Kulper, Kendall. Murder for the Modern Girl. Holiday House, 2022. 978-082-344972-9. 352 p. $19.99. Grades 9-12.

To the outside world, Ruby Newhouse seems like just another eighteen-year-old flapper, living a carefree life and enjoying the jazz clubs and parties of 1920’s Chicago. But Ruby has a secret – she’s been using her mind-reading abilities to identify men who target and victimize vulnerable women. Their crimes may go unpunished by law enforcement, but Ruby has been using her knowledge of poisons to ensure that these dangerous individuals are permanently removed from the streets. Buty is a morgue janitor with a secret of his own – he has the ability to transform his appearance into anyone he wants. He’s taken a job at the Chicago morgue in the hopes of learning more about his condition, but in order to do that, he has to assist the corner in solving a string of poisoning murders occurring across the city. Guy and Ruby seem set on a collision course. As they travel the streets of Chicago, the pair also must contend with Chicago underworld mobsters, crooked cops, unethical politicians, and more. 

THOUGHTS: This highly engaging historical fiction title will have readers eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. Holds appeal for fans of mystery, historical fiction, romance, and fantasy. Highly recommended.

Historical Fiction          Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD