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juliereadzintherockies 's review for:
A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem
by Kristen Bird
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Welcome to Aubergine, Virginia, where the mountains are blue, the air is sweet, and the beauty queens have secrets darker than last year's spray tan."
Step into the captivating world of "A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem" by Kristen Bird, a mystery that promises to warm even the coldest hearts of this genre!
Meet Dakota, a spirited young woman whose life has always revolved around her strong bond with her mother, supported by Aunt Dee Dee's delicious home-cooked meals. But with her mother gone, Dakota finds herself grappling with overwhelming grief and an uncertain future. To ease her pain, her mother left a series of letters, delivered at just the right moments, reminding Dakota of the love that still surrounds her.
As Dakota reads the final letter, reality hits hard. She paused her final year at vet school to care for her ailing mother, and now financial troubles threaten the family farm. When it seems there’s no way out, her mother reveals a wild plan: Dakota has been signed up for the town’s beauty pageant!
The twist? Dakota, with her down-to-earth charm, is the least likely candidate for a Beauty Queen title. Surrounded by glamorous rivals dripping in diamonds and drama, she struggles to find her footing—even with Aunt Dee Dee at her side, guiding her through the glitzy chaos. The contrast is both amusing and endearing.
This delightful and quirky mystery kicks off the Dakota Green series. While it weaves in some romance—something I tend to shy away from—the sharp sarcasm and whimsical humor keep things fresh and engaging. I prefer darker reads, but Dakota's fiery spirit and sassy personality have captured my attention. I can't wait to see what wild escapades await her and the sheriff in the next installment!
Thank you to the author and Storm Publishing for this ARC provided via NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.