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jamielianne's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Kill Her Twice is part murder mystery, part social commentary. Told from the perspective of the Chow sisters, the story details their discovery of a deceased friend and trying to solve her murder.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The book is well-written and well-paced, and the whodunnit didn't come out from nowhere. It made sense and something you can piece together while reading.
I dropped 1/2 a star because the POVs are very similar that I had to turn back to the chapter openings a few times to remind myself whose chapter it was.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The book is well-written and well-paced, and the whodunnit didn't come out from nowhere. It made sense and something you can piece together while reading.
I dropped 1/2 a star because the POVs are very similar that I had to turn back to the chapter openings a few times to remind myself whose chapter it was.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia and Racism
jennifermreads's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
When Stacey Lee announces she is releasing a new book, the only reason I delay a pre-order is to see which indie bookstore she is partnering with for the release. She is an auto-buy author for me. And, by ordering from the partnering indie, I can get my copy signed, personalized, and adorned with the incredible, decorative stamp that her husband custom designs for each of her releases.
Not only are all her books treasured keepsakes, I know I will crack the spine and immediately be drawn into whatever historical location she has selected for the story. This time, I was whisked into LA’s Chinatown, on the brink of demolition in the 1930s. Being slightly removed from the glitz of Hollywood did not mean that this novel lacked glamour. While the movie sets were not a primary setting, there were sparkling celebrities, on-set drama and tall-tales, and personalities as big as the Hollywood sign. The stars of the tale, though, were the Chow sisters who were delightful with their sisterly quarrels, teasing, and antics. My only regret is that young starlet Lulu Wong was the murder victim so we only got to know her through Gemma’s investigation and the Chow sister’s reminiscence.
While I am having a wacky reading year with a hit-or-miss reading slump, I was confident that Stacey Lee’s newest book would fall on the “hit” side of the scale. And, it is indeed a hit. While Outrun the Moon remains my favorite Stacey Lee book, Kill Her Twice ranks with her other novels as ones I confidentially recommend to readers desiring “pull me in quick” historical fiction reads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Pregnancy
thenovelmaura's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sending a huge thank you to PenguinTeen for this stunning copy of Stacey Lee's latest book! This was a 5 star read for me. It was so deftly plotted, with a twisty path of clues and an endless list of suspects. Our amateur sleuths, the Chow sisters, took matters into their own hands when their famous friend, Lulu Wong, was murdered in Chinatown and the police tried to pin it on a convenient Chinese scapegoat. This book had excellent pacing, as the sisters interviewed suspects, sought out physical evidence, and debriefed with each other while ironing clothes or hiding from their mother in their sewing room.
I loved the Chow sisters' distinct personalities: May, the dutiful eldest daughter with a passion for acting; Gemma, the firecracker middle child who jumps in headfirst and asks questions later; and Peony, the mystery-enthusiast who's always fighting to be included in the elder sisters' investigation. Though new to detective work, they were a true team who played off of each others' strengths and often split up to cover more ground. I was so emotionally connected to this family, from their playful teasing of each other to their interactions with their (mostly) supportive parents.
As a former resident of Los Angeles, I really enjoyed the 1930's historical setting and how the plot revolved around the real-life demolition of Old Chinatown. Lee loosely based the character of Lulu Wong on Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star. Even though her death kickstarted the events of the story, Lulu still felt larger than life. It was frequently emphasized that she was the pride of Chinatown—someone who worked her way into an industry that was openly hostile to Asian Americans and would employ them as extras, at most. While the mystery elements of the story were what made this book a favorite, the historical aspects added an additional layer of meaning for me during Asian American Heritage Month.
I loved the Chow sisters' distinct personalities: May, the dutiful eldest daughter with a passion for acting; Gemma, the firecracker middle child who jumps in headfirst and asks questions later; and Peony, the mystery-enthusiast who's always fighting to be included in the elder sisters' investigation. Though new to detective work, they were a true team who played off of each others' strengths and often split up to cover more ground. I was so emotionally connected to this family, from their playful teasing of each other to their interactions with their (mostly) supportive parents.
As a former resident of Los Angeles, I really enjoyed the 1930's historical setting and how the plot revolved around the real-life demolition of Old Chinatown. Lee loosely based the character of Lulu Wong on Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star. Even though her death kickstarted the events of the story, Lulu still felt larger than life. It was frequently emphasized that she was the pride of Chinatown—someone who worked her way into an industry that was openly hostile to Asian Americans and would employ them as extras, at most. While the mystery elements of the story were what made this book a favorite, the historical aspects added an additional layer of meaning for me during Asian American Heritage Month.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Racism
Moderate: Chronic illness and Gun violence
justinekorson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley for Providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
This is the first story I've read by Stacy Lee despite knowing about her work for several years now and WOW what a story to start with. I've always enjoyed a murder mystery so to read one that was centered around Los Angeles in the 1930's was really fun to read. I especially enjoyed the sisters because I felt like May and Gemma are like my sister and I. (It works too because my sister is also older than me, as May is, and I'm a little menace like Gemma is). May was constantly stressed about keeping the family afloat/together through their mother's pregnancy and their father's absence and Gemma was constantly making things harder for her! Gemma was also very clever and spontaneous though so I throughly enjoyed her. Gemma's banter with others was always great though. Her sarcasm was unmatched and the way her older sister would always hit her when she said something a little stupid or insulting was very on brand for how siblings act (in my opinion).
I also really enjoyed the small little romance aspect of this story. You could really tel from the get-go how much Wallace cared for May and was trying to play it off (and how May felt the same way but was ALSO pretending that she didn't like him). I loved their interactions together and thought they were so cute! I was glad that they ended on good terms.
What had surprised me was the small romance that sort of appeared between Gemma and Freddie. It was pretty unexpected, especially since I thought Freddie would have a one and done appearance when he bought flowers from the girls (and Gemma conned him into buying the most expensive flowers). I was also confused because Gemma was only 17 if I believe and Freddie was already a practicing doctor which meant he had to be at least 21? Maybe? I'm not sure how young doctors would be in the 1930's but I was very confused by how the author kept bringing them together. I do admit I thought they were cute and could potentially work out but it sounded like, by the end, that Gemma wouldn't forgive him for his role in Lulu's murder (even if it was unintentional). Gemma talked about the red string of fate in relation to her and Freddie twice, once when she was contemplating if he was meant to be in his life and then again when she found out what he'd done. So in my opinion, it doesn't sound like they ever end up together in some distant future.
I'm also really glad that May got to follow her dream of being an actor! I was worried that she wouldn't be able to, especially after the blowback from all the girls lies but everything worked out well in the end for the girls.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
This is the first story I've read by Stacy Lee despite knowing about her work for several years now and WOW what a story to start with. I've always enjoyed a murder mystery so to read one that was centered around Los Angeles in the 1930's was really fun to read. I especially enjoyed the sisters because I felt like May and Gemma are like my sister and I. (It works too because my sister is also older than me, as May is, and I'm a little menace like Gemma is). May was constantly stressed about keeping the family afloat/together through their mother's pregnancy and their father's absence and Gemma was constantly making things harder for her! Gemma was also very clever and spontaneous though so I throughly enjoyed her. Gemma's banter with others was always great though. Her sarcasm was unmatched and the way her older sister would always hit her when she said something a little stupid or insulting was very on brand for how siblings act (in my opinion).
I also really enjoyed the small little romance aspect of this story. You could really tel from the get-go how much Wallace cared for May and was trying to play it off (and how May felt the same way but was ALSO pretending that she didn't like him). I loved their interactions together and thought they were so cute! I was glad that they ended on good terms.
What had surprised me was the small romance that sort of appeared between Gemma and Freddie. It was pretty unexpected, especially since I thought Freddie would have a one and done appearance when he bought flowers from the girls (and Gemma conned him into buying the most expensive flowers). I was also confused because Gemma was only 17 if I believe and Freddie was already a practicing doctor which meant he had to be at least 21? Maybe? I'm not sure how young doctors would be in the 1930's but I was very confused by how the author kept bringing them together. I do admit I thought they were cute and could potentially work out but it sounded like, by the end, that Gemma wouldn't forgive him for his role in Lulu's murder (even if it was unintentional). Gemma talked about the red string of fate in relation to her and Freddie twice, once when she was contemplating if he was meant to be in his life and then again when she found out what he'd done. So in my opinion, it doesn't sound like they ever end up together in some distant future.
I'm also really glad that May got to follow her dream of being an actor! I was worried that she wouldn't be able to, especially after the blowback from all the girls lies but everything worked out well in the end for the girls.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Xenophobia, Misogyny, Murder, Death, Chronic illness, Hate crime, Violence, Blood, Sexism, and Homophobia
devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexism, Death, Murder, Gun violence, Hate crime, Classism, Cultural appropriation, Misogyny, Racism, Drug use, Racial slurs, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol, Pregnancy, Blood, and Cursing
cboddie's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
6th & up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Racism
whitneyfoster's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
I was excited to read this, but the story really dragged on.
May and Gemma, are sisters supposedly investigating the murder of their former classmate turned movie star. The authorities are not interested in a Chinatown crime during the 1930s, so the sisters take matters into their own hands. May is quiet and passive, Gemma more assertive.
I was looking forward to the mystery, but it was more like a historical fiction with the murder taking a backseat to the lives of May and Gemma. It does give an interesting story to life in San Francisco Chinatown during the 1930s, but I came for the mystery and there just wasn’t enough there. When the author then added love interests for the sisters, I’d had enough.
This is a great YA historical fiction, but not a mystery/thriller. The low rating is mainly because I wish there were more of the investigation and less about their personal lives because, again, it’s not what I came for.
May and Gemma, are sisters supposedly investigating the murder of their former classmate turned movie star. The authorities are not interested in a Chinatown crime during the 1930s, so the sisters take matters into their own hands. May is quiet and passive, Gemma more assertive.
I was looking forward to the mystery, but it was more like a historical fiction with the murder taking a backseat to the lives of May and Gemma. It does give an interesting story to life in San Francisco Chinatown during the 1930s, but I came for the mystery and there just wasn’t enough there. When the author then added love interests for the sisters, I’d had enough.
This is a great YA historical fiction, but not a mystery/thriller. The low rating is mainly because I wish there were more of the investigation and less about their personal lives because, again, it’s not what I came for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, Blood, Chronic illness, and Death
henrygravesprince's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In the interest of full disclosure, this review is specifically regarding a DRC copy of the book from Net Galley, so while I imagine this eBook was pretty close to finalized, some details may have been changed between my copy and the official release.
If you like historical murder mysteries, especially with an Old Hollywood sort of glint to them, and want a read that’s interesting and refreshing, I’d definitely recommend this. If you’re looking for solid mysteries in general, this is a worthwhile read. I think the strongest element here is the characters and their interactions; the weakest is the ending which, while not bad at all, felt kind of quick. I could also have done with less of the villain monologue, but I get that it’s pretty par the course for YA mysteries as a genre to have the confrontation where a villain explains everything. Just not my favorite element of the genre. If the author writes more with these characters in particular, I’m definitely on board; if not, I’m still interested in what she writes going forward.
I liked the development happening for May and Gemma throughout the story, with each of them learning to be a little more like each other. I like the way the conflict is crafted here, both internal and external. May’s internal conflict is really well-handled, her impulse to protect her family and their honor batting against the desire she has to stand up for the vulnerable. I wish the narratives of other characters, like Peony, would have been more prominent and incorporated into the story more cohesively.
The writing style is strong and very consistent. You can tell the author has done the work to find her voice. The prose is very developed, succinct and vivid, never too much or too little. Grammar was all-around adequate and consistent, overall as unnoticeable as it should be. Word choice was clear, effective, and efficient; the author is good at balancing details with quick pacing. The cast was very well-established, with side characters being easily distinguishable from one another and the main cast easily memorable. The character dynamics really shine; they all feel believable and authentic.
I did find myself wishing there were a little more consistency in how the chapters were relegated to the POV character; I would have rathered some chapters be longer than to have two May chapters or Gemma chapters back to back, but that’s because I’m a stickler for consistency. The shifts in point of view were, however, made very clear. The book is well-paced and goes by quickly. Ultimately, the mystery feels coherent and well-crafted, the conclusion working well and matching the overall narrative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny and Gun violence
Minor: Pregnancy
boomwormbrittany's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Murder
gkaltam's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
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