Kill Her Twice

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes a YA murder mystery noir set in 1930s Los Angeles’s Chinatown. Now in paperback!

“A captivating and crackling noir full of suspenseful twists. Readers will fall in love with the Chow sisters and their quest for the truth.” —Kathleen Glasgow, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and The Agathas

LOS ANGELES, 1932: Lulu Wong, star of the silver screen and the pride of Chinatown, has a face known to practically everyone, especially the Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and Peony—Lulu’s former classmates and neighbors. So the girls instantly know it’s Lulu when they discover a body one morning in an out-of-the-way stable, far from the Beverly Hills home where she lived after her fame skyrocketed.

The sisters suspect Lulu’s death is the result of foul play, but the police don’t seem motivated to investigate. Even worse, there are signs that point to a cover-up, and powerful forces in the city want to frame the killing as evidence that Chinatown is a den of iniquity and crime, even more reason it should be demolished to make room for the construction of a new railway depot, Union Station.

Worried that neither the police nor the papers will treat Lulu fairly—no matter her fame and wealth—the sisters set out to solve their friend’s murder themselves, and maybe save their neighborhood in the bargain. But with Lulu’s killer still on the loose, the girls’ investigation just might put them square in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded murderer.

Editor review

1 review
Great Historical Noir
(Updated: June 19, 2026)
Overall rating
 
3.3
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
3.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Stacey Lee's "Kill Her Twice" is a captivating young adult historical mystery that immerses readers in the vivid world of the 1930s, intricately weaving together a narrative enriched with historical and cultural details. The dual perspectives of sisters Gemma and May, along with the involvement of their younger sister Poppy, create a compelling trio determined to unravel a murder mystery amidst a backdrop of racial tensions and prejudice.

Lee's storytelling prowess shines through as she seamlessly integrates real issues of the time into the plot, providing readers with a genuine sense of the challenges faced by the Chinese community in the 1930s. The author's knack for crafting engaging and relatable characters is evident in the main protagonists, Gemma and May. Their unwavering determination to seek justice in an era of rampant prejudice makes them easy to root for, fostering a strong connection between the characters and the reader.

The exploration of the racial challenges faced by the Chinese community adds a layer of depth to the story, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the central mystery. Lee adeptly captures the essence of the historical period, offering readers an immersive experience beyond the confines of the murder investigation.

While the narrative is rich and absorbing, some readers may find that the story occasionally slows down. The pacing, at times, can be a bit leisurely, and the ending may feel a tad rushed. However, these minor pacing issues do not significantly detract from the novel's overall thrill and enjoyment.

Stacey Lee's signature style in young adult historical fiction is commendable. She skillfully crafts plotlines that balance the intricacies of the time with relatable characters, making the story entertaining and thought-provoking. Gemma and May's resolve to navigate the challenges of their era and seek justice is admirable, making them protagonists worth investing in.

In conclusion, "Kill Her Twice" is a thrilling story in a historical era, offering a blend of mystery, cultural insight, and engaging characters. Stacey Lee's storytelling prowess and the indomitable spirit of her characters left me yearning for more. This book is a gem for anyone seeking a profoundly personal and thrilling escape into the past. I can't wait to dive into more of Stacey Lee's works.
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