The Lost Girl of Astor Street

by Stephanie Morrill

Overview

When her best friend vanishes without so much as a good-bye, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail takes on the role of amateur sleuth in an attempt to solve the mystery of Lydia’s disappearance. Given that Piper’s tendency has always been to butt heads with high-society’s expectations of her, it’s no surprise that she doesn’t give a second thought to searching for answers to Lydia’s abduction from their privileged neighborhood.

As Piper discovers that those answers might stem from the corruption strangling 1924 Chicago—and quite possibly lead back to the doors of her affluent neighborhood—she must decide how deep she’s willing to dig, how much she should reveal, and if she’s willing to risk her life of privilege for the sake of the truth.

Perfect for fans of Libba Bray and Anna Godbersen, Stephanie Morrill’s atmospheric jazz-age mystery will take readers from the glitzy homes of the elite to the dark underbelly of 1920s Chicago.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310758389
Publisher:	Blink
Publication date:	02/07/2017
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 7.80(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Stephanie Morrill lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with her husband and three kids. She is the author of The Lost Girl of Astor Street, The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series, Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Published Book, and the Ellie Sweet series. She enjoys encouraging and teaching teen writers on her blog, Go Teen Writers.com. To connect with Stephanie and read samples of her books, check out Stephanie Morrill.com.

Editorial Reviews

11/21/2016
Chicago, 1924. With Prohibition in full swing, the city is full of mobsters, illegal gin joints, cops on the take, and professionals who benefit from criminal activity. Piper Sail, 18, has a privileged life on Astor Street in Chicago’s tony Gold Coast neighborhood, but when her best friend Lydia is kidnapped, Piper—who has always been considered a bad influence by her teachers and peers due to her independent and often reckless behavior—takes it upon herself to solve the crime. She teams up with detective Mariano Cassano to find out what happened to Lydia, uncovering unsavory information about her neighbors, her new crush (the detective), and even her own family. Morrill (the Ellie Sweet series) crafts a well-plotted mystery novel with plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings. Piper’s determination and attitude make her an engaging protagonist, though her mix of naiveté and nerve can make her character seem inconsistent. Though this is an entertaining mystery, one doesn’t feel especially connected to the time and place in which it is set. Ages 13–up. Agent: Sandra Bishop, Transatlantic Literary. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

Witty and compelling, The Girl of Astor Street is as thick with romance as it is with evolving mysteries. Piper Sail is a 1920s heroine to root for … A truly fresh and engaging story that not only kept me guessing until the very end, but that left me with a satisfied sigh for more please!”
Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart

award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart Joanne Bischof

Thoroughly engaging. Fast paced, filled with vivid details, and featuring a delightful heroine, it was a joy to read. It’s a keeper, for sure.”
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

Combining the fascinating setting of the Roaring Twenties with a smart, savvy heroine, Morrill has hit the perfect note with this captivating story.”
RT Reviews, 4 Stars

Romantic Times

An engrossing mystery that takes readers into the jazz clubs, illicit speakeasies, and gangster neighborhoods of 1920s Chicago in a search for a missing girl. The intrigue, romance, and glamorous Roaring Twenties setting will draw readers in.”
Jill Williamson, award-winning author of By Darkness Hid and Captives

award-winning author of By Darkness Hid and Captiv Jill Williamson

A vivid picture of 1920s Chicago with strong, relatable characters and their intriguing relationships. You won’t be able to stop wondering what will happen next as the clever heroine works to solve the mystery of The Lost Girl of Astor Street.”
Melanie Dickerson, author of The Golden Braid and The Beautiful Pretender

author of The Golden Braid and The Beautiful Prete Melanie Dickerson

Spunky Piper Sail is more interested in investigating her best friend’s death than in society’s expectations for a young woman in 1924. She’s curious, intelligent and gutsy … Reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series in all the best ways!”
Maureen Doyle Mc Querry, award-winning author of The Peculiars and the Time Out of Time duet: The Telling Stone and Beyond the Door

award-winning author of The Peculiars and the Time Maureen Doyle Mc Querry

The Lost Girl of Astor Street boasts a strong, smart, and courageous heroine, a note-perfect Jazz-Age Chicago setting, and a terrifically engaging plot that kept me reading into the middle of the night.”
Jennifer Robson, international bestselling author of Moonlight Over Paris

international bestselling author of Moonlight Over Jennifer Robson

Morrill invites us on a wild ride through teen eyes down the crime-ridden, mob-infested streets of Chicago in the 1920s. Laden with mystery and laced with romance, this intriguing, who-done-it read is a testament to friendship, courage and first love that you won’t soon forget!”
Betsy St. Amant, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes and Love Arrives in Pieces

author of All’s Fair in Love & Cupcakes and Betsy St. Amant

Piper Sail is a character I’d follow to the ends of the earth—she had me from the very first page. With its smart, savvy heroine and moody Jazz-Age setting, Stephanie Morrill has penned a winner from start to finish.”
Bestselling author Hillary Manton Lodge

Bestselling author Hillary Manton Lodge

A historical mystery full of heart and brimming with the vibrant atmosphere of 1920s Chicago. The moment I finished I was ready to flip it over and begin again.”
Shannon Dittemore, author of the Angel Eyes trilogy

author of the Angel Eyes trilogy Shannon Dittemore

A fast-paced mystery that sparkles with the sights and sounds of 1920s Chicago. The strong characters and setting drew me in, and the twists and turns kept me hooked until the end.”
Renee Collins, author of Until We Meet Again

author of Until We Meet Again Renee Collins

Step back to a more glamorous time with the captivating story of Piper Sail, a sassy young woman with a penchant for finding trouble. As a mystery unfolds, you’ll be turning the pages and cheering on a heroine you won’t forget.”
Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Can’t Let You Go and the Katie Parker Production series

award-winning author of Can’t Let You Go and Jenny B. Jones

Downton Abbey in downtown Chicago—a must read!”
Allison Rushby, author of The Heiresses

author of The Heiresses Allison Rushby

A story that has it all—mystery, the mafia, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. If Veronica Mars met the Roaring Twenties, you’d end up with The Lost Girl of Astor Street!”
Roseanna M. White, author of The Lost Heiress

author of The Lost Heiress Roseanna M. White

In The Lost Girl of Astor Street, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail’s best friend, Lydia, goes missing. Piper is determined to find out what happened to her friend. Piper has a number of suspects; was it the chauffeur on whom Lydia had a crush? Or how about the creepy father of the little boy she was the nanny for? Could it have been Lydia’s own father who didn’t want the secret of her epilepsy to get out and ruin his practice? And let’s not forget that 1924 Chicago is run by the opposing mafias, Irish and Italian, whom Piper’s father represents as a criminal defense attorney. Was Lydia even the original target? Piper is going to solve this case and bring justice for her friend, no matter what the cost. (5 star review by Christina Boswell)

On the back cover of this book, one author says, “If Veronica Mars met the Roaring Twenties, you’d end up with The Lost Girl of Astor Street.” I cannot think of a more accurate description. Piper is very similar to Veronica Mars, who happens to be one of my favorites, so I very much enjoyed this book. Piper is easy to connect with as a young woman who can’t just sit around and do nothing while her best friend is missing, and she struggles to conform to society’s ideals. Ms. Morrill did a wonderful job of making great characters, of thoroughly researching the setting, and of still writing a worthwhile mystery. I personally loved that there was nothing inappropriate, no foul language, and no sex scenes. Just a good old-fashioned mystery that is a fun read. If you like Veronica Mars, you will enjoy this book, just like I did.

Seattle Book Review

Spunky Piper Sail is more interested in investigating her best friend’s death than in society’s expectations for a young woman in 1924. She’s curious, intelligent and gutsy … Reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series in all the best ways!”
Maureen Doyle McQuerry, award-winning author of The Peculiars and the Time Out of Time duet: The Telling Stone and Beyond the Door

award-winning author of The Peculiars and the Time Maureen Doyle McQuerry

12/01/2016
Gr 7 Up—Eighteen-year-old Piper Sail, daughter of a well-to-do 1920s Chicago mobster attorney, isn't an average society girl, like her best friend, Lydia, who is always the perfect lady. Piper is surprised and concerned when Lydia shares her plans to proclaim her love for her quiet and mysterious family chauffeur, Matthew, and she grows even more concerned after Lydia disappears. Consumed with grief over the loss of her best friend, Piper vows to solve the mystery of her disappearance, even if it means resorting to some unconventional and risky investigative methods. Piper has never been one to swoon over boys, but she nonetheless finds herself falling for Det. Mariano Cassano as she searches for clues. As Piper matures and begins to understand her father's profession, she questions her judgment and the character of the handsome detective because of his family's relationship to her father. This coming-of-age tale describes the struggles of a child growing up without a mother to reinforce the behavior so expected of women at the time. It's also the story of a young woman experiencing loss and first love and learning to accept circumstances and people for what and who they really are. Morrill successfully captures the dark side of 1920s Chicago and the mobster mentality. Strong supportive characters add depth to the novel, and the author keeps readers guessing on multiple fronts. VERDICT An enjoyable yet sobering mystery with a surprising twist for inquisitive readers.—Susan Harris, Ridgeway High School, TN

School Library Journal

2016-11-23
A debutante eschews convention to investigate the suspicious disappearance of her best friend.With her bobbed hair and plucky attitude, Piper Sail pushes boundaries, but she isn't quite a flapper. Living in 1920s Chicago with her brother and father—a powerful and wealthy attorney—the white teen has enjoyed a life of privilege alongside her best friend, Lydia LeVine, also white and the daughter of an affluent doctor. Lydia suffers from devastating seizures, which her father dismisses until they occur publicly. When Lydia suddenly disappears, Piper, unable to quietly sit by with her hands folded, launches her own investigation. Soon the spirited ingénue finds herself entrenched in a dark web of secrets, speak-easies, and Mafiosi, and everyone—from Lydia's family to their hired help (including a black housekeeper with distressingly stereotyped speech patterns) to Lydia's employer—seems like a prime suspect. Aided by a handsome young detective, Piper plunges herself further into the case, going undercover in an effort to bring Lydia justice, which leads Piper to face some hard truths about her society life. After a somewhat slow and stiff start, readers will be rewarded for their patience as tensions grow and red herrings abound. Morrill has a keen eye for historical details and setting, making Jazz Age Chicago Piper's invisible yet omnipresent sidekick. Here's hoping this won't be the last case for this strong and admirable female sleuth to solve. A mostly well-crafted historical whodunit. (Historical mystery. 12-16)

Kirkus Reviews

Piper Sail is a character I’d follow to the ends of the earth—she had me from the very first page. With its smart, savvy heroine and moody Jazz-Age setting, Stephanie Morrill has penned a winner from start to finish.”
Bestselling author Hillary Manton Lodge

Hillary Manton Lodge

Downton Abbey in downtown Chicago—a must read!”
Allison Rushby, author of The Heiresses

Allison Rushby

Morrill invites us on a wild ride through teen eyes down the crime-ridden, mob-infested streets of Chicago in the 1920s. Laden with mystery and laced with romance, this intriguing, who-done-it read is a testament to friendship, courage and first love that you won’t soon forget!”
Betsy St. Amant, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes and Love Arrives in Pieces

Betsy St. Amant

Spunky Piper Sail is more interested in investigating her best friend’s death than in society’s expectations for a young woman in 1924. She’s curious, intelligent and gutsy … Reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series in all the best ways!”
Maureen Doyle Mc Querry, award-winning author of The Peculiars and the Time Out of Time duet: The Telling Stone and Beyond the Door

Maureen Doyle Mc Querry

Thoroughly engaging. Fast paced, filled with vivid details, and featuring a delightful heroine, it was a joy to read. It’s a keeper, for sure.”
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray

Witty and compelling, The Girl of Astor Street is as thick with romance as it is with evolving mysteries. Piper Sail is a 1920s heroine to root for … A truly fresh and engaging story that not only kept me guessing until the very end, but that left me with a satisfied sigh for more please!”
Joanne Bischof, award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart

Joanne Bischof

Step back to a more glamorous time with the captivating story of Piper Sail, a sassy young woman with a penchant for finding trouble. As a mystery unfolds, you’ll be turning the pages and cheering on a heroine you won’t forget.”
Jenny B. Jones, award-winning author of Can’t Let You Go and the Katie Parker Production series

Jenny B. Jones

A vivid picture of 1920s Chicago with strong, relatable characters and their intriguing relationships. You won’t be able to stop wondering what will happen next as the clever heroine works to solve the mystery of The Lost Girl of Astor Street.”
Melanie Dickerson, author of The Golden Braid and The Beautiful Pretender

Melanie Dickerson

A fast-paced mystery that sparkles with the sights and sounds of 1920s Chicago. The strong characters and setting drew me in, and the twists and turns kept me hooked until the end.”
Renee Collins, author of Until We Meet Again

Renee Collins

An engrossing mystery that takes readers into the jazz clubs, illicit speakeasies, and gangster neighborhoods of 1920s Chicago in a search for a missing girl. The intrigue, romance, and glamorous Roaring Twenties setting will draw readers in.”
Jill Williamson, award-winning author of By Darkness Hid and Captives

Jill Williamson

A historical mystery full of heart and brimming with the vibrant atmosphere of 1920s Chicago. The moment I finished I was ready to flip it over and begin again.”
Shannon Dittemore, author of the Angel Eyes trilogy

Shannon Dittemore

The Lost Girl of Astor Street boasts a strong, smart, and courageous heroine, a note-perfect Jazz-Age Chicago setting, and a terrifically engaging plot that kept me reading into the middle of the night.”
Jennifer Robson, international bestselling author of Moonlight Over Paris

Jennifer Robson

Combining the fascinating setting of the Roaring Twenties with a smart, savvy heroine, Morrill has hit the perfect note with this captivating story.”
Romantic Times Reviews, 4 Stars

4 Stars Romantic Times Reviews

A story that has it all—mystery, the mafia, and a heroine you can’t help but root for. If Veronica Mars met the Roaring Twenties, you’d end up with The Lost Girl of Astor Street!”
Roseanna M. White, author of The Lost Heiress

Roseanna M. White

Spunky Piper Sail is more interested in investigating her best friend’s death than in society’s expectations for a young woman in 1924. She’s curious, intelligent and gutsy … Reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart series in all the best ways!”
Maureen Doyle McQuerry, award-winning author of The Peculiars and the Time Out of Time duet: The Telling Stone and Beyond the Door

Maureen Doyle McQuerry

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