If Looks Could Kill
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers · Hardcover · September 16, 2025
Two starred reviews!
We earn from qualifying purchases.
- Who it’s for
- A moody, conversation-ready blend of suspense, romance, and detective work.
- Genres
- Historical YA Fantasy, Greek & Roman Myths for Teens, Monster Tales for Teens
- Published
- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, September 16, 2025
Nearest books
Matched by what the books are about, then ordered by what their readers also loved.
Lady or the TigerHeather M. Herrman58% match
The Corpse QueenHeather M. Herrman63% match
Children of the NightVictoria Setian, Savanna Ganucheau56% match
Mirror GirlsKelly McWilliams54% match
Death at Morning HouseMaureen Johnson55% match
The Mirror of BeastsAlexandra Bracken55% match
Rick Riordan Presents: a Drop of VenomSajni Patel, Soneela Nankani61% match
Silver in the BoneAlexandra Bracken61% match
For younger readers: Medusa
For older readers: I, Medusa, On Sundays She Picked Flowers
Start with three books, and this one can be the first.
Members get a new edition every morning: a route out from their books to essays, research and talks, with the reason for each.
Start with this bookAbout this book
Two starred reviews! An instant New York Times bestseller! From Printz Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry, a true-crime-nail-biter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. “A powerful exploration of human connection during nightmarish times” (Kirkus Reviews). It’s autumn 1888, and Jack the Ripper is on the run. As London police close in, he flees England for New York City seeking new victims.
Continue reading
But a primal force of female vengeance has had enough. With serpents for hair and a fearsome gaze, an awakened Medusa is hunting for one thing: Jack. And other dangers lurk in Manhattan’s Bowery. Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl discover that a girl they once helped has been forced to work in a local brothel. Tabitha’s an upstate city girl with a wry humor and a thirst for adventure, while farmgirl Pearl takes everything with stone-cold seriousness. Their brittle partnership is tested as they team up with an aspiring girl reporter and a handsome Irish bartender to mount a rescue effort, only to find their fates entwine with Medusa’s and Jack’s.
Moody Pursuits
A moody, conversation-ready blend of suspense, romance, and detective work.
Come here for
- gothic suspense with a romantic edge
- women sleuthing through a serious, layered register
Expect
- period atmosphere
- tension that keeps its gloves on
Where it sits
| Greek & Roman Myths for Teens | 59% |
|---|---|
| Historical YA Fantasy | 39% |
| Monster Tales for Teens | 25% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Historical YA Fantasy
- Greek & Roman Myths for Teens
- Paranormal YA Romance
- Authors
- Julie Berry
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Published
- September 16, 2025
- Format
- Hardcover
- Reading lane
- Historical YA Fantasy