Gatsby-era glamour, a swoon-worthy love story, and an indomitable heroine dazzle in this romp that captures the extravagance of the Roaring Twenties and the dangers of vigilante justice.

A ravishing young mind reader stalks the streets at night in kitten heels, prowling for men to murder.

A soft-spoken genius toils away in the city morgue, desperate to unearth the science behind his gift for shapeshifting.

It’s a match made in 1928 Chicago, where gangsters run City Hall, jazz fills the air, and every good girl’s purse conceals a flask.

Until now, eighteen-year-old Ruby’s penchant for poison has been a secret. No one knows that she uses her mind-reading abilities to target men who prey on vulnerable women, men who escape the clutches of Chicago “justice.” When she meets a brilliant boy working at the morgue, his knack for forensic detail threatens to uncover her dark hobby. Even more unfortunately: sharp, independent Ruby has fallen in love with him.

Waltzing between a supernaturally enhanced romance, the battle to take down a gentleman’s club, and loyal friendships worth their weight in diamonds, Ruby brings defiant charm to every spectacular page of Murder for the Modern Girl—not to mention killer fashion. An irresistible caper perfect for fans of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

MURDER FOR THE MODERN GIRL
by Kendall Kulper
Publisher: Holiday House
Release Date: May 31, 2022
ISBN-10: 0823449726
ISBN-13: 9780823449729

*“This supernatural noir thriller is serving up the very best the genre has to offer: unsavory characters, dark humor, sordid secrets, and an intrepid femme fatale anti-heroine who charms as a red-headed, murderous flapper version of Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods. Alternating between the first-person points of view of Ruby and Guy, the historical world-building is immersive, with the slang-filled narration and dialogue being a highlight; readers will have the sense that every supporting character is living their own story. The gripping plot escalates with the thrills, culminating in a violent whirlwind of a happy ending.” -The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

*“Kendall Kulper (Salt & Storm) upends the conventions of a traditional noir caper with a story of a femme fatale heroine who kills to protect vulnerable women. Ruby's characterization as a deadly and competent "glam gal" who loves "good parties and hot jazz" challenges stereotypical portrayals of the flapper girl as silly and shallow. "Sweet and soft" Guy is a romantic lead who embodies non-toxic masculinity; his relationship with Ruby is both swoon-worthy and built upon mutual respect. Fans of Libba Bray's The Diviners series should enjoy this feminist and fantasy-tinged historical mystery.” -Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“The story settles in and unfolds at a breathless pace, asking questions of the importance of morality and intention along the way. An effervescent champagne cocktail of a novel that packs a delightful punch.” - Booklist

“Kulper (the Salt & Storm series) delivers a glitzy, adrenaline-fueled crime novel brimming with formidable women.” - Publishers Weekly

“A femme fatale heroine, a crime that mustn’t be solved: noir turned merrily upside down.” - Kirkus

A Junior Library Guild Gold Star Selection!

Named a RISE: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 Honoree!

“An engaging, page-turning mystery that crackles with the energy, wit, and shimmering style of the 1920s. The most fun book about murder you’ll ever read.” -Mackenzi Lee, New York Times bestselling author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

“A devilishly plotted page-turner that sparkles with wit and romance. Murder and mayhem have never been so fun!” -Lisa Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Magician

“Kendall Kulper’s whip-smart romp through 1920s Chicago has it all—mystery, romance, a killer wardrobe, and a vibrant cast headlined by the indomitable, irresistible Ruby Newhouse. A deliciously-dazzling page-turner you’ll devour in one sitting.” -Claire LeGrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn