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.

Thank you to Penguin teen for my arc!


This was an interesting read. However the plot was a bit slow for my taste and I didn't really care about any of the characters.

I think Stacey Lee really is like one of the great YA historical fiction writers, right next to Ruta Sepetys because how on earth she got me to care about the 1930's, as well as a murder mystery type plot, I will never know.

So, while it wasn't quite 5 stars exactly (more along the lines of 4.5, honestly) this was such a amazing reading experience. One of the things I love most about Stacey Lee's books is her ability to really transport the reader into the time period she's writing about. The story takes place in the 1930s and you definitely feel it. People are still struggling from the Great Depression and, as is one of the central premises of the story, the potential eradication of Chinatown to build a new railroad. There's a lot of different topics that get spotlit: racism (specifically anti-Chinese sentiment), police corruption, misogyny, womanhood, and family. The two POVs are the Chow sisters, May and Gemma, and they're both such vibrant characters. Gemma is outspoken and headstrong while May is more reserved. The way, specifically May, grew over the course of the story was really great to see. I would've liked to see Gemma get a little more of a character arc, but I did still like her character a lot. The Chow family, too, was just a wonderful little unit. Lulu, the character that haunts the plot of the novel, is also great, despite the tragedy that happens.

I will say is that I do think the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. I feel like it could've eased into the ending just a bit, especially since the pacing of the novel isn't fast. The reveal of the murderer, too, felt a little less "AHA" and a little more "Oh, okay". It's not that it didn't make sense, but there were so many plot threads and pieces of evidence that I wish that the end reveal would've been telegraphed to the reader a little better. That way, when the reveal happens you can look back and go, "Oh, THAT'S what that piece of evidence meant". While I don't necessarily want to be handheld to the reveal, I did want just a bit more clues so that I could find my way alongside the characters.

Overall, I really, really enjoyed my time reading this and I'd highly recommend it.

If you're looking for a suspenseful and twisty YA Historical Mystery with plenty of misdirects, lovely heroines tirelessly seeking justice, and the wonderful ambiance of 1930s Hollywood, then this is for you!

This was a fun read that I think the YA crowd will really enjoy. I do think I'm getting a bit too old for the YA books as this one seemed a bit slow to me and I wasn't overly sucked in to it. But, take that with a massive grain of salt as I'm not the ideal audience for it.

Will still recommend to my socials audience and would happily read more by this author if they delved into the adult genre.

Thank you so much for the ARC, Penguin Teen!

"Kill Her Twice" is a captivating noir tale, weaving suspenseful twists and an engaging quest for truth. Set against the backdrop of 1932 Los Angeles, the narrative unfolds with Lulu Wong's enigmatic death and the subsequent investigation by the determined Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and Peony. As former classmates and neighbors of Lulu, the sisters are instantly drawn into a web of mystery surrounding her demise, particularly as they suspect foul play and encounter resistance from the authorities.

The novel skillfully paints a picture of the era, vividly bringing to life the atmosphere of Chinatown and the potent forces at play in the city. As the story evolves, it adeptly explores themes of power, prejudice, and the lengths to which the sisters will go to honor their friend and safeguard their community against powerful interests seeking to undermine it.

With a richly evocative setting and a cast of compelling characters, "Chinatown Angels" keeps readers on edge as the sisters navigate their investigation, uncovering layers of deceit and danger. The narrative's crackling suspense and the sisters' resolute pursuit of justice showcase a deftly woven tale of courage, loyalty, and the fight for truth in the face of adversity.

In "Kill Her Twice," Kathleen Glasgow spins a noir that will ensnare readers with its immersive historical backdrop, palpable suspense, and the unwavering resolve of the Chow sisters. This book is an enthralling homage to classic noir, offering a layered and immersive reading experience that skillfully captures the essence of a bygone era while delivering a compelling and thoroughly engaging mystery.

I usually love historical mysteries and old Hollywood so I expected to really enjoy it. While the history worked for me, the mystery didn't. I didn't have much interest in who the killer was. unfortunately, the two didn't come together in the. most satisfying way. However, I did really enjoy the old hollywood vibes and history of chinatown that was portrayed in the book.

I absolutely loved this historical noir murder mystery. 1930s Hollywood/Los Angeles is a fascinating setting, and the focus on the demolition of Chinatown to build LA's Union station was an illuminating depiction of a little-known, disgraceful chapter of the city's history. I found Gemma and May charming heroines, Lee's writing is beautiful as always, and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommended!