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If Looks Could Kill
From Printz Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry, a true-crime-nailbiter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.
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 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.
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 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.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2025
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11832 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
September 20, 2025
“She is a prisoner on the Devil's Mile, one of the forgotten girls of the Bowery. Behind the bright lights and tinkling ivories, the laughter and the liquor, there she is. Behind a beaded curtain. Behind a painted face. Neither her body nor her broken heart belongs to her anymore.”
1 Sentence Summary: New York City, 1888: Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl feel helpless to save any of the girls trapped working in brothels; meanwhile, Medusa is hunting Jack the Ripper who has fled from London to Manhattan, and their fates are intertwined in more ways than one.
My Thoughts: 4.5 stars rounded up! This was such an interesting novel. Hallelujah lasses + Jack the Ripper + Medusa + the sex trade + 1880s the Bowery + female empowerment + so much more! It took place in such a fascinating part of history that I haven’t read much about before. The setting was so vivid and well researched.
I loved the characters and the story. Tabitha was a great narrator and I was really rooting for her. There was a cute little romance sideplot too with an Irish bartender. Her relationship with Pearl was interesting as well, they had a little enemies-to-reluctant partners-to-friends thing going on.
I’m not going to lie, the Medusa part was pretty weird, but I do think it was a cool aspect of the book. However, my favorite part of the novel was the historical aspect with the Salvation Army and the horrific illegal sex trade going on. My heart broke for all those young girls kidnapped and forced into prostitution. And how it seemed so futile to try to fight against such a big, powerful institution, yet Tabitha and Pearl still tried their best to save at least one girl, because while they might not change the world, they could change her world.
“Now I was one small life, anchored against the current of a teeming city, one of thousands of cities. A stranger to all but a small handful of souls on a lonely planet.”
I also really loved the empowerment of women in this historical setting, also highlighting the widespread oppression of women. The historical note at the end of the book was really interesting to read. Julie Berry is a very good researcher and writer of historical fiction.
Recommend to: Fans of historical fiction, strong female characters, and the legend of Medusa.
(Warnings: swearing; kidnapping; violence; sexual assault; forced prostitution; death)
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
September 3, 2025
This was definitely clever and imaginative but unfortunately it didn't work for me. The plot sounded so intriguing but it was on the slow side, and It just never grabbed me like I was hoping. The narrator was perfectly fine. I had no issues with that. I think some people will really dig the story but it just wasn't for me!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
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September 30, 2025This was WILD and it took me a bit to get into it, but dang can she write.
September 12, 2025
This one had me at historical fiction with Medusa meets Jack the Ripper, but sadly it just fell flat for me and was trying to do too many things in a disjointed way. I didn't feel emotionally invested enough in the characters.
The story switches between the point of view of Tabitha, a Salvation Army girl stationed in New York City to spread the word of the Gospel, and Jack the Ripper, as well as Tabitha's devout roommate Pearl. As the two girls learn about the seedy underbelly of the city and try to save a girl lost to prostitution, they are drawn into a web of villainy as Pearl becomes a Medusa girl with snakes for hair and develops a hatred of men.
I thought the story focused on Jack's point of view too much and I found him to be a flat and stereotypical villain. Even though I found the religious element tiresome, I found Tabitha's story the most interesting and wished there had been more focus on that. Adding the Medusa element just made the plot too busy. I didn't even like Tabitha all that much. I related to how she was a skeptic with a thirst for adventure rather than a religious zealot, and I found her side romance with a bartender charming, but I thought she was the epitome of a Pick-Me girl.
I also did not understand why she was so invested in saving Pearl when the two girls loathed each other from the start. And she was annoyingly obsessed with Pearl's good looks and constantly comparing herself to her, while wishing she could be the one who wasn't like the other girls.
And Pearl did a 180 when she turned into Medusa. I would have liked to see her wrestle with her religious convictions more instead of going full on evil at the first chance she gets to defend herself.
But if you like historical fiction about female rage and a very well researched account of Jack the Ripper, this may be more your speed than mine.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story switches between the point of view of Tabitha, a Salvation Army girl stationed in New York City to spread the word of the Gospel, and Jack the Ripper, as well as Tabitha's devout roommate Pearl. As the two girls learn about the seedy underbelly of the city and try to save a girl lost to prostitution, they are drawn into a web of villainy as Pearl becomes a Medusa girl with snakes for hair and develops a hatred of men.
I thought the story focused on Jack's point of view too much and I found him to be a flat and stereotypical villain. Even though I found the religious element tiresome, I found Tabitha's story the most interesting and wished there had been more focus on that. Adding the Medusa element just made the plot too busy. I didn't even like Tabitha all that much. I related to how she was a skeptic with a thirst for adventure rather than a religious zealot, and I found her side romance with a bartender charming, but I thought she was the epitome of a Pick-Me girl.
I also did not understand why she was so invested in saving Pearl when the two girls loathed each other from the start. And she was annoyingly obsessed with Pearl's good looks and constantly comparing herself to her, while wishing she could be the one who wasn't like the other girls.
And Pearl did a 180 when she turned into Medusa. I would have liked to see her wrestle with her religious convictions more instead of going full on evil at the first chance she gets to defend herself.
But if you like historical fiction about female rage and a very well researched account of Jack the Ripper, this may be more your speed than mine.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2025
Jack the Ripper + Salvation Army “Hallelujah Girls” + Medusa + righteous anger = a smart and original story from master Julie Berry.
Want to read
November 10, 2025OMGOODNESS I GOT TO TALK TO HER ABT THIS BOOK AND SHE LOOKED ME IN THE EYE AND TOLD ME ABT IT. WDYM A FAMOUS AUTHOR TALKED TO LITTLE NOT-FAMOUS ME?!?!?
July 17, 2025
I loved it!!! Gripping, funny, and (painlessly) educational - this novel has so much going for it. Beyond the exhilarating action scenes, I really appreciated the moral dilemmas Tabitha faces as she tries to do the right thing, even while questioning the point of it all. Her inner dialogue is heartfelt and refreshingly honest, capturing a mix of jaded skepticism and stubborn idealism that readers of all ages will appreciate. The Bowery setting in New York is also brilliantly researched and vividly brought to life.
September 2, 2025
ARC Review
I DNF this book.
From the beginning I was bored and the book dragged. I kept stopping and picking the book back up, but 25% in I just couldn’t torture myself anymore.
The pacing of this book was a mess and nothing interesting was happening. Three different stories were being told, it was not cohesive. The writing was simply not good. I didn’t connect with the characters at all and it just felt like I was reading words on a page.
I DNF this book.
From the beginning I was bored and the book dragged. I kept stopping and picking the book back up, but 25% in I just couldn’t torture myself anymore.
The pacing of this book was a mess and nothing interesting was happening. Three different stories were being told, it was not cohesive. The writing was simply not good. I didn’t connect with the characters at all and it just felt like I was reading words on a page.
August 1, 2025
*I received a copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
It's the autumn of 1888, and the police have caught the trail of Jack the Ripper, forcing the madman to flee England for New York City. Jack is hoping to find many new victims amongst the slums and back alleys of the City, but he wasn't counting on a primal force following him across the pond. Tabitha and Pearl spend their days canvassing the streets of the Bowery, preaching the good word as volunteers for the Salvation Army. Tabitha isn't as devoted to the cause as Pearl is, but when they come across a young girl in desperate need of help, she can't turn away. As they join forces with a plucky investigative journalist and a charming Irish barkeep, Tabitha notices a change in Pearl. Gone is the serious farmgirl, and in her place is a being with snakes for hair and a thirst for vengeance. Can Tabitha save her friend and stop the Ripper before it's too late?
The moment I read Jack the Ripper versus Medusa, I was sold. It was such a unique premise that I had never seen before, and I thought Berry executed it perfectly. The blend of historical elements with the fantastical worked so well. I was hooked from the first page, wondering how the story would play out. I enjoyed all of our characters, especially Tabitha. She was loyal and snarky, and I enjoyed watching her friendship with Pearl develop into a sisterhood. As you can expect from a story featuring Medusa, it's chock-full of righteousness and feminine rage, and I loved how Berry portrayed all those facets. My only gripe was that the pacing was slow at the beginning, and it took me a little while to get into it. Other than that, I thought this was solid, and I would recommend it if you're looking for a mix of historical/fantasy/romance.
It's the autumn of 1888, and the police have caught the trail of Jack the Ripper, forcing the madman to flee England for New York City. Jack is hoping to find many new victims amongst the slums and back alleys of the City, but he wasn't counting on a primal force following him across the pond. Tabitha and Pearl spend their days canvassing the streets of the Bowery, preaching the good word as volunteers for the Salvation Army. Tabitha isn't as devoted to the cause as Pearl is, but when they come across a young girl in desperate need of help, she can't turn away. As they join forces with a plucky investigative journalist and a charming Irish barkeep, Tabitha notices a change in Pearl. Gone is the serious farmgirl, and in her place is a being with snakes for hair and a thirst for vengeance. Can Tabitha save her friend and stop the Ripper before it's too late?
The moment I read Jack the Ripper versus Medusa, I was sold. It was such a unique premise that I had never seen before, and I thought Berry executed it perfectly. The blend of historical elements with the fantastical worked so well. I was hooked from the first page, wondering how the story would play out. I enjoyed all of our characters, especially Tabitha. She was loyal and snarky, and I enjoyed watching her friendship with Pearl develop into a sisterhood. As you can expect from a story featuring Medusa, it's chock-full of righteousness and feminine rage, and I loved how Berry portrayed all those facets. My only gripe was that the pacing was slow at the beginning, and it took me a little while to get into it. Other than that, I thought this was solid, and I would recommend it if you're looking for a mix of historical/fantasy/romance.
August 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an eARC.
The intriguing premise of this book instantly drew me in. True crime + Greek mythology, I'm totally here for it. I loved the way the fantasy elements blended in with the historical parts seamlessly. The author's note in this book is one of the best I've ever seen. It was extremely detailed with different subsections for the different historical parts that were incorporated in this book. The plot and theme were also really unique and well done, especially the twist on Medusa. I really enjoyed seeing the character development of Tabitha and Pearl as well. My only issue was with the pacing. Initially I found it too slow and the ending felt a bit rushed. I was also hoping to see more of Jack in the book. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique twist on Greek mythology, Jack the Ripper and multiple other historical elements from the 1800s or just anyone into historical fantasy.
The intriguing premise of this book instantly drew me in. True crime + Greek mythology, I'm totally here for it. I loved the way the fantasy elements blended in with the historical parts seamlessly. The author's note in this book is one of the best I've ever seen. It was extremely detailed with different subsections for the different historical parts that were incorporated in this book. The plot and theme were also really unique and well done, especially the twist on Medusa. I really enjoyed seeing the character development of Tabitha and Pearl as well. My only issue was with the pacing. Initially I found it too slow and the ending felt a bit rushed. I was also hoping to see more of Jack in the book. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique twist on Greek mythology, Jack the Ripper and multiple other historical elements from the 1800s or just anyone into historical fantasy.
July 29, 2025
Read this if you love...
-Greek mythology
-history with a twist
-female friendship
It's 1888 and Jack the Ripper has fled to New York City in search of more victims. An awakened Medusa awaits him, seeking stone-cold vengeance for his crimes against women. Streets away, Salvation Army workers Tabitha and Pearl try to rescue a young woman trapped in a brothel. The pair teams up with a streetwise reporter and an Irish bartender. Fate draws them together, entwining the chilling truth of history with timeless mythology.
Six years after the publication of Lovely War, Julie Berry returns to the young adult scene with a stunning exploration of justice, feminism, and the power of myth. If you enjoyed Lovely War in all of genre-bending glory, I implore you to pick up If Looks Could Kill. Part history, part mythos, and part crime thriller, you won't want to put this book down,
I read this in just two days. Thank goodness that I had no other plans because I certainly would have canceled them. Normally, I struggle with multiple points of view but it worked so well bouncing from Jack's chilling mind to Tabitha's witty commentary. A much darker tone permeates Berry's latest work, but she deftly manages the mood with these oscillating points of view. The dramatic tonal shifts kept me invested and the plot racing forward.
My heart broke for so many of these characters (you'll find out why) and I had to know if they'd make it. Tabitha and Pearl have a compelling dynamic that shifts throughout the novel. Sisterhood doesn't always come through birth. Sometimes it’s born through mutual understanding and the deep bonds of being a woman in a world set against you. When you care about someone, you fight for them, no matter the cost. Tabitha's commitment to her cause and her friends made her a riveting lead. I also enjoyed the romantic subplot; it was just enough to satisfy the romantic in me.
The historical aspects are impeccably researched (I'd expect nothing less from Julie Berry). This raw narrative grounded in historical research and enduring archetypes will stay with you long after you finish.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
-Greek mythology
-history with a twist
-female friendship
It's 1888 and Jack the Ripper has fled to New York City in search of more victims. An awakened Medusa awaits him, seeking stone-cold vengeance for his crimes against women. Streets away, Salvation Army workers Tabitha and Pearl try to rescue a young woman trapped in a brothel. The pair teams up with a streetwise reporter and an Irish bartender. Fate draws them together, entwining the chilling truth of history with timeless mythology.
Six years after the publication of Lovely War, Julie Berry returns to the young adult scene with a stunning exploration of justice, feminism, and the power of myth. If you enjoyed Lovely War in all of genre-bending glory, I implore you to pick up If Looks Could Kill. Part history, part mythos, and part crime thriller, you won't want to put this book down,
I read this in just two days. Thank goodness that I had no other plans because I certainly would have canceled them. Normally, I struggle with multiple points of view but it worked so well bouncing from Jack's chilling mind to Tabitha's witty commentary. A much darker tone permeates Berry's latest work, but she deftly manages the mood with these oscillating points of view. The dramatic tonal shifts kept me invested and the plot racing forward.
My heart broke for so many of these characters (you'll find out why) and I had to know if they'd make it. Tabitha and Pearl have a compelling dynamic that shifts throughout the novel. Sisterhood doesn't always come through birth. Sometimes it’s born through mutual understanding and the deep bonds of being a woman in a world set against you. When you care about someone, you fight for them, no matter the cost. Tabitha's commitment to her cause and her friends made her a riveting lead. I also enjoyed the romantic subplot; it was just enough to satisfy the romantic in me.
The historical aspects are impeccably researched (I'd expect nothing less from Julie Berry). This raw narrative grounded in historical research and enduring archetypes will stay with you long after you finish.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 25, 2025
If you're fan of classics, you're going to love this. Its a time era piece so of course there is some controversial words (in my opinion) and ideologies so beware of that (its not said in an offensive manner just, thats how it was at the time but not like it could have been). There was also a play on religion here that I wasn't really expecting but wasn't done in a preachy way. I enjoyed the snark and wittiness within this! I cant forget the horror aspect either! Gave me chills with the level of "gross" description and I mean that with love as a fan of horror haha. Overall, this was a good read and I dont want to spoil anything so I'll leave it there!
Thanks netgalley for the arc
Thanks netgalley for the arc
July 31, 2025
3.75! The premise of a combination Jack the Ripper and Medusa sucked me in. I was definitely intrigued on how these would come together, but oh wow did it! The first 70% of this book was set up and I would have liked more from Jack. But that last 30% was a whirlwind and I could not put this book down!
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!
November 17, 2025
My scriptures, my certainties, my facts, my "faith"–what were they in the face of what actually was? The unknowable real?
The God who is.
The God who loves Pearl. And loves me. Perhaps not so unknowable after all.
Christian characters who actually like being Christians?? revolutionary
[read: I am weeping]
Captivating, horrifying, empowering. It's determined friendship and righteous fury and Girlhood™. For some reason it made me want to re-read "till we have faces". I read most of it in a day and I loved it so, so much. Five stars.
**content warnings for assault, human trafficking, and jack the ripper being (surprise) a terrible person
The God who is.
The God who loves Pearl. And loves me. Perhaps not so unknowable after all.
Christian characters who actually like being Christians?? revolutionary
[read: I am weeping]
Captivating, horrifying, empowering. It's determined friendship and righteous fury and Girlhood™. For some reason it made me want to re-read "till we have faces". I read most of it in a day and I loved it so, so much. Five stars.
**content warnings for assault, human trafficking, and jack the ripper being (surprise) a terrible person
October 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
If Looks Could Kill.
I read a couple of the author's previous books years ago but the premise is what caught my attention.
I love Greek mythology and combined with a true crime unsolved mystery was right up my alley.
Sadly, this didn't hit the mark for me even though parts of the narrative was interesting to read and learn about.
First, the author describes the poverty and vulnerable communities of the Lower East Side in the early 1900s well; the sex workers, the paperboys, the immigrants trying to survive day to day, the simmering racism among the various communities in the neighborhood.
It was a bleak and difficult life in those days and adds to the growing tension knowing there's a serial killer amongst them.
The premise is creative and original but the way its incorporated into the narrative didn't work for me.
Is it supernatural? Where did these powers come from? Originate?
I needed more exposition, more background, as to how the Medusa myth and her powers came into existence in the 'modern' era.
At first, I wasn't sure if I liked Tabitha or not but she soon grew on me.
She proved to be strong, resilient, and tough, qualities women are rarely praised for especially during the 1900s.
It was interesting to learn about the origins of the Salvation Army, how these women were portrayed and regarded in society as Tabitha and her friend made their daily rounds each day.
I love the female empowerment and sisterhood themes, the loyalty that comes with friendships and taking care of one another. Those themes stand the test of time no matter the era or time period.
The writing was good, but long and the pacing dragged.
I do want to point out a hilarious comment Tabitha makes about her potential boyfriend, about how nice his teeth looked.
Girl, no one's teeth looks good in 19th century anyplace. 🤣🤣🤣
The author did a good job of fleshing out a potential Jack the Ripper candidate, pulling from research and real people during that time.
I enjoyed her notes at the end of the book.
The premise was creative, but I found the Medusa storyline kind of messy as part of the narrative.
I wished I liked this more and it may be the author's writing style isn't for me.
I read a couple of the author's previous books years ago but the premise is what caught my attention.
I love Greek mythology and combined with a true crime unsolved mystery was right up my alley.
Sadly, this didn't hit the mark for me even though parts of the narrative was interesting to read and learn about.
First, the author describes the poverty and vulnerable communities of the Lower East Side in the early 1900s well; the sex workers, the paperboys, the immigrants trying to survive day to day, the simmering racism among the various communities in the neighborhood.
It was a bleak and difficult life in those days and adds to the growing tension knowing there's a serial killer amongst them.
The premise is creative and original but the way its incorporated into the narrative didn't work for me.
Is it supernatural? Where did these powers come from? Originate?
I needed more exposition, more background, as to how the Medusa myth and her powers came into existence in the 'modern' era.
At first, I wasn't sure if I liked Tabitha or not but she soon grew on me.
She proved to be strong, resilient, and tough, qualities women are rarely praised for especially during the 1900s.
It was interesting to learn about the origins of the Salvation Army, how these women were portrayed and regarded in society as Tabitha and her friend made their daily rounds each day.
I love the female empowerment and sisterhood themes, the loyalty that comes with friendships and taking care of one another. Those themes stand the test of time no matter the era or time period.
The writing was good, but long and the pacing dragged.
I do want to point out a hilarious comment Tabitha makes about her potential boyfriend, about how nice his teeth looked.
Girl, no one's teeth looks good in 19th century anyplace. 🤣🤣🤣
The author did a good job of fleshing out a potential Jack the Ripper candidate, pulling from research and real people during that time.
I enjoyed her notes at the end of the book.
The premise was creative, but I found the Medusa storyline kind of messy as part of the narrative.
I wished I liked this more and it may be the author's writing style isn't for me.
September 17, 2025
This novel is a story of raw feminine power, of girls who hew to the love of their god even when it seems he has abandoned them; elderly, deceptively frail women with the power to petrify; feisty feminist reporters who wish to make their stamp on the world; mob-boss madams who make their livings off the backs of other girls; et al. All these females come together to support each other, to save the helpless, to wrest power and riches from the clutches of men and to track down and stop a murderer—Jack the Ripper.
In spite of the fact that no one knows the true identity of one of the most infamous serial killers ever to stalk the planet, Ms. Berry makes a credible case for one Dr. Tumblety. He is a key player in a semi-mythic tale, in which he inadvertently rouses and awakens an ancient vengeful distaff force.
(I always thought Medusa to be a most problematic monster in Greek mythology. Like the unfortunate Scylla [a sea nymph cursed by a jealous rival], Medusa is a helpless victim, the target of a lustful god and his vengeful niece. She may be a rape victim or a willing participant in Poseidon’s seduction. Yet her punishment by Athena seems out of all proportion to the crime. Ashamed of her altered appearance and unwilling to subject innocents to her petrifying gaze, she hides away in a cave. But would-be heroes refuse to leave her alone. Eager to make a name for themselves, they deliberately put themselves in harm’s way and pay the price. Then one Perseus, aided and armed by Athena, finds her and decapitates her while she sleeps.)
This ability to make people stone, when embraced, drives the women insane or makes them murderers. But the hint that they might be trained to use it carefully, responsibly, makes you pause. Do the men have it coming? Is it ever wise to take the law into your own hands? If you’ve ever been a helpless woman in the hands of vicious men, what would you do with such a power?
The novel gives way to a quiet denouement as Pearl, Tabitha, Freyda and Cora slide into the ordinary strength of women determined to make the world a better place. I’m not disappointed. The novel reminds us of the true force of camaraderie, of female friendships, of solidarity coupled with useful social reform.
As for Jack the Ripper, he is dragged, kicking and screaming, into the dusty corners of history...just where he belongs.
In spite of the fact that no one knows the true identity of one of the most infamous serial killers ever to stalk the planet, Ms. Berry makes a credible case for one Dr. Tumblety. He is a key player in a semi-mythic tale, in which he inadvertently rouses and awakens an ancient vengeful distaff force.
(I always thought Medusa to be a most problematic monster in Greek mythology. Like the unfortunate Scylla [a sea nymph cursed by a jealous rival], Medusa is a helpless victim, the target of a lustful god and his vengeful niece. She may be a rape victim or a willing participant in Poseidon’s seduction. Yet her punishment by Athena seems out of all proportion to the crime. Ashamed of her altered appearance and unwilling to subject innocents to her petrifying gaze, she hides away in a cave. But would-be heroes refuse to leave her alone. Eager to make a name for themselves, they deliberately put themselves in harm’s way and pay the price. Then one Perseus, aided and armed by Athena, finds her and decapitates her while she sleeps.)
This ability to make people stone, when embraced, drives the women insane or makes them murderers. But the hint that they might be trained to use it carefully, responsibly, makes you pause. Do the men have it coming? Is it ever wise to take the law into your own hands? If you’ve ever been a helpless woman in the hands of vicious men, what would you do with such a power?
The novel gives way to a quiet denouement as Pearl, Tabitha, Freyda and Cora slide into the ordinary strength of women determined to make the world a better place. I’m not disappointed. The novel reminds us of the true force of camaraderie, of female friendships, of solidarity coupled with useful social reform.
As for Jack the Ripper, he is dragged, kicking and screaming, into the dusty corners of history...just where he belongs.
July 25, 2025
This book combines the unthinkable--true crime with greek mythology. The two don't seem like they would mix that well, but as someone interested in both, I had to try it. It turns out that it actually works really well as long as you can remember that you're reading fiction and suspend disbelief. The book does start out a little slow and has some slow moments, but once the plot gets going it's hard to put down. What really stuck me is that the author did her research. At the end of the book, she included information about Jack the Ripper, various real people featured in the book, the Salvation Army and Medusa showing that she really did her due diligence to bring this book to life.
September 17, 2025
This was not what I expected from a Jack the Ripper x Medusa story. And it was really quite a let down for me.
The pacing was incredibly slow, the POV changed constantly, and I never felt drawn in by any of the characters. This makes me very sad, because this was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year.
Unfortunately, it's not my cup of tea.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book.*
The pacing was incredibly slow, the POV changed constantly, and I never felt drawn in by any of the characters. This makes me very sad, because this was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year.
Unfortunately, it's not my cup of tea.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book.*
August 16, 2025
A very unique premise for a historical fiction and mythology book. The author was able to take Jack the Ripper and bring it to NYC with Salvation Army girls being our heroines. Sounds weird, but it works. The multi POV really helps in that regard. I think having Medusa be a feminist force was a good concept here. I loved how Pearl and Tabitha’s character growth evolved.
PS the author note at the end was great. Her research really shined through in her writing.
*Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
PS the author note at the end was great. Her research really shined through in her writing.
*Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Read
July 22, 2025Really fascinating bit of history here, as well as a delightful protagonist in Tabitha. It took me awhile to warm up to the varied POVs, and I honestly didn’t really care about the Ripper storyline until the last third of the book, but in the end it was sort of interesting and I saw the point. The use of the Medusa myth was very interesting and made me realize how little I actually know about it, though I will say the stuff with Miss Stella threw me for a bit of a loop and kind of gave me whiplash.
I will also say, as someone who is not any kind of Christian and who staunchly rejects Christonormativity and hegemony, I was pleased with how well researched and interesting the Salvation Army element was, and I think Julie did a fantastic job at portraying characters with religious conviction doing religion-inspired work without making me feel like I was actually being evangelized to, so that was great.
I will also say, as someone who is not any kind of Christian and who staunchly rejects Christonormativity and hegemony, I was pleased with how well researched and interesting the Salvation Army element was, and I think Julie did a fantastic job at portraying characters with religious conviction doing religion-inspired work without making me feel like I was actually being evangelized to, so that was great.
July 21, 2025
a clever mix of historical thriller and mythic fantasy, with vivid 1880s detail and fierce female leads. While the story wasn’t quite my style, I appreciated its originality and think readers who enjoy dark, atmospheric tales will find a lot to love!
Thank you Simon Teen for the gifted copy!
Thank you Simon Teen for the gifted copy!
June 21, 2025
If Looks Could Kill was a quick and easy YA read that I thoroughly enjoyed. While the Medusa aspect required a measure of a willing suspension of disbelief, I ended up quite liking the idea of “monstrous” women who could seek out and find evil men. I also found the historical aspects of both the Jack the Ripper story and the beginnings and evolution of the Salvation Army interesting, enough so that I did some further reading about the Salvation Army after I finished the book. All in all, this was a well-thought-out plot with a little something for everyone: a little history, a little fantasy, a little romance- and I’m very glad I was able to get an ARC to read.
September 16, 2025
3.5 stars
The publisher sent me both a finished copy, which I donated to my school library, and a link to the e-galley which is what I chose to read for this one. The plot idea for this was so unique that I was definitely interested in seeing how it was done.
Overall the story had some good points. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of both Jack the Ripper and the way New York City/Manhattan specifically was during that time period as well. I’d read a book about Jack the Ripper, Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper – Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell, and have always liked the movie that Johnny Depp was in From Hell. So I’ve also always been fascinated by that whole story. I didn’t realize that one of the people who is suspected of being Jack the Ripper actually did go to Manhattan after the murders.
Another historical timeline I didn’t know much about was the Salvation Army aspect of the story. While most people know what it is today, it was very interesting reading about how things were when it first was getting started in the US. I mean I didn’t even know it started over in England!
And then there was the way the people in those times, kind of the Industrial Revolution, including all the immigration to the US, lived and worked. I’d seen bits and pieces of that in movies and other books, but this story had a lot of that, many things kind of spelled out, shown in more details. There were the kids selling newspapers, the girls showing up to the city and being kidnapped and forced into prostitution, the side shows, and so much more all included in this story.
Finally there was the Medusa aspect to the story. The way this Medusa, or should I say these Medusas as there was more than one, affected men or caused harm was a little different than the myth that most are familiar with. But it did also bring up the things that are often overlooked when people talk about the original myth as well.
So, I’ve covered the setting and all that and how much that part of the story was interesting for me. The characters were only okay for me. It was a bit hard to like Pearl, and I know that is part of how the author meant her to be. But it made it hard for me to root for her, and even Tabitha didn’t completely win me over either. And she was kind of the main character. The other issue I had is that the book was really long. I feel like a lot of it was kind of slow for me. Some of it could maybe have been trimmed down? I don’t know. While I know I have students who will pick it up and be intrigued. Those are going to my readers who are dedicated and would rather read than do anything else. Some others who might enjoy it for the Medusa or Jack the Ripper bits might end up bored early on and not finish.
If they make it all the way through, the author has some great notes on the actual historical facts and resources she used to create those parts of the story. And while I did read through those myself, I did find myself skimming those a bit too.
In the end I am excited the publisher sent me a copy that I have put in my library, and I know which students I want to recommend it to right away. And I hope I can get other students to give it a try as well.
The publisher sent me both a finished copy, which I donated to my school library, and a link to the e-galley which is what I chose to read for this one. The plot idea for this was so unique that I was definitely interested in seeing how it was done.
Overall the story had some good points. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of both Jack the Ripper and the way New York City/Manhattan specifically was during that time period as well. I’d read a book about Jack the Ripper, Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper – Case Closed by Patricia Cornwell, and have always liked the movie that Johnny Depp was in From Hell. So I’ve also always been fascinated by that whole story. I didn’t realize that one of the people who is suspected of being Jack the Ripper actually did go to Manhattan after the murders.
Another historical timeline I didn’t know much about was the Salvation Army aspect of the story. While most people know what it is today, it was very interesting reading about how things were when it first was getting started in the US. I mean I didn’t even know it started over in England!
And then there was the way the people in those times, kind of the Industrial Revolution, including all the immigration to the US, lived and worked. I’d seen bits and pieces of that in movies and other books, but this story had a lot of that, many things kind of spelled out, shown in more details. There were the kids selling newspapers, the girls showing up to the city and being kidnapped and forced into prostitution, the side shows, and so much more all included in this story.
Finally there was the Medusa aspect to the story. The way this Medusa, or should I say these Medusas as there was more than one, affected men or caused harm was a little different than the myth that most are familiar with. But it did also bring up the things that are often overlooked when people talk about the original myth as well.
So, I’ve covered the setting and all that and how much that part of the story was interesting for me. The characters were only okay for me. It was a bit hard to like Pearl, and I know that is part of how the author meant her to be. But it made it hard for me to root for her, and even Tabitha didn’t completely win me over either. And she was kind of the main character. The other issue I had is that the book was really long. I feel like a lot of it was kind of slow for me. Some of it could maybe have been trimmed down? I don’t know. While I know I have students who will pick it up and be intrigued. Those are going to my readers who are dedicated and would rather read than do anything else. Some others who might enjoy it for the Medusa or Jack the Ripper bits might end up bored early on and not finish.
If they make it all the way through, the author has some great notes on the actual historical facts and resources she used to create those parts of the story. And while I did read through those myself, I did find myself skimming those a bit too.
In the end I am excited the publisher sent me a copy that I have put in my library, and I know which students I want to recommend it to right away. And I hope I can get other students to give it a try as well.
October 29, 2025
A tale of sisterhood with a dash of Jack the Ripper vs. Medusas. Sounds interesting, right? It was very interesting, I really enjoyed the premise and the resolution to this story. We meet our two main characters, Salvation Army girls forced to work together to sell the war cry, and they don’t really like each other. They simply tolerate each other. While on their war cry adventures though, they start to take notice of the women in New York City, of how some get taken into bad business and they started to work together to help these girls. Our girls hoped to save the others not just with the gospel but from their captors.
While trying to help other women, they get tangled with Jack the Ripper and Medusas and it really takes off from there.
Even though I enjoyed this book, it was really hard to get through at times. The plot is very slow and, for me personally, I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I had hoped. I appreciated them and rooted for them in the end but I also didn’t care enough to continue reading about them. I wanted to read about everything else that was happening in the plot.
Jack the Ripper and the medusas don’t come into play until over halfway through the book. While we do get a perspective of Jack, he doesn’t affect the girls’ lives until that halfway mark. We see what he’s done to other women and what he’s doing before our girls interact with him. The Medusas themselves were definitely not introduced until much later. With everything happening in the later half of the book, it kind of makes you not want to read the beginning to get to that part.
My favorite part of the book was the messages about protecting women. That was the main purpose for the majority of the book and it was done well. Women helping each other and fighting for what’s right, I loved that part. I also really liked how in the authors note Julie Berry goes into extreme detail on what was fact and why she wrote the book and what she had hoped to shed light on with her readers. It really made me appreciate the heart of the story more.
One thing that bothered me, and probably only me, was that Tabitha had a conversation with God in her head and it was never addressed again. In the audiobook this voice she is talking to in her head is British and she’s having a full begging conversation with God and I couldn’t tell if this was her imagination or was she really talking to God or what. It was kind of just forgotten after it happened so I guess I’ll never know.
Overall this was a good book. I enjoyed it for the most more and was satisfied with the ending. This is highly religious though, which was something I didn’t know about going into it that I wish I knew.
While trying to help other women, they get tangled with Jack the Ripper and Medusas and it really takes off from there.
Even though I enjoyed this book, it was really hard to get through at times. The plot is very slow and, for me personally, I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I had hoped. I appreciated them and rooted for them in the end but I also didn’t care enough to continue reading about them. I wanted to read about everything else that was happening in the plot.
Jack the Ripper and the medusas don’t come into play until over halfway through the book. While we do get a perspective of Jack, he doesn’t affect the girls’ lives until that halfway mark. We see what he’s done to other women and what he’s doing before our girls interact with him. The Medusas themselves were definitely not introduced until much later. With everything happening in the later half of the book, it kind of makes you not want to read the beginning to get to that part.
My favorite part of the book was the messages about protecting women. That was the main purpose for the majority of the book and it was done well. Women helping each other and fighting for what’s right, I loved that part. I also really liked how in the authors note Julie Berry goes into extreme detail on what was fact and why she wrote the book and what she had hoped to shed light on with her readers. It really made me appreciate the heart of the story more.
One thing that bothered me, and probably only me, was that Tabitha had a conversation with God in her head and it was never addressed again. In the audiobook this voice she is talking to in her head is British and she’s having a full begging conversation with God and I couldn’t tell if this was her imagination or was she really talking to God or what. It was kind of just forgotten after it happened so I guess I’ll never know.
Overall this was a good book. I enjoyed it for the most more and was satisfied with the ending. This is highly religious though, which was something I didn’t know about going into it that I wish I knew.
August 3, 2025
Book Report: If Looks Could Kill
4.5 ⭐️
At First Glance: All I saw was Julie Berry’s name 😂 then the striking cover.
The Gist: A true-crime-nail-biter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.
My Thoughts: Looking for something clever and unique? Julie Berry is back after the publication of Lovely War six years ago with another YA genre bending novel… If Looks Can Kill feels like part history lesson, with a dash of mythology and a pinch of true crime. It’s been years since I’ve read her beloved title Lovely War but her voice is distinct throughout. Within the pages of her latest it feels a bit dark a little grimey which reflects the era and the close look at the chilling things going on behind closed doors. This book is pure Girl Power vibes but make it circa 1888. Her research shines not just from the infamous Jack the Ripper and the mythical Medusa but also to the streets of London and Manhattan and the Salvation Army movement. Brilliant. For fans of classics, history buffs and someone who enjoys a well told story If Looks Could Kill is a must!
Notes:
“Funny how appealing belief becomes when you have nowhere else to turn.”
“Every man, a god. Every woman, a dog. She is done with such a world as this.”
“These are our bodies.”
“How even after death, violence to the body is violence to the soul.”
A Question For Julie: What do you hope readers feel after turning the last page?
Thank you @simonteen #simonteeninfluencer
Releases 9/16
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
4.5 ⭐️
At First Glance: All I saw was Julie Berry’s name 😂 then the striking cover.
The Gist: A true-crime-nail-biter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.
My Thoughts: Looking for something clever and unique? Julie Berry is back after the publication of Lovely War six years ago with another YA genre bending novel… If Looks Can Kill feels like part history lesson, with a dash of mythology and a pinch of true crime. It’s been years since I’ve read her beloved title Lovely War but her voice is distinct throughout. Within the pages of her latest it feels a bit dark a little grimey which reflects the era and the close look at the chilling things going on behind closed doors. This book is pure Girl Power vibes but make it circa 1888. Her research shines not just from the infamous Jack the Ripper and the mythical Medusa but also to the streets of London and Manhattan and the Salvation Army movement. Brilliant. For fans of classics, history buffs and someone who enjoys a well told story If Looks Could Kill is a must!
Notes:
“Funny how appealing belief becomes when you have nowhere else to turn.”
“Every man, a god. Every woman, a dog. She is done with such a world as this.”
“These are our bodies.”
“How even after death, violence to the body is violence to the soul.”
A Question For Julie: What do you hope readers feel after turning the last page?
Thank you @simonteen #simonteeninfluencer
Releases 9/16
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
July 20, 2025
If Looks Could Kill mixes our real world 1880’s world with Greek mythology.. Putting Jack the RIpper together and mixing it with gorgons is an interesting mix and I think it worked really well. In the first bit of the book I was so curious how Julie Berry was going to do it and when it came together it did so seamlessly.
In this we have Tabitha and Pearl. They are part of the Salvation Army and when they see a girl they helped being forced to work at the local brothel the start trying to track her down to see if she needs help and rescue her. Meanwhile why that is happening we get chapters of Jack the Ripper interwoven between these chapters of the girls and their rescue efforts.
This is my first book by Berry but I have heard amazing things about Lovely War and it seems like period pieces really seem to be her niche. I do think that while the chapters are short and the time seems to fly while reading them the beginning third or so is slower becuase we are getting a lot more information then say the last two thirds to last half. Once we definitely hit that 50-60% mark we are speeding and there is no stopping this train till it reaches the station which is the end of the book. This is most defiantly told in the third person and there are no chapter numbers. Instead you have chapter names and dates and who the chapter POV is.
Overall I really enjoyed my time and think it is worth a pick up!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this we have Tabitha and Pearl. They are part of the Salvation Army and when they see a girl they helped being forced to work at the local brothel the start trying to track her down to see if she needs help and rescue her. Meanwhile why that is happening we get chapters of Jack the Ripper interwoven between these chapters of the girls and their rescue efforts.
This is my first book by Berry but I have heard amazing things about Lovely War and it seems like period pieces really seem to be her niche. I do think that while the chapters are short and the time seems to fly while reading them the beginning third or so is slower becuase we are getting a lot more information then say the last two thirds to last half. Once we definitely hit that 50-60% mark we are speeding and there is no stopping this train till it reaches the station which is the end of the book. This is most defiantly told in the third person and there are no chapter numbers. Instead you have chapter names and dates and who the chapter POV is.
Overall I really enjoyed my time and think it is worth a pick up!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this mashup of Greek mythology and Jack the Ripper set in late 19th century New York. There’s so much information and history packed in here along with a combination of story element ingredients that I would have never guessed would work so well together. We have Tabitha and Pearl, two young women who each have their own reasons for moving to New York to join the Salvation Army. And there’s Jack, notorious murderer escaping a London killing spree to return to the States. Mixed in with all this are stories of forced prostitution, poverty, the experiences and lives of Jewish and Irish populations of the times.
And best of all? So. Much. Feminine. Rage. Which is something I really need right now.
Tabitha’s character spoke with such a clear voice and her POV is the one I empathized with the most. A woman who feels overlooked but tries to do what’s right. She has a sense of humor and a sense of justice. I adored her relationship with Mike.
Pearl is intentionally disconnected from the reader even though she also has a few POVs. She’s otherworldly. After all, she’s a Medusa. But she’s also so very human and I loved the way Berry shows this (twice, at the very end, in her acts of mercy and friendship).
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction who don’t mind a touch of horror!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the eARC.
And best of all? So. Much. Feminine. Rage. Which is something I really need right now.
Tabitha’s character spoke with such a clear voice and her POV is the one I empathized with the most. A woman who feels overlooked but tries to do what’s right. She has a sense of humor and a sense of justice. I adored her relationship with Mike.
Pearl is intentionally disconnected from the reader even though she also has a few POVs. She’s otherworldly. After all, she’s a Medusa. But she’s also so very human and I loved the way Berry shows this (twice, at the very end, in her acts of mercy and friendship).
Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction who don’t mind a touch of horror!
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the eARC.
November 16, 2025
3.5 Rating.
The premise behind this story was great. What if Jack the Ripper meets Medusa? I loved the thought behind this. But, it did take awhile for me to get into the book. I wouldn’t really say this book has chapters, and that’s not a bad thing because it does make it feel like the book is going faster. The pacing wasn’t my favorite, but I absolutely loved the multiple povs. You get the povs from Jack, himself, and two Salvation Army girls, Tabitha and Pearl. You mostly get Tabitha’s pov, which for me is preferred. She had a humanity and empathy to her.I found Jack’s and Pearl’s povs to drag.
I loved the concept of creating Medusas, and I thought that was well done. The religious aspect was pretty heavy for my taste, but that’s because I’m not overly religious, so that’s a “me” issue (that I don’t hold against the author). I felt like some of the secondary characters, at times, were more interesting than Jack and Pearl, but it felt like most of those characters served a purpose.
You can see the research that went into this story. I learned things I never knew, especially about The Salvation Army. The book ends with insight to the author’s research, which I found interesting. Overall, while I was hoping for more, I enjoyed this.
The premise behind this story was great. What if Jack the Ripper meets Medusa? I loved the thought behind this. But, it did take awhile for me to get into the book. I wouldn’t really say this book has chapters, and that’s not a bad thing because it does make it feel like the book is going faster. The pacing wasn’t my favorite, but I absolutely loved the multiple povs. You get the povs from Jack, himself, and two Salvation Army girls, Tabitha and Pearl. You mostly get Tabitha’s pov, which for me is preferred. She had a humanity and empathy to her.I found Jack’s and Pearl’s povs to drag.
I loved the concept of creating Medusas, and I thought that was well done. The religious aspect was pretty heavy for my taste, but that’s because I’m not overly religious, so that’s a “me” issue (that I don’t hold against the author). I felt like some of the secondary characters, at times, were more interesting than Jack and Pearl, but it felt like most of those characters served a purpose.
You can see the research that went into this story. I learned things I never knew, especially about The Salvation Army. The book ends with insight to the author’s research, which I found interesting. Overall, while I was hoping for more, I enjoyed this.
Read
August 14, 2025First of all, thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this. I wish it was more positive, but I want to be honest. No rating because this is unfortunately a DNF for me. I read about 20-30% and then skipped to read the ending to see where it went. I think if people are wanting a historical murder mystery with some fantastical/mythological elements, this could be your thing and I say give it a try. What made it not work for me was how slow it felt and I eventually lost interest. The bits of Medusa and Jack the Ripper that I read were entertaining but short each time they came into play. From what I read, my own personal opinion was that maybe the Medusa reveal should have been a surprise and not given away in the synopsis/cover. Also maybe Jack the Ripper didn’t really need to be in this. Could have just been any eerie murderer. I’m not sure why it had to be Jack the Ripper, but again, maybe I missed the reasoning to that since I didn’t read it all. Overall it unfortunately was a struggle for me to continue to read this and I really wish that wasn’t the case.
August 22, 2025
Julie Berry is unlike any other writer I have read! Her beautiful prose, combined with unique plots, will always draw me back. After her book, Lovely War, in which the Greek gods watched the love stories of two different couples caught in the midst of WWI unfold, I didn't think there would ever be another book so unique and captivating. I should have known Julie Berry's brilliant imagination would give us another piece of gold! In If Looks Could Kill, Julie Berry brings us back in time once again, but this time, instead of the gods, we get Medusa. And Medusa is coming for Jack the Ripper. If that premise alone doesn’t hook you, Berry’s execution certainly will.
This novel brims with righteous anger, sharp wit, and unapologetically feminist characters who refuse to be silenced. It’s bold, powerful, and unlike anything else in YA historical fiction right now.
✨ If Looks Could Kill is the kind of book I want to press into the hands of every reader who loves mythology, history, and stories where women’s voices are fierce, defiant, and unforgettable.
This novel brims with righteous anger, sharp wit, and unapologetically feminist characters who refuse to be silenced. It’s bold, powerful, and unlike anything else in YA historical fiction right now.
✨ If Looks Could Kill is the kind of book I want to press into the hands of every reader who loves mythology, history, and stories where women’s voices are fierce, defiant, and unforgettable.
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