The Lost Girl of Astor Street brings us to Chicago, in the midst of the roaring twenties. Piper Sail, a high society schoolgirl, is shocked when her best friend, Lydia, disappears one night. As time passes, Piper is convinced the police are looking in the wrong place, and begins her own investigation.

I loved the Jazz Age setting of this book. Stephanie Morrill did a fantastic job making the setting feel real, without using large amounts of modern-day dialogue, which is something that really irks me about some historical fiction novels.

The mystery itself was a little predictable, but I was still incredibly engaged while trying to figure out if I was correct (don't worry, I won't spoil anything!)

The Lost Girl of Astor Street would be a great read for Nancy Drew fans, or anyone starting to get into the historical mystery genre!

This book is not for me. It has very high school feel to it. I enjoyed the next book in the series, which has a more mature tone.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Not a bad little historical cozy mystery. Cozies aren't my preferred mysteries, but I actually quite liked this one, which was fairly evocative of the 20s - there were a few anachronisms, but the overall 'feel' was good. I liked Piper and her family and friends. I actually got a bit of a Nancy Drew vibe here, which is not at all a bad thing. I'll be happy to read the second in the series.

Piper Sail is a high society school girl. She dreams of going on dates and hanging out with her best friend, Lydia. When Lydia disappears one night, Piper is devastated. She wonders how a rich girl could simply vanish in one night. She looks for information with the police, but she is convinced that they are looking in the wrong place. Piper decides to start her own investigation with the help of a handsome detective. Piper is surprised that her clues lead her into the heart of Chicago’s most dangerous mafia.

I really adored Piper. She was a very fun character. I particularly loved her friendship and loyalty to Lydia. She would do anything, including putting herself in danger, in order to bring her friend back safe and sound. Piper is also very intelligent. She notices small details that others would not have noticed. This is not to say that Piper was not without flaws. There were many times that she was so emotional that she became hysterical. She also acted without thinking, which almost got her into danger. Despite these weaknesses, she was a good-hearted girl that cared about her friends and family.

Overall, this novel is about friendship, justice, and loyalty. All the characters were well-rounded and likable. The novel is also well-written and filled with many details of the1920s Chicago mafia world. The only thing I did not like about this book was the killer revealed the identity on their own rather than letting Piper solve who the killer was. Still, The Lost Girl of Astor Street is a fast-paced mystery that has a dash of action and romance! It will leave you wanting more! I hope that there will be a sequel, for I would love to know what lies in store for Piper’s next adventure!

This was a well plotted thoughtful murder mystery cantering on Piper Sail, a precocious high school graduate who losther best friend in mysterious circumstances. The book develops the character of Piper really well, at times tomboyish and outspoken at times thoughtful and caring. From a privileged background she gradually finds that beneath the layer of respectability there is a hidden agenda behind the polite facade, not least with her own family who have links to organised crime. With an indefatigable approach she uncovers the mystery and lives to tell the tale, ready for her next informal assignment. Overall, a gripping read.

It's May 1924 and feisty, opinionated Piper Sail and her best friend Lydia LeVine are in their final year at Presley's School for Girls. The two girls couldn't be more different and yet they've been inseparable for years. Their families live in the well-to-do Astor Street district of Chicago and life seems good, if somewhat dull, to Piper. The only two sources of excitement at the moment are both things she would gladly do without: 1) Lydia's increasingly bad seizures, which she doesn't know about and Piper has begrudgingly agreed to keep from her and 2) Piper's widowed father's blossoming romance with his girlfriend, Jane Miller. Still, her childhood friend Walter is home for a visit and things should be looking up...

But, two weeks before graduation, Dr. and Mrs. LeVine pull Lydia from school with the intention of sending her to the Mayo Clinic and she forms a desperate resolution that she confides to Piper - she's going to let their chauffeur Matthew know how she feels about him. Piper doesn't really approve, but she does her best to be sympathetic since Lydia seems so in love. Sending her friend home with a smile and her coat, Piper is willing to hope for the best.

But the worst is what happens. The next day, Lydia is missing. As time passes and no word of her whereabouts comes, Piper starts her own investigation with the assistance of someone surprising.

Book-club style musings: Spoilers ahead!!!


1. The first hint that something might be off about Detective Mariano Cassano is when Jane says something rude about a Cassano being allowed on the police force. So, of course, it seems like it's more something off about her than him. When we find out later that the Cassanos are mafiosos, it makes a lot more sense and lets Jane off the hook.
2. It makes sense why Piper struggles to accept Jane as her father's fiancée. Not only is she younger than one of the Piper children, but they are getting married on Elsie Sail's birthday. Talk about a lack of common sense or empathy. Pick a different venue if they can't accommodate a day other than Mrs. Sail's birthday or the anniversary of her death. Duh...
3. I was pleased when it turned out that Walter really is in love with someone other than Piper. From the things he says about the woman at first, it isn't clear. He could easily have been talking about Piper and she just didn't catch it because she didn't want to.
4. I liked Emma Crane a lot. It was good having Piper's first impressions of her as a mousy, uninteresting girl smashed. Piper is so vibrant and brash that it seems like she judges other women for being more traditional, except for Lydia.
5. I love Sidekick.
6. Johnny Walker is an interesting fellow. He even gets to be something of a hero at the end of the book. I still wouldn't trust him any farther than I can throw him.

Thoughtful and well researched young adult mystery novel set in 1924 Chicago. Well developed characters and setting with a fluid story and just enough plot twists and red herrings. Good read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected reader's proof from Blink via NetGalley. ***** #review @bookbub @goodreads @librarythingofficial @the.storygraph
#TheLostGirlofAstorStreet by #stephaniemorrill #pipersailmysteriesBk1 #Blink #RoaringTwenties
#HistoricalFiction #Mystery #comingofage #YoungAdult #Romance #MysteryThriller #mysterynovel
#missingperson #gangsters #emotional #chicago #friendship

I really enjoyed this book. I read it a while ago and it was a quick read, which I often find that I love. I loved the characters, and the mystery was well written. I also really loved the time period that this was set in, I’ve tried other books set in this era and just have not enjoyed them as much or haven’t even started them because I didn’t feel drawn to them. This one was so good though! Definitely recommend ☺️

"To love anyone is to risk."

This is my first Stephanie Morrill book and I'm thrilled that I could finally read one of the author's books. I loved being immersed in 1924 Chicago where Piper's sheltered life implodes after her best friend's disappearance. Piper's tenacious, spunky, and intelligent first person voice was perfect to guide the reader through this mystery that ends up being so much more than just her friend's disappearance. Piper was a maverick and a trail-blazer who got into plenty of trouble but was dogged in finding answers. I found it surprising and informative to be in the shoes of an 18 year old girl in 1924. Her struggles at home, her lofty ideals, and her sense of justice made Piper very real.
I don't like love triangles so I wasn't fond of Piper receiving attention from two different gentlemen but I understood the need since both played vital roles in the plot. The plot was intricate with lots of twists and turns and gasp-worthy revelations.

If you enjoy a good mystery novel with a dash of romance, you will love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Blink via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is a fantastic historical mystery with a stubborn, independent female protagonist, a sweet romance side plot, and an intriguing mystery that kept me on toes.
Piper is a great main character, and while she’s a bit much at times, I love that she doesn’t let anybody tell her who she is and what she can and can’t do. She doesn’t give up on Lydia or herself, and I think she’s the type of female protagonist we need more of.

I appreciate that while this book focuses on Piper solving the mystery of her best friend’s disappearance, that there is more to the story than just the mystery. The 1920s Chicago setting and Piper’s relationships with those around her also play important roles in the story and how the mystery unfolds.

This is a great story to recommend to fans of historical or mystery, and if nothing else will convince you, there is also an adorable dog in this story.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

I loved this so much! I read the second book first and then immediately went back and read this one. Then, I was trying to remember if all of the side characters were in the second novel (to eliminate them as the murderer). This is the perfect cozy if you are looking for one that isn't too scary and is clean.

Really hope there are many, many, many more books in this series!

Mystery is not usually my go-to genre, but this cozy little novel had to be a special case. Close friendship is always going to be a buzzword for me! How heartwarming.

Well-written and well researched!

I don’t know if this sounds like high praise, but please trust that it is: I liked this book way more than I thought I would! The Lost Girl of Astor Street tells the story of Piper Sail as she attempts to piece together what happened to her best friend, Lydia, who has gone missing. This a medium-paced, YA mystery that not only covers Piper’s pursuit of answers, but also touches on her past grief, her transition to adulthood, and family dynamics.

I find historical fiction can be hit or miss but Stephanie Morrill absolutely did the legwork to create something really special! She evoked a Roaring 20’s Chicago free of the anachronisms or modern dialogue that I find pulls me out of this type of story, and I had a lot of fun exploring prohibition, speakeasies, wealth, and daily life in the Jazz Age in a way that felt reliable and unforced. There was also broader commentary on certain societal prejudices and the ways that women were treated during this time period without being too didactic.

Pros:
- One of my favorite aspects was the ferocity of the female friendship and all of the ways that Lydia was with Piper throughout the story. I enjoyed getting to know her after she goes missing, as a sort of conscience for Piper.
- I’m not sure if it’s a trope or a cliche, but I love when an author throws in an animal companion just because they can. Life is better with pets.
- Piper’s constant challenge to be true to herself while navigating the need to conform to societal standards
- Importantly, I like that characters were complex instead of wholly "good" or "bad"

Cons:
- The romance was a bit forced and underdeveloped
- The resolution felt rushed considering the pace of the rest of the novel
- The red herrings were clearly just to throw you off, which is a given, but they felt disjointed to the overall context instead of cleverly integrated
- Many of the twists were predictable, but I think that’s expected for a YA mystery and part of the fun

All in all, I would say that if you’re looking exclusively for a mystery, there are books that do it better. But if you want to read a book with a charming protagonist, a fun supporting cast, a fantastically immersive historical setting, and sweet coming-of-age themes that all happen to come together to support a mystery plot, I’d recommend this one ten times over and I am excited for the next installment of the story.

A big thank you to Blink and NetGalley for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gatsby-era mystery with noir vibes. A 1920s teen investigates her best friend’s disappearance in a world of speakeasies and secrets. Great period feel, plucky heroine, and a blend of cozy and dangerous. If you liked Stalking Jack the Ripper or Veronica Mars, this one’s for you.

Note: This is #2 in the Piper Sail Mystery series

I have not yet read the first book in this series but decided to give this one a try. I enjoy it and will go back to find the and read the first. Piper Sail wants to become a detective and living in Chicago during the 1920's there is no doubt she will have plenty of opportunities.

I enjoyed the book and think it will appeal to many YA persons who are finding it difficult to find a good old mystery. This appears to be a much cleaner series for those not seeking the heavy romance scenes. I would feel comfortable offering it to youth and am myself looking forward to the next installment.


Thank you NetGalley and Blink for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review

I love reading about the 1920s- and usually that reading takes place in New York so I was very excited to read about Chicago in the 1920s.

We follow Piper Sail- a rich girl who is not quite a full on flapper, but absolutely more progressive for her time with her bobbed hair and shorter hemlines- as she discovers her best friend has gone missing. Her best friend, Lydia, has seizures and herself doesn't know the extent of them. Piper is determined to help find Lydia in anyway she can- which in 1920 for a young girl, isn't very much. As Piper investigates deeper into her best friend's disappearance she discovers a darker side of Chicago that is closer to home than she realized.

Overall, this book was a well-paced and fun mystery. I enjoyed the perspective of being in Piper's mind and being in the present tense. I also really liked the characters. The cast was fairly large but not impossible to keep track of. The characters felt like real people- honestly I could have read 100 more pages just about their day to day lives though that wouldn't have served the plot at all.

While I knew this book would focus on the underground crime in Chicago, the direction it took surprised me a little. No spoilers but it wasn't an unwellknown crime but I thought it was going in a different direction.

I really enjoyed this mystery and definitely look forward to following Piper Sail on more adventures!

this book meant a lot to me during my high school years. i would reread it yearly. when i found out that there was going to be a reprint, i jumped at the chance to read it. and let me tell you, it’s still a hit!!! the plot? amazing! the twists? fantastic! i’m calling it now: 2025 is the year of Piper Sail 🙂‍↕️✨

I really enjoyed this book. The book is set in the 1920s and you can tell the author did lots of research to make you really feel like your there in time. The mystery kept me wanting to read it and I love how the story develops as well as the characters. This book had mystery, suspense, and romance - Mariano’s character was so sweet and I loved how supportive and kindly protective he was. I have to add I love sidekick and what he brings to the story lol. I definitely would recommend this book if you enjoy a good ya mystery. Thank you Netgalley so so much for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

"To most people, Piper Sail looks like a rich girl with little potential, but she surprises everyone, including herself, when she starts investigating her best friend's disappearance. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Maureen Johnson, The Lost Girl of Astor Street combines the allure of Jazz Age Chicago with a twisting mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Lydia has vanished. Lydia, who's never broken any rules, except falling in love with the wrong boy. Lydia, who's been Piper's best friend since they were children. Lydia, who never even said goodbye.

Convinced the police are looking in all the wrong places, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail begins her own investigation into Lydia's disappearance. With the reluctant help of a handsome young detective, Piper searches for answers in the dark underbelly of 1924 Chicago. Did Lydia get abducted by one of the city's most notorious gangsters? Or does the trail lead back to their own affluent neighborhood?

Piper must decide if she's willing to risk her life to find out the truth."

This series would be right up my grandma's alley.

“The Lost Girl of Astor Street” is a re-release from 2017.

Piper Sail is about to graduate from high school when her best friend Lydia goes missing. Piper will do anything to find her friend and bring her home, even if that means going to the seediest parts of 1920s Chicago. Her investigation uncovers secrets among families she has known her entire life. Her search for answers is aided by a handsome young detective and an unlikely canine companion.

The first in a series, “The Lost Girl of Astor Street” is a bit like a more sophisticated Nancy Drew book. Piper Sail is bold and smart. She’s not a fan of society’s expectations for women and girls, but also understands that sometimes she needs to dial it back a bit to get what she wants or needs. Piper’s life is not all sunshine as her father prepares to re-marry and bring a young bride into the family. Her relationship with her older brothers is fraught, but she knows that they love her. Piper’s social circle is well-developed and supportive. Piper is forced to mature during the course of the book when Lydia disappears and she is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about her family and her own behavior. The story is a compelling page-turner.

This book is great for readers who enjoy historical fiction and complicated relationships.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Blink, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.