The Perfect Place to Die

In order to save her sister, Zuretta takes a job at an infamous house of horrors―but she might never escape.

Zuretta never thought she’d encounter a monster. She had resigned herself to a quiet life in Utah. But when her younger sister, Ruby, travels to Chicago during the World’s Fair, and disappears, Zuretta leaves home to find her.

But 1890s Chicago is more dangerous and chaotic than she imagined. She doesn’t know where to start until she learns of her sister’s last place of employment…a mysterious hotel known as The Castle.

Zuretta takes a job there hoping to learn more. And before long she realizes the hotel isn’t what it seems. Women disappear at an alarming rate, she hears crying from the walls, and terrifying whispers follow her at night. In the end, she finds herself up against one of the most infamous mass murderers in American history―and his custom-built death trap.

Blog Posts

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Reviews

Booklist STARRED REVIEW: “Fans of true-crime murder mysteries won’t want to miss this one.
Publisher’s Weekly: ““An entertaining thriller [which] deftly captures the bustle of 1890s Chicago, as well as the near-claustrophobic feel of The Castle and its mysteries.
Kirkus: “A twist on disturbing historical events…. This novel will appeal to readers excited about an account of gruesome historical events steered by an intrepid young woman.”
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: “Zuretta’s gumption makes the heroine easy to root for, as she faces off with a murderer and also confronts the powerful men who don’t see missing working class girls as a problem.”
PopHorror: “The Perfect Place to Die is an enthralling thriller that you won’t want to put down until you know all the answers.”

Awards

Booklist: Top 10 Mysteries & Thrillers for Youth: 2022
New York Public Library: Spring 2023 Picks for Teens
Junior Library Guild Pick

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