In the opulent upper-crust society of Doily Dayle, where the Braggart Dynasty holds sway with a haughty air of benevolence, lies a tale of deceit and vengeance that would make even the most hardened heart shudder. Astrid Beeswax, a victim of their artful machinations, nurses a festering grudge for a full fifteen years, ever since her father fell prey to their cunning schemes.
Now, as the astute proprietress of The Bee’s Knees floral emporium, she navigates the upper echelons of society with a keen eye for justice, all the while gathering secrets and whispers from the glitterati. But when Astrid catches wind of Harold Braggart's dastardly plan to lay blame upon her innocent twin brother, she vows to unmask the true villainy at play.
"Astrid Beeswax: The Sting" heralds the beginning of Tessa Jensen's whip-smart series, where eccentric characters, lavish locales, and biting satire provide the backdrop for a tale of retribution and redemption. Step into this world of high society intrigue, where justice hangs in the balance, and join Astrid on her enthralling journey through the interwoven worlds of Doily Dayle. Print length 248 pages
Hello! I'm Tessa. I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, where I became accustomed to clean air and shades of green. Now, I reside in Washington in a house full of laughing, screaming, and general chaos on account of my four children and three pets - and maybe myself on occasion. :)
Tessa Jensen’s Astrid Beeswax: The Sting is an absolute delight, equal parts mystery, satire, and stylish social commentary. From the very first page, the world of Doily Dayle springs to life in vivid, tongue-in-cheek detail, painting a picture of a high society so ripe with hypocrisy and vanity that it begs for someone like Astrid to sting it right where it hurts.
Astrid Beeswax is a fantastic protagonist, clever, composed, and delightfully vengeful. Having spent fifteen years simmering beneath a polished surface, she’s now the shrewd owner of The Bee’s Knees, a floral emporium that doubles as her window into the secrets of the elite. Her mission? To right the wrongs that tore her family apart, especially as new dangers surface, threatening to implicate her innocent twin brother.
The novel strikes a great balance between sharp wit and genuine emotion. Jensen’s prose is rich and layered with satirical elegance, poking fun at the absurdities of wealth and status while weaving a compelling mystery. Lizzy Hill’s illustrations are a charming bonus, complementing the story’s flair and whimsy.
The Braggart Dynasty, in all its entitled grandeur, makes the perfect foil for Astrid’s calculated revenge. Watching her maneuver through their gilded world, collecting secrets like bouquets, is deeply satisfying. There’s a wonderful sense of justice being slowly but surely assembled, pedal by pedal.
Astrid Beeswax: The Sting is the kind of book that rewards careful reading with sharp humor, memorable characters, and just enough darkness beneath the polished surface. It’s a brilliant start to what promises to be a stylish and smart series. I can’t wait to see what secrets Astrid uncovers next.
Smart, sharp, and satisfying. Astrid Beeswax: The Sting blends high-society satire with heartfelt stakes. Astrid’s quest for justice is both clever and emotionally grounded, and the world of Doily Dayle is as ridiculous as it is riveting. A strong start to a unique series I’m hooked.
A smart, elegant revenge story with heart. Astrid is a sharp and compelling lead, and the world of Doily Dayle is deliciously deceitful. Tessa Jensen blends satire, suspense, and emotion beautifully. A strong start to a promising series.
I love the fun characters and how they developed. Once I got into the story, it was really hard to put down. I recommend this book as an enjoyable read!
Quirky, good hearted characters fill this book. Great descriptions and wonderful dialog make it easy to get drawn in. I was guessing about the ending up until the last pages.