A great story and I loved the narrator.

This kept me gripped from the beginning right the way through.

A charming historical mystery romance from 1924.
Piper is easy to like. She is a smart young lady and a kind-hearted friend who doesn't really find her place either in her family or at school. And when her best friend disappears, she can't sit still and wait. Sleuthing gets her in all sorts of troubles, good and bad, and the result is the first book in an entertaining new series.
The audio book is read by Megan Trout, whose narration is superb.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to the audiobook of <i>The Lost Girl of Astor Street</i>! I quite enjoyed Piper's journey in this book and she is a very likeable character. The book itself is a good mix of suspense and romance. The mystery definitely kept me guessing until the end. The character's were well developed and Stephanie Morrill's writing style was easy to follow. Megan Trout did a great job reading the story and bringing it to life - definitely think she was a solid choice for the narrator. Kept me interested until the last page and I look forward to the next adventure with Piper.

It was a fun mystery book. Nothing too intense, which is what I prefer.

I liked the setting, based in 1920s. I like that Piper pushes social boundaries of that time, and keeps going despite being told to let men handle it. I'm always happy to see a bit of feminism pushed through books.

It was an overall good story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book.
This was another ‘read now’ book, available as an audiobook, and as I love the 1920s I thought I might as well listen to it. And it was brilliant! The audiobook narration was great, first of all, the characters were all complex and flawed and very three dimensional, they had their own personalities, struggles and ambitions and were very refreshing to read! I’m usually a bit wary of books that are blurbed to be like famous tv shows, as more often than not they just end up being disappointing, thankfully this did not happen! I could defiantly see how it would be described as “Veronica Mars in the 1920s”.
Piper was a wonderful protagonist who was strong, intelligent, compassionate and capable, and I really liked all the other characters, there weren’t any that annoyed me or that were all that generic. Thank you, Stephanie Morrill!
The setting of 1920s Chicago was amazing, and defiantly well researched, it was slightly less glamorous and more realistic than other things I’ve read set in the 1920s, which was interesting and a nice change- though I wouldn’t have minded a little bit more glamour, it didn’t detract from the story. The gangster and underbelly aspects were also really fascinating and worked with the story so well! It all flowed and came together very nicely.
The romance between Piper and Mariano was so sweet! They supported, cared and were always there for each other. They built trust and such a lovely relationship! I also really appreciated that even though there was a slight love triangle, it did in no way take away from the story and the characters were not whiny about it all.
The only minor complaint I have is that the ending felt a little rushed, but it definitely wasn’t bad, and did not take away from my overall enjoyment.
This was such a fun, well written, well researched and fast paced read, I would recommend to anyone who likes the 1920s, or Veronica Mars or other similar tv shows and books with fun mysterious and a great ensemble of characters. I am looking forward to the next book and where this story will go!

I loved this book! The story was well written and the setting was **chef's kiss**.

Piper Sail is a modern girl living in 1920's Chicago. Her mother has passed away but she lives in a home with her dad, two brothers, her friend Walter, and Joyce the Housekeeper. Piper is used to speaking her mind and she has a strong will and is intelligent.

Because of her upbringing, the other mother's aren't a fan of hers because she isn't the most ladylike in her behavior. Whatever Piper lacks in behavior she makes up for in character. She's loyal and kind.

Now to the story, in 1920's Chicago the city is being run by gangsters. Piper lives a sheltered life until the day her best friend goes missing. She meets the detectives on the case....Mariano who becomes Piper's love interest. When Piper tries to help Mariano to find her friend Lydia, he doesn't discourage her and actually listens to her.

The characters are all well defined and 3 dimensional. The book is well written and the dialogue is engaging. I loved the book and the characters and can't wait to read the 2nd book in the series.

I want to be like Piper Sail when I grow up! Recently, I read an incredible mystery novel that captivated me from start to finish. The story, set in Chicago in 1924—one of my favorite periods—follows Piper, a determined girl whose best friend, Lydia, mysteriously disappears from their supposedly safe neighborhood. Frustrated with the police's lack of progress, Piper takes the investigation into her own hands.

Tragically, Lydia's body is discovered in a river, and the police target the family's chauffeur, Matthew, who has suddenly vanished. As they close the case, Piper refuses to accept their conclusion. Detective Sail compiles a list of suspects, including Lydia’s father, Dr. DeVine, who hid his daughter's illness; Matthew, who was in love with Lydia; their scandalous neighbor; and the notorious Finnegans gang, linked to both families.

During her investigation, Piper encounters the charming Detective Cassano, who claims to be an honest cop despite his connections to a gang. Together, they form a sweet romantic bond that enriches the narrative.

Piper’s journey includes a colorful cast of characters: Walter, her protective first love; the clever Crane siblings, Emma and Jeremiah; her supportive brother Nick; and Alana, Nick’s annoying reporter girlfriend, who can't resist chasing the latest scoop.

Ultimately, through persistence and some close calls, Piper uncovers the truth and brings Lydia's killer to justice. As someone said, "I don't think Chicago's underbelly has seen the last of Piper Sail," and I genuinely hope to see more of this fascinating character on her thrilling adventures.

Thanks to #Netgalley and @StephanieMorrill for the audiobook arc of the Lost girl of Astor street. This historical cozy mystery set in 1924 was released back in 2017 but for me this is the first I've seen of this author. Pipe Sail is 18 year old about to graduate high school when her best friend disappears and she feels compelled to investigate what happened to her. There are themes of the 1920's Prohibiton of liquor and the Chigago mob characters. This was a really good story and I really enjoyed the young woman character coming to terms with what society thinks she should become and how she wants to be as adult.

I went into this expecting a fast paced, high-stakes, Enola Holmes-style mystery to find a missing person. I got a slower-paced, low-stakes, murder mystery. Piper was an intriguing character and I have to laud the author for pulling a culprit I didn't see coming.

I particularly enjoyed this and the epilepsy representation up until the climax and resolution. I expected more, and it didn't deliver.

I really enjoyed listening to this, even though I didn't quite enjoy the male voices.

I can’t believe I waited this long to pick up The Lost Girl of Astor Street! Piper Sail had me hooked from page one. Set in 1920s Chicago, this is the kind of mystery that balances fast-paced sleuthing with heartfelt emotional depth.

When Piper’s best friend Lydia disappears, everyone seems ready to dismiss it—except Piper. Determined not to let Lydia’s fate be swept under the rug, Piper dives headfirst into the investigation, uncovering layers of secrets that run deeper than she ever imagined. I adored her grit and cleverness, especially as a young woman navigating the dangers of mobsters, corruption, and societal expectations.

Stephanie Morrill nailed the atmosphere here—speakeasies, smoky jazz clubs, and high-society drawing rooms, all woven seamlessly into a story that kept me reading late into the night. I also appreciated that Piper’s journey wasn’t just about solving the mystery, but about confronting her own grief and realizing her strength.

This is a strong series opener, and now that I’ve read it, I can confidently say: I am all in for anything Piper Sail. If you’re into historical mysteries with fierce heroines and rich settings, you need this on your shelf immediately.

Though The Lost Girl of Astor Street is considered at YA novel, it hit all the right notes for me as a mystery lover. Set in 1920s Chicago, it follows Piper Sail’s determined hunt for her missing best friend, drawing the listener into smoky speakeasies, dimly lit streets, and a web of secrets. It carries the cleverness and grit of a Nancy Drew tale, but dressed in the elegance and intrigue of the Jazz Age, with layers of period detail that bring the era to life.

I experienced it through the audiobook, whose narration hits all the right notes—capturing Piper’s sharp mind, wry humor, and moments of vulnerability. Stephanie Morrill blends a strong sense of place with a puzzle that’s both tightly constructed and peppered with smart misdirection. The payoff in the final chapters feels earned and ties up the mystery in a satisfying way.

A polished, engaging mystery that should appeal to both YA audiences and anyone who enjoys a historically set whodunit.

Thanks #NetGalley for the ARC copy in return for an honest review

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus | Blink and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is a fast-paced story of Piper, whose best friend Lydia has gone missing, and she somehow starts investigating and following up to find her friend and bring her back home. I loved how Piper is clearly a young girl—a teenager—becoming an investigator herself because of where, how and when she finds herself and also because she has the drive, motivation, and skills for it.

Piper is a high-society 18 year old girl in the 1920's in Chicago. She is energetic, rebellious, and has a lot of grit. There was a lot of times in the story I had to remind myself that Piper is only 18 and this is set in a world where women, especially of high society was isolated from 'real world problems'. Piper breezes through everything with force and vigour albeit with some danger to herself and solves the mystery against the odds. I went in expecting a soft cozy little mystery set in the 20's and was surprised who emotional and deep the substance of it was.

The narrator was amazing with the female voice but I was a bit put out by some of male voices. The Romance threw me off in the beginning because of the slight age difference (I had to remind myself Piper is a legal adult - for some reason she was a younger teenager in my head) and the power imbalance. But funnily enough the MMC was the most likeable of characters - supportive, caring and a green flag if you will.

Wow I really loved this! Took me a few chapters to get into it, but after it I could not put it down. The romance aspect was sweet and I think the entire thing was very well written. I don’t like mysteries/murders that are too hard hitting or graphic and this was just perfect.

A young girl named Piper in 1920s Chicago is navigating life for a young woman in these changing times while also trying to solve thr disappearance of her best friend. She is struggling with what has always been expected of females and what she knows she could do if given the chance.
I enjoyed the era this was set in as well as the main characters. The narration was also excellent.
If you are a fan of Enola Holmes, give this a try.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced listen.

Listen, I went into this book expecting a mystery so twisted it would make my brain do the Charleston. What I got was... well, a mystery that was more like a gentle waltz. Pleasant, sure, but I wasn't exactly breaking a sweat trying to keep up.

The Mystery: Great Build-Up, Needs Better Payoff
The mystery itself? Chef's kiss - I was genuinely invested! Stephanie Morrill had me questioning everyone from the mailman to Great Aunt Gertrude's pet canary. But then the ending rolled around like a Model T running out of gas, and I found myself staring at the final page thinking, "Wait, that's the grand revelation? Did I miss a chapter? Should I check behind the book jacket for bonus content?"

It's like being promised a five-course meal and getting served a really nice sandwich. The sandwich is good! It hits the spot! But you're still looking around wondering where the soup course went.

The Ending: A Sprint to the Finish (Literally)
Speaking of endings that feel rushed - honey, this conclusion came at me faster than a flapper running from the cops during a speakeasy raid. I'm admittedly the type of person who judges books by their endings (yes, I'm that reader), but even accounting for my pickiness, this felt like the author suddenly remembered she had a deadline and decided to wrap everything up during her lunch break.

The Romance: MARIANO AND PIPER 4EVER
BUT WAIT - let's talk about the real stars of this show: MARIANO AND PIPER. These two are more adorable than a kitten wearing a tiny trilby hat. They're the kind of couple that makes you want to root for them, ship them, and possibly write fan fiction about their future adventures involving more mysteries and significantly better endings.

The Historical Details: Time Machine Excellence
Now THIS is where Morrill absolutely delivered. The 1920s setting was so well-crafted I half expected to smell gin and hear jazz music wafting from the pages. Trilbies! Candlestick phones! Model T's that probably broke down more often than my WiFi connection! Every historical detail was perfectly placed, making me feel like I'd been transported back to an era where people dressed better and mysteries were solved without Google.

I've apparently developed a serious addiction to historical fiction lately (send help, or more book recommendations), and this book fed that craving beautifully. Sure, I haven't read many 1920s novels, but if they're all this atmospheric, my TBR pile is about to get dangerously tall.

Final Verdict
The Lost Girl of Astor Street is like that friend who tells really engaging stories but always fumbles the punchline. You enjoy spending time with them, you're entertained throughout, but you leave feeling just a tiny bit unsatisfied. It's a solid read that I didn't regret picking up, even if I did spend the last chapter muttering "really? REALLY?" at my Kindle.

Would I recommend it? Sure! Just... maybe lower your expectations for the ending. Think of it as a journey book rather than a destination book, and you'll have a perfectly pleasant time solving mysteries in the Jazz Age.

Best for: Historical fiction lovers, mystery fans who don't mind anticlimactic endings, anyone who needs more adorable couples in their reading life, and people who enjoy books that make them want to buy a trilby hat.

Skip if: You're the type who throws books across the room when endings disappoint you, or you're looking for edge-of-your-seat thriller vibes.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stephanie Morrill for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Lost Girl of Astor Street coming out August 5, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love mysteries. I love historical books. I thought the 1920s setting would be perfect. It didn’t quite feel like the 1920s to me. I think it could’ve been set anywhere. I liked the story, but I think I was wanting something more. I would check out other books by this author. The narrator had a lot of enthusiasm.

Overall, I found this book to be enjoyable. The setting was very atmospheric. While it did read young, that is to be expected with a young adult novel. Personally, I thought the side plots outshined the mystery because so much tie was devoted to them. Furthermore, the clues that the main character went out of her way to get weren’t particularly useful. The big mystery was basically wrapped up at the end with no build up or hints as to how it would end. The only reason our MC figured it out was because she got one clue at the end of the book as opposed to using an amalgamation of clues to figure it out which made the entire mystery feel pointless in retrospect. But other than that, I had a good time!

Thank you Blink Publishing, Libro.fm, and NetGalley for the ARC. These are my own opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blink for the ARC (2025 release) in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read. I felt like there was great character description and it was easy to get to know them. There were also parts of this book that were interesting. Megan Trout did a good job with the narration on the audiobook.

There were a few things I didn't love. I went in believing this would be a mystery, but it came out more romance. There was more of a focus on the romance and it was better developed. Also, it's written modernly while stating it is set in 1920s. I didn't get the sense of time or setting. I was hoping for more grit for this being set in the underbelly of Chicago.

Overall, this was a decent read. Just don't expect a sense of time and place or mystery.

Piper spent some time with her friend Lydia before Lydia left, excited for a first date, and a few hours later, she expected Lydia called her from home only to find out that Lydia never returned home that night. Piper, however, cannot just let that go and investigates Lydia's disappearance/death herself.

The book started a little slower than I expected, with a larger focus on Lydia's health situation and how others around her are keeping the truth from her. Once everyone noticed Lydia's disappearance and Piper starts to investigate, we also get to find out more about the backstories of each of the main characters with many of them seems suspicious.

Piper also had to deal with realization that her father wasn't as upstanding and honest as she thought of him while he remarries; her boyfriend coming from a mafia family and has an ex still around, etc. I appreciate a lot of the themes but at times it also takes me away from the main lot of finding what happened to Lydia a bit.

The scene in Piper's memory where she talks to Lydia after the mystery was solved was sweet. The narrator did a good job portraying a young girl going through sudden realizations as Piper discovered the truth.

This was a solid YA mystery novel and I really enjoyed the narrator! I will say due to the fact that I’ve probably read one too many Sager books I came up with a completely insane idea for who the guilty party was and was a bit let down with the ending. However if I had read this as a teen I would have absolutely loved it and it would have been a 5 star for me. The ending was still great I was just looking for a twist. I will definitely be picking up the next book!