September’s in full swing, which brings us ever closer to the spooky season! THP’s book team have had a solid mix of paranormal and Gothic fantasies this month. All with some romance included, of course. But before we introduce our next book review, we want to set the scene.
It’s 19th-century Manhattan and London. There’s a killer on the loose. And his hunter? A vengeful, newly awakened Medusa. With multiple perspectives and a thrilling timeline, Julie Berry’s If Looks Could Kill is an incredible and unique read.
We thoroughly enjoyed Julie Berry’s new novel, and we’re hoping you’re interested in reading it, too. Here are three signs to know if If Looks Could Kill is a good fit for your TBR!
Book Overview: If Looks Could Kill
Content warnings: serial murder, death, violence, gore, bodies, sex trafficking, mentions of rape and sexual assault, alcohol use, forced captivity, guns, weapons, serious injury (Please read at your discretion!)
Summary: 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 thing: 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.
You’re A True Crime Fan
If you love true crime documentaries and podcasts, then we’ll take that as a sign that you’ll enjoy If Looks Could Kill. The infamous story of serial killer Jack the Ripper continues to be prominent in today’s media. (Do we dare say he was the blueprint?) And in this thriller, he meets his match against Medusa. We love how this story pits these two historical figures together into one timeline. It couldn’t be clearer that the author did her due diligence in creating the lore and thoroughly researching each facet of it.
You Love Feminist Revenge Tales
We recognize the ancient myth of Medusa as a story of female rage, revenge, and empowerment. In If Looks Could Kill, there isn’t only one Medusa. Any woman with a dark past or traumatic experience dealing with men can develop the powers to turn them into stone. As long as the men are capable of feeling enough guilt and shame for their heinous acts against women. The Medusa’s are ruthless, and rightfully so. But they’re also fiercely loyal and protective of their sisters, turning their rage into something lethal.
You Enjoy A Romance Subplot
Amid the dark and heavy themes within If Looks Could Kill, we get a taste of romance between Tabitha, a Salvation Army volunteer, and Mike, a handsome Irish bartender. Their sweet courtship had us grinning ear to ear, especially seeing Tabitha meet Mike’s family. The two of them get into plenty of sticky situations dealing with thugs from a local brothel to the police to Medusa. But their romance gave us some relief in between Jack and Pearl’s perspectives. They absolutely deserved their happy ending.
With a deadly matchup between the infamous Jack the Ripper and a newly awakened Medusa, If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry is a historical thriller that instantly reels you in!
If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry comes out September 16th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Julie Berry’s new book, If Looks Could Kill? Did you love the true crime and ancient mythology mashup? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
Interested in more book reviews? We got you!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JULIE BERRY:
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