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Reviewed by: Sarah Wergin, High School Librarian Title: Kill Her Twice Author: Stacey Lee Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: 9-12 Genre/Type of Book: Historical Fiction/Mystery Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Historical racism & misogyny.
Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: It looked like an interesting mystery. The cover art drew me in. I also saw the author speak at NYLA SSL in Lake Placid and have been meaning to read a book by her. If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Gemma and May are determined to solve the mystery of their beloved friend turned movie star Lulu's murder - but the clock is running out and there is more on the line than just catching a murder. Can Gemma and May solve the crime and save Chinatown at the same time?
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Review:
Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction/mystery set in 1930s Chinatown, Southern California. The story follows the Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and their younger sister Poppy—who are determined to solve the murder of their dear friend, Lulu. The novel is told from May and Gemma's perspectives. The two different points of view offer unique perspectives into the murder investigation, as the two sisters have very different ideas on how to proceed with the investigation. May, the oldest, is steady and sensible, taking a cautious approach to solving the mystery. Gemma, the middle sister, is impulsive, and often jumps into risky situations, a fun contrast to May's careful nature.
One of the most important aspects of the book is its depiction of 1930s Chinatown, offering a vivid look at the racial tensions and prejudices faced by Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans during the Great Depression. The novel shines a spotlight on the struggles of this marginalized community, as well as the growing involvement of Chinatown in local politics. This historical context adds to the murder mystery, highlighting the social and cultural challenges that the characters must navigate as they work through the mystery.
Although I found some parts of the book to be a bit slow and the murder reveal almost rushed at the end, I enjoyed the historical and cultural details woven throughout the story. The characters, especially May and Gemma, were relatable and their determination to seek justice made them easy to like and cheer on. Overall, Kill Her Twice is an engaging historical mystery and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-crafted historical fiction.
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