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  Andrea Tang's YA mystery "These Deadly Prophecies" casts an inventive magical twist on the classic whodunit formula. When apprentice sorcerer Tabatha Zeng finds her boss murdered, she teams up with the victim's son Callum to catch the killer and clear their names. Tang builds an engaging world where magic exists behind the scenes of regular society. Tabatha makes for a smart, proactive protagonist as she puzzles out clues and confronts suspects with unique magical talents. The mystery itself intrigues, encouraging readers to piece together alibis and motives alongside the leads. At times the pacing lags, while the ending wraps up abruptly. The romance between Tabatha and Callum also feels underdeveloped. However, the magical elements add fresh imagination to the murder mystery genre. With cunning sorcerers, a scrappy heroine, and plot twists to the very end, fans of shows like "Knives Out" are sure to find an entertaining whodunit with a spellbinding twist...

  Stacey Lee's latest YA mystery "Kill Her Twice" transports readers back to 1930s Los Angeles and into the dark underbelly of Chinatown. When local celebrity Lulu Wong is murdered, her former neighbors - the clever Chow sisters - take it upon themselves to investigate. Lee does an excellent job capturing the allure and grit of LA during this era. The Chow sisters are an endearing trio, using their wits and determination to uncover clues even as powerful forces try to silence them. The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of suspects and misdirection to keep you guessing. My only critique would be that the pacing slows a bit too much in parts, interrupting the suspense. However, the colorful characters and their crusade for justice in an era of rampant prejudice make this a compelling read. Lee tackles weighty themes around racism, xenophobia, and women’s rights with nuance. Overall a solid 4-star historical mystery with a feisty feminist message. Fans of the author ...