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If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

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If Looks Could Kill

Julie Berry

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers · Hardcover · September 16, 2025

Reading lane: YA Supernatural Thrillers

Two starred reviews!

At a Glance

Why This Clicks

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

Book Details

Authors
Julie Berry
Publisher
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published
September 16, 2025
Format
Hardcover
Theme
YA Supernatural Thrillers · Historical YA Fantasy
Reading lane
YA Supernatural Thrillers

Affinity

Publisher Categories

  • Historical YA Fantasy

  • Greek & Roman Myths for Teens

  • Paranormal YA Romance

About 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. But a primal force of female ve...

Read full description

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. 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.

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