A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem: A Rollercoaster of Twists and Turns
When I first stumbled upon A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem by Dakota Green, I knew I had to dive in. The concept of beauty queens tackling murder mysteries felt both refreshing and thrilling, as if each turn in the plot would be as shocking as a contestant’s gown reveal on pageant night. This was my first ARC read, and boy, did it set the stage for my future reading adventures!
The story follows Dakota Green, a young woman grappling with the recent loss of her mother. She receives a heartfelt letter urging her to participate in the Beauty Pageant of Aubergine, which carries a dark legacy of misfortune for its contestants. Reluctant but fueled by a desire to honor her mother’s wishes and escape her financial burdens, she steps into the glittering yet perilous world of beauty contests. As if navigating the catwalk weren’t enough, Dakota soon finds herself in a race against time to clear her sweet Aunt Deedee’s name—who’s been accused of stealing a crown and a murder! Talk about high stakes!
While I appreciated Dakota’s complexity—her intelligence and determination shone through—there were times her “not-like-the-other-girls” attitude grated on me. The initial chapters felt somewhat clunky, though as the plot unfurled, so did Dakota’s character. She evolved from an uncomfortable protagonist to someone I genuinely rooted for, especially during her moments of badassery.
The side characters brought much-needed vibrancy to the narrative. Lacy, with her fierce spirit, and the immensely lovable Summer were delightful additions. I found myself cherishing their sisterhood and camaraderie, which felt refreshingly real amidst the competition. Aunt Deedee and Sheriff Charlie Strong were intriguing, though Charlie’s character could have used more depth to leave a lasting impression.
Now, let’s talk about the plot. The pacing had its highs and lows—like a rollercoaster, it started slow but picked up intensity around the 60% mark. Some twists were easily predictable; after all, I’m a fan of true crime documentaries. But then, just when I thought I had figured everything out, the author threw in a few staggering twists that left my jaw on the floor. The final twist? Chef’s kiss! It was a true testament to Green’s ability to keep readers engaged, even through some early pacing struggles.
I appreciated the exploration of Dakota’s grief and her relationships with women around her. It’s a testament to how friendship, even in a competitive environment, can prevail, something very touching in today’s narrative landscape. However, I caution that Dakota’s self-righteousness could be grating for some readers—here’s hoping for some character growth in future installments.
In conclusion, while A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem is not without its quirks—slow pacing, the occasional plot hole, and some character issues—it’s still an entertaining escapade. I’d recommend it to readers looking for a lighthearted yet intriguing mystery infused with heartfelt relationships and unexpected twists. The reading journey left me both entertained and eager for more, proving that sometimes even beauty can come with a side of danger.
Happy reading, and may your next book adventure be as vibrant and tumultuous as Dakota’s pageant experience!
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