This was a fun YA mystery story. Loved the setting in a late 1920s speakeasy. Our heroine is spunky and the conceit of the story reminded me almost of a Nancy Drew novel. Because of that, however, the novel is also a bit predictable. This didn't deter in any way from the fun of the story, but I did find myself unsurprised by how the story unfolded. That said, I am not the target audience of this book, so it is likely that a younger reader WOULD be surprised.

What I appreciated the most about this book was the diversity of the characters, especially the main characters. Lambert has given us a cast that is composed of different races and sexual orientations that are not as common in novels written about this time period (despite the obvious existence of people beyond white heterosexuals throughout history). It was refreshing to having this diversity and important for younger readers to be exposed to this in an historical mystery novel.

3.5-4 stars

TW: Murder