Secrets, mystery, corruption, romance… With a fast-paced, page-turning story and well-crafted, realistic characters, The Lost Girl of Astor Street swept me into the exquisite and gritty world of 1920s Chicago and intrigued me to the end. I couldn’t be happier with the experience of reading this book.

Through all of The Lost Girl of Astor Street, narrator Piper Sail absolutely shines. Clever, spirited, and unwilling to conform strictly to society’s expectations, she’s easy to admire in her determination to find her best friend. Regardless of the danger, she pursues the truth—with friends to support her—and proves to be quite strong and capable, even as she has moments of doubt.

As I cheered Piper through surprising twists and turns, Stephanie Morrill does a superb job unveiling the complexities of the mystery. In an effort to avoid spoilers, I’ll simply describe it as misleading, unexpected, and completely satisfying—and I loved it.

Without a doubt, The Lost Girl of Astor Street is a novel worth reading. Perfect for readers of historical mysteries and/or fans of the Twenties and Veronica Mars-type sleuthing, it’s easy to recommend again and again. Read it!

Losing your best friend at age 18 is horrible, but in mafia riddled 1924 Chicago, there’s no shortage of suspects as her killer.

At age 18, Piper Sail doesn’t have much to worry about or so it seems. One of the affluent Presley girls, Piper is finishing school and hoping to go to a university so that she can side step all the questions about finding a husband and settling down. Her father is getting ready to be remarried, which is not one of her favorite topics to discuss. She and her neighbor Lydia have been friends forever and recently Lydia has started to have seizures. Instead of getting help, her parents have asked Piper to keep it a secret, even from Lydia. Lydia herself is smitten with the family’s chauffeur, so when her parent’s want to send her to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota, she is devastated. Lydia tells Piper that she is going to tell him how she feels and the neighbors that she cannot watch their child this summer. Then that night, Lydia disappears.

When Piper realizes that Lydia didn’t just run away with the chauffeur, she is determined to find out what happened to her friend. But being a young woman in Chicago is no easy task, especially in 1924. Piper enters a world of speakeasies, mafia, gambling, and nastier underbelly activities that Chicago has to offer. Was it the chauffeur? Why was she afraid of the neighbor kid’s dad? Why is the handsome detective so interested in her? Who is her brother’s new girlfriend? As Piper unrolls the answer to each question, will she be able to find Lydia before it’s too late? Or was Lydia even the intended target?

This book is truly a great read of YA fiction crossed with historical fiction. This is not something that you will typically see teens reading, but Morrill does a great job of making this an interesting mystery coupled with some unforgettable characters that is sure to be a hit with any audience. Piper is a determined young woman that many will find they identify with. She doesn’t believe the police are looking in the right places, so she takes up her own investigation. What she doesn’t realize is that other female characters in the book begin to admire her. She becomes a bit of a role model to those characters and will undoubtedly be to some readers as well.

I like that Mariano humored her throughout the book and then fell in love with her. Their chemistry was natural and played out very well. My only nitpick was that I felt it wrapped up too fast. I wish there would have been a bit more played out between Piper and Alana, but I also realize that you can’t draw out too much without possibly losing this genre’s attention. A must read for YA historical fiction lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Piper and Lydia have been best friends for years—attending the same schools, living next door to each other, talking about their crushes, and sharing their secrets. But when Lydia disappears, Piper is determined to do whatever it takes to find her and bring her home safely. Piper has several suspects in mind, but that handsome detective doesn’t want her to help him search. Of course, when it concerns her best friend’s life, Piper isn’t willing to let anyone or anything stop her.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA mystery, something about speculative fiction and romance being the top subdivisions in that genre. But The Lost Girl of Astor Street is one of the best. From the blossoming romance to the rich historical background, Stephanie Morrill’s newest book is truly fantastic. It kept me guessing the whole time, taking a number of unexpected turns. It dropped clues the entire time, but I could not decipher what they meant until the very end. The internal growth that Piper underwent throughout the story changed her from a girl to a woman, able to contemplate and understand the complexity of humanity much better. The setting, of Chicago in the 1920’s, was very well developed, adding enough detail to put the reader directly into the time period without losing them to the differing customs and jargon. Piper’s romance was very sweet, with all of the normal ups and downs, and the other relationships in the story, both romantic and non-romantic, were also portrayed will with great development.

The story became a little slow in the middle, right after one of those dramatic plot twists. I wasn’t sure where the story would go from that point forward, but the author did a good job of pulling me back in with the new hints and unsolved mysteries.

I recommend The Lost Girl of Astor Street to readers of YA, mystery, sweet romance, and historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.

well done YA mystery with a terrific heroine in Piper. She's an intrepid character dealing not only with all the issues of 1920s Chicago but also with beliefs and expectations of the time. This is well written and mature enough to engage older readers (aka adults). There are lots of little details that make this a good historical novel that readers will learn from. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC- this is a winner.

I don't normally read books that are labeled "mysteries". This tends to stem from me, <i>generally</i>, preferring to read things that are light and fluffy. Sometimes even predictable.

I decided to give this one a go, though, because something about the synopsis spoke to me. The idea of a young woman who loses her best friend doing all she can to <i>find</i> that friend sounded incredibly interesting.

I am <i>so</i> pleased that I decided to go outside of my box for this one!

The main character, Piper, is incredibly charming and likable. She is by no means a perfect cookie-cutter character--which is half of her charm! For a story that takes place in the twenties, you'd expect a nice, quiet "lady-like" young woman. But, Piper, is a trailblazer and marches to the beat of her own drum.

It's because of this that she decides to cast all opinions aside and help do what she can to find her best friend, Lydia, who has gone missing.

Even the mystery aspect of this story appealed to me. I never felt bored or anxious to just get to the end. And, it was by <i>no</i> means predictable. I had a <i>slight</i> inkling about three-quarters of the way through who may be responsible for Lydia's disappearance. But, I was never sure until the end.

Ms. Morrill did a wonderful job of keeping me intrigued until the last page. And the sprinkling of romance was just enough to complement the story and keep me happy.

I'm not sure if this is going to be a series or not--it certainly could be. But, I would <i>love</i> to read more from Ms. Morrill!

This was a lovely surprise. First of all, I didn't realize it was YA, not that it matters, a lot of YA books are decent. This novel was such a good example of that. I liked the characters, the setting of Chicago in the 1920's, and the mystery was well done. I really liked Piper. She was fiesty, a little naive at times but she is only 18. but she was smart too. I loved that she was willing to risk things for the ones she loves. She just had a good personality that I wanted to keep reading to see where life was going to take her. And by the end, I'm guessing a lot!! Which I will check out if more books about Piper follows this one.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is action-packed. I read it in one day, which used to be normal for me but is now a bit of a rare occasion. First of all, this book takes place in the roaring 20s in Chicago. That alone has me intrigued. It features an girl who strains against the constraints of the expectations for woman at that time. While cliché, I didn't mind it.
As usual, Stephanie Morrill succeeded to draw me in with her excellent writing and enticing characters.This was Stephanie Morrill’s first attempt at historical fiction and mystery and I think she did wonderfully. The fast-paced plot kept me guessing until the very end. Each character was so complex and the world around them felt very real.
I loved the exploration of the various mafias and the dark underbelly of a beloved American city. I think that, at least for me, mafias are rarely explored in YA and this definitely made the story stand out among the many books I've read.
The romance in this was very sweet and very shippable. While it seemed strange that two of the major female characters both had two men keen on them, I am glad it didn't turn into a full blown love triangle.
This story was so twisty and every time I thought I knew how it would end Stephanie Morrill would throw a curveball my way. The relationships were all so complex, and you never really knew who to trust. Stephanie Morrill was born to write this kind of story and that showed in the complexity and originality of her story and her concise lyrical prose. She definitely knew what she was doing and I can't wait to see what she does next.

CONTENT GUIDE –
Sexual – kissing, mentions of prostitutes, brothels, and affairs. Innuendos.
Cussing – implied, once or twice (ex. he muttered an expletive)
Violence – violence death, psychologically messed up person
Drinking/drugs – some mild drinking

The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill is set in Chicago, Illinois in 1924. Piper Caroline Sail is eighteen years old and best friends with Lydia. Lydia has been having seizures (epilepsy), but her parents (especially her doctor father) have been telling her they are fainting spells. Piper has been forbidden from telling Lydia the truth (by Lydia’s parents). Late one afternoon Lydia stops by to tell Piper that her parents are sending her away to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Lydia does not wish to leave because she is in love with their chauffer, Matthew. Lydia takes leave of Piper and heads down the street to the Barrow’s. The next day Piper is approached outside Presley’s School for Girls by two detectives. Lydia never returned home the previous evening and has been reported missing. Piper is very worried about her best friend and will do whatever it takes to find her. Piper finds that she has been leading a sheltered life on Astor Street. With the help of Detective Mariano Cassano and Walter Thatcher (the housekeeper’s son and friend), Piper starts asking questions and following up on leads. Piper will not stop until she finds out what happened to Lydia even if it means risking her life.

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is told from Piper’s point-of-view. Despite Piper being eighteen, she is immature (for 1924). The way the novel is written, Piper comes across as a young adolescent at times (and then a mature woman who is thinking about marriage the next). The Lost Girl of Astor Street might sound like an adult novel, but it is geared towards young adults (did not discover this until I was reading it). I found the book to be nicely written and have a good pace (nice flow). I liked the characters (for the most part) and the setting (great time period). It was interesting how the author tied in criminal elements (the gangs) of Chicago into the storyline. I give The Lost Girl of Astor Street 3.5 out of 5 stars. I appreciated the mystery in the novel. It comes across as complicated, but the solution is simple. Piper could be a bit tenacious at times (determined, pushy). Piper cannot seem to think about anything except her lost friend (and Detective Cassano after spending time with him). Piper’s crying got on my nerves after the third time. She is supposed to be this modern woman (who is determined and stands up for what she believes in), but then she breaks down in tears frequently. Piper was a very contradictory character. The Lost Girl of Astor Street could use some fine tuning (it has such potential). I think tweens/teens will enjoy The Lost Girl of Astor Street.

Favorite book of 2017 so far. Okay, okay, yes, we're only three weeks in, but seriously. I adored this book.

Piper was probably one of the most determined characters I have ever met. She was ready to go all the way in order to find out where Lydia had disappeared to and she refused to take no for an answer. She was also spunky, something that kind of surprised me. This novel takes place in 1924, so I guess I was expecting something different than what I got, but I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will admit that at times I really wanted Piper to just blow up at the way people were talking to her, but most of the time she handled it really well and I think it made me like her even more. I would not have been nearly as calm in those situations.

I will also say that there were quite a few surprises thrown my way. The synopsis does not do the content of the book justice, but there is a reason for that and I can't say anything else because otherwise there will be a lot of spoilers which are never good. Back to surprises. I suppose in a sense they weren't really surprises, they were more of "I think this is where this is going, but I really don't want it to." I was choosing to remain optimistic that my predictions wouldn't come true. Kind of a "please don't go there" *puppy dog eyes* "pleeeeease." (Okay, so maybe this was just for one part, but that's beside the point.) Thank you for going there despite my begging, Ms. Morrill, because it made for an extremely compelling and fun read. This book wouldn't have been nearly as interesting if some of the things that did happen hadn't.

I really don't know what else to say, so I'm going to end on: read this book! The characters are great, I learned a bunch of stuff about 1924 Chicago without feeling like I was in history class, and it's a mystery. My first and forever passion will be mysteries and I don't read them nearly as often as I wish I did. There was also some information left unsaid and I really hope this isn't the last I see of Piper Sail because I would love more and there are some questions I have that seriously need to be answered. (What's up with Jane? I must know.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical mystery set during the Roaring Twenties. It had a great setting and a spunky main character. The story kept me guessing the whole time. This book is marketed to a YA audience, but the writing will appeal readers of any age. highly recommended if you enjoy cozy mysteries of mysteries of any kind.

I received this book for free for the purpose of review.

I'm not sure what I was expecting with this title...Maybe something a little more lighthearted and whimsical? Whatever it was, I am so glad I didn't get it! I love Lost Girl. The intrigue, the romance, and the mystery were very well done, and I'm hoping for more Detective Sail books in the future!

Another excellent piece of clean YA fiction from Blink publishing! The plot is compelling, all the way to the end, and the romance is interesting but not overwhelming. I did question whether the book really reflected the dating practices of an upper-class girl in the 1920s, but a little bit of informal research indicated that this was, in fact, becoming the new norm in the 1920s. The protagonist is interesting and believable, even if she isn't a new type of character (Nancy Drew? Mother has died, daughter of a lawyer, gets herself into messes by snooping around as an amateur detective? I loved Nancy Drew as a girl -- a repeat isn't necessarily a bad thing!) I can't wait to read more from the Blink authors!

1920's Chicago. When Lydia DeVine goes missing, her best friend Piper Sail will do whatever she can to solve the case. Luckily, Piper has a series of friends to help her including, her childhood playmate, Walter, her neighbors Emma and Jeremiah Crane, and the handsome Italian detective that makes Piper's heart do the Foxtrot.

It took me a few chapters to snuggle into the atmosphere and lingo of 20's Chicago, but once Lydia disappeared, I was hooked! Great characterization and a very strong female protagonist have me screaming for a sequel!

I felt that book was appropriate for both a YA and adult audience and I cannot wait to read what is next in store for this characters.

I haven't read much YA fiction but if THE LOST GIRL OF ASTOR STREET by Stephanie Morrill is an indication of the genre, that is certainly going to change. Superb narrative, a gripping plot, and characters that really make you emotional and caught up in the action are just some of the wonderful aspects of this fantastic story. In Chicago in 1924, Piper Sail is determined to find her best friend Lydia, who has disappeared into thin air. With the help of a dashing young detective, some new friends, and her own dogged determination to uncover the truth, we are swept into her journey of mobsters, love, and heartbreak. With colourful descriptions and the full array of emotions displayed throughout, THE LOST GIRL OF ASTOR STREET by Stephanie Morrill is sure to keep you mesmerised from beginning to end. With intrigue, loss, love, secrets, and friendship at its core, this novel has got it all, and a main female character that is completely kick-ass and admirable. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Okay, SO I really, really wanted to read The Lost Girl of Astor Street the moment I heard about it and I was savvy to have it on my radar, it turns out, because it exceeded expectations and then some.


If you like Veronica Mars, the Roaring Twenties, plenty of plot twists and knee-buckling romance, then let me invite you into Piper Sail's fully realized world of flappers and mob-men, danger and high-class sleuthery.

Piper Sail is a renowned lawyer's daughter and resident of the upscale Astor Street in Chicago. She does a poor job of avoiding trouble at her prestigious private school but is tempered by the influence of her sweet friend, Lydia. Also peppering her world are her brothers, a rakish journalist named Jeremiah Crane ( you might want to start writing that name in your notebook and drawing hearts around it) and her long-time baseball-playing friend Walter ( ditto with the heart drawing).

When Lydia is reported missing, Piper learns that her friend was a pivotal aspect of a world now seeming to fray at the seams. Nothing is as it seems and with her amateur investigation into Lydia's whereabouts, she is springboarded into a season of self-realization.

While confronting the uneasiness of a world shrouded with privilege and slowly eking out shades of darkness in her own family, Piper is joined by the absolutely swoon-worthy young detective, Mariano Cassano.

And here, fair readers, I will go tangential with cheeks blushing and fingertips tingling....

MARIANO is a friggin' dreamboat. He respects Lydia and treats her as an equal as they launch each step of their sideline informal investigation. He has a dark, broody past that only reconciles with the tenacity and virtue of his present and he is dedicated to his job. He has a winning smile, a lanky build and every time he tipped his trilby or fingered his suspenders ( maybe I wrote that in..... I don't know if he fingered his suspenders but you all know I think suspenders are hot), I went to lala land ( now playing at a cinema near you).

The chemistry between Piper and Mariano snap crackles and pops from their first meeting when (SIGH) he arrives to calmly question her about Lydia ( DOUBLE SIGH) while, of course, being all dark-haired and olive-skinned and handsome as all get out.

( Later they dance under the stars after eating pizza in the park, I kid you not).

Mariano and Piper's relationship was, to me, the center of this well-spun tale but the romance does not overcrowd the mystery. As I preambled, there really are several twists---one that happens early on in the story and that earned my respect as a discerning reader. Chicago becomes a character---from its speakeasies to the L to the high townhouses and manicured streets owned by those who are willing to play into the powerplay world of two magnanimous families: the Cassanos and the Finnegans.


Another highlight of this excessively-readable book was Piper herself. Unlike Veronica Mars ( who I mention because there are several shout-outs to the tiny blonde one), Piper showcases a realistic insecurity. For as often as she straightens her shoulders and plunges in to danger for the sake of her friend, so she is uncertain in herself and the deductive abilities she is just beginning to find sure footing in. It was Piper's normalcy that jolted this story with a little something extra for me. She is winsome in her relatability.


The pages turned easily and while I sometimes found myself assaulted by a modern verve of speech or nuance, I was for the most part transplanted to a vintage whirlwind of murder, flappers and a sort of easy grace of a time past--- a world that doesn't quite know that while it speeds hastily to outdo itself, it is spinning itself on a dangerous axis.


I so hope that we get more of Piper's adventures. And more of Mariano. Because MARIANO is just music.

Music, I tell you.


With thanks to BLINK for the review copy.

This story is superbly researched. The author has included the prejudices of the era, the way people spoke, the fashions of the day and even the social and societal norms of the 1920s and has done so in a way that comes across as completely natural.

With multiple twists and turns and a varied cast of interesting and compelling characters, THE LOST GIRL OF ASTOR STREET is a must read novel.

For anyone who has ever viewed the 'Roaring Twenties' as an era of freedom and has thought about it with romanticized notions, this book will both reinforce and shatter those notions.

The central mystery of this book will have readers guessing who and why Lydia was taken and every time they think they have it all figured out, a new twist or piece of evidence will be discovered and readers will have to rethink their views.

This is literally a page-turner that will not only keep readers guessing but will also be impossible for them to put down.

I rate THE LOST GIRL OF ASTOR STREET as 5 out of 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟