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Pretty Dead Things
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26
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.
This program features multicast narration.
2000: Isabelle Whitmore vanishes at Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas, without a trace.
2025: The Lone Star Princess Pageant is about to begin, but this year it’s offering more than an annual dose of rhinestone heels and plunging necklines. Competition is stiffer than ever —and long standing grudges are about to resurface. 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.
Beauty dies. Secrets never do.
KELSEY COX'S NOVELS
"Riveting." —People
"Heart-pumping." —Nina Simon
"Jaw-dropping." —Amanda Eyre Ward
"Joins my auto-buy list forever." —Rachel Hawkins
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books
This program features multicast narration.
2000: Isabelle Whitmore vanishes at Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas, without a trace.
2025: The Lone Star Princess Pageant is about to begin, but this year it’s offering more than an annual dose of rhinestone heels and plunging necklines. Competition is stiffer than ever —and long standing grudges are about to resurface. 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.
Beauty dies. Secrets never do.
KELSEY COX'S NOVELS
"Riveting." —People
"Heart-pumping." —Nina Simon
"Jaw-dropping." —Amanda Eyre Ward
"Joins my auto-buy list forever." —Rachel Hawkins
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 7, 2026
About the author
Kelsey Cox
4 books653 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4 ⭐️ A cold case mystery, small-town rivalries, snappy and cutthroat moms, jealousy, ambition and long buried secrets, Pretty Dead Things is ridiculously entertaining and shockingly vile. I never knew much about the pageant culture but let me tell you it's not all pretty sunshine and butterflies and good intentions. I never knew how toxic pageant moms and their daughters can be. The pageant culture has many benefits--builds up social/public speaking skills, confidence, scholarship opportunities but underneath its pretty facade it puts inappropriate pressures on children and young adults, encourages grooming (sexualization), increases mental pressures and body dysmorphia, among other things.
Set in a small town of Texas, the story follows two timelines: one set in 2000 that focuses on the teenager Isabelle and her disappearance without any trace and one set in 2025 that focuses on a return of many these then-teenagers now-turned-moms and return of the pageant where several of these women were directly connected to the deadly event.
The first half of the book is the major set up. We are introduced to many characters and their daughters. The book explored mother-daughter relationships and family/community dynamics while building up the slow-crawling tension and dread. The second half is where the story really takes off, kicks up a dial and becomes dramatic and suspenseful. This is where I was completely engrossed in the entertainment of the mystery. The book had me reeling and saying 'Oh no she didn't' every time the southern snare of 'Bless your heart' was present underneath the lines. I never knew how petty and unforgiving the entire pageant culture is! It had me running in circles, thinking of the whodunit and trying to make guesses. I thought I had it figured out but the very last few twists got me real good. I was shocked and surprised at the same time.
My favorite part of the story was the ensemble of unreliable narrators. Told by Sarah Lynn, Cat, Ingrid and Melanie, you get perspectives from the present day teenagers in the pageant and the adults who knew each other when growing up.
Sarah Lynn--the daughter and progeny of cutthroat Kennedy Claire, was obsessed with her moms 'win or die' mantra. Although she was nice and a good friend, she had me questioning her motives through out the novel because of what her mother was like as a teen and how her mother was portrayed in her adulthood. These chapters were my MOST favorite.
Cat--a recovering alcoholic, was trying to rebuild with her daughter Olivia who has caught the eyes of the judges, setting off Kennedy Claires jealously and ruthlessness. Buckle up for tension and drama in these chapters!
Ingrid--the sister of missing Isabelle, who returns back to this town and chases the neighbor who was blamed for the murder. These chapters link to the chapters of the past and intern create more twists and suspense.
Melanie--one of the then teenagers who hung out with Kennedy Claire click of friends. She was different from other skinny girls and was mainly called 'Melon Ball'. Now as an adult she is a nurse and very supportive friend to Cat. She is also close to the sheriff (like a daughter).
Every character played a significant part of the story and no one is innocent. Losing is NOT an option. When a historic storm sweeps this small town, everyone is trapped under one roof. Someone may end up dead.
Pretty Dead Things reminded me a lot of Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite movies of all times. I loved the short chapters and the tension. I read this as I listened to the ALC and loved the full cast narration. Very distinctive voices and accents.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Kelsey Cox for an early ARC!
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrators: Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, Stevi Incremona
Duration: 9 hours 43 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
Set in a small town of Texas, the story follows two timelines: one set in 2000 that focuses on the teenager Isabelle and her disappearance without any trace and one set in 2025 that focuses on a return of many these then-teenagers now-turned-moms and return of the pageant where several of these women were directly connected to the deadly event.
The first half of the book is the major set up. We are introduced to many characters and their daughters. The book explored mother-daughter relationships and family/community dynamics while building up the slow-crawling tension and dread. The second half is where the story really takes off, kicks up a dial and becomes dramatic and suspenseful. This is where I was completely engrossed in the entertainment of the mystery. The book had me reeling and saying 'Oh no she didn't' every time the southern snare of 'Bless your heart' was present underneath the lines. I never knew how petty and unforgiving the entire pageant culture is! It had me running in circles, thinking of the whodunit and trying to make guesses. I thought I had it figured out but the very last few twists got me real good. I was shocked and surprised at the same time.
My favorite part of the story was the ensemble of unreliable narrators. Told by Sarah Lynn, Cat, Ingrid and Melanie, you get perspectives from the present day teenagers in the pageant and the adults who knew each other when growing up.
Sarah Lynn--the daughter and progeny of cutthroat Kennedy Claire, was obsessed with her moms 'win or die' mantra. Although she was nice and a good friend, she had me questioning her motives through out the novel because of what her mother was like as a teen and how her mother was portrayed in her adulthood. These chapters were my MOST favorite.
Cat--a recovering alcoholic, was trying to rebuild with her daughter Olivia who has caught the eyes of the judges, setting off Kennedy Claires jealously and ruthlessness. Buckle up for tension and drama in these chapters!
Ingrid--the sister of missing Isabelle, who returns back to this town and chases the neighbor who was blamed for the murder. These chapters link to the chapters of the past and intern create more twists and suspense.
Melanie--one of the then teenagers who hung out with Kennedy Claire click of friends. She was different from other skinny girls and was mainly called 'Melon Ball'. Now as an adult she is a nurse and very supportive friend to Cat. She is also close to the sheriff (like a daughter).
Every character played a significant part of the story and no one is innocent. Losing is NOT an option. When a historic storm sweeps this small town, everyone is trapped under one roof. Someone may end up dead.
Pretty Dead Things reminded me a lot of Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite movies of all times. I loved the short chapters and the tension. I read this as I listened to the ALC and loved the full cast narration. Very distinctive voices and accents.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and the author, Kelsey Cox for an early ARC!
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrators: Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, Stevi Incremona
Duration: 9 hours 43 minutes
Speed: 1.5x
June 19, 2026
Pretty Dead Things opens with a glimpse of the horror waiting at the Lone Star Princess Pageant before going back in time to show how a group of girls ended up there in the first place. From that moment on, Kelsey Cox weaves together two timelines—2000 and 2025—slowly revealing a web of secrets, rivalries, and old wounds that never truly healed.
The story follows two generations: the women who were teenagers when their friend Isabelle disappeared in 2000 and their daughters, who find themselves caught in the fallout twenty-five years later. With multiple narrators across both timelines, it occasionally took me a moment to remember who was narrating and which daughter belonged to which mother. The audiobook helped tremendously. The cast—Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona—delivers distinct performances that make each perspective feel unique and engaging.
At the heart of the novel is the mystery surrounding Isabelle’s disappearance and the lingering suspicion cast on local boy, Ben. Ingrid’s grief over losing her twin sister without ever receiving answers hit particularly hard for me as a twin myself. That emotional core gives weight to a story that could have easily relied solely on its thriller elements.
The pageant setting is equally fascinating and upsetting. As someone with absolutely no pageant experience, I was shocked by how competitive and divisive the environment becomes. Cox uses that backdrop to explore the pressures placed on young girls and the adults who project their own ambitions onto them. One line describes the contestants as being “lit up like specimens in a jar,” and that image perfectly captures the discomfort running beneath the glitter and hairspray. Long before any blood is shed, it is disturbing to watch a mother convince herself that almost anything is justified if it means her daughter can win.
By the time pageant day arrives, a massive snowstorm traps the characters together without power, forcing decades of lies, betrayals, and grudges into close quarters. The tension, already simmering throughout the novel, reaches a breaking point. The blizzard transforms the pageant into a powder keg waiting for a spark, and from there the story barrels toward a bloody and chaotic conclusion.
Part family drama, part mystery, and part horror novel, Pretty Dead Things examines generational trauma, obsession, and the dark side of competition. Readers who enjoy small-town secrets, multiple timelines, and escalating tension will find plenty to enjoy here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows two generations: the women who were teenagers when their friend Isabelle disappeared in 2000 and their daughters, who find themselves caught in the fallout twenty-five years later. With multiple narrators across both timelines, it occasionally took me a moment to remember who was narrating and which daughter belonged to which mother. The audiobook helped tremendously. The cast—Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona—delivers distinct performances that make each perspective feel unique and engaging.
At the heart of the novel is the mystery surrounding Isabelle’s disappearance and the lingering suspicion cast on local boy, Ben. Ingrid’s grief over losing her twin sister without ever receiving answers hit particularly hard for me as a twin myself. That emotional core gives weight to a story that could have easily relied solely on its thriller elements.
The pageant setting is equally fascinating and upsetting. As someone with absolutely no pageant experience, I was shocked by how competitive and divisive the environment becomes. Cox uses that backdrop to explore the pressures placed on young girls and the adults who project their own ambitions onto them. One line describes the contestants as being “lit up like specimens in a jar,” and that image perfectly captures the discomfort running beneath the glitter and hairspray. Long before any blood is shed, it is disturbing to watch a mother convince herself that almost anything is justified if it means her daughter can win.
By the time pageant day arrives, a massive snowstorm traps the characters together without power, forcing decades of lies, betrayals, and grudges into close quarters. The tension, already simmering throughout the novel, reaches a breaking point. The blizzard transforms the pageant into a powder keg waiting for a spark, and from there the story barrels toward a bloody and chaotic conclusion.
Part family drama, part mystery, and part horror novel, Pretty Dead Things examines generational trauma, obsession, and the dark side of competition. Readers who enjoy small-town secrets, multiple timelines, and escalating tension will find plenty to enjoy here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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
Want to Read
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!
🩵💜🩵💜
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.
May 6, 2026
I hope Kelsey Cox writes thrillers forever.
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.
Read
June 17, 2026I read 'a Texas beauty pageant turns deadly' and I was sat.
Premise - the 2025 Lone Star Princess Pageant unfolds as a record-setting storm brings down Texas' power grip, trapping the contestants, and their secrets, under one roof. Not everyone will survive these games.
Tonally this was less ‘Miss Congeniality’ comedic shenanigans and more gritty, serious, focused more on the moms than the contestants. I wanted to feel more gleeful snark in the cattiness, whereas this read quite grounded (minus the casual murder, ofc).
Despite my desire for more scandal or levity (the colorful cover threw me) this was a page-turning thriller I suspect fans of Lucinda Berry will love!
I listened to the audio ARC, narrated by Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona. They did a great job with the read and the Southern accents really added texture to the town.
Thanks, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Premise - the 2025 Lone Star Princess Pageant unfolds as a record-setting storm brings down Texas' power grip, trapping the contestants, and their secrets, under one roof. Not everyone will survive these games.
Tonally this was less ‘Miss Congeniality’ comedic shenanigans and more gritty, serious, focused more on the moms than the contestants. I wanted to feel more gleeful snark in the cattiness, whereas this read quite grounded (minus the casual murder, ofc).
Despite my desire for more scandal or levity (the colorful cover threw me) this was a page-turning thriller I suspect fans of Lucinda Berry will love!
I listened to the audio ARC, narrated by Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona. They did a great job with the read and the Southern accents really added texture to the town.
Thanks, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2026
Review to come.
June 12, 2026
With secrets spanning 25 years, Pretty Dead Things will keep you guessing until the end. While I enjoyed the premise and the surprises at the end, I did at times get bored and confused as there were so many characters and POVs to keep track of. That being said, this one is perfect for fans of twisty thrillers.
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 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.
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!
June 8, 2026
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well…this one was painful to get through. Soooo many perspectives were included and characters to follow. A lot of characters were specifically written in to keep you guessing and this was super obvious as they were barely developed. Only 1 of the possible suspects was actually fleshed out. Too many plot holes to count, boring, and an (imo) super obvious ending.
Well…this one was painful to get through. Soooo many perspectives were included and characters to follow. A lot of characters were specifically written in to keep you guessing and this was super obvious as they were barely developed. Only 1 of the possible suspects was actually fleshed out. Too many plot holes to count, boring, and an (imo) super obvious ending.
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!
June 19, 2026
PRETTY DEAD THINGS
📖/🎧 book/audiobook review
Narrated by Andrew Eiden; Brittany Pressley; Mia Wurgaft; Saskia Maarleveld; Stevi Incremona
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks so much to @macmillan.audio and @minotaur_books for my advanced copies
I absolutely loved her debut, so I was very quick to request this one! the multi cast narration 🙌 was such a great choice for this audio. there are *A LOT* of people to keep up with (actually had to write it all down) & all of their stories wove together very well - it just took some time for my brain to wrap around who was who and what happened to them. I flew through the story and even though you have to suspend a bit of belief for the ending, I didn’t have it even remotely figured out.
🖤what to expect:
•years ago, Ingrid’s sister disappeared
•now, the friend group is grown up, and their daughters are friends
•they’re also competing against each other in a pageant
•due to a storm, everyone is trapped in the same building together before the pageant is set to begin
•that’s when the dead bodies start appearing
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.
June 19, 2026
WTH…seriously?! I think I'm still at a loss for words after reading Pretty Dead Things. Kelsey Cox's sophomore novel is the perfect follow up to her debut, Party of Liars. Pretty Dead Things is the small town thriller circling a Texas pageant and the deadly secrets it may uncover. The adults in this thriller make me was to reach through the chapters and slap a few upside the head. Cox writes multi-POV chapters with fluidity and the need to know exactly what each character is thinking, doing, and what are they going to do next. The build up to the end, the answer, and then...Bam! my mouth fell open. Kelsey Cox has now solidified her place as an auto-read author with these 2 fun, twisty little thrillers that had me guessing til the very end.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Pretty Dead Things in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Pretty Dead Things in exchange for my honest opinion.
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!
June 19, 2026
This book wasn’t my favorite, but it was a decent read. Definitely liked the ending because I didn’t quite guess that. I think some of my issue was the time jumping or flashbacks. Other than that it was good and I enjoyed it.
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.
May 13, 2026
Ugh, this one was painful to get through. I wanted to love Pretty Dead Things so much, but unfortunately it just felt like there was too much going on at once. I lost interest around 30% in, though I did power through to the end hoping it would come together.
The biggest issue for me was the overwhelming number of characters combined with constant jumps between timelines. It became difficult to keep track of everyone and how they connected. At times, I genuinely felt like I needed to draw a map just to connect the characters to the story.
While the premise had potential, the execution made it hard to stay engaged, and overall it just wasn’t a very enjoyable reading experience for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
The biggest issue for me was the overwhelming number of characters combined with constant jumps between timelines. It became difficult to keep track of everyone and how they connected. At times, I genuinely felt like I needed to draw a map just to connect the characters to the story.
While the premise had potential, the execution made it hard to stay engaged, and overall it just wasn’t a very enjoyable reading experience for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
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.
June 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!
Pretty Dead Things is a pageant-centered mystery packed with small-town secrets, multiple POVs, family drama, buried truths, and plenty of twists. From the start, I had no idea who to trust, and I was constantly changing my mind about what had actually happened.
First, the audiobook was so well done. The narrators—Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona—all did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Even with such a big cast, their performances made it really easy to get immersed, and I found myself wanting to keep listening.
That said… I definitely drifted off more than once. 😅 There are so many characters and storylines that it became hard to keep everyone straight, and I occasionally felt like I was playing catch-up trying to remember who was connected to whom.
But the mystery itself? It absolutely kept me guessing until the end, and I genuinely loved the final reveal. The ending pulled everything together in a really satisfying way and made the journey worth it.
Overall, this was a fun, twisty listen with fantastic narration. I just wish it had been a little easier to follow in the middle. If you like layered mysteries with a big cast and lots of secrets, I think you’ll have a good time with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!
Pretty Dead Things is a pageant-centered mystery packed with small-town secrets, multiple POVs, family drama, buried truths, and plenty of twists. From the start, I had no idea who to trust, and I was constantly changing my mind about what had actually happened.
First, the audiobook was so well done. The narrators—Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona—all did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Even with such a big cast, their performances made it really easy to get immersed, and I found myself wanting to keep listening.
That said… I definitely drifted off more than once. 😅 There are so many characters and storylines that it became hard to keep everyone straight, and I occasionally felt like I was playing catch-up trying to remember who was connected to whom.
But the mystery itself? It absolutely kept me guessing until the end, and I genuinely loved the final reveal. The ending pulled everything together in a really satisfying way and made the journey worth it.
Overall, this was a fun, twisty listen with fantastic narration. I just wish it had been a little easier to follow in the middle. If you like layered mysteries with a big cast and lots of secrets, I think you’ll have a good time with this one!
June 13, 2026
Pretty Dead Things (audio) 5 ⭐️
Kelsey Cox is such a talent!
Last year her debut “Party of Liars” blew me away, so I felt honored to get an early audiobook copy of “Pretty Dead Things”. Both times the description alone didn’t set high expectations, but the writing is so wonderful that I was again left absolutely enthralled.
The chilling opening scene grabbed my attention and had me wanting to know all the details of how it led to a bloody pageant. There is A LOT going on with many POVs. This Texas town takes its beauty pageants very seriously. For some families, it’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation. The reader follows multiple characters as they prepare for the pageant as a winter storm brews and a body from 25 years ago is found.
The author has such beautiful poetic descriptions, especially when it came to grief and other complex emotions. The characters are multidimensional, not solely stereotypes through and through. The theme of parental protection at all costs is strong.
The narration was well done, although I was confused why the male narrator was included.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jul 07 2026
Kelsey Cox is such a talent!
Last year her debut “Party of Liars” blew me away, so I felt honored to get an early audiobook copy of “Pretty Dead Things”. Both times the description alone didn’t set high expectations, but the writing is so wonderful that I was again left absolutely enthralled.
The chilling opening scene grabbed my attention and had me wanting to know all the details of how it led to a bloody pageant. There is A LOT going on with many POVs. This Texas town takes its beauty pageants very seriously. For some families, it’s a tradition passed down from generation to generation. The reader follows multiple characters as they prepare for the pageant as a winter storm brews and a body from 25 years ago is found.
The author has such beautiful poetic descriptions, especially when it came to grief and other complex emotions. The characters are multidimensional, not solely stereotypes through and through. The theme of parental protection at all costs is strong.
The narration was well done, although I was confused why the male narrator was included.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Jul 07 2026
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