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Lexington, Alabama #6
Bad Seeds
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26A 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?
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?
- GenresFiction
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
3 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Mary Monroe
62 books2,811 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
January 9, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
January 26, 2026
Another great book by Mary Monroe. I’ll admit I wasn’t blown away by the start of the book, 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
#ARCread
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*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!
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!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
December 4, 2025
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!
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!
November 29, 2025
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.
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.
November 27, 2025
Another winner for the great Mary Monroe!!! I love this series and I get very excited with each new entry. This is a story about how one feels about themselves, a good hearted person and greed.Pick up this book and enter into the world of Louise, Della and Malcolm. Be prepared to read this book and forget any track of time. But remember this as you read, what’s goes around comes around!!! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review Enjoy!!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews