A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem: An Engaging Dive into Pageantry and Intrigue
When I first stumbled upon A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem by Dakota Green, I was instantly captivated. A beauty pageant wrapped in a murder mystery? Count me in! As a lifelong fan of both crime dramas and anything remotely glamorous, the premise promised an exciting blend of tension and sparkle. This was my first ARC read, and I dove in expectantly, eager to see if the reality matched the fantasy.
At its core, the novel beautifully blends themes of grief, ambition, and friendship. Dakota Green, our protagonist, is on a journey not just towards the crown in the Beauty Pageant of Aubergine, but also through her own tangled emotions, grappling with the recent loss of her mother. The juxtaposition of a lighthearted competition and the dark shadows of murder adds depth to the narrative. I found myself rooting for Dakota as she unravels the mystery behind her aunt’s wrongful accusation while simultaneously honoring her mother’s memory—a poignant dance between mourning and movement.
Characterization plays a pivotal role in this story. Dakota is a compelling, if somewhat polarizing, heroine. Initially, she embodies that quintessential ‘not-like-other-girls’ trope, which admittedly grated on my nerves. However, as the plot unraveled, glimpses of her intelligence and determination shone through, making me root for her despite her flaws. The supporting cast adds color and texture to the story; Lacy and Summer are fiercely loyal friends that I adored, with Summer shining brightest as the embodiment of kindness in the cutthroat world of pageantry. Their camaraderie provided a refreshing take on female relationships, showcasing solidarity over competition.
The writing style is engaging, but the pacing felt uneven. The story takes a little too long to kick into high gear, with a slow start that didn’t fully captivate me until about the 60% mark. However, once the plot picked up, it was like an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, with twists that genuinely surprised me. I mean, the final twist in the epilogue had my jaw on the floor—kudos to Green for that unforgettable shocker!
While I appreciated the focus on Dakota’s grief and her relationships, I did wish for more organic world-building rather than the info dumps on the pageant and its history. It felt jarring in places and pulled me out of the story momentarily. Additionally, Dakota’s initial self-righteous tendencies left me hoping for some character growth in future installments.
Despite its flaws, A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem holds a unique charm. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and unpredictable twists, it’s an entertaining read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of glam. If you’re looking for a fun escape that balances heartfelt moments with thrilling intrigue, I highly recommend this book. It left me both entertained and contemplative, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Kristen Bird for providing me with the ARC. I can’t wait for more adventures with Dakota and her fierce friends!
Discover more about A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem (Dakota Gre… on GoodReads >>