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, Historical, African American, Adult Fiction, Drama, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

Published 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.

[Sihle 🪻🌸🌷🌼🌝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a not fan of historical fiction, and Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe was honestly such an entertaining read. It had all the drama, secrets, and messy family dynamics that keep you turning pages. Even though historical fiction isn’t always my first choice, this book made it feel exciting instead of slow or overly detailed.

One thing I really loved was the different perspectives in the story because it showed how we often see ourselves in a much not necessarily kinder but more understanding way, while other people can view us so narrowly. Sometimes people become so fixed on one perception of you that they ignore everything else, and in this case, that kind of thinking could even lead to someone hurting you. It added a deeper layer to the story and made the characters feel more realistic and complex.

What I liked most was how the characters felt so real, flawed, complicated, and sometimes frustrating, but never boring. The tension between family members and the way secrets kept unfolding made the story addictive. Every time I thought I knew where things were going, something else happened.

Mary Monroe has a way of writing drama that feels natural and not forced, which made the story even better. The mix of scandal, betrayal, and strong personalities gave the book a lot of life. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to talk about it after finishing

I’d definitely recommend Bad Seeds if you enjoy family drama, strong female characters, and stories with a lot of twists. It was dramatic, emotional, and honestly just a fun read.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What starts as awkward friendship and subtle shade turns into full-blown psychological mess. Watching Della and Louise spiral from “friends” into something way darker was uncomfortable in the best way. The humiliation, jealousy, control, and quiet sabotage were building from the very beginning — and the payoff was worth it.
Mary Monroe really showed how dysfunction doesn’t arrive loud… it grows quietly until it’s too late. Messy, frustrating, and hard to stop listening to. 📚😳

[Candice Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC Review:

One thing about Mary Monroe, she knows how to write some messy characters—and I love it!

Bad Seeds is the 6th book in the Lexington, Alabama series by Mary Monroe. In this installment we follow Louise as she navigates life in Alabama, a fake friendship and some interesting relationship choices.

In true Mary Monroe fashion, she brings the drama, the messiness, the laughs and the redemption. While there were some sections of the book that dragged and I wasn’t pulled in as much as book #1 in the series, it is still a solid read.
(3.75/5)

[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.

[Zainab Alhaitham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

Title: Bad Seeds
Author: Mary Monroe
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Star Rating: 3.75⭐

1. The Magic of the Ordinary
It is a truly intriguing novel despite being seemingly ordinary and simple on the surface. At the end of every chapter, I would find myself wondering: how was the author able to create all this momentum and tension from the details of everyday life?

2. About the Novel
The novel belongs to the category of charged family drama, cleverly touching upon themes of racism and multiculturalism. It revolves around a thought-provoking question: how can a fruitful tree produce bad seeds?

3. The Audiobook Experience
I listened to this as an audiobook, and the three narrators were absolutely phenomenal. They gave each character psychological depth, and the way their tones shifted with the events was powerful. What made the experience especially enjoyable was the dialect—reminiscent of the voices of Eddie Murphy and Will Smith, the kind of accents that made us fall in love with the English language in the first place. Their humorous reactions and witty delivery made the characters feel incredibly alive.

4. Flesh and Blood Characters
The characters are highly realistic; they live, breathe, and exist in our world. I understood their motives perfectly.
Growth and Change:
We see characters transform from kind to cunning, and others gaining new strength.

Relatable Annoyance:
I felt annoyed at times, not due to the writing, but because the characters reflected real traits I see in myself or others.

5. Narrative Style and Audio Experience

The reading experience was well-balanced with a medium pace. The tension is purely psychological, stemming from emotions rather than plot complexity. The emotional weight varied, peaking in certain scenes and settling in others.

6. What Worked and What Didn't
✔️ Pros: Giving justice to secondary characters, the natural flow of events, and the focus on human intentions.
❌ Cons:Falling in love too easily; the emotional fragility of the protagonist in falling in love within weeks felt somewhat unconvincing given her hardships.
7. Personal Impact and Reflections
*The idea that "bad seeds come from fruitful trees" and how family background drives destructive decisions.
* A deeper understanding of the struggles of Black people during that era.
A lingering question:
What if Malcolm and Della had better guidance? Would their lives have reached a less cruel end?
8. Conclusion and Rating
Overall Rating: 3.75 / 5.
I felt a genuine sense of happiness and warmth while reading it 😊.
* Highly recommended for fans of standalone historical fiction and family dramas. Not for those seeking fast-paced plots or pretentious prose.


......
رواية غريبة رغم بساطتها؛ فمع نهاية كل فصل كنت أشعر أن ما حدث مجرد موقف يومي عادي، ومع ذلك يترك خلفه توترًا نفسيًا متراكمًا يصعب تجاهله. هذه ليست رواية تعتمد على الأحداث الكبيرة، بل على المشاعر الصغيرة حين تتضخم بهدوء حتى تغيّر مصير أصحابها.
تنتمي الرواية إلى دراما عائلية ذات أبعاد اجتماعية وعنصرية متعددة الثقافات، وتدور فكرتها حول سؤال بسيط ومقلق: كيف يمكن لشجرة مثمرة أن تنتج بذورًا سيئة؟ أجواء الرواية مشحونة بعلاقات عائلية متوترة، وصداقات تبدو دافئة ظاهريًا لكنها ملغومة بالماضي والنوايا غير المفهومة بالكامل.
الشخصيات واقعية إلى درجة مزعجة أحيانًا؛ أشخاص يمكن مصادفتهم في الحياة اليومية بسهولة. لم أحبهم بقدر ما فهمتهم، وربما هذا ما أرادته الرواية أصلًا — أن تدفع القارئ للفهم بدل الحكم. بعض الشخصيات تنزلق تدريجيًا نحو القسوة والمكر، بينما تتحول شخصيات أخرى من الهشاشة إلى القوة. شعرت أحيانًا بالانزعاج لأن انعكاساتها بدت مألوفة جدًا، وكأن الشخصيات لا تُقرأ فقط بل تعيش وتتنفس وتواجه ضعفها أمام القارئ.
ولأن الشخصيات مكتوبة بهذا القدر من الواقعية، جاء الأسلوب بسيطًا ومباشرًا دون تعقيد لغوي. السرد متوسط الإيقاع؛ لا هو سريع ولا بطيء، لكنه جذاب بفضل التوتر النفسي القائم على مشاعر الشخصيات أكثر من الأحداث نفسها. فالأحداث غالبًا عادية ويومية، إلا أن طريقة تفاعل الشخصيات معها تمنحها ثقلًا عاطفيًا واضحًا يجعل الجو العام مشحونًا باستمرار.
من أكثر ما نجح في الرواية إعطاء الشخصيات الثانوية مساحة حقيقية للتأثير، بحيث لا تبدو مجرد خلفية للأحداث، إضافة إلى اعتماد القصة على مواقف إنسانية طبيعية دون الحاجة إلى مبالغات درامية لدفع القارئ للاستمرار. كما أن التركيز على النوايا الحسنة للبشر، حتى داخل قراراتهم الخاطئة، أضاف بعدًا إنسانيًا مهمًا. في المقابل، بدا تطور العلاقات العاطفية سريعًا أكثر من اللازم؛ الوقوع في الحب خلال فترة قصيرة أضعف واقعية بعض الشخصيات التي يفترض أن تجاربها السابقة جعلتها أكثر حذرًا.
أكثر فكرة بقيت معي بعد القراءة هي أن “البذور السيئة” لا تنشأ دائمًا من فراغ، بل من تربة عائلية مشحونة وظروف لم تُعالج في وقتها. جعلتني الرواية أرى معاناة السود في تلك الفترة من زاوية إنسانية قريبة، لا كخلفية تاريخية بعيدة، بل كتجارب شخصية تؤثر في القرارات اليومية والخيارات المصيرية. وتركتني أتساءل: ماذا لو حظي مالكوم وديلا بفرص أفضل أو بتوجيه مختلف — هل كانت حياتهما ستسير نحو نهاية أقل قسوة؟
الرواية ��ناسبة لمن يفضّل الدراما النفسية الهادئة والروايات التي تبني تأثيرها تدريجيًا، وقد لا تعجب من يبحث عن أحداث سريعة أو حبكات معقدة أو أسلوب لغوي متكلف. تجربتي معها كانت ممتعة وصادقة؛ رواية جيدة تترك أثرًا فكريًا أكثر مما تترك انبهارًا لحظيًا، وربما قيمتها الحقيقية تكمن في الأسئلة التي تزرعها بعد الانتهاء منها.

[MoMo Battle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so entertaining! But I expect nothing less from Mary Monroe. I believe this is the last book in the Lexington series and I’m sad about it but it ended on a good story. That Della is one of the most trifling, conniving characters I’ve read about. And her and Malcolm together just miserable. Just like a scrub to try to be someone else’s downfall. I really enjoyed this one.

[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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[JaVone · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Natural Nia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pacing: 3
Hook: 3
Writing Style: 4
Characters: 4
Themes/Messages: 5
Enjoyment: 3.5
Ending: 3.5

Overall: 3.7

Notes: This was a solid book, though it had a slow burn. I appreciated the themes and messages, particularly those surrounding friendship and relationships.

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are authors you love, and then there’s Mary Monroe who just does not miss for me! She’s back at it again with the kind of unforgettable characters and unpredictable plots that only she can deliver.

I had the absolute honor of reading an ARC of Bad Seeds, which is the sixth installment in her Lexington, Alabama series. Set in 1911, this story follows Louise Brooks, Della Thornton, and Malcolm Purdy. Listen, that’s all I’m giving because if you know Mary, you already know that just when you think you see where it’s going, she proves you wrong every single time.

Louise and Della’s friendship pulls you in, and once Malcolm enters the picture, things take a turn in that classic Mary Monroe way—messy, unpredictable, and completely addictive.

I was locked in from beginning to end: no slow moments or filler, just pure storytelling that keeps you flipping pages

I’ve been a fan since God Don’t Like Ugly, and this one just reminded me why she’s one of my all-time favorites. I can honestly say this is now my second favorite in the Lexington series (because let’s be real… nothing is touching Miss Wiggins 😌).

Releases March 31, 2026! I HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you’re already a Mary Monroe fan.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and RBMedia for providing an advanced reading and listening copy. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my honest thoughts!

[Sammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one I feel like you don’t necessarily have to have read the other part of the series to be know who’s who’s. Definitely interconnected for this one. It wasn’t my top favorite but goodness Mary Monroe does know how to write some messiness!

[Katiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really shows how dangerous trauma-bonded friendships can be! At first, I felt sorry for Della, especially since Louise could come off a little rude. But as the story went on, it became clear that Della was taking advantage of Louise, and I started feeling bad for Louise instead—she was just too trusting.
There were so many red flags, even when Vella Mae tried to warn her. Then Malcolm gets involved, and the situation gets even worse.
What I loved most is how it all turned out—Louise’s kindness actually helped her in the end, and she came out on top! Meanwhile, Della and Malcolm got exactly what they deserved.
I also liked the connection with Miss Cora—it showed that not all relationships built from pain end badly. Overall, it’s a great reminder: be careful who you trust, because you really do reap what you sow! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!! #BadSeed #NetGalley

[Coffee&Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messy, messy, messy! What an absolute ball of fun this was!

I look forward to a new Mary Monroe novel around my birthday each year. I've loved the Lexington Alabama series so much; these characters are so personable but also...just so simple. That’s exactly why the drama works, because they keep making decisions that have wondering what in the world they’re thinking. I forgot all about the prologue... until everything tied together. Masterful storytelling.

This book had me by the eye hooks. I started it around 3 PM on audio and was still up at 11PM trying to finish it. Really great choice of voices--brought the story to life for me. Couldn’t put it down.

Between the messy friendships, the relationship drama, and people just doing entirely too much, it just kept escalating and I needed to see how it was all going to play out.

[Monica B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe simply doesn’t disappoint!!!!! These characters are the lowest of the low but that what keeps the storyline interesting lol. Malcolm smh

[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

[Myestorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Monroe delivers again with the sixth installment in the Lexington, Alabama series—and this one does not disappoint.

This story follows two longtime “best friends,” Louise and Della, whose relationship is anything but genuine. Louise, the daughter of a restaurant owner, grew up comfortable and kindhearted. She’s generous to a fault—always willing to help others and see the good in people. Della, on the other hand, comes from poverty and carries deep resentment, especially after a man she loved ran off with her best friend, altering the course of her life.

What makes this story so compelling is the stark contrast between perception and reality. Louise believes their 20+ year friendship is solid—trustworthy and unbreakable—while Della has been playing a long game, using Louise as part of her revenge. Della is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and the betrayal runs deep. The tension builds through layers of deceit, backstabbing, and manipulation that keep the drama nonstop.

As if Della isn’t enough, enter Malcolm—a smooth-talking “joy boy” who quickly entangles Louise in his web, all while intending to use her for financial gain. His presence adds even more chaos to an already messy situation.

Mary Monroe’s writing style shines in her ability to make characters feel real, even when they’re deeply flawed. And these characters are messy in the best way. The drama never lets up, and it keeps you hooked from beginning to end. At a certain point, you need to see how everything unravels.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is the ending—everyone gets exactly what they deserve. There’s a sense of justice that makes it hard to feel sorry for anyone involved.

From book one through book six, this series has kept me fully engaged. The banter between characters adds just the right amount of humor, balancing out the drama. Monroe does an excellent job of bringing Lexington, Alabama to life—you can truly picture the town and feel the Southern atmosphere in every scene.

Overall, I really enjoyed this installment. Mary Monroe remains an auto-buy author for me, and I’m already looking forward to what she releases next.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing, NetGalley and the author for this advance copy.

[Charlotte]

I will have to revisit this one to get a better picture of it🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[Storybook Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review*** Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing/Dafina for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

The beginning of this story is sad, it tells the backstory and tragedies Louise’s family endured throughout her childhood.

It was easy to read and follow along; held my attention. It touched on a lot of the racism, cruel and inhumane treatment blacks endured during the Jim Crow era. That could be a trigger warning ⚠️ ‼️ for some. But I think it was helpful to learn more of how our ancestors were still treated less than animals even after slavery ended. It opened my eyes to the hardship and oppression blacks endured living in the time of The Great Depression.

It’s hard to feel bad for Della for the karma she received later in the story because she was always problematic, jealous and not a good friend. So it makes you wonder maybe that’s why her bestfriend betrayed her when she was younger. But, tbh I feel like all of the women in this book were petty and took nasty digs at each other hitting below the belt. It was odd and sad to see poor black folks looking down on other poor black folks and thinking they were better just because they weren’t considered “as poor” Yikes! I mean technically Louise’s family was more lower middle class but still. However, I understand the times back then were rough and everyone was just trying to crawl up out of their hell-holes and wanted better for themselves. But it definitely gave superiority complex and crabs in a barrel mentality. Della was a very evil, grimey, backstabbing woman. Louise did not listen!!! Her friends and associates tried to warn her about Della and Malcolm but she was too naive. But in the end I was satisfied with how the story turned out. I absolutely fell in love with Miss Cora and her friendship made everything come full circle.

One thing this story definitely taught me is to be very careful who you pick to be your friend.

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of Bad Seeds by Mary Monroe in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the early 1900s, Bad Seeds follows Louise Brooks, the cherished and only child of Effie and Emmett—owners of a successful barbecue restaurant in Lexington. Raised with comfort and privilege uncommon for a Black woman of that time, Louise has a generous heart, even after making difficult choices in love, including a troubled first marriage to Benny. Her greatest blessing from that union is her son, Josh.

Louise’s kindness leads her to befriend Della, a woman struggling through heartbreak, poverty, and humiliation after being abandoned by her fiancé. Wanting to uplift her, Louise offers Della friendship, financial support, clothing, and access to her family’s resources. But what begins as charity slowly turns into something far more dangerous.

As Louise finds love again with Dewey, Della’s gratitude festers into deep jealousy and resentment. Consumed by envy and a desire for the life Louise has, Della becomes determined to take what she believes she deserves. Teaming up with the manipulative Malcolm Purdy, she sets a calculated plan into motion—one that threatens Louise’s family, her inheritance, and her very life.

With tension rising and loyalties tested, Bad Seeds explores betrayal, greed, and the chilling reality that sometimes the most dangerous enemies are the ones you welcome closest.

Great story! Must read!

[Tonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew this book had a lot of deception in it. It showed how sometimes people will continue to use you and be a fake friend, smiling you in your face all while hating your guts. Louise was a person that would and did give her shirt off her back, even though she had that typical southern way of saying stuff offensive without meaning to hurt you but it still digging deep. Instead of her FRIEND of 20+ years letting her know how she was hurting her with her comments like an adult she secretly hated her all while still begging her for money and envying her money. Della may have had a pretty face, but she had a hideous soul and spirit. In typical lowlife fashion instead of taking her opportunities and making something of herself she wanted what Lousie had. Make sure you check them snakes running through your grass because they will stay around as long as you let them before they finally strike. Thanks to Net Galley and RB audio for an advance audio copy.

[LaKayla Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have friends like Della Thornton, please believe you’ll never, and I mean NEVER, need any enemies.

Baby Della Thornton in Mary Monroe’s “Bad Seeds” is the definition of trifling!! The way she pretended to be Louise’s friend but secretly hated, despised, and was jealous of her was just low down. She definitely had me side-eyeing her the whole time.

Now that we got my true feelings for Della out the way, let’s talk about the book as a whole. I received an ALC of Bad Seeds from NetGalley, and it was a great listen. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

Hearing the story from Della, Louise, and Malcolm’s point of view added a level of depth that I really appreciated. It made the story feel more complete and kept me fully engaged in everything that was going on. I also really appreciated the narration. Having both male and female narrators made the listening experience even better and really helped bring the characters to life.

Overall, this was an entertaining and engaging listen that kept me invested from start to finish. If you enjoy character-driven stories with multiple perspectives, a “little” drama, and sweet redemption then this is definitely one to check out.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and RBmedia for providing me with an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: March 31, 2026

#NetGalley #BadSeeds #Audiobook

[Sharondblk]

I could not get into this. The first person three point of view was offputting. It wasn't even one chapter each, it switched at will. I didn't mind the initial Louise chapters, and then it switched to Della, who managed to be both unpleasant and boring. There was a lot of talking straight to the reader (at least I guess that's what the info-dumping was about).
Every black man (except Daddy) is a cheater. Is that racist? I don't know. Maybe every black man in 1930s Alabama was running around like a hound dog. maybe if I'd kept reading I would have found other m,ale characters who weren't.
I just found it a struggle to press play on this audiobook, as I was finding it both boring and unpleasant so I stopped.
I know that Mary Monroe and the Lexington series have a lot of fans, so i guess this just wasn't for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Womble · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Mary Monroe and whew… what a ride. Set in the segregated South in Lexington, KY, this story completely pulled me in with its rich atmosphere and sharp, immersive storytelling. The narration carried that Southern charm so effortlessly—it felt like I was right there, witnessing everything unfold in real time.

What really stood out to me were the multiple POVs. They added so much depth to the story and gave a full, layered look at the characters and their motivations. And trust me… everyone has something going on 👀

This book is packed with messy family dynamics, betrayal, secrets, and survival. It’s one of those stories where the tension keeps building, and just when you think you know who to trust… you don’t. Because sometimes, your enemy is sitting right at the table with you.

Overall, this was such an engaging and dramatic read that kept me hooked from start to finish. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Mary Monroe after this.

[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

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: This was a Goodreads Giveaway win sponsored by Kensington Books. The review is of my views and not based on the win.

The book opens with a Prologue - Judgment Day. Someone is going to be executed one minute after midnight on Thanksgiving Day. Loved the last meal. But there is no clue as to who it will be; Louise, Della, or Malcolm.

Setting: Segregated Alabama from 1911 -1937.

Louise is a trusting person and mostly sees good in people. She is always willing to help anyone.

Della is always looking for ways to get whatever she can, She feels that people are trying to belittle her and takes everything they say about her as an affront.

Malcolm is a joy boy, taking whatever he can from older women.

Here is a general synopsis of the story, but the beauty of this book is the telling of the story. I found myself laughing, gasping 'Oh no, she didn't', and wanting to know everything all at once. The story is so well told, I will definitely being reading more by Mary Monroe.

Louise is about 14 when her mother is killed when she is hit by a truck saving a white girl. Her mother is then left in the street until a colored man driving a mule wagon comes by and helps her take her mother to the clinic. About a year later Louise ends up marrying Benny. The only good thing that comes from this is her son Josh. She leaves Benny and so would any sane person who had a marital bed that she had. When she meets Della it's about a year later. Della had been stood up by the man she was about to marry when he took off with her best friend. Louise befriends Della. Della is thinks Louise just wants to make fun of her situation. Della goes along with the friendship because she sees that she can manipulate Louise in to giving money and things.

As the story progresses there is the passing of Louise's father an second husband (natural causes?). The men were co-owners of Tiny's, a very popular barbecue joint and for years socked money away. After their passing Louise inherited the money, Tiny's, and the house she lives in. Della was to say at least jealousy of Louise.

In comes Malcolm. He meets Della and she tells him about Louise. The two hatch a plan to steal the money and split it. Of course we know these two upstanding people won't try and cross each other.

I always heard "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer" but Malcolm's mama summed it up this way "always keep one eye on enemies, but keep both eyes on friends." Louise would do well to heed this advise, because with a friend like Della you could do anything nefariously.

Best line of the book "If you are reading this, it means I am dead and you killed me for nothing."

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Bad Seeds-Lexington, Alabama #6

✍🏾 Author: Mary Monroe-I've read Bent Not Broken and gave it 5⭐

📅Publication date: 3/31/26 | Read: 5/7/26

Genre:
*AA Interests
*Historical Fic
*Women's Fic

Tropes:
*small town
*female friendship
*family drama
*age gap
*fake dating
*marriage
*secret identity

👆🏾POV: 1st person -multiple

⚠️TW: cheating, child abuse, death of parents/spouse, murder, racism, classism, caregiving

🌎 Setting: AL

Summary: Lousie finds and loses her first husband, ending up a single mother running a business. Della envies her and plots her demise only because she reminds her of her BFF who backstabbed her with her boyfriend. Malcolm meets a mark in Della-just another desperate older woman willing to support him for his "time." They want all Lousie's money but aren't ready for the deadly consequences.

👩🏾 Heroine: Louise Brooks-owns father's BBQ restaurant Tiny's

👩🏾 Heroine: Della Thorton-works at the BBQ spot, Louise's frenemy

👨🏾 Hero: Malcolm Purdy-meets Della first and lives as a "kept man" who targets older and lonely women who take care of him.

🎭 Other Characters:

*Emmett and Effie-Louise's parents
*Dewey-Louise's 2nd husband, was her father's BFF and co-owned Tiny's
*Benny-Louise's 1st husband, left her
*Joshua-Louise's son w/ Benny
*Vella Mae-works @ Tiny's, her son Roy liked Lousie
*Ms. Cora-a white customer who befriends Lousie

My Thoughts: This final installment in the series was dramatic and filled with betrayal, lies, and scheming. Lousie represented many black women who had to be the financial and emotional backbone of the family. Della also represented a lot of women scorned by love with low self-esteemed after being beat down by the world. She had plenty of feminine rage that made her take it out on clueless Louise. Malcolm was a narcissist who hurt a lot of people and got his comeuppance along with Della. I just hated that a white woman had to step in to make it happen. Poor Louise was a survivor and did get her HEA with Roy. Vella Mae was my MVP who was loyal to Lousie from the start.

Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 2/5 🔥

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing | Dafina, and Mary Monroe for this ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author & @kensingtonbooks #Dafina for my gifted e-ARC‼️

We’re back with book 6 in the Lexington, Alabama series and like always Mary Monroe delivers with the humor, messy drama, backstabbing friendships, and male-centered women who will do anything for love and money.

Bad Seeds follows two friends Louise Brooks who’s lived a pretty decent life and tries her best to give back to others. Then we have her broke bestie Della Thornton who hasn’t been as fortunate as Louise but being her friend allowed her the finer things in life. Della was one of those friends who smiled in your face but talked about you behind your back. Louise gave her whatever she asked for but that wasn’t enough Della wanted it all. She made up in her mind that Louise thought she was better than her and was going to teach her a lesson.

Their friendship was fake from the start and Louise annoyed me so bad being naive. She refused to see that Della was a moocher and was using her. Then here comes Malcolm just young, eager and ready to finesse his way into Louise’s money. She missed every red flag there was when it came to him. In the end everybody got what they deserved I had only hoped the book would end differently.

What I love about Mary Monroe’s books specifically this series is she knows how to make readers laugh. The banter and the way the characters talk about and to each other is hilarious and gives that Deep South feel. There were so many times I laughed out loud reading this I swear y’all will have a time with this book.

Exploring themes of infidelity, betrayal, greed, revenge, age gap romance, dumb criminals, and broken friendships if you haven’t read this series I highly recommend you get into it. I also had the pleasure of listening to this on audio Lynette R. Freeman and Shari Peele embodied both characters. I believe this is the final book in the Lexington, Alabama series and if so Monroe definitely went out with a bang.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️