A review by cozygreylibrary
The Black Queen by Jumata Emill

dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

"The Black Queen" by Jumata Emill is a captivating YA mystery that delves into themes of racism and betrayal in the American South. I received a complimentary paperback copy from Underlined in exchange for an honest review, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging this story turned out to be.

The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Tinsley, a wealthy white girl determined to secure the coveted homecoming crown, and Duchess, Nova's loyal best friend. When Nova, the beloved homecoming queen, is tragically murdered, Tinsley finds herself accused of the crime, prompting her to embark on a mission to prove her innocence. Meanwhile, Duchess grapples with conflicting feelings as she navigates the investigation alongside Tinsley.

As the plot unfolds, tensions rise and suspicions abound, leading both Tinsley and Duchess on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind Nova's death. With each twist and turn, I found myself drawn deeper into the mystery, constantly reassessing my suspicions about the culprit's identity.

While I don't typically gravitate towards mystery thrillers, "The Black Queen" kept me guessing until the very end. The author skillfully weaves together a gripping narrative filled with unexpected revelations and complex characters. By the final chapters, I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the resolution of the suspenseful plot.

Overall, "The Black Queen" is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on important social issues while delivering an enthralling mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA fiction and mystery genres. My rating of 4.75 stars, rounded up to 5, is a testament to the novel's compelling storytelling and impactful themes.