely connected than they think.
I thought this was such a good mystery book and I am really glad that I was granted an ARC for this book. I love the fact that Stacey Lee writes about history that might not be as well known or the stories of those who were not as well known in famous stories. I really appreciated learning more about the history of Los Angeles and Chinatown in Los Angeles at this time. It was a history I didn't know anything about and I appreciated reading it.
The strength of Stacey's writing is in her characters. She makes them feel so real as if they could step off the page and I really appreciated getting to know her characters. I learned a lot about not only the characters but their culture as well reading this book. I will admit to feeling closer to May than Gemma but I think both were strong characters.
I could not guess the twist in this book of who the killer was. My mind kept spinning trying to figure out who was the one that committed this atrocious crime against Lulu. I do wish that there was more hint as to who had killed her because I didn't guess it till we got close to the end and I didn't feel like it was hinted at as much as I would have thought. Then again I have never written a mystery novel and I cannot imagine how hard it is to write.
I would highly recommend picking this book up as it was so interesting to read and so well written. I cannot wait to see what Stacy Lee writes next.

1932 Los Angeles
When Lulu Wong, Chinatown's revered local movie star, is found murdered the three Chow sisters set about doing what the L.A. police won't. The girls are helping keep their family's flower business afloat and use that to gain entry to the nice side of Hollywood and search for the killer. The three sisters are enterprising, brave and determined as they face prejudice, danger and a general lack of interest from others in solving their friend's murder. As in the author's other books there is a great deal of insight as to the struggles that first generation Asian American families faced as well as an intriguing mystery. Borderline cozy for adults and the perfect pick for young adults and older middle school readers. Fans of Jamie Ford and Stacey Lee's other books will enjoy. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. 

Lulu Wong is found dead by Gemma, May, & Peony., a Chinatown Star. The sisters don’t believe the police will do enough to find the killer. So the sister’s decide to begin their own investigation.

I wanted to love it, I did. All true things I love were in this. Old Hollywood and a murder mystery, but, something was off to me. I am not sure what it was. I do think this is a book many will love and enjoy.

“When you go to dig a grave for your enemy, dig two,” intoned Dai-Sang.

Sisters May, Gemma, and Peony Chow suddenly found themselves wrapped in a murder mystery investigation when they found the lifeless body of Lulu Wong, their former childhood friend turned Hollywood's rising star, in this new offering from Stacey Lee.

Stacey published a range of YA books with different genres and I've always been honest mentioning that I rarely read mystery and thriller novels but this one caught my eye because, well, it's from Stacey Lee, and the cover looks intriguing.

One thing that will never be out of Stacey's works is the commentary about the Asian struggle and in Kill her Twice, we follow the Chow sisters as they face the death of their former friend and the controversial gentrification of 1930s Chinatown.

I always enjoy how the author wrote their main character and in this one, we follow May and Gemma mainly (Peony shows up every now and then) and their POV as they navigate the murky world of the changing Chinatown. As women living in 1930s, we all know how society expects them to behave and follow the norm but what I really liked about May and Gemma is they break these barriers and lead the charge amid the many obstacles that hinder them to unravel the truth about Lulu Wong's death that is possible connected to the slow demolition of their town.

There are also subtle hint of the way Hollywood worked in 1930s and I liked how we were able to see it when one of the sisters took the limelight as it was a critical step towards the Lulu Wong case.

Overall, this is a solid YA historical fiction. Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!!

Kill Her Twice takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of 1930s Los Angeles, where fame, power, and justice collide in a tale of mystery and intrigue.
The author expertly captures the atmosphere of 1930s Los Angeles, immersing readers in a vibrant and bustling cityscape teeming with secrets and hidden dangers. The Chow sisters are compelling protagonists, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities, and their bond as sisters adds depth and emotion to the story.
As the investigation unfolds, the author skillfully weaves together a complex web of intrigue, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The stakes are high, and the suspense is palpable as the sisters race against time to uncover the truth and bring Lulu's killer to justice.
With its rich historical detail, well-drawn characters, and gripping plot, Kill Her Twice is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and anyone looking for a thrilling literary escape. The author has crafted a masterful tale of murder, betrayal, and redemption that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Somehow this is the first Stacey Lee I've read but it won't be the last! A really intriguing at Chinatown and Hollywood in the 1930s. I liked both May and Gemma as narrators and I loved learning more about a time period I was unfamiliar with. A solid mystery too.

This was a great highlight on what it's like to feel like the police don't care, like the world doesn't care. Minorities and women have long been treated as less, and this story of the fight for justice was a beautifully designed story that brings it to light in a memorable way.

3,5/5⭐️

This was my first time reading a book by Stacey Lee and I enjoyed it!
Here are some of my highlights:
-The captivating "old Hollywood" atmosphere was both cool and unique, offering a glimpse into the contrasting worlds of working-class and glamorous Hollywood
-The dynamic between sisters Gemma and May! They showcased a strong bond despite their differences
-The Chinese representation in the story added depth and authenticity
-A surprising plot twist at the end, tying up all loose ends beautifully

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few elements I felt could have been enhanced:
-I wished there would've been more intense and dangerous moments during G&M's investigation to heighten the suspense
-I missed the typical misdirection that keeps readers guessing about the true suspect in a mystery murder

Overall, this book is a solid murder mystery that kept me engaged until the very end

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I really liked this mystery, it was easy to follow, the characters were likable, and I didn't immediately guess the culprit of their friend's murder. I would certainly recommend this, and loved the historical setting, and relationship between the two sisters. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

I will scream this from the rooftops: more historical fiction Asian American rep PLEASE!!!!!
This book was so good. It's a slow burn, rife with tensions, clues, flutters of romance, and, of course, discussions of the mistreatment of Asian Americans in the 1930s (of course these issues stem from before this period and continue to last into the modern day).
May and Gemma Chow are sisters, albeit almost complete opposites. May is composed, practical, and prioritizes her family. Gemma is... Gemma. She's a firecracker, brash and willing to skirt the rules. When May's childhood friend turned Hollywood's first A-list Chinese actress, Lulu Wong, is found murdered (by the sisters, no less) and the police refuse to do a thorough investigation (of course. Corruption and racism, what could go wrong?) The sisters step in to get Lulu the justice she deserves. But people don't like their secrets revealed, and Lulu's killer may not be done...
This was so good! The clues are subtle, so when the big reveal happens, it's out of left field in the best way. The discussions of Chinatown and demolition were very poignant and provided both context and a great motivating factor for the girls and their investigation. I think the cultural richness of this book is its strongest selling point, with the mystery coming second. Normally, this would bother me, but both are woven together really well here.

My one complaint was that while this is a slower-paced book, at points it was... too slow. I didn't want to devour it at some points, which for a mystery is a definite drawback.
Overall, this book is so beautifully written with a complex mystery and full of Chinese and Chinese American culture that will snare readers with the whodunnit? and enrapture them with the Chow sisters.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!:)

stacey lee has NEVER done me wrong and i knew she wasn't going to start with this one. kill her twice was one of my most HIGHLY anticipated reads for 2024, so i am simply HONORED to have the chance to read it in advance. from the start we get lee's writing, which is simple to follow, descriptive, and so uniquely her. the plot was fast-paced and took a lot of twists that i wasn't expecting, which i always adore seeing in lee's writing. i also fell in love with the characters. lee just has a way of making you see yourself in aspects of her characters and the historical twists she incorporates has me literally HOOKED. love love love and can't wait for my physical copy!!! highly recommend and kill her twice might just be my favorite stacey lee book!

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.

There’s nothing like sibling love and the way May and Gemma interacted with each other through out this story felt like true sisterhood (coming from someone who is the younger sister lol). Of course we have May the older and wiser more stiff sister and Gemma a spit fire who does without thinking of the consequences first. Which is exactly how we find these two trying to solve their old friends murder while simultaneously trying to bring justice and honor to their culture and people!

The 1930’s old Hollywood noir setting was pure perfection and amazingly easy to picture with thanks to the stunning writing style of Stacey Lee. There’s something special about a murder mystery in a 1930’s setting that really makes it that much more enjoyable. I also really enjoyed the family bonds from this book. Gemma and May really reminded me of me and my sister of we were to see each other more lol. But also the relationship with their parents especially Ba really pulled at my heart strings.

Now on to the mystery aspect which I really loved!! I truly didn’t guess the killer. There were so many red herrings that I was constantly changing my mind on who did the deed lol. I will say the only reason why this wasn’t a 5 star mystery for me was because it did begin to lose me somewhere in the middle. It was quite long for a standalone ya mystery so it dragged just a tiny bit. But the last 100 pages or so and the explosive ending truly saved it for me and made it all worth it.

Overall, I enjoyed this one even more than I originally thought I would!!

Sisters May and Gemma stumble upon the dead body of a Chinese actress - a friend with deep connections to their family.
Determined to see justice done, the sisters start their own investigation - frustrating the local police.
I loved their strength and determination to solve the crime - their passion to help their friend find peace.
Well written.

I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but I loved this novel so much I've already preordered a copy of my own.

This is more than a mystery. It's tale of sisters, friendship, community, and change. The details Lee incorporates within the narrative succeed in bringing the time and place, L.A.'s Chinatown district during the Great Depression, into crystal clear focus. The characters surrounding the Chow sisters come to life with their own quirks and strengths and personal stories.

The Chow sisters—practical May, playful Gemma, and spunky Peony—are a delight. Lee's writing is rich and nuanced when depicting the sisters' daily lives in 1930's California, a time of both great progress and racial tension. Lulu Wong, Chinatown's shining light, is killed just as she is breaking ground by becoming the first Chinese actress to play a heroine instead of a villain. The story packs in suspects aplenty for the reader to be wary of and a resolution to Lulu's story that is heartbreaking.

I'd love to follow more of the Chow sisters' adventures as they carve their paths into life's road. At 400 pages, this isn't a quick read, but it is a worthy read. If you enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of screwball comedy and a ton of heart, be sure to check Kill Her Twice out.

CW: racism, sexism

Lulu Wong is is a star of the Silver Screen in 1933, and the pride of Chinatown. She has a face that everyone recognizes, especially the Chow sisters, since they grew up together. Thus, when they find her body in a stable, they know it's her. May, Gemma, and Peony all suspect foul play, but it looks the police are trying to cover up Lulu's death for other political factors. Can the girls figure out who did it before they find themselves in the murderer's crosshairs?

I really like the alternating POVs between May and Gemma. The packing felt really off to me and I just wasn't captivated by the first half of the book. It definitely picks up in the second half, and I did quite like the amateur sleuthing skills of all the sisters. I think there could have been more emphasis on certain relationships, but the mystery was super fun.

I very much enjoy Stacey Lee novels and this one was no exception! She takes us to 1930's SoCal with some well-developed characters, alternating between the voices of sisters Gemma and Mae Chow. This historical fiction mystery kept me guessing and I did NOT guess the culprit until they were revealed. Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for providing me with this ARC.

*Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This book is 3.5 stars rounded up for me. I did struggle to get through the first half of the book. I feel like the mystery and sleuthing didn't really kick in until I was about one-third of the way through, and then things really kicked into gear at about 50%. From there things felt so rushed. The setting is so interesting. The book takes place in 1930s Chinatown in Southern California, and we get a chance to learn about the discrimination faced by Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans. This aspect of the story is so interesting. However, I struggled to find Gemma and May compelling characters at times. I thought Gemma's relationship with Freddie Winter was interesting, and I wish it could have been explored more. I also felt the reveal of the murderer fell a bit flat.

When things ramped up though, and we see May immersed in Hollywood and clues start appearing, it got so much more interesting. It was just such a slow start for me. I would recommend this to someone who really enjoys historical fiction since that is mostly was it reads as. I expected it to lean more into the mystery/crime solving aspect and I think that's where I was a bit let down.

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.

"From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes a YA murder mystery noir set in 1930s Los Angeles's Chinatown.

LOS ANGELES, 1932: Lulu Wong, star of the silver screen and the pride of Chinatown, has a face known to practically everyone, especially the Chow sisters - May, Gemma, and Peony - Lulu's former classmates and neighbors. So the girls instantly know it's Lulu when they discover a body one morning in an out-of-the-way stable, far from the Beverly Hills home where she lived after her fame skyrocketed.

The sisters suspect Lulu's death is the result of foul play, but the police don't seem motivated to investigate. Even worse, there are signs that point to a 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 Lulu fairly - no matter her fame and wealth - 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 cold-blooded murderer."

Old Hollywood glamor meets a killer! Oh, I can't wait!