If Looks Could Kill
In 1888, Jack the Ripper is in London getting ready to escape to the United States as the local police are closing in after his crimes of grisly murders. Young Tabitha is in NYC’s Bowery working with the Salvation Army trying to help the poor, sorry souls there. Meanwhile, a mystical and legendary force from ancient times arises once more to play the role of avenger in dealing once and for all with the elusive Jack—none other than Medusa the Gorgon.
As Tabitha and her Salvation Army sister Pearl boldly move through the crime-infested worst Bowery streets, they have no idea they will soon share intimate experiences with the infamous British serial killer and a snake-haired, vengeful apparition from antiquity. All the time, Tabitha must also deal with a surprising romantic attraction to a young bartender as the two try to elude local gangsters while they search for missing friends.
Initially a bit skeptical because of the book’s outlandish premise, I soon found this young adult novel to be cleverly cute, bizarre, and completely enticing. What else can one say about a novel that features crooked cops and gangland intrigue, brave teenaged Salvation Army girls, an internationally infamous killer, a supernatural monster from legend, and an amorous young Irish bartender? All the “good” characters like Paddy Campbell, the Salvation Army “Captain,” Oscar the urchin newspaper boy, and Freyda the “girl reporter” are immensely likeable; the “bad” ones hideously sinister. The period jargon is excellent and amusing, adding charming bits of humor during the otherwise most stressful scenes. Prepare for a wild ride of danger and intrigue wrapped around an unlikely and appealing teen romance. Five stars.
