I thoroughly enjoyed this book! What it instantly reminds me of is the Enola Holmes series, which is a spinoff of the iconic Sherlock Holmes series, set during the same time, but written and published in the last decade. Piper Sail reads very similar to that in terms of personality and setting. What is very different is the fact that Piper is a lot older than Enola hence the story is more nuanced with elements of romance too. Similar to the Enola Holmes movies, honestly.

Back to this book. I wasn't expecting it to go the way it did. I feel like the plot was a little wonky. The reveal in the end wasn't unbelievable or anything, just not very satisfying to me. Also, the way the story goes made me raise a brow because how the book is categorized as Teens and YA, and I think it should come with a good deal of trigger warnings. I absolutely love the angle this took with Mariano's background and where that took the story. I also very much appreciated the conversations with side characters like Nick (Piper's brother) and Walter (Piper's close friends). I think both characters were very important, and it was amazing to see their interactions with Piper shape her day. I'm not very fond of Lydia, didn't really feel a draw towards her in the little the readers get to see of her. The narration was absolutely brilliant with all the diverse cast and each character having their independent voice.

*This book was previously published by the author. This is a review of the August 5, 2025 publication from Blink.

What’s a girl in 1924 Chicago to do when her best friend goes missing? Whatever she has to in order to find her.

Enter the world of Piper Sail, an 18 year old young woman whose world is turned upside down when only two weeks from graduating, her best friend goes missing. Where could she have gone? This is Astor Street, not the underbelly of Chicago.

Piper and MMC, Detective Mariano Cassano, set about trying to find Lydia and bring her home. Could she have run away? Piper thinks it’s unlikely but she does her best to think of every conversation, every person that she or Lydia has talked to recently.

As the only daughter with older brothers, she has been sheltered by her father. She doesn’t want to be a society lady, despite her mother’s best intentions before she passed away. She has been known to do shocking things in the past, why would she stop now.

It seems Detective Cassano, Mariano, is the only one willing to not only listen to her ideas, but finds value in them. Even calling her “Detective”. Will their friendship become something more?

This book is a wonderful snapshot of 1920’s Chicago, prohibition, how certain neighborhoods were run by different mafia families and how sometimes getting to the truth, put Piper in some very scary situations.

This is a wonderful book for young adults, anyone who loves unconventional FMC’s and the bonds of friendship. I would say this is historical fiction and mystery adjacent. I feel like it focuses more on Piper and her world changing so quickly.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the second book in the series. I would like to thank Blink and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

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?

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is the first book in Stephanie Morrill’s Piper Sail Mysteries. The second book in the series, The Secret Investigator of Astor Street, was also released in paperback on Aug. 5.

Set in Chicago during Prohibition, The Lost Girl of Astor Street has a real Agatha Christie vibe while appealing to young adults in particular.

At the center of the story is Piper, a smart, popular daughter of one of the most sought-after defense attorneys in the city. As clever as she is, Piper isn’t without her faults, often getting into scrapes and needing a little backup.

Morrill’s got a knack for scene-building, dropping readers straight into the Jazz Age. Her descriptions of clothes, food and music are spot on.

The Lost Girl of Astor Street offers up lots of twists with some humorous asides here and there. Piper is a vibrant character that carries the novel, but Morrill’s supporting characters are strong, as well.

Morrill’s novel is a fast-moving mystery with a great cinematic feel.

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.

Cute fast moving YA historical mystery story about a young girl investigating the disappearance of her best friend in 1920s Chicago. Thanks to NetGalley and Blink books for a review copy for a honest review.

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 0

Thank you for NetGalley, Harper Collins Focus, Blink and the author Stephanie Morrill for sending me an ALC & ARC of this book.

I’ve recently been on more of a historical fiction kick, mainly romance but definitely with lots of mystery and intrigue. As I was sharing my review from another book, I stumbled across the ALC listing on NG. The synopsis sounded interesting and thankfully it was listed as a “listen now” option. I was heading out on another long road trip and thought this would be the perfect companion. And it absolutely was.

Piper is a plucky, stubborn, albeit naive 18 year old growing up in a wealthy suburb of Chicago in 1924. Her best friend goes missing and she continues to buck the system by not listening to advice of staying home like a proper lady but instead investigating on her own. There were a couple times in the book I loudly sighed because of her lack of comprehension of the dire situation but then I remembered her age and the time period. Women were seen as much more fragile creatures back then and constantly kept from hearing information the men folk considered too distressing for their sensitive ears. You can just imagine my face as I say that…

I do wish we could have seen more of her brother Tim. Her brother Nick was such a douche and annoyed the crap out of me. The patronizing way so many of the men talked to Piper (even Walter which…don’t get me started on that) was infuriating. But that’s why I loved her detective MMC so much more. Mariano believes she’s more than a pretty face and while he hates when she takes unnecessary risks, he doesn’t talk down to her or diminish her fight. He helps her and educates her.

I did think the pacing was a little weird. We find out a BIG detail at like 50% which made me question where the book would go next. It did lull a little after that but picked up by 60%.

So many different things happened through this book that it feels like it was 500 pages long. I even had to sign up for the e-book ARC because I finished my drive and had to know what happened ASAP. The twists were good and even I missed a couple of things. It definitely got me out of a reading slump and I’m already excited to read the next installment!

Also, the narrator Megan Trout is an absolute favorite. She always does a fantastic job and her voices/storytelling was top notch. I’ll make sure to look out for more books narrated by her in the future!

This book introduces us to Piper Sail, rich girl in 1924 Chicago whose best friend Lydia DeVine goes missing on the brief walk to her babysitting gig a few doors down on Astor Street. This is devastating to Piper, and she makes it her mission to figure out what happened to her. She is both helped and hindered in her search by a young cop named Mariano Cassano. She also makes a newer friend, Emma Crane, whose brother Jeremiah is a newspaper man and has a little tendre for Piper. As she stumbles into increasingly dangerous information surrounding Lydia's disappearance, she also deals with family drama involving her brother's new girlfriend and her dad's impending marriage.

I really enjoyed the mystery and thought it was well put together. Unfortunately for me, I chose the wrong love interest to like and the wrong one to not care about. Oh well, that's nothing new for me. I am intrigued to see what happens in the next mystery!

Thank you to Blink and NetGalley for the exchange for an honest review.

“I am many things, Detective Cassano, but safe isn't one of them.”

This was such a fun and engaging 1920s cosy murder mystery with strong characters, a great setting, and just the right amount of suspense. I listened to the audiobook in one afternoon – I genuinely couldn’t stop!!

Pros
• The 1920s Chicago setting – full of roaring twenties energy, flapper dresses, and the looming presence of Irish gangs and the mafia.
• Piper was a strong, determined lead. I loved how she refused to sit back and wait on the police when her best friend Lydia disappeared. It was very relatable – feeling like you need to do something, anything in a situation where you feel helpless.
• A surprisingly heartfelt supporting cast – I got attached very quickly to characters like Walter, Mariano (the detective), Lydia, Jeremiah, and Emma.
• A purely platonic male friendship! Walter was great, and I appreciated that not every male character had to be a romantic interest.
• The mystery kept me guessing. It wasn’t overly predictable, with clever clues and red herrings scattered throughout.
• A stray dog named Sidekick. Need I say more?
• The narration was really well done – clear, expressive, and brought Piper’s character & the story to life.

Cons
• Honestly, not much! I just wish there were more books in the series. It looks like there’s only one sequel, which is a shame because the world and characters have so much potential!
• A very small thing – but as I read along to the audiobook, I kept misreading Piper’s last name (“Sail”) as “Snail” in my head! Not the book’s fault, just a funny quirk.

This story was gripping, well-written, immersive, and full of vibrant characters and emotional stakes. I had a great time listening to this one and will definitely pick up the sequel. It’s a story I could see myself coming back to again and again!

I love this book! ‘The Lost Girl of Astor Street’ is a delightful blend of 1920s mystery, bold amateur sleuthing, and budding romance. Piper Sail is a clever and courageous heroine, and I enjoyed this just as much the second time around. Reading this again reminded me why I’d been hoping for a sequel for years.

This is a clean, engaging YA historical mystery that balances emotion, intrigue, and character growth. I highly recommend both the book and audiobook!

Special thanks to Blink and NetGalley for access to both the book and audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.