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Vandy Myrick #1
Trouble in Queenstown
With Trouble in Queenstown , Delia Pitts introduces private investigator Vandy Myrick in a powerful mystery that blends grief, class, race, and family with thrilling results.
Evander “Vandy” Myrick became a cop to fulfill her father’s expectations. After her world cratered, she became a private eye to satisfy her own. Now she's back in Queenstown, New Jersey, her childhood home, in search of solace and recovery. It's a small community of nine thousand souls crammed into twelve square miles, fenced by cornfields, warehouses, pharma labs, and tract housing. As a Black woman, privacy is hard to come by in "Q-Town," and worth guarding.
For Vandy, that means working plenty of divorce cases. They’re nasty, lucrative, and fun in an unwholesome way. To keep the cash flowing and expand her local contacts, Vandy agrees to take on a new client, the mayor’s nephew, Leo Hannah. Leo wants Vandy to tail his wife to uncover evidence for a divorce suit.
At first the surveillance job seems routine, but Vandy soon realizes there’s trouble beneath the bland surface of the case when a racially charged murder with connections to the Hannah family rocks Q-Town. Fingers point. Clients appear. Opposition to the inquiry hardens. And Vandy’s sight lines begin to blur as her determination to uncover the truth deepens. She’s a minor league PI with few friends and no resources. Logic pegs her chances of solving the case between slim and hell no. But logic isn’t her strong suit. Vandy won’t back off.
Evander “Vandy” Myrick became a cop to fulfill her father’s expectations. After her world cratered, she became a private eye to satisfy her own. Now she's back in Queenstown, New Jersey, her childhood home, in search of solace and recovery. It's a small community of nine thousand souls crammed into twelve square miles, fenced by cornfields, warehouses, pharma labs, and tract housing. As a Black woman, privacy is hard to come by in "Q-Town," and worth guarding.
For Vandy, that means working plenty of divorce cases. They’re nasty, lucrative, and fun in an unwholesome way. To keep the cash flowing and expand her local contacts, Vandy agrees to take on a new client, the mayor’s nephew, Leo Hannah. Leo wants Vandy to tail his wife to uncover evidence for a divorce suit.
At first the surveillance job seems routine, but Vandy soon realizes there’s trouble beneath the bland surface of the case when a racially charged murder with connections to the Hannah family rocks Q-Town. Fingers point. Clients appear. Opposition to the inquiry hardens. And Vandy’s sight lines begin to blur as her determination to uncover the truth deepens. She’s a minor league PI with few friends and no resources. Logic pegs her chances of solving the case between slim and hell no. But logic isn’t her strong suit. Vandy won’t back off.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2024
152 people are currently reading
28112 people want to read
About the author
Delia C. Pitts
13 books163 followersDELIA PITTS worked as a journalist before earning a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago. After careers as a U.S. diplomat and university administrator, she left academia to begin writing fiction. Trouble in Queenstown is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Black private investigator Vandy Myrick. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries, about a Harlem detective firm, and several short stories. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Crime Writers of Color.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
August 7, 2024
3.75⭐️
Forty-seven-year-old Evander “Vandy” Myrick returns to her hometown of Queenstown, New Jersey, after her career in law enforcement ends after a personal tragedy. Now a private investigator, she has a lot on her plate - concerned for the well-being of her ailing father, a retired police officer suffering from dementia and now in a care facility, dealing with her own trauma and trying to do the best for her clients.
Her latest client is Leo Hannah, the Mayor’s nephew, who engages her services to track his wife’s movements. What appears to be a routine surveillance assignment soon evolves into a racially charged murder case. Vandy is convinced that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Complicating matters further is the influential Hannah family’s connection to the case - powerful people with secrets they would do anything to protect. Vandy is determined to get to the truth, even if that means ruffling more than a few feathers and risking her own life in the process.
Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts is a riveting murder mystery. The narrative is presented from Vandy’s first-person POV. I really liked how the novel was structured in keeping with the different threads of the plot. The depiction of small-town dynamics, socioeconomic differences, and power politics made for an intriguing setting. The mystery was complex and well-crafted, with a healthy dose of humor infused into the narrative. I thought that the author expertly wove the different subplots into a consistently paced narrative that kept me engaged until the very end. Vandy is a strong female protagonist, smart and dedicated to her profession, but also with a vulnerable side. I enjoyed getting to know her and I appreciated that at no point did the segments on Vandy’s personal struggles and her backstory distract attention from the primary murder mystery. The supporting characters were well thought out and I especially enjoyed Vandy’s dynamic with Ingrid.
There are a few moments that require suspension of disbelief, but that did not detract from my overall experience. Certain aspects of the final reveal did take me by surprise (perhaps I missed something in between?) and did feel a tad contrived, but I did enjoy the build-up and the twists and turns and thought the author did a great job of dialing up the tension as the narrative progressed.
This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Bahni Turpin, who breathed life into Vandy’s character, making for an engrossing and entertaining immersion reading experience. I would definitely recommend the audiobook!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 16, 2023.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Forty-seven-year-old Evander “Vandy” Myrick returns to her hometown of Queenstown, New Jersey, after her career in law enforcement ends after a personal tragedy. Now a private investigator, she has a lot on her plate - concerned for the well-being of her ailing father, a retired police officer suffering from dementia and now in a care facility, dealing with her own trauma and trying to do the best for her clients.
Her latest client is Leo Hannah, the Mayor’s nephew, who engages her services to track his wife’s movements. What appears to be a routine surveillance assignment soon evolves into a racially charged murder case. Vandy is convinced that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Complicating matters further is the influential Hannah family’s connection to the case - powerful people with secrets they would do anything to protect. Vandy is determined to get to the truth, even if that means ruffling more than a few feathers and risking her own life in the process.
Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts is a riveting murder mystery. The narrative is presented from Vandy’s first-person POV. I really liked how the novel was structured in keeping with the different threads of the plot. The depiction of small-town dynamics, socioeconomic differences, and power politics made for an intriguing setting. The mystery was complex and well-crafted, with a healthy dose of humor infused into the narrative. I thought that the author expertly wove the different subplots into a consistently paced narrative that kept me engaged until the very end. Vandy is a strong female protagonist, smart and dedicated to her profession, but also with a vulnerable side. I enjoyed getting to know her and I appreciated that at no point did the segments on Vandy’s personal struggles and her backstory distract attention from the primary murder mystery. The supporting characters were well thought out and I especially enjoyed Vandy’s dynamic with Ingrid.
There are a few moments that require suspension of disbelief, but that did not detract from my overall experience. Certain aspects of the final reveal did take me by surprise (perhaps I missed something in between?) and did feel a tad contrived, but I did enjoy the build-up and the twists and turns and thought the author did a great job of dialing up the tension as the narrative progressed.
This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I paired my reading with the audiobook expertly narrated by Bahni Turpin, who breathed life into Vandy’s character, making for an engrossing and entertaining immersion reading experience. I would definitely recommend the audiobook!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy and Macmillan Audio for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on July 16, 2023.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
September 12, 2025
This is a first in a potential new series (?) in which readers are introduced to black private investigator, Vandy Myrick who has returned to her hometown Queenstown, New Jersey. She is asked to investigate a double murder for a powerful client, Leo Hannah. But should she pursue the truth, even if it threatens her and her loved ones?
There seems to be some complexities that comes with this town, including some racial inequalities, a corrupt political atmosphere and social issues. There is also an interesting cast of characters, and a lot that goes on for Vandy before justice appears to be served. Vandy seems like a strong female protagonist, which means that if a series is projected, she would be a good one to consider for it.
There seems to be some complexities that comes with this town, including some racial inequalities, a corrupt political atmosphere and social issues. There is also an interesting cast of characters, and a lot that goes on for Vandy before justice appears to be served. Vandy seems like a strong female protagonist, which means that if a series is projected, she would be a good one to consider for it.
August 7, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded down.
Delia Pitts has been writing mysteries for quite some time, but she is new to me. In Trouble in Queenstown, she introduces hardboiled sleuth Evander Myrick. Myrick’s friends call her Vandy, and that helps to distinguish her from her elderly father for whom she is named; he’s in a memory care unit.
My thanks go to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for the review copies. This book is for sale now.
At first glance, I thought that this detective fiction was set in New Zealand. Queenstown, right? But in this case, the locale is Queenstown, New Jersey. The story opens with Vandy cleaning up a mess in her office just as Leo Hannah storms in and wants to see Evander Myrick. He assumes Myrick will be a Caucasian male, and that Myrick herself is a member of the cleaning staff.
Oops.
Hannah comes to hire Vandy in the wake of his wife’s murder. He knows exactly who did it, he tells her, and he wants her to prove it, starting with some surveillance. Vandy isn’t sure she should take this job, but she has to pay top dollar to keep her daddy in the best facility, so she reluctantly signs on. As the story progresses, there are numerous twists and turns, and the violence escalates. By the story’s end, three different people have tried to hire her for exactly the same case!
The thing I appreciate here is the way Pitts addresses cop racism. So many detective novels require the reader to suspend belief, to assume that every cop is fearlessly dedicated to finding out the unvarnished truth and arresting the perpetrator of the crime, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. But as Vandy conducts her investigation, Pitts keeps it real. At one point the detective speaks with a salon stylist that worked on Ivy’s hair, and he tells her that Ivy was afraid of someone at home. Vandy asks if he contacted the police.
“’The police?’ He jerked his neck, pursing his lips as if I’d farted. ‘Girl, you think the cops came here?’ He sniffed. ‘You don’t look like a fool. Maybe I read you wrong.’”
Sadly, the second half of the book doesn’t impress me as much as the first half does. I have a short list of tropes that I never want to see again in a mystery novel, and she trips a few, including my most hated one. I won’t go into details because it’s too far into the story, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but when it appears, I sit back, disengage from the text, and roll my eyes. Ohhh buh-ruther. As I continue reading, I can see who the murderer is well in advance, and the climax itself is a bit over the top, though without the tropes, I mightn’t have noticed this last issue.
In addition to the digital review copy, I have the audio. The reader does a fine job.
The more mysteries a person reads, the staler tropes become. I am perhaps more sensitive than most readers, having logged over a thousand novels in this genre. Readers that have not read many mysteries are less likely to be aware of, and therefore bothered by overused elements, and so this book may please you much more than it did me. But for hardened, crochety old readers such as myself, I recommend getting this book free or cheap, if you choose to read it. Newer readers may enjoy it enough to justify the sticker price.
Delia Pitts has been writing mysteries for quite some time, but she is new to me. In Trouble in Queenstown, she introduces hardboiled sleuth Evander Myrick. Myrick’s friends call her Vandy, and that helps to distinguish her from her elderly father for whom she is named; he’s in a memory care unit.
My thanks go to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for the review copies. This book is for sale now.
At first glance, I thought that this detective fiction was set in New Zealand. Queenstown, right? But in this case, the locale is Queenstown, New Jersey. The story opens with Vandy cleaning up a mess in her office just as Leo Hannah storms in and wants to see Evander Myrick. He assumes Myrick will be a Caucasian male, and that Myrick herself is a member of the cleaning staff.
Oops.
Hannah comes to hire Vandy in the wake of his wife’s murder. He knows exactly who did it, he tells her, and he wants her to prove it, starting with some surveillance. Vandy isn’t sure she should take this job, but she has to pay top dollar to keep her daddy in the best facility, so she reluctantly signs on. As the story progresses, there are numerous twists and turns, and the violence escalates. By the story’s end, three different people have tried to hire her for exactly the same case!
The thing I appreciate here is the way Pitts addresses cop racism. So many detective novels require the reader to suspend belief, to assume that every cop is fearlessly dedicated to finding out the unvarnished truth and arresting the perpetrator of the crime, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. But as Vandy conducts her investigation, Pitts keeps it real. At one point the detective speaks with a salon stylist that worked on Ivy’s hair, and he tells her that Ivy was afraid of someone at home. Vandy asks if he contacted the police.
“’The police?’ He jerked his neck, pursing his lips as if I’d farted. ‘Girl, you think the cops came here?’ He sniffed. ‘You don’t look like a fool. Maybe I read you wrong.’”
Sadly, the second half of the book doesn’t impress me as much as the first half does. I have a short list of tropes that I never want to see again in a mystery novel, and she trips a few, including my most hated one. I won’t go into details because it’s too far into the story, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but when it appears, I sit back, disengage from the text, and roll my eyes. Ohhh buh-ruther. As I continue reading, I can see who the murderer is well in advance, and the climax itself is a bit over the top, though without the tropes, I mightn’t have noticed this last issue.
In addition to the digital review copy, I have the audio. The reader does a fine job.
The more mysteries a person reads, the staler tropes become. I am perhaps more sensitive than most readers, having logged over a thousand novels in this genre. Readers that have not read many mysteries are less likely to be aware of, and therefore bothered by overused elements, and so this book may please you much more than it did me. But for hardened, crochety old readers such as myself, I recommend getting this book free or cheap, if you choose to read it. Newer readers may enjoy it enough to justify the sticker price.
August 29, 2024
“I was horny. After a week-long dry spell, the itch was nagging again.” Not a typical starting point for a private investigator story!
Trouble in Queenstown is a very enjoyable start to a new mystery series featuring a middle-aged Black female private investigator in Central New Jersey. “Vandy” Myrick has had more than her share of troubles; she has recently moved back to her hometown, the fictional Queenstown, to go into business as a PI. She was formerly a police officer in nearby New Brunswick and at Rutgers University. Tragedy has Vandy trying to make a new start in the town where her dad (a former police chief and for whom she’s named - her full name is Evander) is in memory care.
Vandy takes on what seems to be a fairly simple divorce-style case and agrees to follow the wife of a prominent citizen (his aunt is the town’s long-term mayor). But things take a violent turn and that’s when Vandy really has to use her smarts.
I really liked Vandy. She’s a street-smart woman who won’t take any crap from anyone anymore. She’s relationship-averse and prefers very short-term physical relationships over more meaningful ones. All of this impacts how she faces life and investigations. The town itself is sort of a character. Its past includes KKK activity and there’s plenty of remaining racism to go around, including anti-immigrant sentiment that affects the local Latino population.
Being a resident of Central NJ, I particularly loved all the local color. While the town of Queenstown itself is fictional, the general area is not, and I appreciated all the realistic references to nearby locations and roads. I just hate it when I read something that takes place in a location I’m familiar with and the author gets obvious things wrong. That does not happen here.
Another thing I really liked was her depiction of the ups and downs of dementia.
The ending leaves open the possibility of at least a second book featuring Vandy and if that happens, I will be sure to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. In addition to reading, I also listened to the audiobook and Bahni Turpin did a great job with the narration. All opinions are my own.
Trouble in Queenstown is a very enjoyable start to a new mystery series featuring a middle-aged Black female private investigator in Central New Jersey. “Vandy” Myrick has had more than her share of troubles; she has recently moved back to her hometown, the fictional Queenstown, to go into business as a PI. She was formerly a police officer in nearby New Brunswick and at Rutgers University. Tragedy has Vandy trying to make a new start in the town where her dad (a former police chief and for whom she’s named - her full name is Evander) is in memory care.
Vandy takes on what seems to be a fairly simple divorce-style case and agrees to follow the wife of a prominent citizen (his aunt is the town’s long-term mayor). But things take a violent turn and that’s when Vandy really has to use her smarts.
I really liked Vandy. She’s a street-smart woman who won’t take any crap from anyone anymore. She’s relationship-averse and prefers very short-term physical relationships over more meaningful ones. All of this impacts how she faces life and investigations. The town itself is sort of a character. Its past includes KKK activity and there’s plenty of remaining racism to go around, including anti-immigrant sentiment that affects the local Latino population.
Being a resident of Central NJ, I particularly loved all the local color. While the town of Queenstown itself is fictional, the general area is not, and I appreciated all the realistic references to nearby locations and roads. I just hate it when I read something that takes place in a location I’m familiar with and the author gets obvious things wrong. That does not happen here.
Another thing I really liked was her depiction of the ups and downs of dementia.
The ending leaves open the possibility of at least a second book featuring Vandy and if that happens, I will be sure to read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. In addition to reading, I also listened to the audiobook and Bahni Turpin did a great job with the narration. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2024
I have never read anything by this author, but I can tell you right now that I am so happy I did. As a matter of fact, I liked the main character Evander “Vandy” Myrick so much that I would like to see her star in her own series!
This story is filled with lies, dirty politics, obviously murder, and corruption. Racial disparity plays a significant part in this tale.
Vandy is a kick-ass PI with a tragic past. She is now trying to get back on her feet and is handed a case that seems simple enough—or is it? Excitement flows from these pages; much of it is heart-pounding until the very end, with an ending that I don't think anyone could have seen coming.
I truly enjoyed this novel and couldn't put it down.
I believe you, too, will enjoy the mystery and excitement that I found in this book.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Minotaur Books, the author, and NetGalley.
This story is filled with lies, dirty politics, obviously murder, and corruption. Racial disparity plays a significant part in this tale.
Vandy is a kick-ass PI with a tragic past. She is now trying to get back on her feet and is handed a case that seems simple enough—or is it? Excitement flows from these pages; much of it is heart-pounding until the very end, with an ending that I don't think anyone could have seen coming.
I truly enjoyed this novel and couldn't put it down.
I believe you, too, will enjoy the mystery and excitement that I found in this book.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Minotaur Books, the author, and NetGalley.
September 24, 2024
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For some reason, I was under the impression that Trouble in Queenstown was Delia Pitts' debut, but it is not! I thought she did a wonderful job of using the showing not telling method, almost to the point where sometimes I wasn't quite sure what she was getting at, but it felt electric all the same. I loved our FMC Evander “Vandy” Myrick, and she was a very relatable character between her quest for justice and the way her dad was the center of her world. Loss of a child is discussed among other things, so I would make sure to check your triggers as this book does get a little dark.
I loved Bahni Turpin as the narrator for the audiobook, and thought she made the entire storyline along with its characters come alive in an exciting way. She was on it during the action scenes as well, and I was impressed with the way she made Vandy shine. I loved how the book was broken down into Vandy's different cases though it also came along with the progression of the plot itself. I love a gritty PI novel, but I also felt like something was missing from this one to keep me from connecting with it fully. 🤷♀️ Couldn't tell you what but that's where I'm at. That being said, I will definitely read this author again, especially if this is in fact the start of a new series.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For some reason, I was under the impression that Trouble in Queenstown was Delia Pitts' debut, but it is not! I thought she did a wonderful job of using the showing not telling method, almost to the point where sometimes I wasn't quite sure what she was getting at, but it felt electric all the same. I loved our FMC Evander “Vandy” Myrick, and she was a very relatable character between her quest for justice and the way her dad was the center of her world. Loss of a child is discussed among other things, so I would make sure to check your triggers as this book does get a little dark.
I loved Bahni Turpin as the narrator for the audiobook, and thought she made the entire storyline along with its characters come alive in an exciting way. She was on it during the action scenes as well, and I was impressed with the way she made Vandy shine. I loved how the book was broken down into Vandy's different cases though it also came along with the progression of the plot itself. I love a gritty PI novel, but I also felt like something was missing from this one to keep me from connecting with it fully. 🤷♀️ Couldn't tell you what but that's where I'm at. That being said, I will definitely read this author again, especially if this is in fact the start of a new series.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 27, 2024
Trouble in Queenstown is my first book by Delia Pitts, but won't be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the characters in it. The main character is Private Investigator Vandy Myrick who has recently returned to her hometown of Queenstown. Vandy has suffered through a terrible tragedy and needs something new in her life. She used to be a cop, like her father, but can no longer do that job after she loses someone precious to her. She turns to private investigating and has done very well. Vandy is one of very few black women in Queenstown and gets looks everywhere she goes.
The mayor's nephew, Leo Hannah, comes to Vandy's office, wanting to hire her. Leo is convinced that his wife may be having an affair and wants Vandy to follow her. The job seems simple enough, but it turns out to be far from simple. As things escalate and a murder takes place who should Vandy believe? Everyone is pointing one way, but Vandy believes something else, much more sinister, happened. As Vandy investigates and speaks to people that knew the victims she gets a different story than what the police and mayor want everyone to believe. Can Vandy convince her old friend, the police chief, that what she's found needs to be taken seriously? He's already closed the case.
This is a very good mystery that will keep you guessing to the motive and person that did the killing. I rate Trouble in Queenstown 4 stars with a high recommendation. This book will be the first in a new series I'm hearing and I am so happy to hear that! Trouble in Queenstown is now available and should be in your TBR pile. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Trouble in Queenstown in exchange for a fair review. #TroubleInQueenstown
The mayor's nephew, Leo Hannah, comes to Vandy's office, wanting to hire her. Leo is convinced that his wife may be having an affair and wants Vandy to follow her. The job seems simple enough, but it turns out to be far from simple. As things escalate and a murder takes place who should Vandy believe? Everyone is pointing one way, but Vandy believes something else, much more sinister, happened. As Vandy investigates and speaks to people that knew the victims she gets a different story than what the police and mayor want everyone to believe. Can Vandy convince her old friend, the police chief, that what she's found needs to be taken seriously? He's already closed the case.
This is a very good mystery that will keep you guessing to the motive and person that did the killing. I rate Trouble in Queenstown 4 stars with a high recommendation. This book will be the first in a new series I'm hearing and I am so happy to hear that! Trouble in Queenstown is now available and should be in your TBR pile. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of Trouble in Queenstown in exchange for a fair review. #TroubleInQueenstown
July 9, 2024
4.5 Rounded Up
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Delia Pitts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley.
This is the first novel in a cozy mystery series set in New Jersey. Evander 'Vandy' Myrics is both the daughter of a retired cop and an ex-cop herself. Recently retired from former police work and currently working as a Private Investigator. She's mostly getting established when she's hired by the mayor's nephew to investigate his wife for infidelity. Everything is going smoothly until a murder is committed that is found to be connected to Vandy's investigation.
This has a light and humorous tone, flows easily, has a cute setup, and a surprising reveal. There's also a traumatic past and romantic entanglements to add to the drama. All in all, this worked really well, and I look forward to Vandy's next adventure!
This audiobook is narrated by Bahni Turpin, who is possibly my favorite audiobook narrator. Her signature tone, style, and emotive voice make this the perfect way to enjoy this narrative.
Thank you to Delia Pitts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
This audiobook was made available for me to listen to and review by Delia Pitts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley.
This is the first novel in a cozy mystery series set in New Jersey. Evander 'Vandy' Myrics is both the daughter of a retired cop and an ex-cop herself. Recently retired from former police work and currently working as a Private Investigator. She's mostly getting established when she's hired by the mayor's nephew to investigate his wife for infidelity. Everything is going smoothly until a murder is committed that is found to be connected to Vandy's investigation.
This has a light and humorous tone, flows easily, has a cute setup, and a surprising reveal. There's also a traumatic past and romantic entanglements to add to the drama. All in all, this worked really well, and I look forward to Vandy's next adventure!
This audiobook is narrated by Bahni Turpin, who is possibly my favorite audiobook narrator. Her signature tone, style, and emotive voice make this the perfect way to enjoy this narrative.
Thank you to Delia Pitts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
July 16, 2024
Trouble in Queenstown (audio) 4⭐️
This was an entertaining listen. The narrator was a GREAT choice. She made Vandy feel so real. Vandy is a Private Investigator back in her home town. She’s not interested in deep romantic relationships, her adult child has passed away, and her father has dementia. What starts out as a straightforward PI gig ends up taking twists and turns. I’ve never actually researched PIs and what the professional expectations are, but I usually take their fictional casual detective work with a grain of salt and just enjoy the storytelling of it all. Vandy definitely shows questionable professional ethics/boundaries.
I think Vandy’s personality won’t be for everyone, but I loved her strong, snarky, flawed character. She has been treated unfairly and has experienced racism throughout her life. She tells it as it is. Hurt, pain, anger and all.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date July 16 2024
This was an entertaining listen. The narrator was a GREAT choice. She made Vandy feel so real. Vandy is a Private Investigator back in her home town. She’s not interested in deep romantic relationships, her adult child has passed away, and her father has dementia. What starts out as a straightforward PI gig ends up taking twists and turns. I’ve never actually researched PIs and what the professional expectations are, but I usually take their fictional casual detective work with a grain of salt and just enjoy the storytelling of it all. Vandy definitely shows questionable professional ethics/boundaries.
I think Vandy’s personality won’t be for everyone, but I loved her strong, snarky, flawed character. She has been treated unfairly and has experienced racism throughout her life. She tells it as it is. Hurt, pain, anger and all.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date July 16 2024
June 4, 2024
Being extremely careful wording this review with the feeling this would have been a five-star story if it wasn't so one-sided and divided. #TROUBLEINQUEENSTOWN
July 24, 2024
Thank you St. Martin's Press -- Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and review Trouble in Queenstown, a mystery by Delia Pitts on NetGalley.
Published: 06/16/24
Stars: 2.5
Of note: I would have read this at some point in my life, sooner rather than later. Every time I see the cover it stops me and I'm compelled to look into the book. Now I can report my book world is righted.
As I look at the cover I have mixed emotions. My entire reading experience was just okay. I didn't particularly like any of the characters (The exception -- Sam.) and I tried. The storyline was okay. I didn't like the individual chapters. I didn't like multiple people employing the same PI. There are references to being black and references to current societal issues; I didn't sign up for an opinion or lecture.
The cover conveys cozy. The story is simple. There are multiple characters. There is profanity and use of the N word (My breaking point.)
Published: 06/16/24
Stars: 2.5
Of note: I would have read this at some point in my life, sooner rather than later. Every time I see the cover it stops me and I'm compelled to look into the book. Now I can report my book world is righted.
As I look at the cover I have mixed emotions. My entire reading experience was just okay. I didn't particularly like any of the characters (The exception -- Sam.) and I tried. The storyline was okay. I didn't like the individual chapters. I didn't like multiple people employing the same PI. There are references to being black and references to current societal issues; I didn't sign up for an opinion or lecture.
The cover conveys cozy. The story is simple. There are multiple characters. There is profanity and use of the N word (My breaking point.)
October 4, 2024
This book left me with mixed feelings. There were some parts that really worked for me and others that just did not. At times, I felt like the storyline tended to get a bit overstuffed with information, which tends to happen when an author will be expanding a series.
July 21, 2024
A detective who dunnit also conquering complicated topics of race, grief and classism. This story flowed easily and was hard to put down because I wanted to know how everything connected. I really enjoyed this book. I’m ready for a detective series with Vandy Myrick, PI!
Bahni Turpin narrated this mystery and honestly I think she could read the back of a cereal box to me and I would be entranced. If I see a book with her as the narrator I’m reading it!
Thank you MacMillian Audio and Minotaur books for this audio.
Bahni Turpin narrated this mystery and honestly I think she could read the back of a cereal box to me and I would be entranced. If I see a book with her as the narrator I’m reading it!
Thank you MacMillian Audio and Minotaur books for this audio.
September 17, 2024
Main character Evander “Vandy” Myrick instantly captivated me in this compelling mystery that starts as a divorce case and transforms into something more complicated, with an impact on her family and city of Queentown, New Jersey.
Forty-seven year old Vandy works as a private detective, no longer drinks for a heartbreaking reason revealed later in the plot, and makes sad visits to her dementia-suffering former police officer father, whose name graces the detective agency she runs.
Leo Hannah employs Vandy to follow his wife to determine if she’s cheating on him. Divorce-related cases are Vandy’s bread and butter, so Vandy spends a week tailing Ivy Hannah, and comes to no conclusion pointing to infidelity. When she attempts to submit her report, she comes upon a gruesome scene: Ivy battered and very near death, another man dead by her, and Leo shaken, saying the dead man was beating his wife so Leo had to kill him.
As Leo is the Queenstown mayor’s nephew, pretty soon it becomes apparent that the right questions aren’t being asked about the two deaths, particularly as it’s much easier to accept the narrative that a Latine man murdered a blonde, white woman, despite the many holes that are increasingly apparent in the case the more questions Vandy asks. She runs up against racism, lies, and an unwillingness to dig into a case that could affect the mayor’s family. Vandy soon finds very unexpected ties to the Myrick family, and also makes some new friends, two of whom began as clients. Vandy also finds herself threatened in multiple ways, but she does not give up, resulting in a terrible tragedy, but also answers for people who lost loved ones.
Vandy is a terrific character, tough as nails even while she is still reeling from personal losses. I loved the relationships she had with the couple whose legal practice she shares space with, as well as Sam and Ingrid, who contract her to determine what happened.
This was a fantastic start to what I hope are more Vandy Myrick stories. She and the community she relies on were interesting and had me wanting to spend more time with them, and though there were a few coincidences in the investigation that stretched credibility, I found this an entertaining mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Forty-seven year old Vandy works as a private detective, no longer drinks for a heartbreaking reason revealed later in the plot, and makes sad visits to her dementia-suffering former police officer father, whose name graces the detective agency she runs.
Leo Hannah employs Vandy to follow his wife to determine if she’s cheating on him. Divorce-related cases are Vandy’s bread and butter, so Vandy spends a week tailing Ivy Hannah, and comes to no conclusion pointing to infidelity. When she attempts to submit her report, she comes upon a gruesome scene: Ivy battered and very near death, another man dead by her, and Leo shaken, saying the dead man was beating his wife so Leo had to kill him.
As Leo is the Queenstown mayor’s nephew, pretty soon it becomes apparent that the right questions aren’t being asked about the two deaths, particularly as it’s much easier to accept the narrative that a Latine man murdered a blonde, white woman, despite the many holes that are increasingly apparent in the case the more questions Vandy asks. She runs up against racism, lies, and an unwillingness to dig into a case that could affect the mayor’s family. Vandy soon finds very unexpected ties to the Myrick family, and also makes some new friends, two of whom began as clients. Vandy also finds herself threatened in multiple ways, but she does not give up, resulting in a terrible tragedy, but also answers for people who lost loved ones.
Vandy is a terrific character, tough as nails even while she is still reeling from personal losses. I loved the relationships she had with the couple whose legal practice she shares space with, as well as Sam and Ingrid, who contract her to determine what happened.
This was a fantastic start to what I hope are more Vandy Myrick stories. She and the community she relies on were interesting and had me wanting to spend more time with them, and though there were a few coincidences in the investigation that stretched credibility, I found this an entertaining mystery.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Read
July 6, 2024Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange of an honest review.
I ended up DNFing this after just a few chapters. I can see what others might like about it, but I stopped reading a lot of American detective novels a while ago because I found them so formulaic - hot shot man bangs his way through every lady in the book, punches lots of people, somehow solves a crime. I requested Trouble in Queenstown because I was hoping for hot shot lady detective who focuses on the crime. But, it’s still formulaic. In three chapters, I read so much about hot shot lady banging her way through all the men, and also punching someone with methodical finesse that doesn’t seem plausible in real fights, that I lost interest before even getting to the crime. The first sentence of being horny tipped me off right away, but I was hoping for some more substance.
It reads like old film-noir PI, which some people totally dig and all the power to them, especially if they want the same style but with a female main character. That was never my cup of tea, and so I know to call it quits rather then struggle my way through it. I have read glowing reviews, and I know this book will start to deal with more substantive themes especially regarding race and being a Black woman in a predominately white male career, and I bet that’s super well done. I just didn’t jive with the writing for this, and that’s on me.
I ended up DNFing this after just a few chapters. I can see what others might like about it, but I stopped reading a lot of American detective novels a while ago because I found them so formulaic - hot shot man bangs his way through every lady in the book, punches lots of people, somehow solves a crime. I requested Trouble in Queenstown because I was hoping for hot shot lady detective who focuses on the crime. But, it’s still formulaic. In three chapters, I read so much about hot shot lady banging her way through all the men, and also punching someone with methodical finesse that doesn’t seem plausible in real fights, that I lost interest before even getting to the crime. The first sentence of being horny tipped me off right away, but I was hoping for some more substance.
It reads like old film-noir PI, which some people totally dig and all the power to them, especially if they want the same style but with a female main character. That was never my cup of tea, and so I know to call it quits rather then struggle my way through it. I have read glowing reviews, and I know this book will start to deal with more substantive themes especially regarding race and being a Black woman in a predominately white male career, and I bet that’s super well done. I just didn’t jive with the writing for this, and that’s on me.
July 22, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Trouble in Queenstown.
I love novels featuring female protagonists so this was right up my alley.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Evander “Vandy” Myrick is a former copy turned PI in the small town of Queenstown, NJ, her childhood home.
She's still mourning the loss of her beloved daughter, Monica, and struggling to deal with her father's increasing dementia.
When a client, the nephew of the mayor of Queenstown, comes to Vandy with a job, it seems pretty cut and dried.
Until two people end up dead and Vandy discovers the case isn't quite so cut and dried.
Now using only her wits, her training, and the help of her friends, Vandy sets out to uncover a conspiracy, but will she lose her life over it?
I liked Vandy, but I didn't love her. Honestly, she was terribly naive for a former police officer.
For example, she's shocked when the mayor threatens her friends and their livelihoods, and makes a lot of assumptions (proven wrong) about the suspects and victims in the murder case.
The twist was decent, but the ending was ridiculously hard to suspend disbelief for.
A renegade mayor goes off the rails to protect her reputation and family? Is this a small town thing?
It's hard for me to buy since I'm from the 'big city.'
I did like Vandy's loyal friends, her BFFs, Key, and Sam, but I could have done without the silly 'love triangle' brewing between Key and Sam.
Why does almost every novel regardless of genre need to have a romantic component? It doesn't.
The writing was fine, but the suspense and urgency was lacking.
The narrative became quickly repetitive with Vandy's bed hopping (her way with dealing with grief), and repeated mentions of how much her dad wanted a son (Daddy issues, anyone?)
Vandy didn't seem like a very capable PI; she lucked into the gig, asked questions, and got lucky in the end with help from her friends.
I love novels featuring female protagonists so this was right up my alley.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Evander “Vandy” Myrick is a former copy turned PI in the small town of Queenstown, NJ, her childhood home.
She's still mourning the loss of her beloved daughter, Monica, and struggling to deal with her father's increasing dementia.
When a client, the nephew of the mayor of Queenstown, comes to Vandy with a job, it seems pretty cut and dried.
Until two people end up dead and Vandy discovers the case isn't quite so cut and dried.
Now using only her wits, her training, and the help of her friends, Vandy sets out to uncover a conspiracy, but will she lose her life over it?
I liked Vandy, but I didn't love her. Honestly, she was terribly naive for a former police officer.
For example, she's shocked when the mayor threatens her friends and their livelihoods, and makes a lot of assumptions (proven wrong) about the suspects and victims in the murder case.
The twist was decent, but the ending was ridiculously hard to suspend disbelief for.
A renegade mayor goes off the rails to protect her reputation and family? Is this a small town thing?
It's hard for me to buy since I'm from the 'big city.'
I did like Vandy's loyal friends, her BFFs, Key, and Sam, but I could have done without the silly 'love triangle' brewing between Key and Sam.
Why does almost every novel regardless of genre need to have a romantic component? It doesn't.
The writing was fine, but the suspense and urgency was lacking.
The narrative became quickly repetitive with Vandy's bed hopping (her way with dealing with grief), and repeated mentions of how much her dad wanted a son (Daddy issues, anyone?)
Vandy didn't seem like a very capable PI; she lucked into the gig, asked questions, and got lucky in the end with help from her friends.
April 25, 2024
Trouble in Queenstown is a jam packed mystery involving a small town built on legacy, relatively unlikeable PI, and a double murder. I do like the underdog vs the powers that be in a small town trope but I felt this was extremely convoluted, which I guess that would when you set up quite the house of cards built on lies, convoluted storylines would be required.
I really enjoyed this story. It was quite the ride. Although there were some far fetched moments that really built the "luxury" of PI life being able to follow what ever evidence trails they wish, despite burden of proof. I enjoyed the main character and her "I don't give a crap" attitude. It was entertaining. I am not sure I would recommend to hardcore crime lovers but if you're looking for a good mindbender that has a plethora characters and intrigue then give a go. 3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this story. It was quite the ride. Although there were some far fetched moments that really built the "luxury" of PI life being able to follow what ever evidence trails they wish, despite burden of proof. I enjoyed the main character and her "I don't give a crap" attitude. It was entertaining. I am not sure I would recommend to hardcore crime lovers but if you're looking for a good mindbender that has a plethora characters and intrigue then give a go. 3.5 stars.
July 11, 2024
Trouble in Queenstown is a small town mystery that, at its core is about family.
Evander (Vandy) Myrick is back in her hometown where everyone is in everyone's business. You know the term, where everyone knows your name? That's Q-town. She's there to watch over her father who has dementia and is soon hired for a PI gig. But when that PI gig turns into a murder mystery, that is where we begin to see how many threads connect all the people of Queenstown.
I love seeing a strong female character in a predominantly male field and Vandy was pretty darn badass. She's had a tragic past with her father as well as daughter, but she still wants to prove others wrong and that she is strong enough to do her job well. The beginning was a little slow to build, but it was the background characterization we needed to understand Vandy and where she came from. But once the murder took place, it was mystery goodness.
Listening to the audio narrated by Bahni Turpin brought Evander's story to life. You could easily understand where she came from with her past, but also got a sense of her strength and wanting to find answers. I liked how the story was divided up by each of Vandy's clients and how she worked in order for them to get the answers to not only the murder, but also finding out how unexpectedly interconnected all the characters were. It brought light to this small town that was filled with secrets that all came to a head.
Overall, this was a well paced murder mystery with a diverse lead that was wonderfully narrated by Ms Turpin. I look forward to reading or listening to future books by Delia Pitts.
Evander (Vandy) Myrick is back in her hometown where everyone is in everyone's business. You know the term, where everyone knows your name? That's Q-town. She's there to watch over her father who has dementia and is soon hired for a PI gig. But when that PI gig turns into a murder mystery, that is where we begin to see how many threads connect all the people of Queenstown.
I love seeing a strong female character in a predominantly male field and Vandy was pretty darn badass. She's had a tragic past with her father as well as daughter, but she still wants to prove others wrong and that she is strong enough to do her job well. The beginning was a little slow to build, but it was the background characterization we needed to understand Vandy and where she came from. But once the murder took place, it was mystery goodness.
Listening to the audio narrated by Bahni Turpin brought Evander's story to life. You could easily understand where she came from with her past, but also got a sense of her strength and wanting to find answers. I liked how the story was divided up by each of Vandy's clients and how she worked in order for them to get the answers to not only the murder, but also finding out how unexpectedly interconnected all the characters were. It brought light to this small town that was filled with secrets that all came to a head.
Overall, this was a well paced murder mystery with a diverse lead that was wonderfully narrated by Ms Turpin. I look forward to reading or listening to future books by Delia Pitts.
July 17, 2024
After a rough year, Evander 'Vandy' Myrick, is back in her small hometown of Queenstown. Now as the town's 'best PI', Vandy's newest client, the mayor's nephew Leo Hannah, wants her to follow his wife and find enough evidence for a divorce. What seems like a routine job, quickly becomes a murder case that might just unearth decades of old secrets.
I want to like this story, and I did enjoy parts of it. I love Vandy's tough demeanor, her quick wits, and her dedication to family and friends. I just felt that her character was much younger than she actually was, making it hard to believe a few of the story aspects. I know Pitts is introducing us to Vandy as a long-term PI, but I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the information we learn about her, which doesn't leave room for a ton of character growth for additional books in the series.
Based on the synopsis, I was stoked to read this book and while the narrator on the audiobook was good, the story itself wasn't great. I liked the way Bahni Turpin voiced Vandy, but other character narrations left me wanting more. The pacing of the story was long, and I felt that the plot was being pulled in too many directions.
The ending did surprise me, but it was totally out of left field, and I definitely took a star away for such a farfetched ending. I didn't like it and it felt so forced.
It wasn't a bad read but the overall story could have used some additional editing and there were quite a few things that could have been either saved for a second book or taken out completely with little consequences to this book.
Trouble in Queenstown is out now. Thank you to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG
I want to like this story, and I did enjoy parts of it. I love Vandy's tough demeanor, her quick wits, and her dedication to family and friends. I just felt that her character was much younger than she actually was, making it hard to believe a few of the story aspects. I know Pitts is introducing us to Vandy as a long-term PI, but I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the information we learn about her, which doesn't leave room for a ton of character growth for additional books in the series.
Based on the synopsis, I was stoked to read this book and while the narrator on the audiobook was good, the story itself wasn't great. I liked the way Bahni Turpin voiced Vandy, but other character narrations left me wanting more. The pacing of the story was long, and I felt that the plot was being pulled in too many directions.
The ending did surprise me, but it was totally out of left field, and I definitely took a star away for such a farfetched ending. I didn't like it and it felt so forced.
It wasn't a bad read but the overall story could have used some additional editing and there were quite a few things that could have been either saved for a second book or taken out completely with little consequences to this book.
Trouble in Queenstown is out now. Thank you to Minotaur Books for my advanced copy in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting Instagram @speakingof.books.
Tiktok @speakingof.books
Website: SPEAKINGOF.ORG
November 10, 2024
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies to review.
Anytime Bahni Turpin narrates an audiobook, I know I am in for a treat, and that proved true once again with Trouble In Queenstown. Vandy is a cop turned PI and she is back in her hometown of Queenstown, NJ. Her first case turns out to be one that is more than she bargained for, as it quickly turns into more than what her client said it was. This was entertaining and kept my attention the entire time, and I loved all of the turns it took. Vandy was a good protagonist, and I loved how she was relentless in getting to the bottom of what was really going on, regardless of who tried to stop her.
This was my first read of Pitts, and I will have to check out her other books. I am hoping this is the first in a series as it seemed to be set up that way, and I do recommend it and think audio is the way to read it if you like audiobooks.
Anytime Bahni Turpin narrates an audiobook, I know I am in for a treat, and that proved true once again with Trouble In Queenstown. Vandy is a cop turned PI and she is back in her hometown of Queenstown, NJ. Her first case turns out to be one that is more than she bargained for, as it quickly turns into more than what her client said it was. This was entertaining and kept my attention the entire time, and I loved all of the turns it took. Vandy was a good protagonist, and I loved how she was relentless in getting to the bottom of what was really going on, regardless of who tried to stop her.
This was my first read of Pitts, and I will have to check out her other books. I am hoping this is the first in a series as it seemed to be set up that way, and I do recommend it and think audio is the way to read it if you like audiobooks.
July 22, 2024
This was an action-packed mystery filled with fascinating characters and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. While Vandy knows who the guilty party is, she needs to figure out how to prove it and we get to come along for the ride. Vandy is a strong but vulnerable character that you can’t help but root for but want to chastise for some decisions at the same time. I enjoyed getting to know Vandy and being immersed into the small town that she lives in. Hoping we’ll get to see her again in another story.
I received a copy from @NetGalley, @macmillan.audio, and @stmartinspress for an honest review.
I received a copy from @NetGalley, @macmillan.audio, and @stmartinspress for an honest review.
July 4, 2024
Vanda is happy to be home. She likes being her own boss. He next case seems simple enough, until someone is murdered. This book kept me guessing.
August 12, 2024
You can't really go wrong with a PI/police procedural. I loved the MC.
November 29, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
🔍Okay mystery, easy to solve early in the story
💥Had a couple of twists added to the plot
✊🏿Racism centerpiece to story
🕵🏿♀️MC is a real gumshoe, reminiscent of Sam Spade
If this becomes a series, I won't read on but glad to have tried a new to me author.
🔍Okay mystery, easy to solve early in the story
💥Had a couple of twists added to the plot
✊🏿Racism centerpiece to story
🕵🏿♀️MC is a real gumshoe, reminiscent of Sam Spade
If this becomes a series, I won't read on but glad to have tried a new to me author.
Read
July 16, 2024LOVE a good PI story and Vandy Myrick joins my list of favorite female PIs. She's returned to her small hometown in central Jersey and is working as a private investigator, mourning her daughter, and trying to care for her aging father.
Her new case seems like a straightforward surveillance case, but of course PI cases in books are never cut and dried. Soon she's put herself and the ones she loves in danger.
Thanks to Minotaur for the advance reader copy!
Her new case seems like a straightforward surveillance case, but of course PI cases in books are never cut and dried. Soon she's put herself and the ones she loves in danger.
Thanks to Minotaur for the advance reader copy!
August 28, 2024
This book is SO good. Truly wow, I was blown away by the reveals and the storytelling. I had no idea where it was going and loved how the story weaved itself (with gorgeous gritty writing). I always enjoy PI stories because they seem to have drama in their past that comes out in how doggedly they pursue a case and this was a great example of this. Vandy has such a good instinct and is a fascinating MC to follow. There are a few different storylines to follow and I love how it came to a fast paced and chilling ending. Family, socioeconomic and racial factors, and politics all play a crucial role in this emotional small-town mystery and this is a story that's many facets will stay with me for a long time.
I really really hope this becomes a series because I am not done with Vandy!
Note: I listened to the audiobook which was fantastic and I highly recommend that route!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
I really really hope this becomes a series because I am not done with Vandy!
Note: I listened to the audiobook which was fantastic and I highly recommend that route!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
February 18, 2024
Let's talk about Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts! Warning: Once you meet characters like Evander "Vandy" Myrick and the men in her investigations and life, you WILL get attached!
When Vandy takes on client Leo Hannah, the Mayor's nephew for a simple divorce case, it turns into so much more. Two deaths, four investigations, one case. Oh yea, and one badass woman determined to uncover it all.
Mystery and thriller lovers will devour Trouble in Queenstown and be eager for more from Delia Pitts and her cast of characters.
When Vandy takes on client Leo Hannah, the Mayor's nephew for a simple divorce case, it turns into so much more. Two deaths, four investigations, one case. Oh yea, and one badass woman determined to uncover it all.
Mystery and thriller lovers will devour Trouble in Queenstown and be eager for more from Delia Pitts and her cast of characters.
August 29, 2024
I found this to be an enjoyable and entertaining listen. Vandy is a PI in her hometown. I love that this story is set in my home state. Vandy is such a strong and unique main character. She is feisty and complex. I had a good time getting to know her character.
This was a solid murder mystery that I found myself invested in up until the end. The author delivered humor throughout the story that I thought was a nice addition. The plot was well developed and I thought Vandy and the supporting characters were well flushed out.
Bahni Turpin is one of my fave narrators, and she perfectly brought this story to life!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
This was a solid murder mystery that I found myself invested in up until the end. The author delivered humor throughout the story that I thought was a nice addition. The plot was well developed and I thought Vandy and the supporting characters were well flushed out.
Bahni Turpin is one of my fave narrators, and she perfectly brought this story to life!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2024
Trouble in Queenstown is the story of Vandy, a private investigator in Queenstown, New Jersey. It deals with family secrets, racial tension, and grief on an extremely personal level.
I was really excited to read this one; the description of the book and the cover both drew me in. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into the story. I found Vandy pretty unlikeable, and as a seasoned PI she seemed to make decisions more with her heart than her head. I think there is a lot to like about this book, including the full cast of characters besides Vandy, but the overall plot was pretty convoluted. I also think my experience was affected by listening to the audio; I didn't love the narrator so it made it difficult to get through. If you're interested in this book, I recommend reading the physical or e-book rather than the audio!
Thank you to NetGalley for this early copy!
I was really excited to read this one; the description of the book and the cover both drew me in. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get into the story. I found Vandy pretty unlikeable, and as a seasoned PI she seemed to make decisions more with her heart than her head. I think there is a lot to like about this book, including the full cast of characters besides Vandy, but the overall plot was pretty convoluted. I also think my experience was affected by listening to the audio; I didn't love the narrator so it made it difficult to get through. If you're interested in this book, I recommend reading the physical or e-book rather than the audio!
Thank you to NetGalley for this early copy!
August 24, 2024
3.5 stars
Good read, but there is little subtlety here. A little less over-the-top would improve this plot.
Good read, but there is little subtlety here. A little less over-the-top would improve this plot.
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