The League of Dangerous Young Ladies

by J.A. Morgenstein

Enola Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this thrilling YA fantasy adventure from debut author J. A. Morgenstein, perfect for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Philip Pullman.
It's 1909 and Rose Moriarty—teenage daughter of Sherlock Holmes' greatest enemy—has made a name for herself fighting monsters and solving crimes. But that was before Rose met the one mystery she couldn't the disappearance of her headmistress. Now, her school has shut down, her classmates have scattered, and Rose is on her own.
On the very day Rose receives word that an old friend is dying, the shadowy Count Christoph and his ward Clara show up at her door. Rose has already figured out why they're here (to hire her) and what's in their bag (an ancient orb with incredible powers), but questions Can Rose convince these strangers to help save her friend's life? What are the grotesque, bug-shaped stalkers that plague their every step? And how can Rose pursue this adventure while avoiding a particular boy from her childhood? The only thing certain is that Rose is no longer alone, because danger forges strange alliances . . .
. . . and Professor Moriarty wasn't the only famous villain to have a daughter.
Unexpected friendships, supernatural mystery, high-stakes heists, and budding romance billow together in this thrilling fantasy adventure, which introduces a motley crew of daredevil heroines who hunt monsters . . . in all their forms.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure

Audible Audio

First published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Marissa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherlock, Holmes, Dracula, Frankenstein and Tesla? Yes, please!
I love, love, loved this quirky, hilarious adventure.
Can we talk about Clara? She was my favorite character. Her blunt naivety offered humor and sweetness. I also loved Seffy. She played a neat role and enjoyed her shapeshifting abilities.
This is a great book for young readers (or any age reader, really) and spanned a variety of themes including friendship, good v. evil, with very light romance.
The humor especially of the dialogue just really made this an enjoyable read.
I would probably read it again to be honest.
Seriously, please go grab this book if you want to get lost in a hilarious adventure full of spunk and delight!
Thanks to Stonefruit Studio and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[BookishKB]

✨ The League of Dangerous Young Ladies ✨

📘 Bookish Thoughts
I will be posting my full review closer to publication date.

📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026

📝 Thank you to Stonefruit Studio and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU GUYS ARE NOT READY FOR THE LEAGUE OF DANGEROUS YOUNG LADIES! Enola Holmes meets Lockwood & Co in this smart, snappy, and fast-paced adventure series. The TWISTS! The NODS! The text never dumbs anything down for the reader, or tries to explain the references it makes, and respects the reader enough to let them either get it, or figure it out. This is a book I would've been obsessed with as a kid (heck, I'm obsessed with it now), and I can't wait to see where these characters go.

[Courtney H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen gets a feminist makeover in this new YA book from first-time author J.A. Morgenstein.

Rose Moriarty, daughter of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis James Moriarty, leads a pack of exceptional young ladies including scientist Nikki Tesla and Dr. Moreau's daughter Sefina. They team up with Count Dracula and one of Frankenstein's creations to help find a cure for Nikki's irradiated blood, a condition she picked up from her time with Marie Curie.

This book is romance-light, with a flirtation between Count Dracula and Nikki Tesla, and Rose's budding relationship with Dr. Watson's son Jim.

The novel ends with several twists that will leave readers wanting to know what happens in the sequel. There are also hints of other famous daughters that will make an appearance in the next installment. Recommended for readers of YA fantasy or historical fiction.

I received an electronic ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shailaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 14 of 2026:

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected. What do you get when you bring together characters from classic novels, but not exactly in the way you'd expect?


The league of dangerous young ladies, that's who.

The storytelling could be a bit tight in some places and some of it is a bit more tell than show for my liking. But overall, a pretty enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the publisher. The blurb on the back said this was a mix of Enola Holmes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was spot on in my opinion. This was a fun read with lots of literary and historical references. It also had some good twists in the end.

[Hailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐️

I went into this expecting a spunky, action-packed mystery with an entertaining cast of characters. However, instead I got a disjointed story that didn’t try to make anything worthwhile with such a rich premise like the summary promised. From the very first passage, I could tell that the writing was extremely elementary and severely lacked any kind of voice or polished prose.

The characters irritated me in one way or another. Since the narrative is overinflated with them and the pacing is so quick, they hardly feel like fully functional characters. I also think the author forgets who is an antagonist. Rose Moriarty frustrated me with her whininess about her father constantly being hunted by Sherlock Holmes. Is she not aware that her father is a criminal mastermind? And why is the story trying to convince me that Professor Moriarty isn’t a villain?

The whole thing is a mess. It jumps back and forth needlessly. The plot points are delivered to the reader without much grace to really grasp what is going on. By far, the worst part in the book where the reader endured flashback after flashback.

Also goddamnit! Every novel that features Dracula can’t help themselves fisting in an overused, misogynist adaptation that isn’t present in no shape in the original novel. That being, Mina being Dracula’s lover. And even though, this story frames it without conviction, it pisses me off it’s here at all. Beyond that, and other details, the story shows an absence of care or understanding for the many stories he’s taking from.

I should’ve DNF’d this burning train of a novel, but I pushed through purely to be as thorough in my review as possible.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC! This is an utterly charming, humorous, and heartfelt romp with the daughters of some of history’s and literature’s most infamous names. While action-packed with a plot that keeps one guessing, it’s the consistent theme of sisterhood and found family that really makes the work shine.

[M D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC. I didn't feel that this story was giving anything new. Non of the characters are truly likable and therefore one can't fully become invested in them. The plot and mystery was weak and did not keep my attention despite hoping it would give more as it went, but unfortunately it failed to deliver. I also think the teens of today might have a hard time grasping all the nuance references that are too heavily used.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dangerous young ladies. Extraordinary young ladies. Bad-ass young ladies. I’ll let you decide after you finish reading this witty, humorous, amazingly fun read by J. A. Morgenstein.

Let’s start with the cast of characters. At first, you’d think that the daughters of Frankenstein, Professor Moriarty, Professor Moreau, and Nikki Tesla (which I think is a play on the inventor Nikola Tesla) would be out doing villain-type things, but they are actually working together to stop a superpower from falling into an ancient villain’s um…pincher’s?.

Now, let’s get into some of the core details. This book gives me Apprentice to the Villain vibes. However, this is very much a YA novel, so expect teenage emotions to sit right alongside high-stakes conflict. This is told from the prospective of mostly teenagers from multiple points of view, and while that adds variety, it also makes things harder to track at times.

The dialogue is witty, the fight scenes are consistent, and there is even some shape shifting, and love sprinkled throughout. I could easily picture some of these moments playing out like a cartoon detective movie. That said, the multi-narration does not always work in the book’s favor. Scenes move quickly, perspectives shift often, and sometimes the story feels like it is jumping ahead before moments have time to fully land. I also found parts of the book repetitive, especially with Rose, whom I would call the main character. Her struggle with the loss of her headmistress is meaningful, but it circles the same emotional beats often enough that it starts to lose impact and you kinda want her to deal with it or get over it. Still, I appreciated how the author wove in life lessons and highlighted qualities that point toward growth and accountability.

There were several things I really enjoyed. The diversity of the cast of characters is exceptionally well done, even if they were the author’s interpretation. There are bugs, shape shifters, vampires, and monsters which is everything I love about fantasy novels. Even though parts of the storyline feel underdeveloped because of how quickly scenes change, there are plenty of nods that add extra context and depth. Those small details made the reading experience more engaging. The unexpected twists also helped keep the momentum going and made it easy to keep turning the page. Even the cast of characters had me wanting to go back to revisit some old Sherlock Holmes books.

For the author’s first novel, this is a strong start. The book is creative, fast-paced, and clearly setting up something bigger. If you enjoy YA stories with a large cast, sharp dialogue, and a twist on classic villain origins and fantasy, this is one you will want on your to-read list.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

📚 The League of Dangerous Young Ladies by J. A. Morgenstein
Expected publication: June 2, 2026
Publisher: Stonefruit | @sourcebooks

Genre: YA fantasy | Historical fantasy | Mystery
Vibes: monster hunting girls academy, literary Easter eggs, supernatural mystery, found friendships, daring adventure

Imagine if the daughters of literature’s most infamous villains and heroes teamed up to hunt monsters.

That is the chaotic brilliance at the heart of this story.

Rose Moriarty, daughter of the infamous Professor Moriarty, has built a reputation for solving crimes and fighting supernatural threats alongside the elite students at her mysterious girls’ academy.

But everything changes when the school suddenly shuts down after the disappearance of its headmistress.

Now Rose is on her own.

Until strangers appear at her door with a dangerous job.

What makes this adventure so fun:

🕯 A fierce heroine connected to classic literary villains
🗝 Supernatural mysteries and monster hunting adventures
🦇 Unexpected alliances and high stakes missions
📚 Clever nods to classic characters and gothic literature
✨ Found friendships and growing romance

When Count Christoph and his ward Clara arrive carrying an ancient orb with immense power, Rose quickly realizes their mission may be tied to something much bigger than a simple job.

As grotesque creatures stalk their every move and old enemies resurface, Rose must decide whether she can trust new allies… and whether she is ready to face the mistakes from her past.

The story blends mystery, fantasy, and historical adventure with clever references to classic literary worlds like Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, and Frankenstein. It creates a universe where these famous characters and their legacies collide in unexpected ways.

Rose herself is a compelling protagonist. She is brilliant, stubborn, and haunted by past failures, making her journey both adventurous and emotionally engaging.

The pacing is fast, the twists keep coming, and the story respects its readers by letting them piece together clues and literary references without over explaining them.

If you love:

🕯 Gothic inspired fantasy
📚 Literary Easter eggs and classic references
🦇 Monster hunting adventures
✨ Found family friendships

this one is a fantastic YA adventure to add to your list.

💬 Which literary villain would you want to see get their own next generation story?

#LeagueOfDangerousYoungLadies
#YAFantasy
#HistoricalFantasy
#MonsterHunting
#BookstagramReads

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Sherlock Holmes meets monsters, adventure, and fantasy from other tales and myths, mixing with a group of unexpected friends in an entertaining and suspenseful way.

Count Christoph has gotten his hands on the sphere, an object said to grant god-like powers, but it's very unclear how it works. Luckily, his assistant, Clara, knows where to go and leads him to Rose, the daughter of Professor Moriarty. Her cleverness is unparalleled, but she has her own issues as she's in a race to save a former teacher, an amazing genius in the science realm who suffers from an incurable disease. While Rose agrees to help the Count for a favor only he can give, solving the sphere is just the beginning of that task, since dangerous bug-men are determined to have the sphere for themselves and will do anything to get it. But Rose isn't alone, and her friends are nothing to scoff at. But then, the Count and Clara hold more than a few small secrets, too.

This is a fun read with tons of spunk, character quirks, scenes to keep the reader on the edge of their seats, surprises, and even humor. It's historical setting places it around the late 1800's/early 1900's-ish. At least, there is the mention of very rare cars, while carriages still seem to be popular. It flies all over the world as the clues lead the odd group from one unexpected situation to the next. It's impossible to guess what is really going to happen on the mystery end, but then, this entire world is unpredictable. After all, you have the ancestors of Holmes and Moriarty involved, nods toward vampires, Frankenstein, and echoes reminding of The Umbrella Academy. It's fast-paced, brings action, and keeps secrets flowing with every page.

While imagination abounds, the characters bring quite a bit of personality to spice things up even more. Each one shines in their own way, making the group a broad mix in so many respects. This leads to fun interactions and adds unexpected moments as well as ones to smile. But it's not all fun and games as each one also carries a mighty amount of luggage from their past. Some characters have worked through their issues already, while others like Rose have more than a little inner-conflict to still sort out. There are also friendship struggles and trust hurdles between the newly forming friends, which melds between the other moments to add heart and give the reader a second to take a breath before dashing into the next impossible situation.

It's a quick-paced read with plenty of energy and spirit...and it will be a treat to see where another adventure might lead this league of individuals next.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review this ARC. Unfortunately, I did choose to DNF this book at around the 25% mark, trying to give it the fairest chance that I could while getting to know the characters and the world.

I do 100% want to start with the clarification that a part of this choice is that the YA genre spans a vast spectrum, and, for me, this didn’t feel like the right fit age-wise.

There is a huge amount of potential, and for the right reader, I think this could be a really engaging, fun, and charming read. The story essentially follows Moriarty’s daughter on a supernatural mystery adventure. The description highlights the fact that it is a bit of Enola Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which absolutely comes across. There are definitely elements of the writing, in particular very inspired transitions between chapters, that showed a strong instinct for hooks and tone shifts that alone might cause me to pick this up in the future for inspiration.

However, there were a lot of things that pulled me out of the story. There are a lot of exposition dumps and over-explaining. The dialogue and actions do a lot of heavy lifting on their own, only for the narration to restate or label the same emotions or traits. This might be appropriate for a younger audience, but it really pulled me out of the story and really began to blunt the impact of otherwise witty and smart moments.

I don’t actually want to be too critical here, because again, I think the major flaw is that I am just not the audience for this book. Some of the things that bothered me would be very effective at a middle-grade or slightly older level, like the overcompetence and resources of these very young characters. I had a difficult time suspending my belief that a sixteen-year-old has been engaged with supernatural phenomena for at least three years, but I do remember being younger and writing very similar situations myself and feeling like they were completely realistic.

One really fun aspect of this story was the way that literary legacies and historical figures were represented and referenced. I did have some nitpicking here, but as I did not complete the book, I don't want to mislead anyone. (On a positive note, I am shamelessly a little gay for Nikki Tesla).

I’m going to give this three stars because I do believe this would make a great read for a different person, and I do wish I were able to look past some of the things that irked me to continue.

[Dina]

Although I mostly read YA, The League of Dangerous Young Ladies surprised me, both in good and bad ways. Let’s start with the bad: this book reads young, which is a bummer because the book’s premise is promising.

This book focuses on the descendants of iconic book characters, some of whom make an appearance. Mentions of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler aren’t new in a mystery, but in this novel, the appearances don’t overshadow the vibrant main character. That’s a feat on its own.
Meet Rose Moriarty, a young girl navigating the world of a mostly men-run world of detectives. Not only is she a young woman, but she’s also Jim Moriarity’s daughter, a person embroiled in the mysterious death of Sherlock Holmes.

Narratively, the novel is layered. There are several mysteries to solve at a time. You won’t be bored reading The League of Dangerous Young Ladies. Even if the plot slows down in certain places, the fight scenes are energized and lively.

Speaking of fight scenes, I have to mention how emotionally developed the characters are. Rose stood out as a character of her own, rather than the “daughter of Moriarty.” She is met with so much doubt from her client. Rather than lead the investigation independently, she has to promise to work in congruence with her father.

This element of the story is easily my favorite. Rose goes from demanding respect to earning it. It’s lovely to see her journey come full circle. She goes through so much over the course of the book. If I had to choose a favorite, it’d be Seffy. She’s a shape shifter. I like how big and imposing she is. Plus, her transformations are always descriptive.

Even though there’s some goofy humor and shenanigans that a younger audience would probably like, I found this novel emotionally rich. Grief is a prevalent theme in the books, and it is done marvelously. I found myself missing Hina along with Rose, which is a testament to the author’s writing.

There was some technology and fantasy throughout the story, which I enjoyed as well. It’s not fully steampunk, but it is a good spot for those entering into that genre. Overall, I’d recommend this book to a middle-grade audience. It would be a bit challenging, but the story is addictive enough to get a young reader’s attention.

[nao · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

4.5

This book single-handedly got me out of a reading slump!!

All of my favorite elements were packed into this novel, and I loved every single second of it. Featuring the children of the iconic characters I grew up reading, from Rose Moriarty to Clara Frankenstein, it was like paying homage to our beloved childhood classics.

I grew to love every character in this book, and while they were all very intelligent and talented (and exceptional), it didn’t feel too haughty in a way like they were a bunch of Mary Sues; they have their flaws and their fears, which made them all the more human. The sisterhood in this was immaculate, wherein the relationship dynamics of each one of the girls was so natural, depicting what female friendships are really like. Adding in the mystery and adventure kept me at the edge of my seat while also trying to piece together what the resolution would be by the end.

Being thrown into the world of monsters and flying bugs reminded me so much of my favorite middle grade series ‘Lockwood & Co.,’ and this book gave a more female spin to it.

Overall, I loved this book with all my heart, and I will be looking forward to the next one.

Do I recommend this book?

Yes. I would tell all my friends to read this one!! Even though I am in college and probably too grown to be reading middle grade books, this debut was such a solid introduction to Rose Moriarty’s world, keeping me entertained and attached to their group.

*Possible Spoilers Onward*

P.S. I removed a 0.5 because the ending was a bit disappointing and somehow didn’t leave enough room to breathe after all the revelations, as the last chapter or epilogue immediately hinted at a sequel. I had a hunch on what would actually happen because my pattern recognition from reading all those Agatha Christie mysteries and Sherlock Holmes books led me to expect such a twist, but I was kind of bummed out that it DID happen because I saw the potential with Christoph and Nikki, and yeah, now I am heartbroken. I guess feminism (affectionate) won this time :>

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and Stonefruit Studio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[bookishbunna]

"You're smart enough to know that you can't turn back time. You can only move forward. But if you want us to have adventures, we can have new ones. If you want us to have a family again, we can make a new one." — Seffy Moreau

After the mysterious and abrupt disappearance of their headmistress, the remaining members of the League of Exceptional Young Ladies have been left scattered to the wind. Rose Moriarty — teenage daughter of Sherlock Holmes' greatest enemy — stews in both her guilt and inability to find her, until she hears word of their last teacher’s impending demise. But Rose refuses to lose another important friend without putting up a fight.

Teaming up with the other daughters of famous villains, the son of Dr. Watson slash her handsome childhood friend, plus the charming vampire Count who had randomly showed up on her doorstep with a mysterious artefact, Rose must go on another adventure to outsmart a god, find a cure, and finally solve the troubles of her own heart.

⬦ Smart FMC & Classics-Inspired Cast
⬦ Found Family & Witty Banter
⬦ High Stakes & Plot Twists
⬦ Light Romance & Multi-POV
⬦ (Satisfying!!) Cliffhanger Ending

This was seriously such a fun read!!! I am in LOVE with the worldbuilding, monster hunting heroines and all the little nods to classic literature, like W. W. Jacob's The Monkey's Paw! 😍 Every character in the main cast was related to an iconic character like Professor Moriarty, Dr. Moreau, and Frankenstein; and they all had so much personality and attitude too! The "daughter" or creation of Frankenstein had to be my favourite, her blunt nature and many non sequiturs were just so hilarious 😆 I also loved the relationships between all the girls and how they evidently cared so much for one another, including the missing headmistress Hina who haunted the entire narrative.

The switches in POV were both numerous yet seamless, while the plot twists kept on coming. Seriously, I was surprised by the amount of plot twists I was blindsided by! I’m usually pretty good at guessing them ahead of time! But everything tied up very nicely, even though it ended with a cliffhanger 👀 I absolutely cannot wait to read the next instalment and see the full League of Exceptional Young Ladies get together again!!

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The League of Dangerous Young Ladies by J.A. Morgenstein

Rating: 5 Stars

I don’t hand out 5-star ratings lightly, but The League of Dangerous Young Ladies absolutely earned every single one. From the moment I picked it up, I was hooked by its perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, and adventure—think Enola Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, set in the early 1900s.

The story follows Rose Moriarty, who isn’t just any teenager—she’s the daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ most notorious adversary. Rose has built a reputation as a fearless monster hunter and crime solver, but everything changes when her headmistress goes missing. Her school closes, her friends scatter, and suddenly Rose is left to navigate danger on her own.

Just when things couldn’t get more intense, two mysterious visitors arrive at Rose’s door: Count Christoph and his ward Clara. They bring with them an ancient orb with incredible powers, and they need Rose’s help. From that point on, the book races through a high-stakes quest filled with creepy bug-like stalkers, unexpected alliances, and a dash of romance. Along the way, Rose has to confront old ghosts—and avoid some familiar faces from her past.

What I really loved about this book was its cast of daring young women who aren’t afraid to face monsters, both literal and figurative. The mix of supernatural thrills and clever detective work kept me turning pages well into the night. Plus, the cover itself is gorgeous and perfectly captures the adventurous spirit inside.

Overall, this debut novel was a total joyride—smart, exciting, and full of heart. I can’t wait to see what J.A. Morgenstein comes up with next! If you’re a fan of imaginative YA fantasy with strong heroines and plenty of twists, this one’s definitely for you.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some girls inherit pearls. Rose Moriarty inherited a villain’s last name and a talent for finding trouble.

J.A. Morgenstein’s The League of Dangerous Young Ladies is a wildly fun YA fantasy adventure with mystery, monsters, literary chaos, and just enough “wait… did that really happen?” energy to keep me flipping pages. Published by Stonefruit Studio/Sourcebooks, thank you to the publisher for the gifted book.

Set in 1909, this story follows Rose Moriarty, daughter of Professor Moriarty, as she tries to untangle the disappearance of her headmistress, save an old friend, and survive a case involving Count Christoph, Clara, a mysterious ancient orb, and some very unpleasant bug-shaped stalkers. Casual Tuesday, apparently.

What I loved most was the cast. Rose is sharp, stubborn, and carrying more guilt than she wants to admit. Clara brought such a strange, funny sweetness to the story, and Seffy was easily one of my favorites. The found-family pieces worked really well for me, especially because these girls are messy, brilliant, loyal, and not always great at saying the right thing. Honestly, same.

This has major Enola Holmes meets Buffy energy, with Sherlock, Dracula, Frankenstein, Tesla, and gothic-literary Easter eggs sprinkled everywhere. Some parts moved fast, and occasionally I wanted a little more breathing room, but the adventure itself was clever, playful, and full of personality.

“You can only move forward.”

That line really fits Rose’s journey. She can’t undo what happened, but she can choose who she becomes next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’d give this one 4 stars. It’s perfect for readers who love YA fantasy, historical mystery, monster hunting, found family, light romance, and classic characters being reimagined with a fresh twist.

Would you join a league of dangerous young ladies, or would you wisely stay home with snacks and let the monster hunters handle it?

[charniedoveisreading_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a early copy of the novel.

'The League of Dangerous Young Ladies' is the perfect YA, supernatural, mystery novel, that pulls influence from some of the most popular characters in classic literature. The idea that Moriarty, Frankenstein and Tesla have daughters that are as brilliant as they are, and as prone to misadventure made for an overall really interesting read.

We follow Rose Moriarty as she is recruited to help solve a mystery for a strange gentleman and his young assistant, with the caveat that Rose is supposedly acting only as a correspondent between Count Christoph and her father. However, this is not the case and what ensues is a winding tale that includes finding her missing teacher, curing her other teacher, healing her various relationships and solving the problem that is presented to her by the Count.

The most succesful part of the novel for me are the characters that the author was able to create. Each young girl is so unique created, despite all of them meeting the criteria of being extraordinary, that i think many young readers will be able to find familiarity with some aspect of a character.
What was a bit of a struggle for me, was how convoluted the plot of the novel could be at times. I understand the need to provide the reader with background, especially as there are so many ties to other literary characters, and there are probably storylines of future books being hinted at in this novel, but it did have the effect that, at times, i was left wondering what the point was of all the extended side plots.

[Lady Bocwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Read as an electronic release from NetGalley] Do you want adventure? Do you want multiple strong female protagonists? Do you want a fast-paced read? Do you want a clean read that you could give readers anywhere from 12 years old to not yet dead? Then this is the book for you. And while you don’t have to know your Victorian era villains (and heroes), this book has so many fantastic Easter eggs for those who do. A long the lines of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Morgenstein’s The League of Dangerous Young Ladies is a mashup of the some of the progeny of some of literature’s greatest villains and heroes, as well as twists on actual historical people. I did feel that the grand climax of the story was a bit emotionally flat, there were so many good rises and falls throughout the book that I was expecting more. It was almost as if Morgenstein was so into the story that he failed to realize that he actually needed to wrap it up and then did so as quickly as possible. Will I recommend this title? Yes, it works for so many ages and fans of so many genres. It’s great for fans of classics (so many classic characters are mentioned), historical fiction (it takes place in the early 1900s), adventure (all the action), sci-fi (did someone mention a lightning gun?), and it has clean language with just a hint of “first crush” romance to satisfy conservative readers and those who want just a bit of love to lighten the mood. While this title is being marketed to teens, and rightly so, it could be read by older tweens to adults. I am looking forward to the next one. 4/5 stars – This is good! I will probably read it again and may buy the series. I definitely recommend this title.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

The League of Dangerous Young Ladies was such a fun read, with numerous twists and a cliffhanger worthy of a sequel. While I had read the synopsis, I was pleasantly surprised each time a new character was introduced and/or revealed— the connections to 19th century literature made them quite interesting. Though the story did drag a bit at times (the action scenes were truly its strength) and the conflict itself became unnecessarily convoluted and less impactful than I expected, the characterization and writing style still made Morgenstein’s work feel fresh and engaging. Truly, this novel not only deserves a series, but a TV or film adaptation too.

I particularly enjoyed the elements of the supernatural that were woven into the story’s middle. They allowed for a deeper exploration of the novel’s characters’ backstories, though I hoped that Morgenstein would have explained a few more of them. That said, like some other reviewers mentioned, it seemed as though too much of the novel relied upon events that had already taken place outside of the boundaries of this novel. In choosing to approach it as such, Morgenstein spent a significant amount of time explaining everything, which impacted the flow of the story.

Regardless of mood, desired genre, and age, The League of Dangerous Young Ladies likely will appeal to every reader. I recommend it to those who are fans of adaptations that expand upon the world of classic literature.

Thank you to Stonefruit Studio, Sourcebooks, and NetGalley for the privilege to read this ARC!

[Siobhan MW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5/5

Pros:
• This was a fun adventure with a witty cast of characters. The dynamics between the characters were interesting and entertaining, with my favourite character being Clara. The idea of an immortal being a young girl is fascinating and now I want to read more of it. I enjoyed the concept of lady-supernatural-crime-fighters, and how it played out.

Cons:
• There was a certain character that was supposed to be 'evil' and had a comeuppance at the end of the book, but I just found this scene confusing. This character wasn't really shown to be evil until the switch up after being called out. I think this character could've been developed more because they did feel like the least developed character in the book.
• The romances were my least favourite part of the book. I wasn't particularly attached to the love interests, and didn't feel any romantic chemistry between the characters.
• While the characters were well written, I personally didn't develop a strong connection with them. I believe this is just a case of the book not being for me. It felt a little on the younger side of YA, which while isn't bad, isn't my thing anymore. I would've enjoyed this a great deal more when I was younger.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the early 1900s, few women were regarded as capable of being scientists or detectives. However, thanks to the existence of the League of Exceptional Young Ladies, young women had the ability to hone their skills and help solve mysteries of their own. It has been a year since her mentor Hina went missing, and Rose is determined to find her alive. So, when a mysterious Count hires Rose to help recover an important artifact, this may be the opportunity Rose needs to rediscover her place in the world. This humorous and adventure-filled story imagines a world in which Dracula is real, aliens have found their way to Earth, and a handful of intrepid young women are the only hope anyone has of a positive resolution. Told from multiple points of view, the narrative blends together several adjacent storylines and, much like a film, invites readers into each one. Light romance is woven into the story, which adds a layer of intrigue on top of the otherwise action-forward plot. Interestingly, the novel makes reference to previous events with some frequency, which suggests a prequel which does not yet exist. While this is intriguing, it can also be confounding for readers who may feel as though something is missing. Nevertheless, this book is entertaining, lighthearted, and enjoyable, and it is a fun addition to period mystery novel collections for mature young adult readers and up.

[caffeinated_reads3 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the YA female cast of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. All the key players and characters are the offspring of all the major late Victorian fictional characters: Sherlock, Watson, Moriarty, Adler, Frankenstein, Tesla. Sherlock and Watson are honorable mentions. But the main focus is on the daughters of the villains. The main character who brings the plot along is Rose, the daughter of Moriarty, who is on the hunt for an ancient relic that could provide ultimate power. The problem is, there is an evil creature that is also after said relic. Cue the adventure.

This is a very YA story, with LGTBQ representation. There is mystery, crime and murder wrapped up into this adventurous pursuit. I do not think that it is fair to compare this it Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but a supernatural Enola Holmes for sure. The evil final boss and creature henchmen really threw me off the plot at times. I think it would have been fine without that element and just focus on the evils of man kind, werewolves, witches and vampires. Not sure that this is a story I would continue to read.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks | Stonefruit Studio for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be said that this concept has been done before (and also better, plot-wise), but this was just so funny that I found myself enjoying it anyway.

These “kitchen sink of iconic characters” books always sound like a good idea and often aren’t, though I think authors have had better luck with this particular set of characters than most, as they lend themselves well to reimaginings.

If there’s a flaw in this book in that respect, it’s that there are too many of of them tossed in, and and the descendants of iconic characters we meet here are somewhat inexplicably mixed up with the descendants of real people.

As mentioned, I would have preferred something a lot more original (this is very reminiscent of Theodora Goss’ iconic trilogy), but it’s still a good story, and I always enjoy books that successfully interpolate Holmesean content and classic monsters.

The way the iconic characters are used here is notably clever, and as mentioned, it’s exceptionally funny. And that alone makes this more than worth a read.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Mrs. G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Moriarty, is a part of an elite girls school who fight crime and solve mysteries of the otherworldly kind. Set years after a tragic accident, some of the girls reunite to solve a case with Dracula himself. Rose is haunted by her past as she tries to move into the present by reviving old friendships. Will Rose be able to right her wrongs, or will she continue to push everyone away?

Fans of both newer stories such as Enola Holmes and The Sinclair Mysteries or classics such as Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein and Dracula will enjoy this modern take on James Moriarty's heir. There are many twists and turns that build the storyline and connect some our most loved fictional characters.

This was an engaging read that I finished in less than 24 hours. I enjoyed unearthing who all of the girls were related to and finding out pieces of their backstories. The writing is perfect for YA readers but engaging enough for even more advanced readers.

**NetGalley Advanced Reader Review**

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sourcebooks Library/Stonefruit Studiio for a copy of the ARC.

4.5 ⭐️

she's the daughter of sherlock holmes' greatest enemy. she became a hero anyway. 🕵️‍♀️🖤

rose moriarty.
teenage monster fighter. crime solver. moriarty's daughter.
yes THAT moriarty. 😈

she built her reputation from scratch.
in spite of her name. maybe because of it. 💪
and then her headmistress vanished.
and rose — who solves everything —
couldn't solve this one. 😶
school: shut down. 🏫❌
classmates: scattered. 👋
rose: completely on her own.
then the worst day gets worse:
an old friend is dying. 💔
AND a shadowy count named christoph shows up at her door
with a ward named clara
and a bag containing an ancient orb of incredible power. 🔮
rose already knows why they're there before they say a word.
(she's a moriarty. obviously.) 😏
but the questions keep stacking:
can she convince these strangers to help save her friend? 🤝
what ARE the grotesque bug-shaped creatures stalking their every move? 🪲😳
and how does she pursue all of this
while avoiding a certain boy from her childhood? 👀🙈
oh and one more thing —
professor moriarty wasn't the only famous villain to have a daughter. 😳🖤
historical monster-hunting mystery with legacy villain energy and a girl who rewrote her own story?
we are absolutely not okay. 📚🔥

I loved this story. A mix of horror, mystery and fantasy and the cast of characters? Chef's Kiss. The children of mystery and horror figures: Moriarty, Watson, Moreau, Frankenstein and more, are on an adventure, trying to solve the mystery of who wants to kill Dracula, what happened to their teacher Hina and more. I cannot wait for the sequel!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Sourcebooks | Stonefruit Studio through NetGalley.
Readers meet Rose Moriarty, daughter of that Moriarty. Together with three other literary daughters, they solved mysteries involving different beings. However, a tragic event occurred before the book began that colors the entire story. One of their teachers has disappeared and is presumed dead; one is dying. Rose and her friend Seffy reconnect to solve an intriguing case and save their teacher, Nikki. The entire tone is light with more intense moments as characters reveal and relive darker moments in their lives. Some romantic overtones drift through the story but one connection feels more like a cat and mouse side trip. These characters journey to several countries in search of answers to heal their teacher and solve a case. New friends join them and add to the tension and danger. Love the ending as it offers a huge hint at the next book to come.
Morgenstein writes for mid-teens and challenges them to dive into literature to learn the backstories for her characters fathers.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading a Young Adult book and I can definitely see the appeal compared to my usual horror and thriller reads. The League of Dangerous Young Ladies proves that a great story doesn't need trigger warnings, graphic content or shock value to keep readers engaged. Instead, this book delivers a fast-paced fantasy adventure filled with action (those wild monster bug fights!), humour, an entertaining wide cast of characters (including Dracula and the daughter of Frankenstein!) and even a little romance. The writing is simple and easy to get into, making it effortless to become invested in the story. It was a quick, fun read and I never found myself losing interest at any point. The story has all the makings of a successful ongoing series, and I could easily see it being adapted into a TV show.

Thank you again to J. A. Morgenstein and Stonefruit Studio for gifting me a copy. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. After that ending, I'm already hoping there's a sequel in the works!

[Percy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you author and Netgalley for the ARC

Enola Holmes meets Lockwood & Co (GUYS I LOVE LOCKWOOD & CO AND HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING SIMILAR 😭 FIIIIINALLLYYY)

🩷 I loved the characters they brought in. I love the light romance plots, nothing too heavy and super focused on romance. Adored the historical references. I absolutely love that they let me figure stuff out. I can follow along and act as if I am also there with the characters for all the twists!

🩷 I did notice the story was a bit more on the tell than the showing side and that peeves me. I love it when they give me descriptions to really show emotion, or events, etc. That's honestly it.

🩷 I would totally recommend this for any YA (or adult) readers who love historical romance that brings in all the classics with a twist. If you enjoyed Lockwood & Co. and want something close (even if its not super close), this is a fun read! I rarely find things too similar but this is close enough.