Kill Her Twice

Kill Her Twice by Stacey Lee is a historical murder mystery set in Chinatown, Los Angeles, 1932. It is told through the dual POVs of two sisters, May and Gemma. Their friend Lulu Wong, a Hollywood actress, has been murdered and the police don't seem to care about finding her killer. May and Gemma, along with their younger sister, Peony, decide to investigate Lulu's death while running their family flower selling business and helping their pregnant mother. The characters are likeable, and the story is well plotted.
The narrative is made more interesting by historical, cultural and political details. The racism faced by the Chinese community in L.A. is explored well and presents additional challenges to solving Lulu's murder. The story did show more slow down at times; however, the pacing issues did not diminish this enjoyable and thought-provoking YA mystery.
Thank you to BookishFirst for a gifted copy. show less

When a Chinese-American starlet is found dead in 1930s Los Angeles, three sisters embark on solving the mystery not only to avenge their friend’s death but to avoid further prejudice in an already discriminated community. Stacey Lee once again has woven an intriguing historical tale about underrepresented young Chinese-Americans. The social issues presented to Chinatown during this time period were seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Her vivid imagery and cultural details add depth to a classic murder mystery. I enjoyed the dual points of view from Gemma and May as their individual wit and sisterly banter were engaging. One of the reasons I really like Stacey Lee’s writing is that it can be recommended to readers reading up or show more down. Meaning it is written for young adults but can also be appropriate for an advanced middle grade reader, while still being enjoyable to adults. show less

Thank you Penguin Teen for the gifted ARC book.

Rife with corruption, the LAPD lacks motivation to investigate the death of a Chinese movie star. Suspecting foul play, the Chow sisters launch their own investigation.

KILL HER TWICE was a great historical mystery set in 1930s Los Angeles. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the dynamics between the sisters. I liked how aspects of Chinese culture were woven throughout the story. The historical setting of Chinatown in 1932 captured the discrimination and challenges Chinese Americans faced as well as the rampant corruption within law enforcement and political forces. There was mystery. There was romance. The pacing felt a bit uneven. Overall, I was entertained. I’d recommend this show more book to fans of historical mysteries. show less

I really enjoyed reading this book! I loved the mystery, the action, the sense of family and community, and the little bit of romance sprinkled in. The author did such an amazing job of bringing 1930's Hollywood to life and wove a story together that was engaging and heartfelt.

I didn't realize it was a young adult book until I came to write this review and that's not a bad thing. The two main characters are girls in their late teens, but they were so mature and had a lot on their plates to handle. Maybe they were so mature because of the decade they were in, because of having to step up while their father was ill, or maybe because of being Chinese American in a country that treated them so poorly they had to be perfect at all times to show more avoid censor. Just from the feel of the book, I think it could appeal to a wide variety of audiences, not just YA. It was that good.

The book did start off kind of slow for me and there were a few moments throughout that lagged a little bit. These moments never lasted too long though before something else drew me in and dragged me along. I did love the small romantic storylines. My heart broke for Lulu and what could have been for her. *Maybe a spoiler, but I was kind of disappointed in how Gemma's story ended. Then I had to remind myself she is still pretty young and maybe something could be worked out in the future. And May and Wallace were so cute. I loved them!

My favorite part of all though, was the sister dynamic between May and Gemma. They seemed to be such opposites, but at the same time, so similar. They played off each other really well, knowing what the other needed and when a nudge or restraint was necessary. I loved the nicknames of Cloud 1-3 and how it tied into the saying that, "Separately, each cloud can block the wind. Together, we might determine its flow." This book was very empowering for woman and what they can accomplish. I felt I learned a little bit more about Chinese culture and the struggle it can be to combine it with the way of life in America. For what they have to change, but also to what they hold on to no matter what. Honoring family, building a community of respect and helpfulness, and tradition.

All of these things, plus there was a murder mystery! This book had a lot of layers to it and it all went together so well. Every part was needed and had meaning, and it was great how everything intertwined.

Thank you to Bookishfirst and PenguinTeen for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. show less

An actress's fate is linked to Chinatown's in this gripping historical thriller.

During the golden age of film, Lulu Wong was a Chinese actress on the rise, until her body was found dumped in Chinatown. Two sisters, Gemma and May, frustrated by the police's lack of action, take it upon themselves to investigate. But the closer they get to the glitter of Hollywood, the harder it is to decipher friends from enemies.

This book takes on prejudice head-on as it shows the impact on Gemma and May's life, from not being allowed to sell their flowers certain places to top Chinese film roles going to white actresses who taped their eyelids. It also shows how conflicted even so-called good people can be in the face of the prevailing culture.

The show more mystery was engaging, with lots of great twists and turns. I didn't see the final villain coming, so that was fun! It also has a great fake-dating side plot between May and Walter, the Chinese boy picked by her parents. All of these elements combine to make an unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book. show less

"Kill Her Twice" by Stacey Lee was interesting enough. The plot follows the lives of sisters, Gemma and May Chow. They live in Chinatown with their sister, Peony and mother. Their Ba (father) is in a sanatorium for the treatment of a lung disease. The reader is led to believe that he suffers from tuberculosis. While he is away, Gemma and May have dropped out of school in an attempt to keep the family's flower business afloat. As the sisters deal with racism, fewer rights than their American counterparts, and the upcoming birth of their newest sibling, they come face-to-face with the murder of their dear friend and famous movie star, Lulu Wong. Their predictions become fact, when the local policemen and politicians attempt to blame a show more local Chinese man, Gee Fa aka Guitar Man, for the murder. The sisters decide to investigate the crime on their own. Will their suspicions prove to be fact? Can they obtain enough evidence to bring justice to Lulu, her family and the Chinese community? There are definitely enough twists and turns to keep this novel interesting, and most readers will be surprised by the ending. My only negative comment is that the novel did drag on at times. Otherwise, a good read. I would recommend. show less

Historical mystery

While I enjoyed the dual point of view between Gemma and May, I felt as if this divided the book too much and I needed more depth of character from each sister.

The setting felt so real and the tough issues facing Asian people during this time felt painful, frustrating and more than maddening at the unfairness and cruelty. After reading the author's note, I know this novel was well researched, making it feel so authentic.

The mystery had so much potential and I never figured out who the murderer was so this part was excellent. The use of monologuing was disappointing and I had hoped for a different way to learn all the facts about the crimes. I had issues with the pacing, however, as this seemed to move too slowly until show more the final chapters. The stakes were high enough and the danger level could have been elevated to increase suspense.

I really enjoyed the sister relationship and this was my favorite part. May and Gemma truly love and support each other and I enjoyed how they teased and joked too. show less