Razorhurst

By: Justine Larbalestier

Narrated by: Rebekkah Rimmington, Fiona Hardingham, David Ligudzinski​

In the vein of The Diviners and The Crimson Petal and the White, Razorhurst reimagines the notorious history of mob-controlled Sydney - with a paranormal twist.

Sydney's deadly Razorhurst neighborhood, 1932. Gloriana Nelson and Mr. Davidson, two ruthless mob bosses, have reached a fragile peace - one maintained by "razor men". Kelpie, orphaned and living on the street, is blessed and cursed with the ability to see Razorhurst's many ghosts, and she sees the cracks already forming in their truce. Then Kelpie meets Dymphna Campbell.

Dymphna is a legendary beauty and prized moll of Gloriana Nelson. She's earned the nickname "Angel of Death" for the trail of beaus who have died trying to protect her from Mr. Davidson's assassins. Unbeknownst to Kelpie, Dymphna can see ghosts, too, and as Gloriana's hold crumbles one burly henchman at a time, the girls will need one another more than ever.

As loyalties shift and betrayal threatens at every turn, Dymphna is determined to not only survive but rise to the top with Kelpie at her side.

©2015 Justine Larbalestier (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Not Appropriate For Teens

I purchased this book because it sounded interesting and it was listed in the books for teens. That's why I was surprised that the story revolved around a 16 year old prostitute and attempted to put a positive spin on her lucrative profession. She was described as being the highest paid and most sought after because she was beautiful and knew how to please any man. Their Madame cared about her girls and even employed a doctor who got rid of unwanted pregnancies. Much of the storyline involved killing people who "deserved to die", graphically describing their murders. Definitely not a book I would recommend for teens.