IF LOOKS COULD KILL
By
Julie Berry

I had the please of reading If Looks Could Kill as an arc. I’d like to thank Net
Galley as well as the publisher Simon and Schuster for allowing my to read this scintillating novel in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Berry has written a divine tapestry of a Historical Horror / Thriller. The novel, biographical in many instances, brings us back to the days of Jack the Ripper coupled with the deplorable times for young, single women in New York and cities like it.
Although the story of Jack is well thought out and beautifully written, the true haunt in “If Looks Could Kill” comes from our two main characters, Pearl and Tabatha. Two girls in their late teens who have traveled to New York to enlist in the Salvation Army.
There in the slums of the city, they try to bring light to a dark and immoral land where prostitution and kidnapping of young girls for the ‘trade’ are overlooked by the police.
The first half of the book is fairly heavy in backstory, yet it’s not intrusive. The latter half of the novel shines bright with intrigue, kidnapping, murder, and just how easy it is for two young women looking to do good can get trapped in this carnal web.
At its heart, “If Looks Could Kill” is a story of friendship, good vs. evil, family - birth and found.

And let’s not forget the Greek Godesses, gods that can kill you with just one look!

This is a great read for lovers of Historical fiction, thrillers, and horror. The true horror is in the realism of this time period, and how immigrant women of a certain economic class were treated.

Although the topics in the book are mature, Julie Berry has meticulously written it in a style that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mark Adduci (J.M. LeDuc)

If Looks Could Kill was a quick and easy YA read that I thoroughly enjoyed. While the Medusa aspect required a measure of a willing suspension of disbelief, I ended up quite liking the idea of “monstrous” women who could seek out and find evil men. I also found the historical aspects of both the Jack the Ripper story and the beginnings and evolution of the Salvation Army interesting, enough so that I did some further reading about the Salvation Army after I finished the book. All in all, this was a well-thought-out plot with a little something for everyone: a little history, a little fantasy, a little romance- and I’m very glad I was able to get an ARC to read.

When I tell you, I was screaming when this dropped into my inbox!

This book gives the same vibes of stocking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco! Jack the Ripper meets Medusa in this Young adult fantasy tale! Historical fiction mixed with mythology at its finest! I absolutely devoured this read! I honestly could not put it down!

We get to see how the characters grow and change throughout! I honestly really enjoyed the way that Medusas were portrayed in this! It was something new to me that I had never seen before! Ultimately a great tail if you’re into young adult fiction with historical points!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this story! Told through a few different POV's, we see late 1800's London through the eyes of Jack the Ripper and then America through the eyes of Jack and Tabitha, a young girl working for the Salvation Army. Tabitha hails from a relatively privileged upbringing, but feels the call to save souls through the Salvation Army. When she arrives on the lower East Side, she is partnered with Pearl, a pretty girl of more limited means. Though not really friends, the girls attempt to save souls and also "rescue" girls from the clutches of a brothel. They meet a young Jewish reporter named Freya, who also wants to write an expose on the brothels. These characters, along with friendly bartender Mike, are vivid and well developed, and you'll empathize with each of them in their own way. Chance encounters with a man like Jack can turn young women into Medusas, and one character has a bit of a coming of age story with her transition to a Medusa and a thirst for vengeance to make men pay. The setting and historical details give an almost educational flair to the story, so I'd definitely recommend to fans of historical fiction. The book is also a commentary on the dichotomy of women's bodies as prizes, commodities, or anathema depending on the situation. This is one of the best stories I've read in a while!

A haunting and imaginative twist on history and mythology, If Looks Could Kill masterfully blends the gritty horror of Jack the Ripper with the fierce, justice-driven legend of Medusa. Set in 1888 Manhattan and East London, this book follows Tabitha and Pearl—two Salvation Army women whose bond evolves amid danger, moral duty, and supernatural transformation. The story pulses with rich historical texture, compelling character development, and a darkly satisfying feminist edge, especially as Medusas emerge not as monsters, but as protectors of the wronged. With its slow-burn romance, eerie atmosphere, and a truly unforgettable villain, this book is both riveting and revelatory—a brilliant reimagining that delivers on every front.

Thank you to NetGalley and Julie Berry for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry is a wild, inventive ride straight into a dark, supernatural version of Victorian New York City. Set against the real terror of Jack the Ripper on the loose, Berry adds a brilliant twist—when the infamous killer escapes to America, he faces not only the relentless law but something far more deadly: Medusa herself, awakened and hunting him with her serpents-for-hair and terrifying gaze. The story is packed with action, danger, and a dash of mythic fantasy, all wrapped in a vivid historical backdrop. I loved Tabitha and Pearl—two fiercely different but equally brave young women—whose partnership and determination propel the story forward. Their quest to rescue a girl trapped in the city’s shadowy underworld adds emotional weight, while the encounters with Medusa and the sinister city itself turn the narrative into a pulse-pounding, twisted adventure. Berry’s imaginative blend of history, myth, and horror is both clever and captivating. While some plot twists were a little predictable, the inventive premise and lively characters keep the story exciting from start to finish. If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts creepy, thrilling, and inventive, If Looks Could Kill is a fantastic choice—just prepare for some nightmares of Medusa’s gaze and Jack’s dark design.

If Looks Could Kill was an absolute triumph—a daring, genre-bending story that blended true crime, mythology, sisterhood, and romance into something wholly unforgettable. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1888 Manhattan, the author masterfully reimagined the chilling aftermath of Jack the Ripper’s crimes while introducing a breathtaking twist: a vengeful, unstoppable Medusa.
Tabitha and Pearl were vibrant, relatable heroines, each with distinct voices and strengths, and their bond formed the emotional heart of the novel. Their resilience, humor, and determination brought a much-needed sense of hope to the darkness they faced. Medusa’s storyline was especially powerful—a reclamation of rage and justice that felt both mythic and modern.
The writing was sharp, witty, and atmospheric, capturing the danger and vibrancy of the Bowery while weaving in moments of fierce tenderness and laugh-out-loud humor. The pacing was perfect, building tension without sacrificing character development, and the romantic subplots added just the right amount of sweetness without overshadowing the story’s urgent themes.
If Looks Could Kill was a breathtaking ride—bold, clever, and full of heart. The author has crafted a tale that honors survivors, celebrates sisterhood, and leaves readers cheering. A must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!