An actress's fate is linked to Chinatown's in this gripping historical thriller.

During the golden age of film, Lulu Wong was a Chinese actress on the rise, until her body was found dumped in Chinatown. Two sisters, Gemma and May, frustrated by the police's lack of action, take it upon themselves to investigate. But the closer they get to the glitter of Hollywood, the harder it is to decipher friends from enemies.

This book takes on prejudice head-on as it shows the impact on Gemma and May's life, from not being allowed to sell their flowers certain places to top Chinese film roles going to white actresses who taped their eyelids. It also shows how conflicted even so-called good people can be in the face of the prevailing culture.

The mystery was engaging, with lots of great twists and turns. I didn't see the final villain coming, so that was fun! It also has a great fake-dating side plot between May and Walter, the Chinese boy picked by her parents. All of these elements combine to make an unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book.

I'm a big fan of Stacey Lee's books, which always feature a Chinese American (or British, in one case) perspective on various historical events/settings. They're clean, compelling, and well-written, which is why I always enjoy them. While KILL HER TWICE isn't my favorite of the author's novels (that would be THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL), it's still a compelling read that kept me reading.

The book's Old Hollywood/Chinatown setting is unique and interesting. L.A.'s Chinatown is painted as a vibrant, colorful community that is facing its demise with reluctant grace. Just as the movie world does, it has its heroes and haters. It's easy to sympathize with its residents as they deal with the violence and disregard that are aimed toward them by their prejudiced and racist neighbors.

Gemma and May are warm, likable main characters whose opposite personalities provide a fun counterpoint to each other. They are sympathetic and admirable in their desires to be good, obedient daughters while also pursuing their own dreams and causes. With her impulsive, energetic charm, Gemma is especially delightful. While there are a lot of secondary characters, making it confusing at times to remember who's who, there are some that stand out as much as the Chow sisters (my favorite being "Bug Boy").

Plotwise, KILL HER TWICE moves along slowly for a murder mystery. I was never bored, but I didn't rush through the pages either. In fact, it took me a few days to read the novel because I was never so engaged that I couldn't put it down. I definitely wanted to keep reading, though, because I cared about the Chow sisters' goals and I wanted to see justice done for Lulu. Although I guessed a couple of the plot twists, the killer's identity did surprise me, which is always nice.

Even though I didn't love, love, love KILL HER TWICE, I did find it compelling and enjoyable overall. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.

Thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Kill Her Twice" by Stacey Lee is a YA historical mystery set in the vibrant backdrop of 1930s Chinatown. Lee masterfully combines a gripping murder mystery with rich historical and cultural details, offering you a compelling story that explores themes of racism, discrimination, and the pursuit of justice. If you are a fan of historical fiction and/or have read Lee’s books in the past, you will definitely enjoy this book. I especially enjoyed the focus on 1930s Chinatown as this isn’t a setting you typically see in fiction, especially YA fiction. I was very interested in learning more about this history, especially in the perspective of Asian main characters.

The story follows sisters Gemma and May as they stumble upon the body of their schoolmate-turned-Hollywood-star, Lulu Wong, and embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind her murder. Against the backdrop of a racially charged society, Gemma and May navigate the complexities of Chinatown, facing prejudice and discrimination as they pursue justice for their friend.

Lee's storytelling shines as she expertly captures the essence of the time period, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and struggles of 1930s Chinatown. I absolutely loved the setting of the book as Lee was able to bring Chinatown to life for the readers. I don’t have much prior knowledge on this time in history, but I thought Lee was able to be both informative and engaging in her depiction. The dual perspectives of Gemma and May also provide depth and complexity to the story, offering insight into the unique challenges faced by Chinese Americans during this tumultuous era.

I did find the pacing to be slow at times, especially in the middle of the book. There are also a lot of red herrings and misdirects, which normally are really good at keeping the reader guessing when it comes to the mystery, but I almost felt like there was too much going on at times with the mystery. I had no idea who the killer was (which is a good thing!), but I found it difficult to keep track of all the different elements of the mystery. Gemma and May definitely make up for these faults with the mystery as they were strong and relatable protagonists, each grappling with their own fears, doubts, and desires. Their dynamic relationship adds depth to the story, highlighting the bonds of sisterhood.

Overall, “Kill Her Twice" is a compelling and evocative historical mystery that transports you to an immersive story filled with intrigue, danger, and suspense. Stacey Lee's impeccable research and vivid storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of YA fiction and historical mysteries alike.

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.

I have never been the kind to attempt reading a novel set in the 1930s. However, after reading the first few chapters of this book, I had a change of heart. Although the author is new to me, I now rank her among my top five favorite authors after reading this book. She wrote this book in such a fantastic way; her style is how I want to write. My interest and obsession started, not just after turning the first page. Nonetheless, the book's synopsis gave me chills and made me wonder, "How will this work out?" "How are they going to go about solving this murder on their own?" "Will they get hurt? "Will they learn the truth?". All of this has me curious, and I want to know more. This book is the ideal illustration of realizing that you may fall in love with a book, discover a new favorite author, and fall in love with a book all at once. I'd like to read every book the author has written because she seems like such an underappreciated talent.
Thank you netgalley and group penguin young readers group for the ARC

In 1930s Chinatown, the Chow family's future is uncertain due to the looming threat of a railroad station being built, which will force them and their close knit community out of their homes. With their father in a sanitorium due to ill health and their mother pregnant, it is left to the oldest daughters, May and Gemma, to run the family's flower selling business. As they prepare their flowers for a day of selling in City Market, they find the body of Lulu Wong, a famous Hollywood actress who was also their friend and classmate growing up. Due to anti-Chinese sentiments and widespread corruption in the LAPD, Gemma and May fear that the investigation won't be taken very seriously by the police, so they set out to solve Lulu's murder and make sure that the real killer is brought to justice.

I enjoyed the alternating between May and Gemma's POVs, it really showcased the differences between their personalities and their approaches to the investigation. I also really loved the growth that they went through over the course of the book. It did take a bit for me to get into the story at the beginning, but once I got into it, I did not want to put it down. The ending did not feel predictable to me, but I did feel like it moved very quickly through the climax. There is an epilogue, but I think that I needed a bit more after the climax for things to feel fully wrapped up. Based on real historical events, this is a fascinating mystery showcasing Chinese culture and the corruption and political intrigue in old Hollywood.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eArc for review!

I extend my gratitude to BookishFirst, Penguin Teen, and Putnam Books for providing me with a physical ARC of "Kill Her Twice."

Entering the world of 1930s Hollywood with its noir atmosphere and the murder of rising star Lulu Wong, the premise of this book held great promise. Two sisters, Gemma and May Chow, decide to take matters into their own hands when they believe the police will overlook Lulu's case due to her Chinese ethnicity. While the setup is intriguing, the execution left me feeling detached and neutral.

Despite the potential for a suspenseful and mysterious ambiance, the narrative failed to evoke the expected emotions. The characters, including Gemma and May, lacked the depth needed for readers to invest in their journey. More exploration of Gemma's character would have added a layer of complexity to the story.

While the mystery itself was easy to follow, Stacey Lee's writing style, though beautiful, became a point of irritation. The constant barrage of figurative language, idioms, and metaphors felt forced and unrealistic for characters of their age, detracting from the overall experience. Initially, the incorporation of cultural elements and family sayings was interesting, but the excessive use became overwhelming.

"Kill Her Twice" tells the story of the Chow sisters in dual POV, along with their younger sibling Poppy, as they delve into solving a murder. The setting in 1930s Chinatown, amid racial tension and discrimination, adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The mystery unfolds with the sisters uncovering interconnected threads that lead to a larger conspiracy.

The slower pace of the story aligns with the tone and genre, providing a methodical exploration of the mystery rather than a fast-paced thriller. The character arcs of Gemma and May, along with their respective love/crush stories, contribute positively to the narrative. May's cautious demeanor as the older sister contrasts with Gemma's animated and bold personality.

In conclusion, "Kill Her Twice" is a well-fleshed-out story with an interesting mystery, though it may lack the gripping intensity expected in a thriller. Stacey Lee's ability to craft compelling characters shines through, but the overuse of figurative language and idioms might be a point of contention for some readers. Overall, while the book may not fully meet expectations, it remains another commendable work by Stacey Lee.

Stacey Lee always hits. Her books have a purpose, a point, and an amazing plot. Every. Single. Time.

This is a captivating and intricate young adult historical mystery novel, and it grabs your attention and never lets it go. I started this book on a plane and finished it on that same plane. It takes a lot for me to finish a book in one sitting but this book checked all the needed boxes.

It was fast-paced, the characters were interesting and appealing to read about, the plot was intricate and meaningful, and there was never a moment that dragged. This book was interesting on every single page that I read, and it had the perfect mixture to keep me honed in and focused.

This was an amazing and immersive read that really transports you into the time you are reading about, and this is something that Stacey Lee has done time and time again.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love the cover and this is usually not my regular genre but when i read historical fiction that is well written like this book, makes me want to read more of the genre.

The plot is very well written and the writing just makes this book fantastic. i love how the author when you are reading the book makes you feel like you are right there in the scene.

I want to read more by the author.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Solid 4.5. Stacey Lee is back with another great historical fiction contribution. This would pair well with units on the Great Depression a/o AAPI. I love the representation this gives to some of the little discussed barrier breakers in film as well as the everyday people who fought for equality. The plot alone I would give a 4, but the fact that we are in the hands of a master writer brings the whole story up a notch. I love that Lee’s descriptions make me know the texture of clothing, the smell of the dressing rooms, the taste of warm tea, and the sound of the Mule backfiring. Obviously you could use any random passage as an example of beautifully crafted fiction writing, if an English teacher needed one. In the textbook of my dreams, this is the sort of thing our students would be reading. Bravo!

I've loved most of Stacy Lee's historical YA novels, but I initially wasn't as sure about this one because I'm not a big Hollywood fan. But I was quickly drawn into the story of May and Gemma. Although it revolves around the death of a starlet, it is much more than a Hollywood drama. The mystery itself is intriguing. It's a family story and a historical novel, the story of first generation Chinese-Americans during the depression trying to navigate two cultures, discrimination, and economic issues that are affecting people of all races. Even though the mystery is nicely wrapped up, I didn't want the book to end; I want to know more about May and Gemma, their family, and their community.

A few more things I really liked: although racism is a major theme, I never felt like Lee was trying to educate her readers, and because of this, I think the book was much more impactful than many I've read where the issue overpowers the story. I also liked the natural and positive way religious beliefs were part of the lives of characters from Chinese people leaving offerings for their ancestors to the restauranter whose actions were consistent with the Bible he was reading.

Because I read an eARC received from the publisher through NetGalley, my one complaint may well be addressed by the time the book is published: although the book is fiction, I would have appreciated a bit in-depth author's notes as well as a few suggestions for further reading. But that is just my preference. I doubt most other readers will miss these.

Highly recommended to teen and adult historical fiction and mystery readers.

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.

I wanted to love this book so badly. I had a really hard time getting through it though and I DNF’’d around 35%.

I loved Stacey Lee's The Downstairs Girl and was excited for her newest release. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. The synopsis was intriguing and I had high hopes even with it being a young adult book. I struggled with maintaining interest in the story and the characters. The atmosphere had a lot of potential being Hollywood in the 1930s but it was lacking. I did enjoy the mystery and that's what kept me going until the end.

Thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.

3.5 stars

What I Liked:

-Character voices seems to be once of Lee's writing strengths. From the start of the book, Gemma and May's voices sparkle on the pages. Gemma herself seemed to be a little stronger of a character, but I think that's because she had a more spunky, active personality.

-The positive sister relationship made me happy. So often, I feel like siblings don't appear in fiction, or if they do they just fight with each other. I liked how all of the Chow sisters worked together, and the positive family relationships in general.


What I Struggled With:

-Something about the mystery fell flat and I was left wanting more. I can't pin my finger on exactly why I felt that way, but it might have had to do with how Gemma and May solved the murder. They honestly don't really see it coming or put together many clues until the end. When the murderer revealed everything, I could see the crumbs that had been foreshadowed--but I think that they needed something /more/ to make them work.

- <spoiler> I'm glad that Gemma and Freddie didn't end up together. I'm not entirely sure of what the age difference was, but since he'd already graduated med school and seemed to have been a doctor for a while, I'm guessing it was fairly large. Because of the age gap, I was a little uncomfortable with the relationship that seemed to grow between them. I don't think it would have bothered me if just Gemma had a crush, but Freddie seemed to like her as well. But as I already said, they don't end up together.


Overall:

I enjoyed Kill Her Twice. But I was a little disappointed in mystery side of it. Yes, Gemma and May are solving a murder, but the mystery seemed to fall a little flat. However, Lee's abilities in writing characters shine.


Cautions: three instances of swearing; one blasphemy; light romance; one kiss; brief, moderate violence; non-descriptive mentions of poisoning; two minor characters are discovered to be gay, referenced briefly; <spoiler> an unmarried character is discovered to have been pregnant, which is referenced multiple times </spoiler>; several Bible verses are taken out of context and twisted

A murder mystery in the dazzling streets of Hollywood!

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the mystery and the characters, the Chow sisters really are legendary! I had trouble getting through the middle, it was a bit slow, but it all tied together in the end. I am new to this author’s books and I’m willing to give more a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for this ARC.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Stacey Lee's previous historical fiction novels and KILL HER TWICE was no exception. It might even rival my favorite, THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL. The girls felt like real people and the dialog and banter between them felt genuine. The mystery kept me guessing and even my final guess proved wrong. I look forward to Lee's next historical novel.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

4.2 rounded down to 4/5

Stacey Lee's "Kill Her Twice" takes readers on a captivating journey through 1930s Los Angeles, blending a thrilling murder mystery with social issues of the time. With a dual POV, rich historical details, and a cast of colorful characters, Lee crafts a compelling narrative that explores justice, racism, and the fight for women's rights.

The alternating perspectives of two sisters, each with a unique voice, add depth to the storytelling. Lee successfully captures the allure and grit of Los Angeles in the 1930s, immersing readers in a world marked by glamour, corruption, and pervasive prejudice. The author's meticulous research is evident, offering a vivid portrayal of the era and setting.

The mystery at the core of the novel is intriguing, propelling readers through a plot that cleverly connects two seemingly disparate storylines. The pacing, however, encounters occasional slowdowns, interrupting the suspense and impacting the overall flow of the narrative.

"Kill Her Twice" is more than just a murder mystery; it grapples with significant themes of racism, xenophobia, and women's rights. Lee skillfully weaves these real issues into the plot, providing a thought-provoking backdrop that adds depth to the characters' crusade for justice.

The characters, though occasionally leaning toward black-and-white characterizations, are nonetheless compelling, and their determination to seek justice in an era of rampant prejudice makes them easy to root for. The author's exploration of societal challenges faced by the Chinese community in Los Angeles adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

While the text occasionally simplifies characters and situations, the overall impact is a well-crafted story that sheds light on historical injustices while delivering an engaging mystery. Lee's ability to blend real issues of the time with a compelling plot showcases her storytelling prowess.

In conclusion, "Kill Her Twice" is a gripping historical mystery that transports readers to 1930s Los Angeles, unraveling a tale of justice, prejudice, and resilience. Stacey Lee's narrative skill and attention to historical detail make this novel a worthwhile read, with characters you'll cheer for and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee captivates with its intricate plot and compelling mystery, weaving a tale that beautifully explores the complex dynamics within the Chow sisters' family. The portrayal of familial bonds adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. However, the text occasionally leans towards a black-and-white characterization of individuals, which might benefit from more nuanced shades to enhance the overall storytelling experience.