I enjoyed this mystery and the journey back in time! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

1920s mystery featuring 18 year old Piper Sail, whose best friend Lydia DeVine goes missing in Chicago. In the course of investigating, Piper meets and starts dating young detective Mariano Cassino, makes new friends, and gains an unwelcome step mother. And she also learns that maybe not all kids and dogs are to be avoided…

A decent mystery and characters, this is a good introduction to a new series. Piper starts off a little prickly but thankfully warms up a bit and isn’t too afraid to grow as a person (see above with gaining a new dog called Sidekick and spending time with a young neighbour kid). I’ve got the second book in the series so I look forward to more of her adventures with Mariano!

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Stephanie Morrill’s Lost Girl of Astor Street is charming enough, but could use another edit or two to really come together. Tonally, it hits at middle grade, with its seemingly young characters and the lack of serious consequences for their actions. In addition, the characters all act quite a bit younger than their supposed ages of 18-25 - I would have pegged them at mid to early teens based on their behavior- but they all have careers that are more advanced than they should be, leading the whole thing to feel a bit like Bugsy Malone, the 80s gangster movie cast entirely with children. We’re told over and over again how smart the main character is, but the plot (and the conflict) requires her to be quite unobservant and naive, which again - would work if she was 14 or 15, but not for the age she actually is. Secondary characters are numerous and poorly differentiated. The main love interest is sweet, but again - far too young to have the career that he does. I was intrigued by the 20s Prohibition setting, but the plot and characters seem far too modern for the time period.

I can see how a young tween would enjoy this though, and there are good examples of strong female and male friendships throughout the book.

Coming of age mystery novel. Set in 1924 Chicago, Piper an inquisitive and energetic eighteen year old daughter of an attorney who defends criminal types, finds herself in a death and life situation. Her BFF, Lydia, a naive but sweet young woman has an epileptic fit right in front of Piper. Soon after, Lydia is hijacked off the street. Piper is determined to find out what happened over the objections of her father. Before she can find anything out Lydia's body is pulled out of a river. Though crushed, Piper is more determined than ever to find the killer. Heedless of the possible consequences she is determined.

As she does her best to investigate she catches the eye of a young Chicago detective who becomes very protective of this young headstrong woman who appears deaf to his appeals to let the police do their job.

The story is compelling and the pacing keeps the reader interested and curious about what twist or turn will occur next. The nascent romantic connection also keeps the reader guessing.

The tension and action rises to a peak as the story races to a conclusion. All in all, a book that any mystery enthusiast will enjoy.

Really enjoyed the 1920s setting, which was really well fleshed out with the tiny details, from the cars to the outfits to the language used by the characters. The romance was really cute, and the mystery actually had me guessing through most of the book!

The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill is a dazzling historical mystery that transports readers to the roaring 1920s, where the glitz of Chicago’s elite collides with the shadowy underworld of gangsters and corruption. The novel follows eighteen-year-old Piper Sail, a young woman who defies the expectations of her privileged upbringing to solve the disappearance of her best friend, Lydia. What begins as a desperate search for answers quickly spirals into a dangerous investigation that uncovers secrets Piper never imagined.

When Lydia vanishes without a trace, Piper refuses to believe her friend would simply run away. Convinced the police are looking in the wrong places, Piper takes matters into her own hands, teaming up with a reluctant but handsome young detective to navigate the dark underbelly of 1924 Chicago. From speakeasies to opulent mansions, Piper’s quest leads her through a maze of clues, where gangsters, corrupt officials, and even her own affluent neighbourhood may hold the key to Lydia’s fate.

Morrill masterfully captures the atmosphere of the Jazz Age, blending the allure of flapper dresses and glittering parties with the grit of Prohibition-era crime. The vivid setting serves as more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right, shaping the story’s tension and stakes. Piper’s journey is both a thrilling mystery and a coming-of-age tale, as she grapples with her own identity, societal expectations, and the lengths she’s willing to go to for the people she loves.

The novel’s strength lies in its well-drawn characters, particularly Piper, who is both relatable and inspiring. Her determination, intelligence, and vulnerability make her a compelling protagonist, while the supporting cast—from the enigmatic detective to the morally ambiguous figures she encounters—adds depth and intrigue to the story. The mystery itself is tightly plotted, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.

At its heart, The Lost Girl of Astor Street is a story about friendship, courage, and the search for truth in a world full of deception. Morrill balances the suspense of the mystery with moments of emotional resonance, creating a narrative that is as heartfelt as it is thrilling. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Maureen Johnson, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, gripping mysteries, and strong, unforgettable heroines.

I found the first few chapters a little slow, but it soon captured my attention and I was eager to find out what happened to Lydia. The main character, Piper is likeable and relatable. I enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel being set in the 1920’s and the writing style was easy to read.
I liked the fact the author made it difficult to work out the villain in this story and made you not know who to trust.

This was a lovely enjoyable romp. I haven't read many stories set in the prohibition era, but its a fun place to set a mystery in.

Piper was an enjoyable main character. Yes she was brash and impulsive but she was properly motivated and by and large, she made intelligent choices. She is independent, determined and loyal to a fault. The main lead was lovely, and my heart melted a little with every scene he was in. The best character though, by far, was Sidekick. And the fact she named her dog 'sidekick', its just wonderful. Sweet without being sickly so, as the grief she felt over the death of her mother pre start of the novel and the mystery itself, ensured that there was a good balance between emotions.

The resolution to the mystery itself was perhaps the weakest part, as she didn't so much solve it, as it solved itself, but the drama of those last few chapters was very high and very good. The writing made the story easy to follow, and inspired me to keep going, to the extent that I finished this book in one day. I like Piper Sail a lot, and am looking forward to more adventures in her world. And with her boy.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~