Bad Seeds

Lexington, Alabama #6

by Mary Monroe

A warm-hearted, generous businesswoman discovers her dark side when she’s betrayed by both the younger man she thought was the love of her life and the best friend she’s always trusted—with shattering consequences—in New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe’s final standalone novel set in the outrageously scandalous, colorful town of Lexington, Alabama.

The daughter of a hardworking restaurant owner, Louise Brooks always sees the best in people—and in helping them no matter how difficult her own life gets. She's lived through tragic loss and working in the family business, even after enduring a failed marriage and raising a child. So she's delighted when she finds a best friend in Della Thornton, a woman struggling with bad breaks and unlucky romances. Many years later, when Louise's father and her prosperous second husband pass away, Louise takes Della in and gives her a role in the restaurant as it grows more successful than ever . . .

Louise is now convinced lasting love is not in the cards for her—until she runs into handsome Malcolm Purdy. He's everything she could want—outgoing, charming, and attentive. Soon they become engaged. And although Louise is dismayed that Della and Malcolm hate each other from the start, she does her best to keep the peace between the two people she cares about and trusts the most . . .

But a chance encounter from the past shows Louise that neither Della nor Malcolm is quite who they say they are—and their deceit runs deeper and deadlier than she imagined. With her illusions in ruins, how far will she go to see justice served? And will her final shocking move cost her more than she’s willing to lose?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

I am the third child of Alabama sharecroppers and the first and only member of my family to finish high school. I never attended college or any writing classes. I taught myself how to write and started writing short stories around age four. I spent the first part of my life in Alabama and Ohio and moved to Richmond, California in 1973. I have lived in Oakland since 1984.

My first novel THE UPPER ROOM was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985 and was widely reviewed throughout the U.S. and in Great Britain. An excerpt is included in Terry McMillan's anthology BREAKING ICE. I endured fifteen years and hundreds of more rejection letters before I landed a contract for my second novel, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. It was published in October 2000 by Kensington Books. GOD DON'T PLAY is my seventh novel to be published, and it landed me a spot on the prestigious New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time! My eighth novel, "BORROW TROUBLE," was released December 2006. My ninth novel, DELIVER ME FROM EVIL, was released September 2007 and my tenth novel, SHE HAD IT COMING, was released in September 2008, and my eleventh novel THE COMPANY WE KEEP, will be released March 2009.

I won the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year in 2001 for GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY. I won the Best Southern Author Award for GONNA LAY DOWN MY BURDENS, in 2004.

I am divorced, I love to travel, I love to mingle with other authors, and I love to read anything by Ernest Gaines, Stephen King, Alice Walker, and James Patterson. I still write seven days a week and I get most of my ideas from current events, the people around me, but most of my material is autobiographical.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of Bad Seeds from NetGalley, and as someone who has read every single book set in Mary Monroe’s Lexington, Alabama world, I was hyped to get my hands on this one early. Even though this is a standalone, it still carries that familiar Lexington energy — and while you don’t have to read the other books to enjoy this, I’ll always recommend the full ride because the whole series is just that good.

This time we follow Louise, a businesswoman who gets stabbed in the back by someone she thought was on her side… and in her bed. The betrayal is messy, bold, and exactly the kind of Southern drama Mary Monroe knows how to serve.

Now, I’ll be honest: the pacing dragged in some places. But if you know Mary’s writing, you know she’s going to take her time, lay down every detail, and then pick things up when it counts. Some readers may find that aggravating, but I’m always here for the ride. I like the slow burn. I like the breadcrumbs. I like knowing that when the hammer finally drops, it’s going to drop hard.

And it does. The arc and the after are the real shiners here — sharp, edgy, and full of that “karma came to collect” satisfaction. Malcolm and Della got exactly what they earned, and I didn’t feel bad for a single page.

Overall, I loved the entire book. It’s dramatic, it’s messy, it’s Southern, and it’s classic Mary Monroe. If you enjoy stories about toxic friendships, betrayal, and a woman reclaiming her power after being pushed too far, this one is absolutely worth picking up. Just know the fireworks come later — but when they hit, they hit.

[Markita_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Bad Seeds
Author: Mary Monroe
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Format: Ebook
Star Rating: 5 Star

O.M.G. Mary Monroe has done it again. *Bad Seeds* is book 6 in the A Lexington, Alabama series, and wow, what a wild and crazy ride this book took us on. This book showed us that sometimes the people you think are your friends are willing to plot against you. I highly recommend you read this; if you enjoyed *Mrs. Wiggins*, then you will enjoy this book as well.

The Ending: Happily Ever After (Justice was served)
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 1 Day

Thank you, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for the ebook in exchange for my honest review. 

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I say I felt all kinds of hatred, uproar, anger, sadness and hope! This story took me for a ride!

There are certain things I hold sacred, and sisterhood is one of them. This story took us back to Lexington and taught me a few lessons and gave me a handful of reminders. Things aren’t always what they seem.

The plot twists were done perfectly and I audibly gasped more than once each chapter. The pacing was perfect and each character had just the right amount of depth. This was perfectly done.

My best friend’s mother( thank you Mrs Cynthia!) introduced me to Mary Monroe’s writing and told me about this series. Needless to say, we’ve been reading and listening (the audiobooks are amazing too btw!) and haven’t stoped gossiping about it. With that in mind, I bought my niece (she’s in her early 20s) and her best friend each a copy of Mrs. Wiggins and passed the torch to the next generation.


Thank you Mrs Mary Monroe and Kensington Publishing | Dafina as well as NetGalley for allowing me to enjoy this next installment in this series.

[JaVone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good message. Good drama as usual with Mary Monroe. I rated a 3 because the middle was dragging.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read overall. Mary Monroe’s Bad Seeds explores the strained, decades-long friendship between Louise and Della, and honestly, if you have friends like these two, you definitely don’t need enemies! The book dives into the pettiness, jealousy, and underlying resentment that bubbles beneath the surface of their relationship.

Throughout the story, Louise helps Della out quite a bit, but she also has a way of insulting her blatantly and treating her like she’s somehow inferior. This dynamic leads Della to believe that Louise thinks she’s better than her, which feeds into Della’s growing bitterness and eventually her sinister plotting against Louise. The toxic friendship dynamics were interesting to watch unfold, and Monroe does capture that complicated mix of loyalty and resentment that can exist in long-term friendships.

However, the execution fell short in several areas. The pacing was a major issue - this was a very slow burn that dragged in places. It felt like there were some elements missing that could have enhanced the story and kept the momentum going. The story didn’t really pick up until near the end when key revelations were made and the developing tension and conflict between the friends finally came to a head. Once Della’s sinister plot against Louise and other secrets were revealed, things got more engaging, but getting there took quite a bit of patience.

I did appreciate how the story showed that karma has a way of making its way back around to you - Malcolm and Della definitely experienced it in the worst way by the end of the book, which provided some satisfying closure.

Overall, it was an entertaining enough read with an interesting premise about toxic friendships, but the slow pacing and missing story elements kept it from being something more compelling. If you’re a fan of Mary Monroe or enjoy stories about complicated female friendships with a darker edge, this might work for you, but be prepared for a slow build before things get interesting.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Ennija Jenea · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

One thing Mary Monroe writes well... is psychopaths. She's able to allow the reader to feel the plight of the antagonist and have a better understanding of how they ended up with blood on their hands. Almost every other villain I've read of Mary Monroe's has been slightly likable, has had a true purpose for their wrongdoing, and allowed you moments throughout the text to empathize with them. That Della, however, stunk from beginning to end!

Imagine finding a friend after an immense heartbreak and using their willingness to give as a weapon against them. Miss Della saw no qualms with doing just that. Louise comes from a different background, a different side of town, and a completely different walk of life, only to fall victim to both her own goodwill and her own mouth! Although an amazing friend when actions counted, Louise often showed very little restraint when it came to speaking her mind and hitting Della where it hurt. Their friendship, though doomed from the start, takes unexpected turns when losses begin to pile up and poorly laid plans begin to crumble right before the eyes of the TRUE villain of the story.

Bad Seeds is a story of terrible friendships drawn out and ended far too late. With themes of loss, karma, and retribution, Mary Monroe takes us all on yet another ride through Lexington, Alabama, with no real way to know where we'll turn next

[Kimberly A · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW:
After needing therapy after reading Mary Monroe books twice this year, I feel alright after finishing this one. Because eventhough my instincts was right, I finally can say that Mary let someone finally get what should come to them! And Justice prevailed! And as always... dont you judge them women on her covers as good seeds, there are always some BAD SEEDS somewhere!

SN: If I could ask Mary Monroe a question, it would be, the lady on the cover is not named, I wonder which character is this, because that look she giving could be any of them.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 rating
Releases March 2026
#favoriteAuthor
#NetGalleyARC

[From Love The Letters · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Love, The Letters

Dear Reader,

Recently, I had the privilege of reading Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe before its official release. Receiving an Advance Reader Copy is always an honor, and I approached this novel with both curiosity and gratitude for the opportunity.

Having previously read a few of Mary Monroe’s books, I knew a bit about the world she builds within her series. However, Bad Seeds is the sixth book, and I entered this story without many expectations. I wasn’t entirely sure what direction the story would take, but I was eager to see where it would lead, and eager to share my reflections with anyone willing to listen.

Reading this book also felt personal in unexpected ways. As someone who sometimes struggles with trusting others (largely because of betrayal and manipulation I have experienced myself and witnessed in the lives of others) the themes within this novel resonated deeply. In many ways, the story reinforces the difficult truth that betrayal often comes from the very people we allow closest to us.

The story takes place in Lexington, Alabama and centers around Louise, the only surviving child of hardworking parents who had tragically lost their other children. Louise eventually forms a friendship with Della, a woman whose life had already been marked by heartbreak. Della had once been engaged to be married, only to have her fiancé run off with her best friend shortly before the wedding.

That kind of betrayal leaves wounds.

What begins as a friendship between Louise and Della slowly reveals itself to be something far more complicated. For over twenty years, the two remain connected. Louise, known for her generous spirit, often helps Della in times of need. What Louise believes is kindness and loyalty, however, is interpreted very differently by Della. Rather than seeing generosity, Della sees pity.

And where envy grows, resentment is never far behind.

Eventually, Della makes the decision that Louise will become the target of an ultimate betrayal.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this novel is its pacing. From the very beginning, the prologue reveals that someone is facing the harshest punishment the law can give—death. This single revelation becomes the thread that pulls the reader forward through the story.

The question lingers over every chapter. Who is it? Is it Della? Louise? Or Malcolm?

Not knowing who ultimately receives this sentence—or what events lead to it—creates a tension that keeps you turning page after page.

Along the way, the story raises many questions that readers may find themselves asking:
How could someone be so cruel? How could someone be that gullible? Why won’t she listen?

And when everything begins to unravel and the truth slowly surfaces, another question emerges—did everyone truly get what they deserved?

Each character carries significance within the story.

Louise is portrayed as confident, generous, and eager to help those she cares about. Yet what she sees as kindness can sometimes be perceived by others as boastful or belittling. Her intentions appear sincere, but she may not always recognize how her actions affect the people around her.

Della, on the other hand, is shaped by envy and bitterness. To those around her she appears needy, desperate, and untrustworthy. Yet in her own mind, she is simply returning to the world what she once received from it.

Then there is Malcolm, an opportunist whose decisions remind readers that not every opportunity is worth taking.

Mary Monroe weaves several themes throughout this novel—betrayal, racism, classism, inheritance, friendship, and the social divides that existed in the early 1900s. The story reflects the realities of the time: homes without telephones, outhouses instead of indoor plumbing, segregation, and the stark differences in wealth and status.

These historical details add depth to the story and serve as reminders of how deeply societal structures shaped everyday life during that era.

One element of Monroe’s storytelling that I particularly enjoyed was her use of first-person narration from multiple characters. Each of the main characters tells their own version of events, allowing readers to see the story from different perspectives. This approach adds layers to the narrative and allows the reader to understand the motivations behind each character’s actions.

However, one area where I wished for more was in the exploration of the characters’ pasts. Their backstories often appeared in quick flashbacks rather than being fully developed. I found myself wanting more detail about the events that shaped them into who they became.

As the story moved toward its conclusion, I anticipated a twist. I hoped there would be one—and while the ending certainly brought surprise, it was not the twist I had expected.

Overall, I would rate Bad Seeds 3.5/ 5 ⭐. My main critique lies in how quickly the characters’ pasts were introduced and then left behind. A deeper exploration of their histories could have made the emotional stakes even stronger.

Still, the story leaves readers with an important reminder.

If weeds are not pulled from the root, they grow back stronger and wilder than before.

In many ways, Bad Seeds illustrates the lasting impact of unresolved pain. When hurt is left unhealed, it has a way of spreading outward and affecting others.

As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people.

From love,
The Letters

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe can do NO WRONG in my eyes so yes this may be a biased review but hey lol that’s my truth. I absolutely loved this story and flew through it at an abnormal speed because I was fully vested! Just like most the of the Lexington Alabama series, the amount of emotions I went through was definitely not normal. Louise made me mad with her naivety yet captured my heart at the same time. Della however consistently had me wanting to fight her as if she was not a fictional character. The amount of jealousy she possessed in this story should be studied! She was a true definition of “with friends like this who needs enemies” and her “woe is me” mind frame was disgusting.

I loved hearing the story told in multiple POVs. Hearing Louise, Della and Malcom’s perspective added depth to the overall plot as we were able to hear their thoughts firsthand. The audiobook narration was phenomenal. Shari Peele & Lynette Freeman are 2 of my absolute favorite narrators so I was happy to see them again. Ruffin Prentiss has also absolutely delivered in all the books that he has narrated in this series.

Overall, this was a drama filled messy story that definitely carried the Lexington AL vibes that we have grown to know and love. I am sad that this is the last book in this series, it’s so good she could have kept it going to infinity and beyond! Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing for an eARC & RBmedia for an advanced listening copy.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Mary Monroe book and wow! what a winner. It is part of the Lexington, Alabama series following fictional female characters in this city. This is Book. 6 and while I’ve never read the first five (my bad - I need to go back and do that) - but that’s not necessary as this is a stand alone.

Louise Brooks, the daughter of hard working parents, is always ready to see the best in people and help them out. Enduring some grievous losses she preserves and is rewarded with a friendship with Della Thornton, a woman on a very different spectrum than Louise. After the death of her husband, Louise is content but is surprised by finding love with new man in town, Malcolm Purdy, but when her friend, Miss Cora, reveals a dark and troubling secret. Louise is challenged as she never has been before. I really don’t want to reveal much here as there a lot of clever moments in this book, so I highly recommend reading this book.

This is a book of mixed emotions. Sweet and poignant, oozing Southern charm, but there is also a dark side as racism and envy cover the lives of the characters. Della is so devious, Malcolm has no moral fiber and Louise is too nice for her own good. The book is divided into sections by years covering 1911 through 1937 and alternating in POVs between the three characters. It reads nicely is is sweetly written.

If you want a good Southern mystery this book is for you.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe has been my favorite author for years, and Bad Seeds reminded me exactly why her storytelling stays with me long after the last page. The Upper Room still echoes in my mind. I quote Mama Ruby to this day and Mary Monroe brings that same unforgettable blend of grit, humor, and raw humanity to this novel. The plot grabs hold immediately: a family bound by secrets, betrayals that simmer beneath the surface, and choices that grow heavier as the story unfolds. Monroe knows how to build tension without ever rushing, letting each revelation land with emotional weight. The twists come at just the right moments, sharp enough to shock, but grounded enough to feel true to the characters and the world they inhabit. And the characters are where this book truly shines. Monroe writes people who feel real: flawed, stubborn, hopeful, and sometimes their own worst enemies. The relationships are, (the authors usual type of characters whom I love), which are messy, loyal, complicate drive the story as much as the mystery itself. Watching these characters navigate their desires, mistakes, and long‑buried truths is what makes the novel so compelling. Even when they make choices that frustrate you, you understand them, because Monroe gives them depth and heart. Bad Seeds is everything I love about Mary Monroe: rich characters, a gripping plot, and twists that hit with purpose. Another unforgettable story from an author who never disappoints. #NETGALLEY #BADSEEDS

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book "Bad Seeds" from Mary Monroe from NetGalley. Wow! Just wow! Mary Monroe has a talent for coming up with characters that really get my attention. Bad Seeds takes place in Lexington Alabama. from about 1911 - 1937. It is seen through the eyes of three characters. Louise a good hearted woman who has known tragedy in her life, Della, a bitter woman who feels the world has wronged her and wants to find a way to get money to support herself, Then Malcolm a handsome young man who uses his good looks to get what he wants from women.
It does not take long to figure out who the "bad seeds" are in this book. Della and Malcolm are greedy and will scheme to get what they want.
Della pretends to be a loyal friend to Louise and will eliminate whoever ever gets in her way. All the time planning on stealing from the trusting good Louise. Malcolm is just as bad and will use what he needs to do to use Louise for profit. Add in a character who comes into louise's life in a good way make Malcolm and Della all more determined to use Louise for their own benefit. A very good read that had me rooting for Louise and hoping the evil bad seeds Della and Malcolm get caught and punished for being so awful. I have read several of Mary Monroe's books and this one is another good read. I would give this book a 4.5.

[robinreadstoomuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Seeds is Book 6 in Monroe’s Lexington, AL series.
Bad Seeds is set in Lexington, AL in the early 1900’s. Racism is everywhere, and everyone is trying to make the best of difficult times.
Louise’s family owns a popular restaurant, and are doing fairly well-no small feat. Most black families were struggling to find any work at all.
Louise just wants to be a good daughter, friend, wife, and mother. Her naïveté and generosity make her an easy mark. Della never liked Louise’s uppity attitude, and befriends her to take advantage of her.
Over the years, Della’s greed and envy gets worse, and Louise has no idea!
Bad Seeds is a cautionary tale reminding the reader never to blindly trust anyone!
Bad Seeds is a story about jealousy and greed. There are bad choices and questionable characters circling Louise like sharks!
This book will keep the reader on edge while wanting to shake Louise and wake her up.
While the snakes in the grass and blatant racism are maddening,there are other characters that will give the reader a bit of hope.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for sending me this ARC.

[RaeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby with friends like Della, you don’t need enemies.
Vibes:
✨ Naive FMC
✨ Historical Fiction
✨Envy and Betrayal
✨Scandalous

Louise is that girl, and when you are that girl there is always someone in the background who is ants everything you got and will do anything to get it. Louise’s husband recently took off and she befriends a woman named Della. Louise comes from a more welll off family and She helps Della in anyway she can. Della on the other hand does not come from a good family. Although very beautiful, her self esteem and ugly ways causes her to be alone in life. She sees everything that Louise has and over their 20 year friendship becomes more and more envious to the point of no return

Bad Seed by Mary Monroe was extremely well written, you can tell this is a mature author. Although the pacing was very slow, every detail mattered. This was definitely a 5 star read for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions are my own

[sweetconnectionswithtoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe is one of the coldest authors I know, she's like a legendary author, Old School!!

First, Do you know any BAD SEEDS. I mean people who just won't do right for nothing. They're jealous, malicious, and deceitful!

The Lexington Series is one of the best series with so much drama and real life scenarios out there. This book was so good, it had me in a chokehold and I woke up multiple times trying to finish it until my eyes couldn't take no more. The names and depictions of these characters had me rolling.

Della and Malcolm was 2 peas in a pod who in the end didn't know what Louise was capable of.

I can't wait until this book hit the bookstores, so I can shelve it with my other ones.

Takeaways:
Keep one eye on your enemies, but keep both eyes on your friends
If you wave a bone in a starving dog's face long enough, sooner or later its going to grab it, bite your hand, and run.


5 🌟

[Vanity Crowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe was a solid read, but it didn't completely blow me away. The story had a strong premise and the family drama kept things interesting enough to stay engaged. Monroe does a good job creating flawed, believable characters, and there are moments of tension that make you want to keep reading.

That said, some parts felt predictable, and the pacing dragged in places. While the themes of family secrets, betrayal, and generational consequences were clear, I felt they could have been pushed deeper for more impact. The twists were decent, but not especially surprising.

Overall, Bad Seeds is an enjoyable book and worth reading if you like family-centered drama and urban fiction. It just didn't stand out as one of my favorites. A good, decent read-but not extraordinary.

[Love BookReviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ In true Mary Monroe fashion, this book has the messy element I’ve grown to love. There’s always a chaotic character with questionable behaviors and this book didn’t fall short in that area; however, the story was slow paced in a lot of areas and the reveals were not alarming since I seen them coming already. I feel like the chaos, buildup, and reveal could have been executed better to make it more entertaining. I truly enjoy Mary Monroe’s talent, nonetheless, and will continue to support. This just wasn’t my favorite, but every book can’t be a favorite and I’ve learned that’s okay.

-Toxic friendships
-Toxic relationships
-Betrayal
-Greed
-Segregation
-Insecurities
-Poor vs Rich


Thanks Netgalley for this ARC!

[CourtneyRenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for this ARC.

Mary Monroe never misses with a good messy book and Bad Seeds did not disappoint. This is the sixth book in the Lexington series and it follows Della and Louise from childhood to adulthood and their friendship as "friend-girls".

Soon It becomes clear that Della and Louise lead somewhat different lifestyles as Della starts depending on Louise a little to much to fund her life style and being the good friend Louise is, she doesn't realize that this will lead to trouble she doesn't see coming. Is Della just misunderstood or a Bad Seed?

Highly recommend if you like Historical Fiction with a little drama. This book can also be read as a standalone.

5 🌟's

[Kanese · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review of advance copy from NetGalley*

Bad Seeds was full of tense interactions. From Louise first marriage to her interactions with Della, there were moments that made me slightly cringe. Della was not a true friend to Louise. She, along with Malcolm, used Louise for their benefit. However, I do believe that Louise was so little rude to Della at times. She gave off a slight sense of arrogance. It seemed at times she thought Della was beneath her. I think that fueled the ill feelings Della had towards her. Overall, it was a good read!

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable, crazy ride that was. I started this morning and I’m done.

I got so frustrated with Louise and wanted to shake some sense into her so many times. Della and Malcolm reaped what they sowed. I didn’t feel an ounce of sorrow for Malcolm.

Always be aware of who you trust, especially with those you consider friends.

Ms Mary has done it again with book 6 of the Lexington, Alabama series. This book is a standalone and I highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Janae Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe was my first time reading her work, and it wasn’t bad at all. The family dynamics were compelling, and the characters felt real—flawed, messy, and human. Some parts were a bit predictable, and the pacing slowed at times, but the themes of generational trauma, choices, and consequences gave me a lot to think about. Not my favorite read ever, but a meaningful and memorable introduction to Monroe’s storytelling.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I didn't realize it was an historical novel until I started reading it. It was slow to read at first, but then it got really interesting. I felt bad for Louise. She has gone through so much, but I admire her strength through it all. I loved the ending. I think the two characters got what was coming to them. I look forward to the next book that Mary Monroe writes. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for early access to this title! Mary Monroe and the Lexington series always keep me entertained. I love the humor sprinkled withing. Della and Louise have a relationship that feels more like frenemies than friends. I loved that the book was told from both of their point of view, as well as Malcolm's. While there were a couple slow points, there were a couple plot twists that made up for it.

[Brandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review Ms. Monroe latest. Ms. Monroe does not disappoint with this latest edition. As the queen of the get back and revenge Ms. Monroe entagles years of friendship with jealously. Told from a first person perspective we follow all point of views. This makes the danger and rage come to a sweet conclusion.

[Sharde' · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Read an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.
Filled with drama and plot twists- following the lives of two “friend-girls” with very different perspectives of their friendship.
Come back to your Review on the pub date, Mar 31

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, gorgeous, and very specific work with a fantastic setting that's really about the complicated relationship between businesswoman Louise Brooks and her best friend Della Thornton, culminating in betrayal. 5 stars. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the E-ARC.

[Jerry]

review text for 3530

[INW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe has once again proven why she is a master of domestic drama with her latest novel, Bad Seeds. This fast-paced, highly engaging work of fiction is a powerful and welcome return to the compelling world of the Lexington, Alabama series, easily rivaling the enjoyment of the first installment, Mrs. Wiggins.
What makes Bad Seeds truly stand out is Monroe's incredible gift for character development and vivid storytelling. The characters felt so well-thought-out, supported by key details that made them instantly visual and relatable. Mary Monroe has a unique ability to write in a manner that blurs the line between fiction and reality. These people don't feel like characters on a page, they feel like folks you know. The immersive storytelling made me feel as though I were right there in Lexington, Alabama, witnessing every event unfold in person. The plot moved quickly, pulling me deeper into the drama with every chapter. The sense of anticipation and the need to know what happens next was intense. I simply couldn't put this book down as the narrative thickened and "the seams burst." The novel delivers a truly shocking and unexpected ending. While the conclusion was a surprise, I genuinely didn't see it coming, it felt completely justified and was incredibly well-executed.
If there is a single critique, it's a testament to the author's ability to create a compellingly dislikable character. The character of Della was a source of minor frustration because of her unrelenting misperceived feelings regarding Louise. Although Louise was blind to Della's true, backstabbing and two-timing nature, I, as the reader, was not. Della was brilliantly crafted to be an annoying and dislikable character, yet her actions were a major driving force behind the story's premise. This small point of reader frustration ultimately shows how well the author developed the conflict, even if it meant rooting for her downfall.
Bad Seeds is a fantastic read that delivers on all fronts: engaging characters, a compelling plot, and a shocking, satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this book to dedicated lovers of the Lexington, AL series and to general fiction readers looking for a quick, messy, but ultimately good read. They will certainly not be disappointed.
Thank you, Netgalley for the advanced readers copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Joy Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Mary Monroe. I’ll admit the start of the book took me by surprise as it was a slow burn. That is different from the other books in the series which captured attention right away. However, when the book picked up it caught my attention and held it- I finished the last 2/3 of the book in one sitting-the drama was so good lol! I enjoyed the 3 POVs of Louise, Della, and Malcolm. I wondered why we got so much of Louise back story in the beginning but it does wrap up together at some point. The book highlights toxic friendships and the complexities of age gap romance, especially in the segregated South. Although all of the books in the Lexington series are stand-alone, the later books don’t mention any character connections besides the church pastor. It doesn’t take away from the story but it would have been nice to see some characters to close out the series. The book is true Mary Monroe though, it was funny, had drama, and a little history thrown in. She does a great job of putting you in that time in that place. The book ending wasn’t predictable which I enjoyed as I really had no clue how their stories would end. I would recommend the book to others as apart of the series or as a stand-alone.

#ARCread

[Ladiami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a crazy and sometimes unbelievable ride, and I mean that in the best way. I was entertained from the very beginning. Louise Brooks immediately stood out with her huge heart and her constant willingness to help others, even when life had already put her through so much. I couldn’t help rooting for her, which made watching her deal with the chaos around her even more compelling.

When Della entered the picture, I kept hoping she would recognize the potential for a real friendship with Louise. Instead, she spent most of the story feeling sorry for herself and taking advantage of the one person who truly cared about her. Her choices were so unhinged at times that I found myself waiting for karma to finally catch up to her.

Cora was such a breath of fresh air. Her genuine friendship gave Louise the grounding she desperately needed. I was relieved that Louise finally had someone in her life who wasn’t trying to manipulate her. And when Malcolm entered the story, everything amped up even more. He brought charm, tension, and just enough suspicion to keep me turning the pages.

As the past resurfaces and Louise uncovers the truth about Della and Malcolm, the story takes darker and more thrilling turns. Watching her come to terms with who these people really were and deciding how far she was willing to go for justice was both shocking and satisfying.

Overall, this was an entertaining and wild read filled with drama, twists, and emotional payoff.

Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing | Dafina for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.