What do you think?
Rate this book
Beautiful, Dirty, Rich
A gripping new novel from bestselling author J.D. Mason about a wealthy Texas family and the one woman who holds— and will reveal—all their dirty secrets
Desdimona Green has been the name on everyone’s lips in Blink, Texas. Twenty-five years ago, at the age of eighteen, she shot and killed one of the wealthiest men and pillars of the community, oil baron Julian Gatewood. The Gatewood family was considered untouchable, so the whole state of Texas was rocked to its core over Julian’s murder. They were even more shocked to discover that Desi is Julian’s daughter and her mother had been his lover for years. But when Desi gets out of jail and promptly inherits millions from Julian’s estate, everyone knows that there is much more to the story—and Desi Green is the keeper of the Gatewood secrets, including what happened the night J ulian died. When a famous true crime reporter shows up on her doorstep wanting the full story, Desi agrees to reveal all, much to the horror of the Gatewoods, who will do anything to stop her. But Desi has more than a few tricks up her sleeve...
Desdimona Green has been the name on everyone’s lips in Blink, Texas. Twenty-five years ago, at the age of eighteen, she shot and killed one of the wealthiest men and pillars of the community, oil baron Julian Gatewood. The Gatewood family was considered untouchable, so the whole state of Texas was rocked to its core over Julian’s murder. They were even more shocked to discover that Desi is Julian’s daughter and her mother had been his lover for years. But when Desi gets out of jail and promptly inherits millions from Julian’s estate, everyone knows that there is much more to the story—and Desi Green is the keeper of the Gatewood secrets, including what happened the night J ulian died. When a famous true crime reporter shows up on her doorstep wanting the full story, Desi agrees to reveal all, much to the horror of the Gatewoods, who will do anything to stop her. But Desi has more than a few tricks up her sleeve...
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2012
15 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Mason
39 books424 followersYaaaayyyy! I FINALLY found my login info for Goodreads and can update my site!!!!!! Oh happy joy :)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 6, 2018
This is my first 'urban' fiction book. I was unsure what the category meant. A friend pointed out that it was stuck up to avoid certain genres and, well, the shoe fit.
This was decent: fun, gossipy, interesting, and nicely paced. I would've labeled it a thriller as it seems similar in story to that genre.
Definitely has adult themes and not literature but a nice read for sure.
This was decent: fun, gossipy, interesting, and nicely paced. I would've labeled it a thriller as it seems similar in story to that genre.
Definitely has adult themes and not literature but a nice read for sure.
August 15, 2016
100 times more compelling and engrossing, for me, than Gone Girl. Trust the title, it does not lie. This is a Noir Southern Mystery. It had me in its grip from start to finish. Fantastic summer read
Trigger Warning: there are instances of dubious consent sex and rape. Teen prostitution and two chapters from the POV of pedophiles. Use of misogynistic, homophobic, and racist slurs. None of this is in heavy use or gratuitous, in my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
The library labeled this a romance. Holy shit were they off (yes, I'm sending them an email about he inaccurate shelving). This is a mystery triller, though it's a slow burn of a thriller. It has explicit sex and a minor romantic subplot, but this is more about the horrible shit powerful people do and those who pay the price. At its heart it is a story about vengeance and how no matter how much it may feel like justice there are some things we can never get back after they are lost.
This was a fast and entertaining read. Though I guessed a couple of the twists, others downright shocked me. Desi is a wonderful character, I really loved all of the characters (even the despicable ones). Such rich, lush storytelling and engaging narration. I loved Nicole Smalls voice acting, and the added sound effects really sunk me into the story.
This is a gritty, gripping crime drama and I loved it.
Trigger Warning: there are instances of dubious consent sex and rape. Teen prostitution and two chapters from the POV of pedophiles. Use of misogynistic, homophobic, and racist slurs. None of this is in heavy use or gratuitous, in my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
The library labeled this a romance. Holy shit were they off (yes, I'm sending them an email about he inaccurate shelving). This is a mystery triller, though it's a slow burn of a thriller. It has explicit sex and a minor romantic subplot, but this is more about the horrible shit powerful people do and those who pay the price. At its heart it is a story about vengeance and how no matter how much it may feel like justice there are some things we can never get back after they are lost.
This was a fast and entertaining read. Though I guessed a couple of the twists, others downright shocked me. Desi is a wonderful character, I really loved all of the characters (even the despicable ones). Such rich, lush storytelling and engaging narration. I loved Nicole Smalls voice acting, and the added sound effects really sunk me into the story.
This is a gritty, gripping crime drama and I loved it.
April 26, 2018
This was a really solid three star story that I would give 3 1/2 stars if I could. Lots of ugly secrets, betrayals, and messiness in this one. I'll be continuing on with the series. Review to come.
July 25, 2022
The audiobook was okay (even had sound effects), and that's about it? I have no strong feelings about anything else. It started off good, but made me lose interest maybe halfway in.
August 8, 2012
Beautiful, Dirty, Rich by J.D. Mason held a lot of promise. A powerful and rich black family with secrets, betrayal, heartache, intrigue and all the trappings that draws me to this type of story. I liked the premise of the book well enough, but had problems with the execution.
Desi Green was convicted of murdering the wealthy Julian Gatewood. There was never a question about why she killed him, nor were there ever really any real justice delivered that fateful day nor thereafter. People get railroaded by the courts everyday especially the poor, which is unfortunate. That may hold true, but would this particular injustice have happened? I don't know, seems almost impossible with as much media coverage this case garnered. I can't see some lawyer sitting at home watching this trial unfold not wanting to make a name for himself by taking Desi on as a client. The agreement that was made between the parties involved had so many holes that I don't understand why once given the payday of a lifetime, that a specific person fight didn't for another trial. (Trying not to give away spoilers)
Another issue, was the narration in place of the story just being written out. There was so much summed up in one chapter through narration, that it made me feel like I had been robbed of a novel. Lonnie's involvement seemed cloak and dagger enough, but what took place with her wouldn't have gone cold that easily. It was written that she was an in-demand journalist that wrote her own ticket with major magazines, newspapers and had personal connections with the media. Trust me her disappearance would've caused just as big a media frenzy than Desi's story, no way that would've been swept under the rug. All of the connections was one thing, but I would have liked to see some reeling and dealing taking place in this book with not only Lonnie, but Jordan's investigation of the computer guy. I was told a lot instead of being allowed to see the events unfold for myself which I would have loved. The two big bombshells that Desi had in her possesion also went cold. As did the nurse's involvement and her relationship with Solomon etc. Everything was just too simple. The ending seemed rushed and once again full of narration instead of storytelling.
Saying all of the above just to say this ... the story could've been damn good had it just been written out. The book isn't bad, but it could've been so much more other than conveniently narrated to tie things up which still left so much dangling.
Desi Green was convicted of murdering the wealthy Julian Gatewood. There was never a question about why she killed him, nor were there ever really any real justice delivered that fateful day nor thereafter. People get railroaded by the courts everyday especially the poor, which is unfortunate. That may hold true, but would this particular injustice have happened? I don't know, seems almost impossible with as much media coverage this case garnered. I can't see some lawyer sitting at home watching this trial unfold not wanting to make a name for himself by taking Desi on as a client. The agreement that was made between the parties involved had so many holes that I don't understand why once given the payday of a lifetime, that a specific person fight didn't for another trial. (Trying not to give away spoilers)
Another issue, was the narration in place of the story just being written out. There was so much summed up in one chapter through narration, that it made me feel like I had been robbed of a novel. Lonnie's involvement seemed cloak and dagger enough, but what took place with her wouldn't have gone cold that easily. It was written that she was an in-demand journalist that wrote her own ticket with major magazines, newspapers and had personal connections with the media. Trust me her disappearance would've caused just as big a media frenzy than Desi's story, no way that would've been swept under the rug. All of the connections was one thing, but I would have liked to see some reeling and dealing taking place in this book with not only Lonnie, but Jordan's investigation of the computer guy. I was told a lot instead of being allowed to see the events unfold for myself which I would have loved. The two big bombshells that Desi had in her possesion also went cold. As did the nurse's involvement and her relationship with Solomon etc. Everything was just too simple. The ending seemed rushed and once again full of narration instead of storytelling.
Saying all of the above just to say this ... the story could've been damn good had it just been written out. The book isn't bad, but it could've been so much more other than conveniently narrated to tie things up which still left so much dangling.
December 20, 2012
Well after finishing my Goodreads challenge I decided to read something light and fun and easy and this book fit the bill..It was a quick read chock full of "secrets" and the promise of big reveals but I just felt that the promise of a big payoff was kinda weak and the "powerful" secrets were lukewarm at best..So this book follows a recently released forty something year old convict Desi Green as she rejoins society after serving a 25 year sentence for murdering her father-one of the richest and most powerful man in Texas, the married Julian Gatewood..After being identified by the sheriff as the one who pulled the trigger, convicted by a Judge and jury of her peers everyone discounted Desi and wrote her off until her sentence is over and she reappears twenty million dollars richer from money left to her mother from Gatewood. Desi's story intrigues the state and one journalist decides her story is worth telling and offers her a book deal to expose her side of her sordid past, why would she kill her father and then stand there with a smoking gun? So with that premise of a ghost written book of secrets the story rolls with side plots involving her lawyer and his investigations into the past, the shady underside of everyone involved with her case and her mysterious best friend, the exotic, dangerous Lonnie who was spicy and interesting (my favorite character aside from the deliciously perfect asshole Jordan) I dont know I cant say this book was as scandalous and intriguing as it is hyped up to be..I dony know if its recommended, good though I just wish certain areas (the human traffic aspect) and people (Olivia Gatewood) would have gotten more detail...
June 20, 2016
This is my first time to read this author. I chose it because of the cool title. I like that the book is set in Texas and I was hooked immediately from page 1. I didn't like it that it was set in a fictional town instead of a real one but I got over it and enjoyed the story I was being told. There are a bunch of characters to keep track of and it's definitely a page turner.
February 14, 2017
Wow. This book was really good. It was JUICY! I think what I liked most were her characters. They were all so flawed and destructive. This was my first JD Mason book, and I'm glad that I finally picked it up and read it.
August 13, 2015
Love this book of murder, mystery, and betrayal. J.D. Mason told this story extremely well and I have quickly become one of he newest fans!
January 20, 2018
This is a GoodRead
August 30, 2024
i'm sorry i hated the ending
September 5, 2025
Desi did not know how to stand up for herself. She was her worst enemy. The ending was not great. Desi had info that she did not reveal. And all of a sudden it was a year later. It was very rushed. Hopefully, the rest of the series will bring everything together.
August 2, 2014
While I was reading this book, my husband noticed the sultry cover and commented, “That’s not the typical book you read.”
"Yes, it's outside my normal reading realm but it's intriguing - a murder mystery romance," I replied. “Anyway the author is a friend of mine and I figured I need to catch up on her writing because she is coming out with a new one soon.”
This is a fascinating story (how does she think up all these twists?) and it takes place in Dallas, where I lived for 15 years. The first crime takes place in the fictional town of Blink, TX, which is located about an hour northeast of Dallas so it has to be near the towns of Allen or McKinney, where I used to skydive. It was also fun to read that some of the characters’ names are some of my real life friends (and obviously J.D.’s friends as well.) There are some loose ends, but guess what? I just discovered they are addressed in the sequel!
J.D. is a talented writer. I won’t give away all the surprise events but take my advice – don’t judge a book by its cover.
"Yes, it's outside my normal reading realm but it's intriguing - a murder mystery romance," I replied. “Anyway the author is a friend of mine and I figured I need to catch up on her writing because she is coming out with a new one soon.”
This is a fascinating story (how does she think up all these twists?) and it takes place in Dallas, where I lived for 15 years. The first crime takes place in the fictional town of Blink, TX, which is located about an hour northeast of Dallas so it has to be near the towns of Allen or McKinney, where I used to skydive. It was also fun to read that some of the characters’ names are some of my real life friends (and obviously J.D.’s friends as well.) There are some loose ends, but guess what? I just discovered they are addressed in the sequel!
J.D. is a talented writer. I won’t give away all the surprise events but take my advice – don’t judge a book by its cover.
August 30, 2013
J.D. Mason is a wonderful writer. This story was a real page turner, and the plot was so unique. Desi is a layered character, and the story of the Gatewoods family drama is so juicy. Lonnie, though, is the character I was most intrigued by. She is part bad b*tch and part superhero; part single black female, part exotic vixen. She's a trip, and I loved reading about her. I was thrilled that when I got to the end of the story, I already had my copy of the sequel so that I could dive right in. J.D. Mason has officially joined the list of my favorite authors. Must read!
September 13, 2018
Young girl convicted of murder but did she do it? It appears all the evidence points to the young girl being guilty. The Judge...the attorneys her teacher and other adults convicted and 18-year-old girl of murder. Even his mother sold her out! But there’s a secret and 25 years later it’s about to be revealed in a tell all book. This is my first time reading this author and cannot be my last!
September 24, 2021
This was a hell of a Read... I can't wait to get to part 2...
September 19, 2013
If I didn't know that there was a sequel to this book, I would've rated it much lower, because there are too many loose ends. But here it goes.....
Desi Green was accused of murdering Julian Gatewood at the tender age of 18. Fast forward 25 years and now Desi Green is a free woman, who is 20 million dollars richer, thanks to the money she inherited from the man she killed.
Hating the press, Desi vows to never talk to any of them, but Sue Parker, a journalist feels that Desi's true story of that fateful night needs to be told, and she is the perfect woman to tell it.
There a few people in the little town of Blink, Texas, who would go to great lengths to keep the "real" details of that night hidden. But, what happens when these people start dropping dead? Did Desi kill them from sending her away to prison for a crime nobody ever asked her if she committed?
Julian's son, Jordan, does everything in his power to rid his family of Desi Green. But, Jordan doesn't know he is sleeping with his real enemy. Will he find out before it's late?
This novel was an intriguing, page turner for me. It had me wanting more until the end. I can't give it five stars because there was a disconnect between the last two chapters. So much information was omitted and too many questions were left unaswered. I hope the next book fill in those gaps.
Desi Green was accused of murdering Julian Gatewood at the tender age of 18. Fast forward 25 years and now Desi Green is a free woman, who is 20 million dollars richer, thanks to the money she inherited from the man she killed.
Hating the press, Desi vows to never talk to any of them, but Sue Parker, a journalist feels that Desi's true story of that fateful night needs to be told, and she is the perfect woman to tell it.
There a few people in the little town of Blink, Texas, who would go to great lengths to keep the "real" details of that night hidden. But, what happens when these people start dropping dead? Did Desi kill them from sending her away to prison for a crime nobody ever asked her if she committed?
Julian's son, Jordan, does everything in his power to rid his family of Desi Green. But, Jordan doesn't know he is sleeping with his real enemy. Will he find out before it's late?
This novel was an intriguing, page turner for me. It had me wanting more until the end. I can't give it five stars because there was a disconnect between the last two chapters. So much information was omitted and too many questions were left unaswered. I hope the next book fill in those gaps.
August 12, 2012
What’s Done In the Dark
Some people have a skeleton in their closet. And then you have those that have a cemetery in theirs like the Gatewoods.
Over twenty years ago the small town of Blink, Texas, was rocked by the murder of Julian Gatewood, a powerful and wealthy businessman. After serving over two decades for the murder, Desi Green has returned to Blink and she’s ready to let some of those skeletons loose.
The mystery, the intrigue, the unknown immediately engulfs readers. “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” has a strong story and a great premise but its execution falters at times. Without going into detail and spoiling the book, one major element was a hard sell for me and resulted in a lot of questions and gaps. As the pages dwindled, it became obvious that some things were going to be left in the air as the ending seemed compact, rushed and anticlimactic. I enjoyed this novel up until that point and wished that it had come full circle and given readers what they wanted and were looking forward to – to read the aftermath play out.
Mason’s “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” is a good read with a disappointing ending that, for some like me, will affect their overall good feel for the book.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars
Some people have a skeleton in their closet. And then you have those that have a cemetery in theirs like the Gatewoods.
Over twenty years ago the small town of Blink, Texas, was rocked by the murder of Julian Gatewood, a powerful and wealthy businessman. After serving over two decades for the murder, Desi Green has returned to Blink and she’s ready to let some of those skeletons loose.
The mystery, the intrigue, the unknown immediately engulfs readers. “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” has a strong story and a great premise but its execution falters at times. Without going into detail and spoiling the book, one major element was a hard sell for me and resulted in a lot of questions and gaps. As the pages dwindled, it became obvious that some things were going to be left in the air as the ending seemed compact, rushed and anticlimactic. I enjoyed this novel up until that point and wished that it had come full circle and given readers what they wanted and were looking forward to – to read the aftermath play out.
Mason’s “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” is a good read with a disappointing ending that, for some like me, will affect their overall good feel for the book.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars
April 8, 2017
Didn't Finish!
It pains me to write my first two star review of a book that I didn't even finish. However, I'm starting anew.
For years I've been wanting to read this book but never picked it up. This year, I decided to give it a shot since I was highly anticipating on reading her newest novel "The Real Mrs. Price." Long story short, I was let down. As another reviewer wrote, had the author executed this novel better, this book could've been my first 5 star read in a long time. The premise of the book was everything that I look for in a novel, but I couldn't finish it. There were a bunch of characters without depth. I couldn't even feel bad for Desi because the author didn't really put me in her world.
I'm still going to give "The Real Mrs. Price" a chance because I'm hoping the author's writing style has improved since this book was released. But don't let this review drive you away from this novel, you might end up liking it.
It pains me to write my first two star review of a book that I didn't even finish. However, I'm starting anew.
For years I've been wanting to read this book but never picked it up. This year, I decided to give it a shot since I was highly anticipating on reading her newest novel "The Real Mrs. Price." Long story short, I was let down. As another reviewer wrote, had the author executed this novel better, this book could've been my first 5 star read in a long time. The premise of the book was everything that I look for in a novel, but I couldn't finish it. There were a bunch of characters without depth. I couldn't even feel bad for Desi because the author didn't really put me in her world.
I'm still going to give "The Real Mrs. Price" a chance because I'm hoping the author's writing style has improved since this book was released. But don't let this review drive you away from this novel, you might end up liking it.
March 10, 2013
I couldn't help but fall in love with Desi and Lonnie and their friendship. I felt for Desi and how more than half her life was taken from her. She took a lot quietly for years and I was proud when she decided to tell her side of things finally. If I had a friend like Lonnie, I'd be happy that I was on her good side. That woman went hard for Desi and the way they became friends was odd that it developed into such a strong friendship seemingly from nothing. Lonnie definitely played with fire, she loved Desi that much to put her life on the line. Money sure bought a lot of things in this book, most of it bad with sad consequences but it brought to light how people will sell out for the right price. If you like drama, suspense, a little love tossed in, then I recommend you read this book! Loved it!
January 7, 2015
For twenty five years Desdimona Green has lived her life behind bars for the murder of Julian Gatewood.The Gatewood family feels untouchable until their well hidden secerts have been revealed.Now with Desi being free and 20 million dollars richer heads are starting to turn as the city of Texas wonder what really happen the night of Julian death. Determind to get her side of the story out once and for all Desi decides to write a book and the secrets inside might just shock us all!!
This was a different type of read for me but I must say that I enjoyed it. I loved the mystery type feel this story presented. It kept you wondering until the very last page.
This was a different type of read for me but I must say that I enjoyed it. I loved the mystery type feel this story presented. It kept you wondering until the very last page.
March 15, 2017
Story of woman who returns to the small Texas town where she was convicted of killing a wealthy and prominent man when she was a teenager. Upon her arrival there are flashbacks of her past, of her relation to the deceased man and the secrets which caused her imprisonment. There are also twists and turns in the plot of what happened to those involved in her trial. It's hard to rate this book. I liked the story but I didn't know it was a trilogy. When I finish a book I like for it to be over and have a definite ending. This one ends abruptly and leaves you hanging. I don't think I enjoyed this story enough that I would invest my time in two more books.
July 31, 2013
I read this, and the sequel in the wrong order. I guess if there is such a thing. It was great (as is J.D. Mason's other books). I couldn't put it down. The characters are not one dimensional and it's filled with everything you want in a book.
June 26, 2013
Awesome, awesome story.
There has got to be a sequel,the ending left me wanting more!
Desi was very inspiring and she deserves a love story!!
There has got to be a sequel,the ending left me wanting more!
Desi was very inspiring and she deserves a love story!!
October 28, 2017
I just finished the novel and am filled with such a lack of... closure I guess. There were some totally unexpected twists and turns and some I could figure out, but the end just fell flat for me. I felt like the story was building up to some dramatic rags to riches but it just sort of fizzled out in the very last chapter. Still loved the plot and the character development. I was super bummed Jordan didn't get an opportunity for redemption and don't even get me started on Lonny. I was also annoyed with Desi in the last chapter. She's come all this way and suffered through so much that I feel she deserved to have become a little harder and more confident in all that time. But I guess her softness was also what made her such a complex character. She wasn't as hell bent on revenge as people thought she was. I loved the story and concept of this novel. All in all I enjoyed this book for what it was and the audio was fantastic. I loved the narrator and will be listening to more stories she narrates.
edit: didn't know this book had sequels. changing my rating based on that :).
edit: didn't know this book had sequels. changing my rating based on that :).
August 28, 2017
This book has been on my TBR list for a while. So, with the author dropping another Blink, Texas book, I decided to push the series up on my list. As usual, an excellent read from Ms. Mason. The story centers on Desi Green and the illustrious Gatewood family. Desi, having been convicted of murdering Julian Gatewood and completing her sentence, promptly inherits millions from his estate and plans to release a tell-all book. This is of course all to the chagrin of Julian's son, Jordan. Jordan does everything in his power to make sure Desi doesn't get a dime and also plans to stop the publication of her book.
Through an interesting cast of characters lots of secrets are revealed. Relationships are made and broken. True personalities are revealed.
Excellent work by Ms. Mason.
Through an interesting cast of characters lots of secrets are revealed. Relationships are made and broken. True personalities are revealed.
Excellent work by Ms. Mason.
December 30, 2019
Anticlimactic...long story around an obvious conclusion.
April 4, 2025
This didn’t end as I expected. This book’s plot seems all over the place. A lot to happen all at once…. Weird
November 12, 2012
18 year old Desdimona Green was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of her mother's married lover. Time served, she's a grown woman and lo and behold she's inherited millions of dollars that Julian Gatewood left to her mother. The arrogant Jordan Gatewood is hell bent on hating her because she has brought so much pain to his family.
Desi's best friend Yolanda, 'Lonnie' motivates as well as instigates Desi to tell the truth and shame the devil. But when all the sordid truths are uncovered, deaths are imminent, suspicious, and questionable. Can the small town of Blink withstand the revelations that this young woman carries along with hurt, anger and bitterness? Too many lies lay dormant but will her freedom and her dogmatic friend withstand the powers that be? I loved this read, the mesmeric flow, strong and consistent characters, great plots, strong scenarios cinch this as a dynamically compelling novel! 4.68
Desi's best friend Yolanda, 'Lonnie' motivates as well as instigates Desi to tell the truth and shame the devil. But when all the sordid truths are uncovered, deaths are imminent, suspicious, and questionable. Can the small town of Blink withstand the revelations that this young woman carries along with hurt, anger and bitterness? Too many lies lay dormant but will her freedom and her dogmatic friend withstand the powers that be? I loved this read, the mesmeric flow, strong and consistent characters, great plots, strong scenarios cinch this as a dynamically compelling novel! 4.68
September 25, 2012
Desi was imprisoned for 25 years for the murder of one of the wealthiest men in the town. The family finds out that he is the father of Desi and many other secrets are revealed about residents of their town. When a true crime writer comes to to get the true story on what happend, Desi is ready to let it all go. Will the family allow the story to be told?
Like all the other books I have read by Mason, this book kept my attention from begnning to end. The one thing I did not like was how weak Desi seemed to be during certain parts of the story. She had been thru so much in her life, I wanted her to be stronger. Hoping there is another installment to this book as there were some questions left unanswered.
Like all the other books I have read by Mason, this book kept my attention from begnning to end. The one thing I did not like was how weak Desi seemed to be during certain parts of the story. She had been thru so much in her life, I wanted her to be stronger. Hoping there is another installment to this book as there were some questions left unanswered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews