If Looks Could Kill
books by Julie Berry
From Printz Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry, a true-crime-nailbiter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor. It’s autumn 1888, and Jack the Ripper is on the run. As London police close in, he flees England for New York City seeking new victims. But a primal force of female vengeance has had enough. With serpents for hair and a fearsome gaze, an awakened Medusa is hunting for one Jack. And other dangers lurk in Manhattan’s Bowery. Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl discover that a girl they once helped has been forced to work in a local brothel. Tabitha’s an upstate city girl with a wry humor and a thirst for... The book’s tone remains steady, creating a sense of continuity that supports immersion. Readers can settle into the narrative without adjusting to sudden stylistic changes. This consistency enhances comfort and engagement. The book’s conclusion feels well-aligned with the journey that precedes it. Rather than offering an abrupt or exaggerated ending, it provides a resolution that reflects the themes and character development established earlier. This thoughtful closure enhances overall satisfaction.