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An Epitaph for Jezebel
An Atlanta investigative reporter who speaks for those without a voice. A female-owned strip club famous for treating its performers as well as its customers. But when one popular dancer is ritualistically murdered, reporter Keke McCoy’s investigation won’t leave hers—or anyone’s—secrets safe, in the first of a thrilling mystery series by L. Divine . . .
When Keke starts looking into secretive stripper Monaka's grisly death, she’s instantly caught between her past and her present. Through The Honey Pot club owner "Honey Mama" Thiboudeaux, Keke found refuge from the streets, earned much money from her stage persona "Brandy," and got a chance at a new life all her own. Her bombshell exposé about the club launched her reporting career. But it caused a bitter, seemingly irrevocable split between her, the only family she's ever known—and Drew, the one man Keke won't admit she's never gotten
over . . .
At Honey Mama request's, Keke goes undercover as Brandy to find the truth before political pressures shut the progressive club down for good. But Keke has to watch more than her back when she finds Monaka had an unshakable, dangerously elusive stalker, an illicit club sideline—and vicious conflicts with rival dancers. Even more explosive, Keke's persistence is putting her at odds with Drew, now a police detective working this case . . . and the secrets she herself can no longer hide.
Now with the clock fast ticking down, Keke must tantalize the killer with the one lure he—or she—can't resist. But using fantasy as a trap could put more than her pursuit of justice on the line--it risks ending her career and life for good . . .
When Keke starts looking into secretive stripper Monaka's grisly death, she’s instantly caught between her past and her present. Through The Honey Pot club owner "Honey Mama" Thiboudeaux, Keke found refuge from the streets, earned much money from her stage persona "Brandy," and got a chance at a new life all her own. Her bombshell exposé about the club launched her reporting career. But it caused a bitter, seemingly irrevocable split between her, the only family she's ever known—and Drew, the one man Keke won't admit she's never gotten
over . . .
At Honey Mama request's, Keke goes undercover as Brandy to find the truth before political pressures shut the progressive club down for good. But Keke has to watch more than her back when she finds Monaka had an unshakable, dangerously elusive stalker, an illicit club sideline—and vicious conflicts with rival dancers. Even more explosive, Keke's persistence is putting her at odds with Drew, now a police detective working this case . . . and the secrets she herself can no longer hide.
Now with the clock fast ticking down, Keke must tantalize the killer with the one lure he—or she—can't resist. But using fantasy as a trap could put more than her pursuit of justice on the line--it risks ending her career and life for good . . .
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
20 people are currently reading
7244 people want to read
About the author
L. Divine
30 books624 followersL. Divine is a young female author of the young adult fiction series Drama High. L. Divine is also a priestess who is originally from California, has lived in Jamaica and currently resides with her children in Atlanta. She also holds advanced degrees in African American studies from UCLA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 20, 2024
I wanted to like this book so bad but I just didn’t. L. Divine was one of my favorite YA authors growing up and I was really excited to read her first adult novel. This book just fell flat to me. There was way too much information about why people strip, their backgrounds, etc., and at some point it felt like it was just a book pro strippers because none of that added to the plot. Also, the ending left too many unanswered questions. What happened with Ian? Drew? The pimp from the other club?
July 3, 2024
DNF. I got maybe a quarter of the way into the book and I was sick of hearing about the details of the strippers stripping. Just not for me.
July 15, 2024
Disclaimer: I won this ARC in a GoodReads giveaway but it in no way has influenced my review.
First off: this book is definitely NOT for the kiddies...it is very adult in subject matter and rough language. Also far too much graphic sexual content for my taste.
The topic of a poll dancer in Georgia who is murdered and the subsequent investigation by a young black female reporter getting her first break at a major story because she was once a poll dancer at the place where the murder occurred sounds interesting from the outset. However there is far too much diversion about poll dancing and the various ladies who work at the Honey Pot. For the first half of the book the plot doesn't really advance -- it just rambles. The latter part of the book when the plot begins to develop more directly is better. Hence the resulting 3 stars.
First off: this book is definitely NOT for the kiddies...it is very adult in subject matter and rough language. Also far too much graphic sexual content for my taste.
The topic of a poll dancer in Georgia who is murdered and the subsequent investigation by a young black female reporter getting her first break at a major story because she was once a poll dancer at the place where the murder occurred sounds interesting from the outset. However there is far too much diversion about poll dancing and the various ladies who work at the Honey Pot. For the first half of the book the plot doesn't really advance -- it just rambles. The latter part of the book when the plot begins to develop more directly is better. Hence the resulting 3 stars.
July 20, 2024
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A stripper turned journalist finds herself back on the pole when a stripper working for her old boss is murdered.
Could almost be a cozy if it had a sense of humor.
A stripper turned journalist finds herself back on the pole when a stripper working for her old boss is murdered.
Could almost be a cozy if it had a sense of humor.
April 25, 2024
This book exuded a strong P Valley vibe, prompting me to draw parallels between the characters in the book and those from the TV show. While Keke's naivety in her romantic relationships did grate on my nerves at times, the overall reading experience was enjoyable. The resolution of the mystery behind "whodunit" was somewhat expected, but the narrative flowed smoothly and kept me engaged. Despite this, the ending left me pondering some unresolved questions. This was my initial introduction to the author's writing, but I am eager to delve into more of their work.
Thank you Kensington and Dafina for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thank you Kensington and Dafina for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
July 5, 2025
Warning: This book contains sexual content, sex talk and things about street life (and being a stripper). If those are not things that you want to read about, I wouldn't read this review (though I will tone down the content, as this is a review) and wouldn’t recommend you seek out this book. However if you’re like me and that content is fine with you, read on- cause this is a great book!
L. Divine’s, An Epitaph For Jezebel is a sexy mystery, delving into a world which is definitely different (unless you’ve been a stripper at one of the most unique joints in the South). Everyone comes to The Honey Spot- not just customers looking for a dance but also those who want to learn how to be some of the best “dancers” in Georgia. Because the owner, “HoneyMama” Thiboudeaux gives refuge to girls from the streets and turns them into “great earners” as well as giving them a sense of self, a greater purpose in life- and teaches them to believe in their power. And, for the most part, HoneyMama’s girls have great reverence for her though Keke had left the life- and has been a reporter for years. After her first piece as a journalist was published, An Epitaph For Jezebel- the outlook Keke gave life as a stripper put up a wall between herself and HoneyMama.
However when one of the dancers, Monaka, is found dead at the club, Keke is back to help investigate along with writing a killer story that her editor demands. Though this time, Keke is determined to give The Honey Spot and HoneyMama (along with Monaka), the justice- in the new that they deserve. Having to face her “stripper persona” Brandy once more- back on stage in hopes of catching the killer, it doesn't help that her ex-fiancee Drew, a detective, is assigned to the case- along with an ignorant partner who makes interaction with HoneyMama, the club and the girls uneasy (as he seems to have no respect for them, something HoneyMama has taught the girls they deserve- and to demand it).
The ending of An Epitaph For Jezebel is one that couldn’t have been expected but one that could have been predictable- the killer, more of a jealous, crazed maniac. Plus, the culprit thinks HoneyMama has turned their back on them and their kind- when, in fact, that is not the truth and HoneyMama- never more nondiscriminatory. To solve this quandary I lay here, you have to read the book yourself- as I have already given too much away.
Happy Reading (However, as I mentioned in my warning, be prepared for some racy content in this book ;)!
L. Divine’s, An Epitaph For Jezebel is a sexy mystery, delving into a world which is definitely different (unless you’ve been a stripper at one of the most unique joints in the South). Everyone comes to The Honey Spot- not just customers looking for a dance but also those who want to learn how to be some of the best “dancers” in Georgia. Because the owner, “HoneyMama” Thiboudeaux gives refuge to girls from the streets and turns them into “great earners” as well as giving them a sense of self, a greater purpose in life- and teaches them to believe in their power. And, for the most part, HoneyMama’s girls have great reverence for her though Keke had left the life- and has been a reporter for years. After her first piece as a journalist was published, An Epitaph For Jezebel- the outlook Keke gave life as a stripper put up a wall between herself and HoneyMama.
However when one of the dancers, Monaka, is found dead at the club, Keke is back to help investigate along with writing a killer story that her editor demands. Though this time, Keke is determined to give The Honey Spot and HoneyMama (along with Monaka), the justice- in the new that they deserve. Having to face her “stripper persona” Brandy once more- back on stage in hopes of catching the killer, it doesn't help that her ex-fiancee Drew, a detective, is assigned to the case- along with an ignorant partner who makes interaction with HoneyMama, the club and the girls uneasy (as he seems to have no respect for them, something HoneyMama has taught the girls they deserve- and to demand it).
The ending of An Epitaph For Jezebel is one that couldn’t have been expected but one that could have been predictable- the killer, more of a jealous, crazed maniac. Plus, the culprit thinks HoneyMama has turned their back on them and their kind- when, in fact, that is not the truth and HoneyMama- never more nondiscriminatory. To solve this quandary I lay here, you have to read the book yourself- as I have already given too much away.
Happy Reading (However, as I mentioned in my warning, be prepared for some racy content in this book ;)!
July 17, 2024
Rating 3.5 Stars
An Epitaph for Jezebel by Divine is a fascinating exploration of complex themes wrapped in a gripping narrative. The story delves deep into the life of Jezebel, a character whose journey is as tumultuous as it is compelling. Divine's writing is both poetic and poignant, drawing readers into a richly constructed world filled with intrigue and emotion.
The novel's strengths lie in its character development and thematic depth. Jezebel is a multifaceted character whose struggles and triumphs are portrayed with raw honesty. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding layers to the central narrative. The themes of redemption, identity, and resilience are explored thoughtfully, making for a thought-provoking read.
However, the pacing of the story can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling overly drawn out while others rush past critical moments. Additionally, the prose, while beautiful, can occasionally become dense, which may disrupt the flow for some readers.
Despite these minor drawbacks, An Epitaph for Jezebel is a powerful read that offers a unique blend of literary elegance and emotional intensity. It’s a book that will resonate with those who appreciate deeply character-driven stories and are willing to navigate its occasional slow patches. Divine's talent for storytelling shines through, making this a memorable read.
An Epitaph for Jezebel by Divine is a fascinating exploration of complex themes wrapped in a gripping narrative. The story delves deep into the life of Jezebel, a character whose journey is as tumultuous as it is compelling. Divine's writing is both poetic and poignant, drawing readers into a richly constructed world filled with intrigue and emotion.
The novel's strengths lie in its character development and thematic depth. Jezebel is a multifaceted character whose struggles and triumphs are portrayed with raw honesty. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding layers to the central narrative. The themes of redemption, identity, and resilience are explored thoughtfully, making for a thought-provoking read.
However, the pacing of the story can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling overly drawn out while others rush past critical moments. Additionally, the prose, while beautiful, can occasionally become dense, which may disrupt the flow for some readers.
Despite these minor drawbacks, An Epitaph for Jezebel is a powerful read that offers a unique blend of literary elegance and emotional intensity. It’s a book that will resonate with those who appreciate deeply character-driven stories and are willing to navigate its occasional slow patches. Divine's talent for storytelling shines through, making this a memorable read.
June 13, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
This book is definitely FOR ADULTS as it contains graphic language and subject matter. I don't usually read books with explicit sexual content so visibly on display; however, I gave this one a chance in hopes of still getting a good murder mystery. The overall writing of the author is good, but I just did not care for the explicit content (there was no way around it! ). I liked the Southern setting, and I actually liked that the characters were very human and ultimately deeply flawed; I appreciated them understanding their own weaknesses while still trying to make it in this tough world. The murder mystery itself, though, took a back seat to the pretty in-depth storylines of the main character and the dancers. This was disappointing since Mystery/Thriller is what I most enjoy...
I had not previously heard of this author, and I discovered that she has a presence in the YA genre; this book is her debut onto the adult scene and perhaps the introduction of a series with her new MC, Keke McCoy. She definitely provided the adult material! lol That said, if subsequent installments are as graphic as this one, then I recognize that this author is probably not for me. I do see potential for character development for Keke, though 🤔
This book is definitely FOR ADULTS as it contains graphic language and subject matter. I don't usually read books with explicit sexual content so visibly on display; however, I gave this one a chance in hopes of still getting a good murder mystery. The overall writing of the author is good, but I just did not care for the explicit content (there was no way around it! ). I liked the Southern setting, and I actually liked that the characters were very human and ultimately deeply flawed; I appreciated them understanding their own weaknesses while still trying to make it in this tough world. The murder mystery itself, though, took a back seat to the pretty in-depth storylines of the main character and the dancers. This was disappointing since Mystery/Thriller is what I most enjoy...
I had not previously heard of this author, and I discovered that she has a presence in the YA genre; this book is her debut onto the adult scene and perhaps the introduction of a series with her new MC, Keke McCoy. She definitely provided the adult material! lol That said, if subsequent installments are as graphic as this one, then I recognize that this author is probably not for me. I do see potential for character development for Keke, though 🤔
August 9, 2025
I listened to the audio version. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This was out of my comfort zone as I generally read romance stories with happy endings. This story was about the mysterious murder of a stripper/dancer of the Honey Pot, a strip club in Atlanta
Investigative reporter KeKe McCoy was sent to gather information and write the story of the victim, Monaka. KeKe, the reporter, used to be one of the dancers at the strip club and had worked the streets in her early teens, but had left many years ago to attend college and pursue her longtime love of writing. To solve the case and get the information she needed for her article, she had to go undercover to obtain the information to solve the mystery.
Going back to the Honey Pot brings up memories of KeKe's days as a stripper/dancer, and interactions with people from her past, including an ex-boyfriend, who was the detective on the case.
The ending does tie up the mystery of the murder, but there are several strings left untied. Hopefully, we will get the answers in a future book. I'm looking forward to that.
Investigative reporter KeKe McCoy was sent to gather information and write the story of the victim, Monaka. KeKe, the reporter, used to be one of the dancers at the strip club and had worked the streets in her early teens, but had left many years ago to attend college and pursue her longtime love of writing. To solve the case and get the information she needed for her article, she had to go undercover to obtain the information to solve the mystery.
Going back to the Honey Pot brings up memories of KeKe's days as a stripper/dancer, and interactions with people from her past, including an ex-boyfriend, who was the detective on the case.
The ending does tie up the mystery of the murder, but there are several strings left untied. Hopefully, we will get the answers in a future book. I'm looking forward to that.
July 9, 2025
Disclaimer: I won the book in a Goodreads giveaway and contains spoilers.
So I really liked this book in the beginning. It was easy to read, I liked that the murder happened in the beginning, and I hadn’t read a book like this before. Keke is a stripper turned journalist and she’s sent to Indian Springs to write about a murder that took place in the club she used to work at.
The plot doesn’t really get moving until about halfway through and I expected Keke to complete more interviews of the women working there. She also has a sort of boyfriend, Ian, and by the end of the book we have no idea what happened there. Then there’s Drew, her ex-boyfriend, and we don’t know what happened there either. Also, did she quit?
The end of the book is the article she wrote about how she became a stripper but there was supposed to be a lot of controversy that had made Honeymama, the owner, and the rest of the girls pissed. The article wasn’t bad. I was expecting a lot worse.
So I really liked this book in the beginning. It was easy to read, I liked that the murder happened in the beginning, and I hadn’t read a book like this before. Keke is a stripper turned journalist and she’s sent to Indian Springs to write about a murder that took place in the club she used to work at.
The plot doesn’t really get moving until about halfway through and I expected Keke to complete more interviews of the women working there. She also has a sort of boyfriend, Ian, and by the end of the book we have no idea what happened there. Then there’s Drew, her ex-boyfriend, and we don’t know what happened there either. Also, did she quit?
The end of the book is the article she wrote about how she became a stripper but there was supposed to be a lot of controversy that had made Honeymama, the owner, and the rest of the girls pissed. The article wasn’t bad. I was expecting a lot worse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
Flawed heroine Keke is a reporter and former stripper goes back to her old stopping grounds in rural Georgia when a dancer is murdered. Facing a solid wall of sexism, racism, classroom and homophobia from the local corrupt cops, Keke and her ex try to exonerate the wrongly accused and find the real killer. It's really not much of a mystery to the reader, since the killer is revealed in the first chapter and the few red herrings thrown at us don't really fly. The big twist at the end was broadcast halfway through, making it land like a dud. Oddly, for all the very explicit talk of sex acts and sex organs, the actual sex is written pretty tame. Still, Keke is a compelling character that I wouldn't mind reading more of, if only in a more tightly written & edited adventure.
dnfs
September 30, 2025dnf 50%
ive come too far, and i simply do not care anymore.
the premiss was amazing, an ex stripper is a journalist who tries to solve the crime of her ex-friend
however something went awry along the way, i could see flashes of the book trying to be empowering, showing that the most important thing is to control your body and having confidence to use it in a way that you deem worthy
but how many times can i read about sex or masturbation, or the love interest cheating on his fiancee? it was supposed to be mainly crime/thriller, what happened?:<
anyway, i would give it two stars were i to finish the book, but for the past three months i havent had one thought about circling back to this story, hence the dnf. life is too short to read sth i dont enjoy
ive come too far, and i simply do not care anymore.
the premiss was amazing, an ex stripper is a journalist who tries to solve the crime of her ex-friend
however something went awry along the way, i could see flashes of the book trying to be empowering, showing that the most important thing is to control your body and having confidence to use it in a way that you deem worthy
but how many times can i read about sex or masturbation, or the love interest cheating on his fiancee? it was supposed to be mainly crime/thriller, what happened?:<
anyway, i would give it two stars were i to finish the book, but for the past three months i havent had one thought about circling back to this story, hence the dnf. life is too short to read sth i dont enjoy
June 24, 2024
When I read the title I thought about a classic mystery, Death of Jezebel by Christianna Brand. This is not a classic whodunnit, there's elements of noir/thriller and romantic suspense.
It's a fast pace story that feature a strong and clever heroine who fights for the underdogs and she's not afraid to go to dark places to discover the truth.
Well plotted and intriguing, a good start for a new series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a fast pace story that feature a strong and clever heroine who fights for the underdogs and she's not afraid to go to dark places to discover the truth.
Well plotted and intriguing, a good start for a new series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 30, 2024
It's exhausting. It just tries too hard. The author wants to be edgy but also wants that edginess to be accepted as not-edgy. The constant "justifying" is a drag. I skipped sections. The writing isn't bad. The story isn't bad. Some of the choices the author made, unfortunately, really made the reading tedious. It's too bad. There's potential there.
Free copy received through Goodreads Giveaways.
Free copy received through Goodreads Giveaways.
June 17, 2025
I really do not know how this book is not a BookTok book or that I’ve not heard of it! It is easily one of my new favorite thrillers now and I will definitely be waiting for the next book in the series to be released. Loved everything about it! Go get it now and read it! Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for a honest review.
December 7, 2024
I feel like all these authors who are trying to go from young adult books to adult books are just falling flat. It feels like all the things I enjoyed from their ya writing just died out when they started writing adult stories. This one just felt really flat.
July 29, 2025
L Divine had a great story to tell. I loved the strippers and their backgrounds. This book has great potential, but the plot was sporadic and then it is finished. So many ends left undone. It felt like she got bored with the whole thing and gave up. Those strippers deserved better.
September 11, 2024
Not a bad read but definitely not a young adult read in my opinion.
Want to read
September 11, 2024too slutty !!!
March 23, 2025
This was a well written easy read. I like books with short chapters and this one was perfect. I really couldn't get into the Drew/Brandy storyline though.
June 9, 2025
Good read about murder, strippers and family. This book will keep the reader interested.
June 15, 2025
Not impressed difficult to finish
June 21, 2025
really 3 1/2 stars
June 29, 2025
A book that digs deep into the lives of strippers.
July 4, 2025
Transported me to a world of fantasy and grit. Solid mystery and the writer really set the backdrop for each scene
August 1, 2025
This needs editing. And some rework for the flow of the plot.
October 5, 2025
Keke is now a reporter sent to investigate the murder of a stripper outside Atlanta. Previous to becoming a reporter she was a stripper at the same establishment that the body was found. She feels a need to help solve the crime to provide justice for her.
This evolves over several layers. The disrespect that Keke’s boss at the paper has for her, not only because of her previous work but also because of her race (it was subtle). The disrespect of the certain investigating police for the deceased woman and her profession, like she wasn’t human being. Also how certain other employees of the establishment were ready to tear down other members. Members of the community who would visit the strip club would destroy the reputations of the dancers while in the dark of night would visit the club enjoying the show.
This murder mystery not only explores the investigation but you are given a peek at Keke’s personal life.
Keke would work with her police officer ex-boyfriend and his judgmental partner to discover the evil behind the murder.
The was a Goodreads giveaway and I thank the author and publisher for the giveaway. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of her work.
This evolves over several layers. The disrespect that Keke’s boss at the paper has for her, not only because of her previous work but also because of her race (it was subtle). The disrespect of the certain investigating police for the deceased woman and her profession, like she wasn’t human being. Also how certain other employees of the establishment were ready to tear down other members. Members of the community who would visit the strip club would destroy the reputations of the dancers while in the dark of night would visit the club enjoying the show.
This murder mystery not only explores the investigation but you are given a peek at Keke’s personal life.
Keke would work with her police officer ex-boyfriend and his judgmental partner to discover the evil behind the murder.
The was a Goodreads giveaway and I thank the author and publisher for the giveaway. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of her work.
June 13, 2025
Spicy!
September 23, 2024
Great read
July 6, 2024
The main character and the setting are interesting, and I appreciated the insight into black women and their power as dancers (this part was really well-done), but I cannot recommend this book because of the way that it represents trans people. The murder is on-page, at the beginning of the book (which is fine) but was perpetrated by a trans-femme person with severe mental health issues. There's no positive representation of trans people and perpetuates a dangerous trope that being trans equates to being dangerous or unhinged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews