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If Looks Could Kill
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 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.
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 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.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2025
155 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
December 29, 2025
Glorious. Greek mythology. Jack the Ripper. 1880's New York. Romance. Violence. Magic.
And justice for women who have been used and abused and seen as toys to be picked up and thrown away by men.
And justice for women who have been used and abused and seen as toys to be picked up and thrown away by men.
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.
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
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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.
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?!?!?
June 20, 2025
Jack the Ripper + Salvation Army “Hallelujah Girls” + Medusa + righteous anger = a smart and original story from master Julie Berry.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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
February 8, 2026
4.1- it was slow but good
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.
January 18, 2026
Julie Berry did it AGAIN by creating a fabulous world with characters that have really good depth. I was blown away by the historical background that was done and how Berry really helped create sympathy for the victims of Jack the Ripper. I was a bit unsure how the two different story lines were going to merge and once they merged around 35% of the way in the book I was hooked. This book is a bit grittier- and I would recommend for older teens or upper YA. The blended mythology with Medusa was really well done!
A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this ARC!
A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for this ARC!
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.
Read
February 15, 2026This 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.
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.***
January 7, 2026
5/5✨
I don’t even know where to start with this book. Julie Berry sure knows how to cook up a unique premise. I have a superiority complex bc I read Lovely War years ago and now it’s gaining popularity but now I need everyone to be talking about If Looks Could Kill.
Jack the Ripper, the Salvation Army, AND Medusa?? I was hooked from the beginning. I laughed out loud several times; I swooned over descriptions of Mike the Irish bartender and ate up every crumb of their romantic subplot; my heart ached for pearl and every girl in the Bowery; I learned so much about the Salvation Army and its origins. The sisterhood aspect was also beautiful. ALSO this isn’t a Christian book but it had one of the most meaningful spiritual plot lines I’ve ever encountered. Like I was actually questioning if it was Christian fiction or not bc Tabitha’s faith was written so beautifully.
I can’t form coherent thoughts abt it rn but highly, highly recommend😭💔
I don’t even know where to start with this book. Julie Berry sure knows how to cook up a unique premise. I have a superiority complex bc I read Lovely War years ago and now it’s gaining popularity but now I need everyone to be talking about If Looks Could Kill.
Jack the Ripper, the Salvation Army, AND Medusa?? I was hooked from the beginning. I laughed out loud several times; I swooned over descriptions of Mike the Irish bartender and ate up every crumb of their romantic subplot; my heart ached for pearl and every girl in the Bowery; I learned so much about the Salvation Army and its origins. The sisterhood aspect was also beautiful. ALSO this isn’t a Christian book but it had one of the most meaningful spiritual plot lines I’ve ever encountered. Like I was actually questioning if it was Christian fiction or not bc Tabitha’s faith was written so beautifully.
I can’t form coherent thoughts abt it rn but highly, highly recommend😭💔
January 26, 2026
Seeing this book, I was very excited to start in this. I love British history and adding in the Greek mythology angle should have made for the perfect combination. However, I can't help but feel a little disappointed.
The Jack the Ripper plot was well-researched and I loved the author's take on it, including the spin of reading from Jack's perspective and hearing his reasoning behind his actions. Our two main female characters are also lovable and make for strong women, which I always like to read about. However, it took almost half of the book for these characters to intertwine and for me, as reader, to understand why we were reading about these two young Salvation Army girls.
I feel like the author didn't reach the full potential of the story, which is a pity, since I do think the Medusa aspect is very interesting, especially when connecting it to these old murder cases.
The Jack the Ripper plot was well-researched and I loved the author's take on it, including the spin of reading from Jack's perspective and hearing his reasoning behind his actions. Our two main female characters are also lovable and make for strong women, which I always like to read about. However, it took almost half of the book for these characters to intertwine and for me, as reader, to understand why we were reading about these two young Salvation Army girls.
I feel like the author didn't reach the full potential of the story, which is a pity, since I do think the Medusa aspect is very interesting, especially when connecting it to these old murder cases.
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.
January 19, 2026
I went into this book with high expectations because I’ve read Lovely War by the same author. If Looks Could Kill wasn’t bad, it was just very slow moving for the entirety of the book. When action would pick up, it died down fast and went right back to people just talking while walking around New York. I was disappointed in it, especially since Lovely War is so good. And it was kind of gruesome with Jack the Ripper, though it wasn’t about him enough, if I’m being honest.
This book wasn’t terrible, there were some good parts, but I was bored most of the time.
This book wasn’t terrible, there were some good parts, but I was bored most of the time.
January 16, 2026
the story took forever to actually "take off". I feel the first 250 pages were slow. but then the story starts taking off and ends wonderfully.
December 17, 2025
Julie Berry is one of my favorite YA authors! Her books are unique, well-written & entertaining--and this story is no exception.
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.
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