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Pretty Dead Things
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50 copies available
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Secrets emerge as a
Texas
beauty pageant turns deadly in this rich and addictive novel with a jaw-dropping twist from psychological suspense author Kelsey Cox.
2000: Isabelle Whitmore vanishes at Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas, without a trace.
2025: The annual Lone Star Princess Pageant looms, bringing long-standing grudges to the surface. Ingrid fled Anhalt in the wake of her sister Isabelle’s disappearance and has now returned, just in time for a construction crew to start digging up Sherman Ranch; the pageant brings up past traumas that Melanie can't forget; Cat, newly sober, starts to feel threatened in ways that bring back old demons; and Sarah Lynn, who comes from a long line of pageant winners, knows that losing is not an option.
When old resentments and new confrontations reach their boiling point, temperatures drop to deadly degrees as a record-setting storm brings down the state’s power grid. With everyone trapped under one roof, scores will be settled, and more than one person will end up dead.
Some secrets are better left buried.
KELSEY COX'S NOVELS
"Riveting." —People
"Heart-pumping." —Nina Simon
"Jaw-dropping." —Amanda Eyre Ward
"Joins my auto-buy list forever." —Rachel Hawkins
2000: Isabelle Whitmore vanishes at Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas, without a trace.
2025: The annual Lone Star Princess Pageant looms, bringing long-standing grudges to the surface. Ingrid fled Anhalt in the wake of her sister Isabelle’s disappearance and has now returned, just in time for a construction crew to start digging up Sherman Ranch; the pageant brings up past traumas that Melanie can't forget; Cat, newly sober, starts to feel threatened in ways that bring back old demons; and Sarah Lynn, who comes from a long line of pageant winners, knows that losing is not an option.
When old resentments and new confrontations reach their boiling point, temperatures drop to deadly degrees as a record-setting storm brings down the state’s power grid. With everyone trapped under one roof, scores will be settled, and more than one person will end up dead.
Some secrets are better left buried.
KELSEY COX'S NOVELS
"Riveting." —People
"Heart-pumping." —Nina Simon
"Jaw-dropping." —Amanda Eyre Ward
"Joins my auto-buy list forever." —Rachel Hawkins
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Kelsey Cox
4 books591 followersKelsey Cox received her MFA in fiction from Purdue University and works from home in the Texas Hill Country. You can often find her writing at Mammen Family Public Library, chasing around her two young daughters, or watching British mysteries with her mom and aunts. On nights when bedtime goes as planned, she enjoys curling up on the sofa, glass of wine in hand, and a book with complicated characters and a killer twist in her lap.
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January 22, 2026I really enjoyed Party Of Liars by this author
I know this one is going to be a doozie!
Roll on July!
🩵💜🩵💜
I know this one is going to be a doozie!
Roll on July!
🩵💜🩵💜
April 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Although Party Of Liars was kind of meh for me, when I saw that Kelsey Cox had written a new book, I wanted to see how it compared.
The description sounded interesting…an unsolved murder from a beauty pageant 25 years ago, and now, the women who were in that pageant are preparing their 17-year-old daughters for the same pageant.
Written in multiple timelines and POV, this book takes place in a small Texas town where The Lone Star Princess Pageant is one of the biggest events of the year.
You see some of the toxic beauty pageant moms (well, mainly just one) and there’s plenty of the “Southern, passive-aggressive, bless your heart version of nice”.
For some reason, there were parts of this book where I’d think of Honey Boo Boo and her “go go juice” and start laughing. IYKYK
I kind of had expectations of a thriller and this book is in no way a thriller.
Because of the unsolved murder, I suppose it could be considered a mystery.
In held my attention and had a decent story, but to me it mainly felt like general fiction.
My review on this is an outlier and I encourage you to read the many 4-5 ⭐️ reviews, which show that Kelsey Cox’s books work well for a lot of people.
Because I said the same thing in my review of Party Of Liars, I think that this author just isn’t for me (which is a “me problem”).
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Kelsey Cox for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Put Date: July 7, 2026
Although Party Of Liars was kind of meh for me, when I saw that Kelsey Cox had written a new book, I wanted to see how it compared.
The description sounded interesting…an unsolved murder from a beauty pageant 25 years ago, and now, the women who were in that pageant are preparing their 17-year-old daughters for the same pageant.
Written in multiple timelines and POV, this book takes place in a small Texas town where The Lone Star Princess Pageant is one of the biggest events of the year.
You see some of the toxic beauty pageant moms (well, mainly just one) and there’s plenty of the “Southern, passive-aggressive, bless your heart version of nice”.
For some reason, there were parts of this book where I’d think of Honey Boo Boo and her “go go juice” and start laughing. IYKYK
I kind of had expectations of a thriller and this book is in no way a thriller.
Because of the unsolved murder, I suppose it could be considered a mystery.
In held my attention and had a decent story, but to me it mainly felt like general fiction.
My review on this is an outlier and I encourage you to read the many 4-5 ⭐️ reviews, which show that Kelsey Cox’s books work well for a lot of people.
Because I said the same thing in my review of Party Of Liars, I think that this author just isn’t for me (which is a “me problem”).
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Kelsey Cox for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Put Date: July 7, 2026
February 11, 2026
Okay, if you could hypothetically buy stock in a newer thriller author’s future work, I’d officially buy shares in this one’s!
I read and enjoyed Kelsey Cox’s 2025 debut, Party of Lies, which came out along with a slew of other thrillers over the past couple years that were by new, or new-ish, adult thriller authors and were about titular lies: First Lie Wins (Ashley Elston, 2024); Count My Lies (Sophie Stava, 2025); and Listen For the Lie (Amy Tintera, 2024). I loved all four of these books, so I was really excited to be approved for an ARC of Pretty Dead Things. I’m so happy to report that this author’s sophomore effort is equally good as or perhaps even better than her first.
I looked back at my review of Party of Lies and noticed that Pretty Dead Things offers many of the features I appreciated about it, maybe even ramped up a bit. There are a number of things that set this author’s work apart. To name a few:
-Texas (culture) as a character! A bit of the Southern Gothic as well. On the darker side for sure.
-Challenging entangled relationships over time with generations of friends and extended family within a small (perhaps claustrophobically so) community whose members wield widely varying levels of privilege, power, and status.
-Nearly everyone seems legitimately suspicious!! And possessed of potential motive!
-Elements of locked-room/closed-circle mystery, and red herrings galore. Twists down to the final minute.
In addition, this book contains some genre tropes that appeal to many. For one: half-finished, muddy, actively under construction, gentrified housing developments are bad news! — something I have passionately believed in since being scarred as a child by the film Poltergeist! Quarries, as we know, also tend to have a distinctively worrisome vibe. And of course, who doesn’t love pageants, Dance Moms, and Mean Girls elements in their thrillers?
This was a stressful book to read, in a good way, as the author is skilled at maintaining tension as she strings along the reader on a journey to figure out past and present crimes and tragic, triggering events at the novel’s core. It is suspenseful the entire time because many sympathetic characters, including high school students, may be in peril (and some characters are, of course). I did not guess the ending, and although I must admit I didn’t necessarily love the ending, it’s not because there was anything wrong with the ending. It was a very good ending! I just got too invested in my own hopes!
I really think Kelsey Cox is proving herself to be a writer with consistency and staying power, and I can see her becoming one of those thriller author household names. I’m so glad I bought stock in her work early on!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions and review. Pretty Dead Things is expected for release on July 7, 2026, in time for your summer reading.
I read and enjoyed Kelsey Cox’s 2025 debut, Party of Lies, which came out along with a slew of other thrillers over the past couple years that were by new, or new-ish, adult thriller authors and were about titular lies: First Lie Wins (Ashley Elston, 2024); Count My Lies (Sophie Stava, 2025); and Listen For the Lie (Amy Tintera, 2024). I loved all four of these books, so I was really excited to be approved for an ARC of Pretty Dead Things. I’m so happy to report that this author’s sophomore effort is equally good as or perhaps even better than her first.
I looked back at my review of Party of Lies and noticed that Pretty Dead Things offers many of the features I appreciated about it, maybe even ramped up a bit. There are a number of things that set this author’s work apart. To name a few:
-Texas (culture) as a character! A bit of the Southern Gothic as well. On the darker side for sure.
-Challenging entangled relationships over time with generations of friends and extended family within a small (perhaps claustrophobically so) community whose members wield widely varying levels of privilege, power, and status.
-Nearly everyone seems legitimately suspicious!! And possessed of potential motive!
-Elements of locked-room/closed-circle mystery, and red herrings galore. Twists down to the final minute.
In addition, this book contains some genre tropes that appeal to many. For one: half-finished, muddy, actively under construction, gentrified housing developments are bad news! — something I have passionately believed in since being scarred as a child by the film Poltergeist! Quarries, as we know, also tend to have a distinctively worrisome vibe. And of course, who doesn’t love pageants, Dance Moms, and Mean Girls elements in their thrillers?
This was a stressful book to read, in a good way, as the author is skilled at maintaining tension as she strings along the reader on a journey to figure out past and present crimes and tragic, triggering events at the novel’s core. It is suspenseful the entire time because many sympathetic characters, including high school students, may be in peril (and some characters are, of course). I did not guess the ending, and although I must admit I didn’t necessarily love the ending, it’s not because there was anything wrong with the ending. It was a very good ending! I just got too invested in my own hopes!
I really think Kelsey Cox is proving herself to be a writer with consistency and staying power, and I can see her becoming one of those thriller author household names. I’m so glad I bought stock in her work early on!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions and review. Pretty Dead Things is expected for release on July 7, 2026, in time for your summer reading.
February 24, 2026
With a small town pageant and old friends reuniting, there are plenty of mean girl moments here. More the moms than the daughters. There’s also someone claiming they know what happened to a missing girl from years ago. This one sucked me right in and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I didn’t see a couple of those twists coming, but it all made sense in the end. This is a good one!
April 2, 2026
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox is an engaging small-town mystery set in Texas, blending pageant culture, generational drama, and an unresolved death that lingers over the community. The story follows Hannah, Olivia, and Sarah-Lynn who are best friends whose lives are deeply shaped by their mothers’ shared past in beauty pageants, along with all the rivalries and unresolved tension that come with it.
One of the more compelling aspects of the novel is how it explores the complicated relationships between the girls and their mothers. While the daughters maintain a close friendship, their moms’ history of competition and “girl drama” adds an undercurrent of conflict that influences everything around them. This generational dynamic adds depth to the story and gives the mystery more emotional weight.
At the center of the book is a long-standing death that the town hasn’t fully moved on from. As the narrative unfolds, the investigation into this murder keeps the plot moving and provides a steady sense of intrigue. While the mystery itself is interesting, it does become somewhat predictable at times, which takes away from the overall suspense.
That said, the book is still an enjoyable read. The mix of Southern setting, pageant culture, and interpersonal drama makes for an entertaining story, even if it doesn’t completely surprise. Fans of character-driven mysteries with a touch of small-town secrets will likely find it worth picking up.
One of the more compelling aspects of the novel is how it explores the complicated relationships between the girls and their mothers. While the daughters maintain a close friendship, their moms’ history of competition and “girl drama” adds an undercurrent of conflict that influences everything around them. This generational dynamic adds depth to the story and gives the mystery more emotional weight.
At the center of the book is a long-standing death that the town hasn’t fully moved on from. As the narrative unfolds, the investigation into this murder keeps the plot moving and provides a steady sense of intrigue. While the mystery itself is interesting, it does become somewhat predictable at times, which takes away from the overall suspense.
That said, the book is still an enjoyable read. The mix of Southern setting, pageant culture, and interpersonal drama makes for an entertaining story, even if it doesn’t completely surprise. Fans of character-driven mysteries with a touch of small-town secrets will likely find it worth picking up.
March 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story follows multiple perspectives: hopeful pageant princess Sarah Lynn, nurse Melanie, sober Cat, and the ever-haunted Ingrid.
Twenty-five years ago, Ingrid’s twin sister Isabelle vanished, presumed murdered by her boyfriend Ben. Ingrid fled town in the aftermath, but decades later, she’s drawn back and with her return, long-buried secrets begin to resurface.
This was such a fun, addictive read that kept me turning pages late into the night. The shifting perspectives added depth and intrigue, and I was fully invested in unraveling what really happened all those years ago.
That said… the big reveal initially felt underwhelming. After all that buildup, I found myself thinking, that’s it? It didn’t quite hit the way I expected and left me a bit disappointed in the moment.
BUT.. okay, wait. That ending?? I did not see that coming at all. Completely flipped things around and honestly redeemed everything for me. It was unexpected, satisfying, and tied the story together in a way that made the journey worth it.
Overall, a gripping and entertaining read with a twist that saves the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story follows multiple perspectives: hopeful pageant princess Sarah Lynn, nurse Melanie, sober Cat, and the ever-haunted Ingrid.
Twenty-five years ago, Ingrid’s twin sister Isabelle vanished, presumed murdered by her boyfriend Ben. Ingrid fled town in the aftermath, but decades later, she’s drawn back and with her return, long-buried secrets begin to resurface.
This was such a fun, addictive read that kept me turning pages late into the night. The shifting perspectives added depth and intrigue, and I was fully invested in unraveling what really happened all those years ago.
That said… the big reveal initially felt underwhelming. After all that buildup, I found myself thinking, that’s it? It didn’t quite hit the way I expected and left me a bit disappointed in the moment.
BUT.. okay, wait. That ending?? I did not see that coming at all. Completely flipped things around and honestly redeemed everything for me. It was unexpected, satisfying, and tied the story together in a way that made the journey worth it.
Overall, a gripping and entertaining read with a twist that saves the story.
May 6, 2026
I hope Kelsey Cox writes thrillers forever.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Behind the practiced smiles and polished crowns lie dark secrets…
Ingrid Whitmore returns to her hometown 25 years after her twin sister disappeared the night before the town’s Lonestar beauty pageant. The case was never solved, and everyone seems like a suspect. I did guess one of the twists, but the ending was far more intricate than I could have imagined.
Clever and beautifully descriptive, the writing makes you feel the sweltering Texas heat and shiver through the fateful snowstorm where everything comes to a head. Some scenes are fairly gory, so sensitive readers beware.
If you love atmospheric small-town thrillers full of hidden motives and complicated friendships, this one is for you.
Ingrid Whitmore returns to her hometown 25 years after her twin sister disappeared the night before the town’s Lonestar beauty pageant. The case was never solved, and everyone seems like a suspect. I did guess one of the twists, but the ending was far more intricate than I could have imagined.
Clever and beautifully descriptive, the writing makes you feel the sweltering Texas heat and shiver through the fateful snowstorm where everything comes to a head. Some scenes are fairly gory, so sensitive readers beware.
If you love atmospheric small-town thrillers full of hidden motives and complicated friendships, this one is for you.
February 13, 2026
This thriller is sharp, fast paced, and dangerously easy to binge thanks to the quick chapters that constantly whisper just one more. The mystery weaves together a haunting past disappearance with present day sabotage and escalating tension, and I loved how seamlessly those threads collided.
What truly set this story apart for me was the generational angle. Mothers who once stood side by side in a high school beauty pageant now watching their daughters step into the same spotlight? Chef’s kiss. 👏 The layers of history, secrets, and rivalry added so much depth and emotional weight, making the stakes feel intensely personal.
And the twists? Genuinely unexpected. Just when I thought I had things figured out…nope. Wrong again. I was kept guessing the entire time, and that’s the kind of thriller I live for.
Bottom line: this book was a blast to read, expertly paced, and packed with intrigue. I’ll be picking up anything Kelsey Cox writes going forward, no questions asked.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an early copy in return for an honest review!
What truly set this story apart for me was the generational angle. Mothers who once stood side by side in a high school beauty pageant now watching their daughters step into the same spotlight? Chef’s kiss. 👏 The layers of history, secrets, and rivalry added so much depth and emotional weight, making the stakes feel intensely personal.
And the twists? Genuinely unexpected. Just when I thought I had things figured out…nope. Wrong again. I was kept guessing the entire time, and that’s the kind of thriller I live for.
Bottom line: this book was a blast to read, expertly paced, and packed with intrigue. I’ll be picking up anything Kelsey Cox writes going forward, no questions asked.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an early copy in return for an honest review!
February 22, 2026
If you’re a fan of the Netflix show Insatiable, this book is definitely for you! This was a very enjoyable book. It took a few rounds of chapters to remember who everyone was. The secrets were buried so deep that I did not see them coming! A Texas Hill Country pageant that doesn’t go as planned.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
About a 3.5/5. The premise is really compelling with a small-town pageant set against the 25th anniversary of a teenage girl’s disappearance, it sets up a lot of potential for drama and tension.
The pacing felt a bit slow however. The story dangles bits of intrigue throughout, but a lot of the major reveals and twists are saved for the very end. I kept waiting for things to really escalate sooner, especially given the setting.
I also found myself wishing the moms were a little more unhinged. There’s definitely underlying tension between the adults, particularly around what they may or may not know about Izzy’s disappearance, but it never fully tips into the kind of messy, backstabbing drama the premise seems built for. Similarly, the teenage girls are surprisingly reasonable and supportive of each other. While that’s refreshing in some ways, it does take away from the overall tension.
Most of the drama ends up coming from what’s simmering beneath the surface rather than what’s actually happening on the page, which makes the buildup feel a bit uneven.
Overall, it’s an interesting read with a strong concept, but I wish it leaned harder into the drama earlier on instead of saving so much for the final stretch.
The pacing felt a bit slow however. The story dangles bits of intrigue throughout, but a lot of the major reveals and twists are saved for the very end. I kept waiting for things to really escalate sooner, especially given the setting.
I also found myself wishing the moms were a little more unhinged. There’s definitely underlying tension between the adults, particularly around what they may or may not know about Izzy’s disappearance, but it never fully tips into the kind of messy, backstabbing drama the premise seems built for. Similarly, the teenage girls are surprisingly reasonable and supportive of each other. While that’s refreshing in some ways, it does take away from the overall tension.
Most of the drama ends up coming from what’s simmering beneath the surface rather than what’s actually happening on the page, which makes the buildup feel a bit uneven.
Overall, it’s an interesting read with a strong concept, but I wish it leaned harder into the drama earlier on instead of saving so much for the final stretch.
April 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really want to rate this higher because a lot of this time the story would lean towards a 4-4.5 read. Overall though I have to give it a 3.
I really enjoyed the small town Texas drama of the pageant world, that was honestly so fun. I also really appreciated all the detail of pageant world and the weather during an unpredictable Texas snow and ice storm. This was depicted so well in a way that you felt like you were there experiencing the moments of getting ready for pageant with the girls while the storm is brewing outside.
The downfall unfortunately was so many POVs and truly just having a hard time following who was who. It took quite a while to figure out who everyone was, like almost half the book. So I was just confused majority of the time.
The thriller aspect of this drew me in and was what kept me reading and putting in the effort to get to know the characters and view points. The short chapters and fast pacing was a bonus.
Thank you SMP and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I really want to rate this higher because a lot of this time the story would lean towards a 4-4.5 read. Overall though I have to give it a 3.
I really enjoyed the small town Texas drama of the pageant world, that was honestly so fun. I also really appreciated all the detail of pageant world and the weather during an unpredictable Texas snow and ice storm. This was depicted so well in a way that you felt like you were there experiencing the moments of getting ready for pageant with the girls while the storm is brewing outside.
The downfall unfortunately was so many POVs and truly just having a hard time following who was who. It took quite a while to figure out who everyone was, like almost half the book. So I was just confused majority of the time.
The thriller aspect of this drew me in and was what kept me reading and putting in the effort to get to know the characters and view points. The short chapters and fast pacing was a bonus.
Thank you SMP and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2026
•Pretty Dead Things left me wanting more from the very first page. It was quick, tense, and thrilling.
•In 2000, Isabelle Whitmore tragically disappears, leaving behind her suspicious boyfriend, catty beauty pageant friends, her pageant royalty mother, and her twin sister, Ingrid. Shortly after her twin’s disappearance, Ingrid left her small town, with no intention of returning. However, with the 25th anniversary of her sister’s disappearance and the Lone Star Princess Pageant looming, Ingrid makes the difficult decision to return to town, right as everything comes to a head.
•I could not put this one down! The characters are layered, all facing real life problems and complications. The dual timelines also paint a fuller picture of the characters and the Texas scene. Pretty Dead Things is Kelsey Cox’s sophomore novel, yet it reads as though she’s written thirty-five.
•A big thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Kelsey Cox for this ARC. It will become available on July 7, 2026.
•In 2000, Isabelle Whitmore tragically disappears, leaving behind her suspicious boyfriend, catty beauty pageant friends, her pageant royalty mother, and her twin sister, Ingrid. Shortly after her twin’s disappearance, Ingrid left her small town, with no intention of returning. However, with the 25th anniversary of her sister’s disappearance and the Lone Star Princess Pageant looming, Ingrid makes the difficult decision to return to town, right as everything comes to a head.
•I could not put this one down! The characters are layered, all facing real life problems and complications. The dual timelines also paint a fuller picture of the characters and the Texas scene. Pretty Dead Things is Kelsey Cox’s sophomore novel, yet it reads as though she’s written thirty-five.
•A big thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Kelsey Cox for this ARC. It will become available on July 7, 2026.
February 14, 2026
As someone who loved Party of Liars, I was so eager to read Kelsey Cox's second novel. It did not disappoint! I absolutely loved Pretty Dead Things!
Kelsey established the town of Anhalt, its residents and lore really well. In 2000, a girl named Isabelle went missing. In 2025, the local pageant is set to begin at the same time a snow storm is predicted to blow through. By writing from multiple perspectives we were able to have a glimpse into the most important people involved in these events. I felt like I knew everyone and everything as I do when I read a series taking place in the same town.
Each of the characters felt distinct and fully realized. Kelsey left out just enough detail that when we finally got to the end and the missing pieces I was genuinely shocked. Plus there were plenty of twists along the way that made it really difficult to stop reading. The elements of the impending storm and the pageant added such tension and the payoff was worth it.
I want to add, I loved the local pageant element of the story. It isn't something I see much at all in thrillers and it added such a fun element to the story. It allowed the story to go to unexpected places without leaning into stereotypes that one could expect in that setting.
I'm already so excited for whatever Kelsey does next!
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Kelsey established the town of Anhalt, its residents and lore really well. In 2000, a girl named Isabelle went missing. In 2025, the local pageant is set to begin at the same time a snow storm is predicted to blow through. By writing from multiple perspectives we were able to have a glimpse into the most important people involved in these events. I felt like I knew everyone and everything as I do when I read a series taking place in the same town.
Each of the characters felt distinct and fully realized. Kelsey left out just enough detail that when we finally got to the end and the missing pieces I was genuinely shocked. Plus there were plenty of twists along the way that made it really difficult to stop reading. The elements of the impending storm and the pageant added such tension and the payoff was worth it.
I want to add, I loved the local pageant element of the story. It isn't something I see much at all in thrillers and it added such a fun element to the story. It allowed the story to go to unexpected places without leaning into stereotypes that one could expect in that setting.
I'm already so excited for whatever Kelsey does next!
Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for early access to this book!
March 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book.
This is such a thrilling ride. I hit 88 percent and I thought the book was wrapped up, but then that last tiny bit blew my mind. This tiny Texas town is full of secrets and history that will leave you guessing until the last possible chapter. 10/10 recommend.
This is such a thrilling ride. I hit 88 percent and I thought the book was wrapped up, but then that last tiny bit blew my mind. This tiny Texas town is full of secrets and history that will leave you guessing until the last possible chapter. 10/10 recommend.
May 8, 2026
I had a lot of fun reading this book! It was a twisty, turny popcorn thriller that I couldn’t get enough of. I recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When discussing buried secrets, pageant dramas, and the past that tends to haunt us, this story takes you on a whirlwind journey through a busy timeline that keeps you engaged and on your toes!
A Texas beauty pageant takes a dark turn as secrets resurface surrounding the 2000 disappearance of Isabelle Whitmore at Sherman Ranch. In 2025, the annual Lone Star Princess Pageant stirs old grudges among key characters: Ingrid returns after fleeing Anhalt, Melanie grapples with past traumas, Cat faces challenges related to her sobriety, and Sarah Lynn feels the pressure to win. As tensions escalate during a record-setting storm that traps everyone together, conflicts reach a deadly climax, revealing that some secrets are best kept hidden.
We meet Sarah Lynn, Cat, Ingrid, and Melanie from the present perspective, while Abel, Kennedy, Emily, Olivia, and Isabelle share their tales from the past. The author truly dives into each character, bringing their captivating drama to life on the pages—it's a thrilling ride! You’ll find it easy to connect with these characters, as their distinct personalities quickly come into focus. Some will resonate with you, while others might just make your blood boil. I'll leave that judgment up to you! With such a rich cast, the audiobook promises to be an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns. If it feels overwhelming, definitely give the audio a listen!
This narrative showcases a whirlwind of emotions, highlighting the complexities that come with growing up and living in a small town while raising children. The choices we make growing up, whether right or wrong, linger in our lives. As we grow alongside our mistakes without ever changing our surroundings, family dynamics can often take a hit. Scandals seem to linger, trailing us like a shadow. Some people appear to have nothing better to do than dredge up the past, while others seek to relive their glory days through their children. If you've ever watched shows like "Dance Moms," you know exactly what I mean. Those folks simply need to move on and find a new hobby! Yet, this story navigates those themes with a deft touch, blending high emotions with surprising revelations, and the added twist of a locked-room mystery during a snowstorm! If you enjoyed the author's previous book, you’ll likely love this one, as the stakes have never been higher!
This book is ideal for anyone who loves piecing together an old small-town mystery surrounding Isabelle's disappearance alongside a current murder. It’s a gripping tale of wealthy families misbehaving through the generations, revealing layers beyond the surface. The heartwarming bond among the three girls during the pageant is truly admirable, showcasing their maturity and growth. Even with some resolutions offered, you can't shake the feeling that not everything is fully put to rest; after all, there are bound to be countless hidden connections and cover-ups at play. Stories like these never truly wrap up, as they seem to perpetuate in a relentless cycle. Now, if you'll excuse me, I’m just going to indulge in my blissful ignorance for a little while! Ha!
Thank you, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Texas beauty pageant takes a dark turn as secrets resurface surrounding the 2000 disappearance of Isabelle Whitmore at Sherman Ranch. In 2025, the annual Lone Star Princess Pageant stirs old grudges among key characters: Ingrid returns after fleeing Anhalt, Melanie grapples with past traumas, Cat faces challenges related to her sobriety, and Sarah Lynn feels the pressure to win. As tensions escalate during a record-setting storm that traps everyone together, conflicts reach a deadly climax, revealing that some secrets are best kept hidden.
We meet Sarah Lynn, Cat, Ingrid, and Melanie from the present perspective, while Abel, Kennedy, Emily, Olivia, and Isabelle share their tales from the past. The author truly dives into each character, bringing their captivating drama to life on the pages—it's a thrilling ride! You’ll find it easy to connect with these characters, as their distinct personalities quickly come into focus. Some will resonate with you, while others might just make your blood boil. I'll leave that judgment up to you! With such a rich cast, the audiobook promises to be an emotional rollercoaster full of twists and turns. If it feels overwhelming, definitely give the audio a listen!
This narrative showcases a whirlwind of emotions, highlighting the complexities that come with growing up and living in a small town while raising children. The choices we make growing up, whether right or wrong, linger in our lives. As we grow alongside our mistakes without ever changing our surroundings, family dynamics can often take a hit. Scandals seem to linger, trailing us like a shadow. Some people appear to have nothing better to do than dredge up the past, while others seek to relive their glory days through their children. If you've ever watched shows like "Dance Moms," you know exactly what I mean. Those folks simply need to move on and find a new hobby! Yet, this story navigates those themes with a deft touch, blending high emotions with surprising revelations, and the added twist of a locked-room mystery during a snowstorm! If you enjoyed the author's previous book, you’ll likely love this one, as the stakes have never been higher!
This book is ideal for anyone who loves piecing together an old small-town mystery surrounding Isabelle's disappearance alongside a current murder. It’s a gripping tale of wealthy families misbehaving through the generations, revealing layers beyond the surface. The heartwarming bond among the three girls during the pageant is truly admirable, showcasing their maturity and growth. Even with some resolutions offered, you can't shake the feeling that not everything is fully put to rest; after all, there are bound to be countless hidden connections and cover-ups at play. Stories like these never truly wrap up, as they seem to perpetuate in a relentless cycle. Now, if you'll excuse me, I’m just going to indulge in my blissful ignorance for a little while! Ha!
Thank you, Minotaur Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2026
Kelsey Cox… wow. Truly,…bravo 👏🏼
7/7/2026 release date.
What happens when loyalty turns into something dangerous?
This story hit close to home for me. Having roots in Colorado and now living in Texas, so many of the settings and experiences felt incredibly familiar, from the local atmosphere to river floating, to the quiet charm of small towns outside of Austin. That personal connection made the reading experience feel even more immersive and authentic.
Going in, I expected a dance mom’s style drama with a touch of murder. What I got was so much more.
Told through multiple POVs and timelines, this novel dives deep into the complexities of sisterhood, especially between twins, alongside friendship, family, betrayal (and perceived betrayal), and the quiet, insidious nature of manipulation. It beautifully explores the tension between loyalty to others and loyalty to oneself, and just how dangerously unbalanced both can become.
The character development was strong and compelling, the suspense steadily built, and the layers of secrets and twists kept me completely hooked. Honestly, if life hadn’t been so busy this month, I would have devoured this in a single sitting. Instead, I found myself reading late into the night, eyes burning, unable to put it down until I reached the end.
I received this as an ARC, and it’s absolutely one I’ll be adding to my trophy shelf. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for signed editions at local bookstores this is a story I want to revisit and proudly display.
Huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and of course, Kelsey Cox.
7/7/2026 release date.
What happens when loyalty turns into something dangerous?
This story hit close to home for me. Having roots in Colorado and now living in Texas, so many of the settings and experiences felt incredibly familiar, from the local atmosphere to river floating, to the quiet charm of small towns outside of Austin. That personal connection made the reading experience feel even more immersive and authentic.
Going in, I expected a dance mom’s style drama with a touch of murder. What I got was so much more.
Told through multiple POVs and timelines, this novel dives deep into the complexities of sisterhood, especially between twins, alongside friendship, family, betrayal (and perceived betrayal), and the quiet, insidious nature of manipulation. It beautifully explores the tension between loyalty to others and loyalty to oneself, and just how dangerously unbalanced both can become.
The character development was strong and compelling, the suspense steadily built, and the layers of secrets and twists kept me completely hooked. Honestly, if life hadn’t been so busy this month, I would have devoured this in a single sitting. Instead, I found myself reading late into the night, eyes burning, unable to put it down until I reached the end.
I received this as an ARC, and it’s absolutely one I’ll be adding to my trophy shelf. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for signed editions at local bookstores this is a story I want to revisit and proudly display.
Huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and of course, Kelsey Cox.
February 18, 2026
A beauty pageant turned deadly? Absolutely inhaled this book. As someone who did pageants for probably a good 15 years of their life I was so excited to read this. I’ve always wanted a thriller in this setting. Also, now I’m craving a latte from Summer Moon.
I had no idea where things were going because the set up for this one takes place for a good portion of the book. Most of the build up is character driven exploring a small town of people who were around when Izzy went missing 25 years ago and now have kids of their own. There are some flashbacks to the past but most of the timeline starts about a week before the pageant takes place. All the lead up to the pageant is worth it because when that day comes things do not go as planned and it is a wild ride. As a storm rolls in through Texas the attendees find themselves stuck in the auditorium together potentially in danger and not just from the weather. While I thought I had things figured out the ending still had some twists that truly surprised me. This is one I’ll be thinking about for days after reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
I had no idea where things were going because the set up for this one takes place for a good portion of the book. Most of the build up is character driven exploring a small town of people who were around when Izzy went missing 25 years ago and now have kids of their own. There are some flashbacks to the past but most of the timeline starts about a week before the pageant takes place. All the lead up to the pageant is worth it because when that day comes things do not go as planned and it is a wild ride. As a storm rolls in through Texas the attendees find themselves stuck in the auditorium together potentially in danger and not just from the weather. While I thought I had things figured out the ending still had some twists that truly surprised me. This is one I’ll be thinking about for days after reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2026
Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox is basically what happens when pageant moms go full unhinged… and honestly? I ate it up.
This book is messy in the best way—petty rivalries, generational drama, secrets that should’ve stayed buried, and women who will absolutely smile in your face while ruining your life behind the scenes.
The beauty pageant setting? Toxic. Competitive. Perfect.
The moms are just as bad (if not worse) than the daughters, and the dual timelines only make it juicier because you KNOW something went very wrong in the past… and it’s about to blow up.
And listen—these characters are not likable. At all.
But they are entertaining, and sometimes that’s better.
The short chapters had me flying through this, and just when I thought I had it figured out… nope. The ending said “try again.”
Is it a perfectly polished thriller? No.
Is it dramatic, chaotic, and ridiculously bingeable? Yes.
⭐️ Read this if you like:
– toxic small-town energy
– morally questionable women
– secrets + revenge + “wait WHAT just happened” endings
This book is messy in the best way—petty rivalries, generational drama, secrets that should’ve stayed buried, and women who will absolutely smile in your face while ruining your life behind the scenes.
The beauty pageant setting? Toxic. Competitive. Perfect.
The moms are just as bad (if not worse) than the daughters, and the dual timelines only make it juicier because you KNOW something went very wrong in the past… and it’s about to blow up.
And listen—these characters are not likable. At all.
But they are entertaining, and sometimes that’s better.
The short chapters had me flying through this, and just when I thought I had it figured out… nope. The ending said “try again.”
Is it a perfectly polished thriller? No.
Is it dramatic, chaotic, and ridiculously bingeable? Yes.
⭐️ Read this if you like:
– toxic small-town energy
– morally questionable women
– secrets + revenge + “wait WHAT just happened” endings
April 27, 2026
This was my first book by Kelsey Cox and I can’t wait to start another one. It was such a quick read; the chapters were short, the POV changed every chapter, so the scene was constantly changing making it feel fast paced. I found all of the characters interesting, flawed (in a good way) and their interactions amusing. I usually am pretty good at guessing the ending or the twist, although I had suspicions on what the ending would be, I was surprised. I love a “whodunit” and I think this book did a great job at keeping you guessing just enough. I love a book with drama and tea and this book was full of it!! I gave it 5 stars because I genuinely enjoyed it, I was excited to pick it up every day, and I don’t have many complaints. It was a fun read with some mystery and interesting social dynamics/back stories.
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, Kelsey Cox and team for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, Kelsey Cox and team for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2026
read if you like:
👸🏼 beauty pageants
📍 texas
🔪 cutthroat moms
summary:
I’ve loved previous books by Kelsey Cox, so I wanted to check out her newest one, PRETTY DEAD THINGS. This book is set in Texas, all surrounded around a high stakes beauty pageant, where glamor, secrecy and danger collide. We follow several of the mothers and daughters through the preparation for the event, cutting back and forth between present day and the past, 25 years prior, where at the first Lone Star Princess Pageant, a woman, Isabelle, disappeared, and was never seen again. Her sister, Ingrid, returns back to her hometown to see her parents, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the event, and is immediately reminded of her sister’s disappearance, and the suspicion of those around her.
This is a fast read, with short chapters that keep you amused and on the edge of your seat the entire time. While there are a lot of characters, Cox does a great job of double clicking into all of them, making it easy to keep track of the mothers, daughters and their individual histories. None of the characters are wildly likable — they aren’t intended to be — but the dynamics between them make up for it. If you’ve ever been involved in the pageant or competition world, you can easily picture these kids — and their parents — and the sacrifices they make to succeed. The ending is wild —and a little far fetched — but if you get into the vibe of the book, it will feel satisfying and complete.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy, and if you love a good beauty pageant thriller, check this book out when it releases on July 7!
February 23, 2026
The title and cover of the book instantly intrigued me. Absolutely stunning. Then to find out the book is about pageants and an unsolved murder. SIGN ME UP. I can’t lie, I was immediately thinking of the movie “Drop Dead Gorgeous.”
This was a page turner that had me anxious to find out what really happened. Kelsey Cox gave us a full cast of characters with multiple POVs. Truly, everyone was a suspect. And while I appreciate multiple POVs, you definitely have to pay attention and remember how everyone is connected.
I did have my suspicions about who was the killer but I was not disappointed with the final reveal. All the twists made it so exciting!
This was a page turner that had me anxious to find out what really happened. Kelsey Cox gave us a full cast of characters with multiple POVs. Truly, everyone was a suspect. And while I appreciate multiple POVs, you definitely have to pay attention and remember how everyone is connected.
I did have my suspicions about who was the killer but I was not disappointed with the final reveal. All the twists made it so exciting!
February 10, 2026
Pretty Dead Things is set in Texas at a beauty pageant.
This story alternates between multiple POVs and timelines. The current timeline, during beauty pageant season, and 25 years prior when a teen went missing.
Many characters were introduced, and it took me a couple chapters to get my bearing, but once I got to know characters, I was hooked. I had to know what happened to these people. I really thought I had it all figured out and had discovered the truth, but boy was wrong. Cox creates these multidimensional characters in a truly atmospheric setting. A teen that went missing 25 years ago, a current beauty pageant, lies, secrets, and drama throughout. Oh, and on top of that there's a nice winter storm where they all get trapped. Kelsey Cox has truly become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what else she writes!
This story alternates between multiple POVs and timelines. The current timeline, during beauty pageant season, and 25 years prior when a teen went missing.
Many characters were introduced, and it took me a couple chapters to get my bearing, but once I got to know characters, I was hooked. I had to know what happened to these people. I really thought I had it all figured out and had discovered the truth, but boy was wrong. Cox creates these multidimensional characters in a truly atmospheric setting. A teen that went missing 25 years ago, a current beauty pageant, lies, secrets, and drama throughout. Oh, and on top of that there's a nice winter storm where they all get trapped. Kelsey Cox has truly become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what else she writes!
April 25, 2026
Thanks to #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for providing this eARC!
Wow this book was so good!
Texas small town pageants, generational pageant girls and pageant moms, old grudges, a missing teen, flashbacks, murder, genuine friendships, forgiveness, suspense, multiple POV’s, and quite the twisty ending! Couldn’t put it down.
I especially enjoyed the current timeline’s teenagers relationship. Loyalty, kindness, and care that every teenage girl needs, and should have, from their peers in their lives.
Wow this book was so good!
Texas small town pageants, generational pageant girls and pageant moms, old grudges, a missing teen, flashbacks, murder, genuine friendships, forgiveness, suspense, multiple POV’s, and quite the twisty ending! Couldn’t put it down.
I especially enjoyed the current timeline’s teenagers relationship. Loyalty, kindness, and care that every teenage girl needs, and should have, from their peers in their lives.
March 30, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martins Press for the ARC of this title.
This book is exactly how I imagine pageant moms acting behind closed doors. They’ll literally do anything for their girl to win. The mystery of a missing teenager and trying to figure out who did that in a dual time line thriller. This book kept me guessing and intrigued.
I love books about rich people. lol. I didn’t expect the ending at all. 3.5 stars
This book is exactly how I imagine pageant moms acting behind closed doors. They’ll literally do anything for their girl to win. The mystery of a missing teenager and trying to figure out who did that in a dual time line thriller. This book kept me guessing and intrigued.
I love books about rich people. lol. I didn’t expect the ending at all. 3.5 stars
April 21, 2026
In some weird way this reminded me of the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous. There’s honestly nothing more dangerous than a pageant mother, and I think this definitely had that vibe. The characters were great, the murder mystery definitely hooked me, and I definitely didn’t catch who the killer was at all. I liked this a lot more than this authors last novel. I feel that she’s gotten stronger with her writing. This will be out in July of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for Pretty Dead Things!
I enjoyed this thriller! I read her debut novel last year and enjoyed that one, so when I saw this was coming out, I got very excited.
This thriller was intense and messy in a good way. I loved the short chapters with different characters’ POVs. At first it was a bit confusing to remember who was who, but I quickly caught on. This story goes through the past and present. I wouldn’t call this one a thriller, more of a mystery which was fun for me. Small town Texas, beauty queens, mean girls and then having that continue with their own daughters. The ending also wrapped up nicely and made sense to me. I definitely recommend reading this one!
I enjoyed this thriller! I read her debut novel last year and enjoyed that one, so when I saw this was coming out, I got very excited.
This thriller was intense and messy in a good way. I loved the short chapters with different characters’ POVs. At first it was a bit confusing to remember who was who, but I quickly caught on. This story goes through the past and present. I wouldn’t call this one a thriller, more of a mystery which was fun for me. Small town Texas, beauty queens, mean girls and then having that continue with their own daughters. The ending also wrapped up nicely and made sense to me. I definitely recommend reading this one!
March 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC edition of Kelsey Cox’s latest book!
Cox’s sophomore release missed the mark a bit for me. While the story has a very unique and interesting premise, the execution was confusing and disorganized. This story has A LOT of POVs from so many different characters and different timelines. I felt myself constantly going back to the beginning of each chapter to figure out who was talking, which is abnormal for me. It really took me out of the story.
The story was also a slow burn that felt more like a catty, domestic drama than a thriller. The chapters are short, which I loved, but there wasn’t a lot of thrilling content until the last 20% of the book. If you enjoy teenage and mom drama, you will love this. That was more of the focus of the story than the murder mystery itself.
There is definitely a type of reader that will enjoy this book, it just wasn’t for me and did not really scream thriller!
Cox’s sophomore release missed the mark a bit for me. While the story has a very unique and interesting premise, the execution was confusing and disorganized. This story has A LOT of POVs from so many different characters and different timelines. I felt myself constantly going back to the beginning of each chapter to figure out who was talking, which is abnormal for me. It really took me out of the story.
The story was also a slow burn that felt more like a catty, domestic drama than a thriller. The chapters are short, which I loved, but there wasn’t a lot of thrilling content until the last 20% of the book. If you enjoy teenage and mom drama, you will love this. That was more of the focus of the story than the murder mystery itself.
There is definitely a type of reader that will enjoy this book, it just wasn’t for me and did not really scream thriller!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Move to the top of your TBR list, Kelsey Cox has done it again! I LOVED her first novel, Party of Liars, so I knew I had to read her second book. Pretty Dead Things is page turning psychological thriller and suspense novel that I got through in one sitting.
Set in a small town in Texas, a storm traps the contestants and guests of the Lone Star Princess Pageant together, where anxiety is high and 25 year old long secrets are uncovered. A missing person, recovering alcoholic, murder, marriage issues, and friendships, this book has quite a bit to keep you entertained! Covering two timelines, there’s multiple characters, but the author does a great job tying everything together.
Fast paced and easy to follow with short chapters and told from multiple point of views.
Set in a small town in Texas, a storm traps the contestants and guests of the Lone Star Princess Pageant together, where anxiety is high and 25 year old long secrets are uncovered. A missing person, recovering alcoholic, murder, marriage issues, and friendships, this book has quite a bit to keep you entertained! Covering two timelines, there’s multiple characters, but the author does a great job tying everything together.
Fast paced and easy to follow with short chapters and told from multiple point of views.
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