The League of Dangerous Young Ladies written by J.A. Morgenstein and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The League of Dangerous Young Ladies by J. A. Morgenstein is a thrilling YA fantasy adventure that blends mystery, supernatural elements, and found family themes. Set in 1909, the story follows Rose Moriarty, the teenage daughter of Sherlock Holmes' greatest enemy, who leads a group of exceptional young women—each descended from famous literary villains. When Rose learns that her beloved headmistress is dying, she reunites with her found family to embark on a dangerous adventure. Alongside the mysterious Count Christoph, his ward Clara, and other allies, Rose must solve multiple mysteries, hunt supernatural threats, and navigate her complicated past. The novel weaves together elements of classic literature with modern storytelling, featuring witty banter, high-stakes heists, emotional depth, and surprising plot twists. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: YA readers will enjoy this book for several reasons. The protagonist, Rose Moriarty, is a smart, capable female lead who earns respect through determination rather than being handed authority, a journey that resonates with teen readers navigating their own paths. The cast of diverse, lovable characters forms a found family dynamic that feels authentic and heartwarming, with each girl bringing unique abilities and personalities that complement one another. The clever literary references and name-dropping of iconic characters from classic literature (Sherlock Holmes, Dracula, Frankenstein, Dr. Moreau) create a delightful Easter egg hunt for readers familiar with these works, while remaining accessible to those encountering them for the first time. The fast-paced, engaging plot balances humor with genuine emotional stakes; grief, trauma, and loss are handled with maturity and sensitivity. Romance elements are present but not overwhelming, allowing the focus to remain on friendship and adventure. This book is an excellent addition to high school library collections and can be used for independent reading, paired with classic literature units (Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein, Dracula) to introduce students to how contemporary authors reimagine and reinterpret canonical works. It could also be a good book club choice. The character development, themes of legacy and agency, and plot twists provide  discussion opportunities. I enjoyed this book and found myself saying "what is happening?" a few times.  The bug men are wild, but they somehow work.  I was not expecting the twist at the ending.  Mind blown.  This book crosses a lot of genres and is a fun read from a debut author.  I should also add that I really liked the cover.  It definitely drew me in.