Thank you to Blink, NetGalley, and RB Media for the ALC (Advance Listening Copy) in 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!

3.25⭐️

This book is being released which is why it was up on NetGalley as an ALC. I’m always hesitant when they are “Listen Now” but I get it because of the rerelease. However, it didn’t hit for me.

The good parts about it is for the most part the historical fiction aspect was true to the time on the surface but it definitely was written with modern sensibility which clouded things a bit for me.
Overall, I just didn’t connect with the book.

It was narrated by Megan Trout who did a good job she just wasn’t for me. Why? She went a bit too hard on acting o it the characters which spoiled my ability to create the imagery in my mind. It nearly at times could have been classified as a dramatic audio.I expect I would have enjoyed the physical book much more.
Now the book itself is chock full of information. Lots of potential triggers for folks so check into them and read reviews. I’m not sure how much it’s been edited for the new version but I hope for the authors sake 2024 brings it more success.

I am moving on to book 2 so I am hopeful for it as the description piqued my interest a bit more!


I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Blink through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.

⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again

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!
As for the narrator, she was splendid!