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mikaelabooks's review against another edition
4.0
*thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
wow I really loved this book so much. it was such a fun read, fast paced, glamorous and the atmosphere was amazing. I love the 1920's Chicago setting so mach.
I love Ruby so much, she's such an interesting character is what she is right or wrong? idk. the love interest, Guy, I love him so much. I don't think that I've ever meet a character like him before.
the language that was used in the book kind of through me off a bit but I think that is because I'm not used to it.
Overall I love Murder for the Modern Girl and would definably recommend it, especially if you are a fan of 'The Diviners" and "Stalking Jack the Ripper"
wow I really loved this book so much. it was such a fun read, fast paced, glamorous and the atmosphere was amazing. I love the 1920's Chicago setting so mach.
I love Ruby so much, she's such an interesting character is what she is right or wrong? idk. the love interest, Guy, I love him so much. I don't think that I've ever meet a character like him before.
the language that was used in the book kind of through me off a bit but I think that is because I'm not used to it.
Overall I love Murder for the Modern Girl and would definably recommend it, especially if you are a fan of 'The Diviners" and "Stalking Jack the Ripper"
baronvonwaffle's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
storyofarose's review against another edition
5.0
Gol-lee! You're going to love Kendall Kulper's latest historical romance YA.
Now I know what you're thinking. Katie Rose, you don't review young adult romance! Where's the spice? Where are the adult themes?
Hear me out! Murder for the Modern Girl features dual POV of two 18 year-olds on the cusp of figuring out what they want to do with the rest of their lives in Prohibition Era Chicago. Hmm, sounds like we've got a New Adult romance on our hands. Don't believe me?
Ruby, our glamorous cover queen, is the state attorney's flapper daughter. She's whip smart, she's got beautiful eyes perfect for playing damsel in distress when the mood suits her, and she's got all the 1920's slang we could hope for. Ruby's opening scenes are at a suitably illegal party, and her experience with high society boys is a delightful side note to add to her deceptively good-girl identity. Add to that a penchant for exiting the scene of a crime just before authorities arrive and an unnerving ability to know just what everyone's thinking.
Meanwhile our other main character is an enigma whose love language involves more science than slang. A brilliant albeit nervous character, Guy Rosewood's only hope is to figure out how to get his strange ability under control without anyone else getting hurt. When a doctor who can help him figure out his condition invites him to be his lab assistant to solve a string of poison-related murders, Guy finds himself struggling to focus on upholding his end of a deal with the doctor with the additional of an absolute doll of a girl named Ruby who seems to see right through his many reluctant facades and into his heart.
This story has everything you'd want from a 1920's romance. Glittery dresses, dazzling parties, and sinister gangsters indistinguishable from corrupt politicians. But what sets this story apart is the careful weaving of the supernatural and the heartfelt undertones of two young adults finding themselves and each other in a time when the superficial reigned supreme.
As for my rating, y'all should know by now it's rare that I don't love a romance, and this one's no different. Five sequined stars for this glamorous tale!
Murder for the Modern Girl is set to release on May 31, 2022. You can preorder it now at Indiebound. You won't regret it. <3
xoxo, Katie Rose
Now I know what you're thinking. Katie Rose, you don't review young adult romance! Where's the spice? Where are the adult themes?
Hear me out! Murder for the Modern Girl features dual POV of two 18 year-olds on the cusp of figuring out what they want to do with the rest of their lives in Prohibition Era Chicago. Hmm, sounds like we've got a New Adult romance on our hands. Don't believe me?
Ruby, our glamorous cover queen, is the state attorney's flapper daughter. She's whip smart, she's got beautiful eyes perfect for playing damsel in distress when the mood suits her, and she's got all the 1920's slang we could hope for. Ruby's opening scenes are at a suitably illegal party, and her experience with high society boys is a delightful side note to add to her deceptively good-girl identity. Add to that a penchant for exiting the scene of a crime just before authorities arrive and an unnerving ability to know just what everyone's thinking.
Meanwhile our other main character is an enigma whose love language involves more science than slang. A brilliant albeit nervous character, Guy Rosewood's only hope is to figure out how to get his strange ability under control without anyone else getting hurt. When a doctor who can help him figure out his condition invites him to be his lab assistant to solve a string of poison-related murders, Guy finds himself struggling to focus on upholding his end of a deal with the doctor with the additional of an absolute doll of a girl named Ruby who seems to see right through his many reluctant facades and into his heart.
This story has everything you'd want from a 1920's romance. Glittery dresses, dazzling parties, and sinister gangsters indistinguishable from corrupt politicians. But what sets this story apart is the careful weaving of the supernatural and the heartfelt undertones of two young adults finding themselves and each other in a time when the superficial reigned supreme.
As for my rating, y'all should know by now it's rare that I don't love a romance, and this one's no different. Five sequined stars for this glamorous tale!
Murder for the Modern Girl is set to release on May 31, 2022. You can preorder it now at Indiebound. You won't regret it. <3
xoxo, Katie Rose
bonniereads777's review against another edition
5.0
In 1928 Chicago, young Ruby is the daughter of the State’s Attorney and popular at parties, but she also knows dangerous secrets--because Ruby is a mind reader. When her abilities put men in her path who prey on and murder women, Ruby takes matters into her own hands. Guy has talents of another kind, and his brilliance and abilities just may uncover Ruby’s hidden life. However, Guy has secrets of his own. When the two of them meet, sparks fly, and they become a powerful and gifted team. They soon begin investigating a crime that is close to Ruby’s heart.
This unique novel combines gangland Chicago of the late 1920s with young adult and paranormal fiction. Ruby, the witty flapper who also reads minds, explodes off of the page. Her gift and cunning take her from respectable society to back-alley bars, and from the best gatherings to the best poison.
With the ability to pull the thoughts right out of a murderer, she is a young vigilante, determined to make things right. Guy has talents of his own, and he is looking for answers as to where they came from. He brings caution to Ruby’s bravado and she pulls him out of the shadows. These two characters are brilliantly crafted and they instantly pull the reader in. The plot is thrilling and engaging and the touches of romance are beautifully balanced. This is a fun and original historical paranormal thriller that will have readers begging for a sequel.
4.6 stars, rounded up to 5.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This unique novel combines gangland Chicago of the late 1920s with young adult and paranormal fiction. Ruby, the witty flapper who also reads minds, explodes off of the page. Her gift and cunning take her from respectable society to back-alley bars, and from the best gatherings to the best poison.
With the ability to pull the thoughts right out of a murderer, she is a young vigilante, determined to make things right. Guy has talents of his own, and he is looking for answers as to where they came from. He brings caution to Ruby’s bravado and she pulls him out of the shadows. These two characters are brilliantly crafted and they instantly pull the reader in. The plot is thrilling and engaging and the touches of romance are beautifully balanced. This is a fun and original historical paranormal thriller that will have readers begging for a sequel.
4.6 stars, rounded up to 5.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
the_llewbrary's review against another edition
4.0
The cover had me hooked as soon as I saw it, and the premise was so enticing, I couldn't resist. Murder for the Modern Girl was a perfect length for a standalone that kept my attention and left me very pleased.
Ruby lives in 1920's Chicago, where high society flapper girls like her can have fun, sneak booze, and have fun twists with boys. But underneath all the bubbles and blitz, she can hear the dark thoughts of men, waiting to take advantage of those women who can't turn to the law for protection. Ruby is their protection. That is, until an unruly janitor with a penchant for changing faces and investigating where he has no right to goes looking for the mysterious person poisoning the city's dirtiest men. It truly was an invigorating read, and I gave it a 8/10.
--- SPOILERS AHEAD ---
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were two points that bothered me. One of them is definitely more trivial and a me thing, the other was about the book as a whole.
Firstly, as soon as they had the whole 'Vivian the journalist who likes women' thing, which was very briefly glossed over btw, I was definitely expecting some sort of romance between the pair. This definitely shows how much of the summary I read, but I feel like reading that takes away from the book sometimes. Anyways, I think they could've been queer.
The second thing was about the story. So, both of the main characters have powers. Sure. Peter was even trying to do scientific research on his. What bothered me was Ruby's power, and how it was explained away. Being able to know people's thoughts is a lot, but there was no way that her parents wouldn't have noticed when she was little. She said things often that she shouldn't know, and it would've made more people, in my opinion, suspicious. Especially her father. Deduction can only get you so far.
I did quite enjoy the resolution, though if a bit rushed. I enjoyed the feminism bits, and the shoot out at the end kept me on my toes. Peter and Ruby's relationship was well written, though I am more of a fan of enemies to lovers, it was cute. Overall, a great read, and one I would definitely recommend to someone just stepping into reading!
Ruby lives in 1920's Chicago, where high society flapper girls like her can have fun, sneak booze, and have fun twists with boys. But underneath all the bubbles and blitz, she can hear the dark thoughts of men, waiting to take advantage of those women who can't turn to the law for protection. Ruby is their protection. That is, until an unruly janitor with a penchant for changing faces and investigating where he has no right to goes looking for the mysterious person poisoning the city's dirtiest men. It truly was an invigorating read, and I gave it a 8/10.
--- SPOILERS AHEAD ---
As much as I enjoyed this book, there were two points that bothered me. One of them is definitely more trivial and a me thing, the other was about the book as a whole.
Firstly, as soon as they had the whole 'Vivian the journalist who likes women' thing, which was very briefly glossed over btw, I was definitely expecting some sort of romance between the pair. This definitely shows how much of the summary I read, but I feel like reading that takes away from the book sometimes. Anyways, I think they could've been queer.
The second thing was about the story. So, both of the main characters have powers. Sure. Peter was even trying to do scientific research on his. What bothered me was Ruby's power, and how it was explained away. Being able to know people's thoughts is a lot, but there was no way that her parents wouldn't have noticed when she was little. She said things often that she shouldn't know, and it would've made more people, in my opinion, suspicious. Especially her father. Deduction can only get you so far.
I did quite enjoy the resolution, though if a bit rushed. I enjoyed the feminism bits, and the shoot out at the end kept me on my toes. Peter and Ruby's relationship was well written, though I am more of a fan of enemies to lovers, it was cute. Overall, a great read, and one I would definitely recommend to someone just stepping into reading!
rebelqueen's review against another edition
2.0
Pretty interesting although really weird premise. People with super powers during 1920s prohibition. Ruby uses her mind reading powers to be a vigilante killer focused on men who abuse women. The “romance” in this was so meh. Ruby has some “quirky” turns of phrase that were very annoying. The resolution was fine. I just wish I knew how Ruby was going to use her powers to help people without all the killing, which seemed to be the direction at the end, but it just ends, so shrug.
suburbrat's review against another edition
3.0
this was okay - the diet diviners if you will. i skimmed the last few chapters. i think ruby and guy/peter were interesting characters but the story dragged out and i had a hard time staying interested. certainly not a bad book by any means, but forgettable.
magicalrary's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 This was such a page turner with great characters and plot.
Ruby was such a delight to read about. Such an interesting character. Loved reading her pov (this is a dual POV).
I love Guy, my bear, such a cinnamon roll. I loved seeing the development of his character. It was astonishing.
The relationship part of the book didn’t get me so hooked, but I can definitely see how other people can love them. The friendship parts of this book were amazing. I loved it so much!
I think this book could have done without the ab-so-tive-ly. I’m not sure what was with all the “-“ words. They didn’t really add anything to the story. I also felt like the beginning of the story had too much 20’s slang and lingo. It got a bit confusing. The writing overall was good but could be improved.
I loved the fantasy aspect of the story. The only thing I wished was that we got a bit more of the world building because their powers were a big part of the story.
Overall, this was a good, enjoyable book (with a beautiful cover by the way) that keeps you hooked. I would recommend it! I had fun reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby was such a delight to read about. Such an interesting character. Loved reading her pov (this is a dual POV).
I love Guy, my bear, such a cinnamon roll. I loved seeing the development of his character. It was astonishing.
The relationship part of the book didn’t get me so hooked, but I can definitely see how other people can love them. The friendship parts of this book were amazing. I loved it so much!
I think this book could have done without the ab-so-tive-ly. I’m not sure what was with all the “-“ words. They didn’t really add anything to the story. I also felt like the beginning of the story had too much 20’s slang and lingo. It got a bit confusing. The writing overall was good but could be improved.
I loved the fantasy aspect of the story. The only thing I wished was that we got a bit more of the world building because their powers were a big part of the story.
Overall, this was a good, enjoyable book (with a beautiful cover by the way) that keeps you hooked. I would recommend it! I had fun reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
iwontjustify's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0