Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee

 

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 will enjoy spending more time in this vivid setting and seeing echoes of her previous heroines in the audacious Chow sisters.