Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness & Julie Murphy Review (Gifted/AD)

Hello Readers,

Thank you to Haper360 for sending me a physical copy of Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness & Julie Murphy in exchange for an honest review.  Since the official publication day is a couple of days way, this review will be spoiler-free.
 
Happy Early Publication Date
 
Title: Let Them Stare
Author: Jonathan Van Ness & Julie Murphy 
Publication Day: 5th June
Genre: YA
Pages: 336
Cover Image:
 

Synopsis: Sully is ready to get out of Hearst, Pennsylvania. With a fashion internship secured, the gender-nonconforming eighteen-year-old is trading in their stifling small town for the big city. Sully even sells their beloved car, to Bread—er, Brad—the most boring (and maybe only other) gay kid in town.

When Sully’s internship goes up in smoke, they’re trapped in Hearst with no cash—and no car. Desperate, they go to the thrift store, their personal sanctuary. There, they discover a vintage bag—like "put this baby in an airtight case at the MET" vintage. If Sully can authenticate it, the resale value would be enough for a new life in the city.

But when they begin to investigate, Sully finds themself haunted. Literally. With the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties with no memory of how he died standing—no, floating—in their bedroom, Sully’s summer has a new 1) help this ghostly honey unlock his past and move on and 2) make bank—after all, the Real Real doesn’t take poltergeist purses.

With Rufus in tow, and Brad—who’s looking pretty scrumptious these days—playing chauffeur, Sully delves into the history of the town they’re so desperate to escape. Only to discover that there might be more to Hearst than they ever knew.
 
Miniature Review
 
This book is an absolute delight its funny, heartfelt, and refreshingly original. It masterfully blends coming-of-age, mystery, romance, and humour, all while exploring meaningful themes around queer identity and history.

Sully’s summer plans are derailed in spectacular fashion, leading to an unexpected adventure involving a vintage handbag that contains the ghost of Rufus, a queer man from the 1950s. What could be a wacky premise becomes a clever and touching way to connect past and present queer experiences. Sully and Rufus’s dynamic is rich with humour and depth: Sully teaches Rufus about modern life, while Rufus offers historical context, perspective, and emotional guidance.

The dialogue sparkles, and the mystery at the heart of the story slowly unfolds to reveal a powerful commentary on resilience, bigotry, and the importance of remembering queer history. It’s a beautifully written reminder that progress is personal and that change requires people brave enough to push for it.

The influence of both authors is clear: Jonathan Van Ness’s signature warmth and humour shine, while Julie Murphy’s storytelling adds structure and emotional weight. Sully is a fantastic protagonist witty, flawed, and ultimately inspiring. Their journey is filled with growth, empathy, and a romance that adds just the right amount of swoon.

It's laugh-out-loud funny, deeply moving, and impossible to put down. An instant favourite.

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