With the help of a young, handsome detective, Piper Sail searches for answers to her friend’s disappearance in 1924 Chicago.

3.5 stars.

I don't even know what to rate this! Or say about it . . . . Goodness!

The setting for this story, 1920s Chicago, was a ton of fun! I haven't read a lot in this timeperiod, so it was even more interesting. I liked Morrill's writing style a lot. Simplistic, but pretty and heartfelt.

The characters were all pretty spot-on. Piper was fantastic. (And I am seriously in love with her name! 'Piper Sail'? Really? L.O.V.E.) Her struggle and emotions throughout were very well portrayed, and I was able to emathize a lot with her character. I also loved Mariano! He was just too sweet! His character was just as fantastic! I also loved Lydia, Piper's father and brother, Emma, and even that other dude . . . I'm blanking on his name right now. And Walter too! Sweetness! THANK YOU SO MUCH to Stephanie Morrill for NOTTTTTTTTT making Walter and Piper an item! Ugh! That would have been terrible!

So, mystery isn't my favorite genre. There are a TON of mysteries I really really enjoy, but it's not a genre I would chose to read exlucsively. So I think that fact made me like this a little less. The mystery just didn't make a ton of sense to me. And why did we know what happened to Lydia less than halfway through the story? That just ruined it for me. I basically didn't have any reason to keep reading more. Also, if felt like there were a few elements of the mystery that just didn't make sense or get wrapped up. And the middle section (shortly after it was revealed what happened to Lydia) just flopped for me. I wasn't really that interested anymore. That being said, I really enjoyed the ending! I stayed up way to late, and woke up too early just to finish it. (Seriously, I was up before 6:30 am to read it - and also cause I couldn't sleep. :P) I would say the last 5 maybe chapters were the best part of the book. I'd give those chapters alone 5 stars. I just really liked them.

All in all, this was a bit of a let-down. I was worth a read, but I wouldn't read it again. I would recommend it for ages 16 due to elements of kidnapping, rape - very briefly mentioned - clubs, alcohol, men being unfaithful to their wives, etc. ( )

What is a girl to do? It is 1924 and we are introduced to Lydia LeVine and Piper Sail who are classmates at a posh prep school in Chicago where they rap your knuckles for being less than a lady. Timeline is set. Lydia goes missing. Mystery ensues. Piper is determined to figure it all out and bring Lydia home. Agony, familial relationships, romance, corruption, all in all a quick, enjoyable read that perhaps looses its footing in some places with language that reverts to the 21st century. ( )

A great YA novel starring a feisty and determined young lady who breaks conventions while caring deeply for her family and friends. I certainly hope this is the first novel in a series, because I can't wait to read more of the adventures of Piper Sail. Recommended! ( )

A Young Adult light historical mystery set in 1920s Chicago about a young girl’s search for her missing best friend.