Stephanie Morrill

Award-winning author of young adult historical fiction

Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world and is the author of several award-winning historical young adult novels. The Piper Sail Mysteries are set in 1920s Chicago and are ideal for readers who love amateur sleuth stories with a touch of romance. The Secret Investigator of Astor Street was selected as a Librarian Favorite for 2026 in the Children’s Book Council awards. Within These Lines is a WWII romance and was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, as well as a YALSA 2020 Best Fiction for Young Adults pick. 

The latest book from Stephanie Morrill

The Secret Investigator of Astor Street, Young Adult Historical Mystery

A 2026 LIBRARIAN FAVORITE, Children’s Book Council

About The Secret Investigator of Astor Street

Piper Sail Mysteries Book 2

Piper Sail has a new mystery to solve—and a future to figure out.

Only a few months ago, eighteen-year-old Piper Sail was solving the mystery behind her best friend’s kidnapping. But with high school behind her, Piper isn’t sure what she’s meant to do next with her life—college holds no interest, and as much as she loves her detective boyfriend, she’s not ready to think about settling down. The one thing she wants is to become an investigator, but that simply isn’t done. Not when you’re a girl, and especially not one from a wealthy family.

When a student at her old school asks Piper to investigate her brother’s death, Piper secretly takes the case. Her determination to discover the truth leads her into the seedy underbelly of 1920s Chicago, where clue after clue indicates there’s more to the brother’s death than what the family has been told.

But shifts in her personal relationships and the case itself leave Piper doubting if she’s truly fit to be an investigator at all. As danger closes in, Piper will need all her wit and daring to uncover the truth—before she becomes the next victim.

Chosen as a Librarian’s Favorite in 2026 for the Children’s Book Council awards!

Order The Secret Investigator of Astor Street:

Also available as an audiobook:

Join the inner circle.

Get free ebooks.

If you want to be first to know about upcoming releases, author events, and special sales, sign up to receive monthly emails from Stephanie! When you do, you’ll receive for free a short story about Piper and Lydia from The Lost Girl of Astor Street as well as The Newbie’s Guide To Writing Historical Fiction. 

Stay connected on social media:

Stories That Stay With Readers

Nadine Brandes, bestselling and award-winning author of Fawkes, Romanov, and The Nightmare Virus

“I would follow Piper anywhere—into speakeasies, smoky backrooms, or straight into danger. This is historical fiction at its most fun!”

Lorie Langdon, author of the Disney Happily Never After series

“A delightful whodunit mystery that will have you flying through the pages and wishing the indomitable Piper Sail could be your best friend. I loved everything about The Secret Investigator of Astor Street, from the 1920s setting to the sweet romance and the suspenseful anticipation Stephanie Morrill expertly builds with every chapter. A highly recommended read for all ages!”

From Booklist:

“Morrill produces a historical novel that blends devastating true events with lifelike fictional characters as it brings history to life.”

Notes From My Writing Desks

Book news, events, and other thoughts

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #16

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 27 stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes! The hunt BEGINS on 3/14 at noon MST with Stop...

read more

Best Friends Forever Holiday Giveaway!

The Lost Girl of Astor Street is about friendship. Piper is worried about her best friend, Lydia, who's gone missing. Piper knows Lydia never would have run away, and she's determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back home. The person who helped me the most as...

read more

34 Things I’ve Learned in the Last Year

Today is my 34th birthday! Because I'm really cool, I like to celebrate by making a list of some of my favorite/most meaningful things I've learned or discovered in the year: Nut allergies are terrifying. On December 22nd of last year, we were playing cards with...

read more