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Photographer Jeremy Edmunds has vanished without a trace. Last known location? Soho.

As the owner of Lady’s Bar, no one knows the city – and its secrets – better than drag queen Misty Divine. So who better to help private detective Sylvester Green follow this missing man’s trail than the Queen of Soho herself?

But no sooner has one mystery landed, than another one takes Misty by surprise.

Because the next day, Sylvester is back. The difference? Yesterday, he was alive and safe. Today, he’s dripping blood onto her doorstep after narrowly escaping an attack on his life.

With danger drawing in, Misty must take Sylvester’s investigation into her perfectly manicured hands. Can she solve the case, and find the missing photographer?

Or will the next crime for Misty to solve be a murder?

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2026

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About the author

Holly Stars

2 books164 followers
Holly Stars is a drag queen comedian and writer. She wrote the hit West End murder mystery play, Death Drop, and the OutFlix series, Holly Stars: Inspirational. She performs stand up comedy and storytelling around the UK.

Holly is the author of the Misty Divine Mystery novels, published worldwide by Penguin Random House. The first in the series, Murder in the Dressing Room, was released in 2025. Missing in Soho is the highly anticipated second installment, published in 2026. Holly also narrates the audiobooks.

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5 stars
158 (39%)
4 stars
178 (44%)
3 stars
57 (14%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Chloe Pounds.
210 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2026
6 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book was INCREDIBLE!!! the story felt so in depth and detailed and the plot line was INSANE!!! the pace, the characters, the storyline, the plot line were all IMPECCABLE!! i LOVE how camp this book is!!! it’s full of glitz and glamour and glitter and sequins and the LOVE a crime fighting drag queen!!!
Misty Divine is my FAVOURITE CHARACTER EVER!!!
the first book was SO GOOD!! but this book felt elevated to that it tackled more sensitive and serious topics but it was handled with such sensitivity and with a dash of humour and it was handled so well!!!
i could go on FOREVER about how much i LOVE this book, the series, and the characters but it would take too long!!!! 🤣
i CANNOT recommend this book enough i LOVED every second and i REALLY HOPE there are more books because I’m not ready for Misty Divine to never come back!!!
YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK AND SERIES!!!!
Profile Image for Leo.
5,216 reviews655 followers
Review of advance copy
March 1, 2026
I dont know why its says on goodreads thats its not out yet as I bought it on amazon and got it recently.

Second book in a series and I loved it. Such a good cozy mystery with memorable characters, suspenseful and intruiging mystery and higly entertaining. It does contain homophobic comments and plot from bad characters and other anti languages but its dealt in a good way. Looking forward to see if there will be a third book.
Profile Image for Pete.
86 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2026
Another great Misty Divine mystery!

Already I can see an improvement in Holly Stars writing, and I'm left again eagerly awaiting whatever Misty's next case will be.

The mystery is engaging, the characters are funny, and there's a real sense of queer community to the book. I loved it!

(Rounded up from 4.5 stars)
Profile Image for Freya Dale.
317 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2026
There is just something in these books I absolutely love - it is pure escapism. The camp vibes, drag clubs and soho setting is up my street and its the perfect mix of fun camp escapism and touching moments regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Already excited for book 3 in the series! 5 🌟
Profile Image for Nina Martinez (PlotTwistsyChisme).
52 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Stars, and Berkley Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Missing in Soho by Holly Stars is officially out today, June 2, and I need everyone to go read this book immediately.
I absolutely LOVED IT. Originally this was a 4.5 star read, but honestly? Round it up. It’s a 5 star read.

And dare I say it... Missing in Soho is even stronger than the first Misty Divine mystery.

What starts as a fabulous drag fueled mystery evolves into something much bigger. This book tackles real issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community around the world while never losing the heart, humor, wit, and campiness that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.
The character development was phenomenal. I loved spending more time with Plim and Auntie Susan, and watching these relationships and others deepen made the emotional moments hit even harder. And trust me, they hit. I cried. More than once.
The plot was brilliantly constructed and the final act felt like a full blown action movie. Every reveal, confrontation, and twist built toward an ending that had me simultaneously emotional, inspired, and desperately hoping Holly Stars is already hard at work on the next book because I am not ready to say goodbye to Misty Divine.

What I loved most was the book’s powerful message about community. This story highlights the strength found in standing together, amplifying marginalized voices, and refusing to stay silent in the face of oppression. Reading it at the beginning of Pride Month felt especially meaningful as we remember the legacy of Stonewall and the countless activists, performers, and community leaders who fought for the rights many enjoy today.

This book is funny, heartfelt, empowering, and surprisingly emotional. It celebrates queer joy while also acknowledging the very real challenges queer communities continue to face.

Misty Divine, until next time…💋
Profile Image for Kate .
753 reviews330 followers
June 14, 2026
I adored the first book in the Misty Divine series and was so excited for the second installment - it more than lived up to my expectations!

Misty Divine is adjusting to life as the owner and hostess of Lady’s Bar…one of the premier drag clubs in the country. Then a private detective is stabbed, and with his dying declaration, he warns Misty she’s in danger - and her gorgeous new white suit is ruined with blood. Thus begins Misty’s new investigation. She’ll have to hunt down a missing photographer, stand up to a shady televangelist, and save Lady’s Bar, while not imploding her relationship in the process.

Ok, this series is just charming. It is a cozy drag queen mystery with a ton of social commentary that lends important weight to the book's message. Just like I loved with the first book, the found family, humor, and chaos will keep me coming back to this series again and again. Misty is one of my favorite amateur investigators - she loves it, is tenacious for the right cause, and does it with the best hair & outfits.

🎧 Audio Performance:(10 hrs, 15 mins) Author Holly Stars again perfectly narrates the audiobook - and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Misty is absolutely perfect in Holly’s voice - I cannot imagine it any other way.
Profile Image for Alex M.
277 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2026
“Mandy said it as though it was the furthest place away on Earth, the way Coronation Street characters talk about London.”

Misty Divine is back, and so are the mysteries. When a private investigator is stabbed right on the doorstep of Lady’s Bar, he warns she’s in danger—and the mysterious company Atrax are going to make sure of it. With twice as much hilarity and heart-pounding action as its predecessor, the next instalment in the Misty Divine universe kicks second book syndrome to the curb, upping the ante with higher stakes and baking all the breadcrumbs dropped in the first book into fruition. While the humour is light (and so delightfully British), the overall message takes a much more serious turn to reflect the ever-darkening political climate of the US and UK for LGBTQ individuals. It surprised me not only with its sincerity, but also with how much I would grow to love some of the characters given more space to breathe and grow throughout the story (Auntie Susan, how I adore you). And that ending proved that things are just getting started for Misty Divine, drag detective of my dreams.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
Profile Image for Danielle.
287 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2026
Thanks to netgalley for an ARC of ‘Missing in soho’
4.25 ⭐️ Another Misty Divine mystery and it did not disappoint! This book had me captivated from page 1 and made me want to stay up late just to finish another chapter.

I love how the author starts their books with a big conflict, it draws you in right away. Also Holly stars had me questioning every single person in this book.

Since I already read ‘murder in the dressing room’ I had already felt connected to the characters. And I was super excited to read about them again. I love how the author makes their personalities come to life on the page.

There were so many things about this novel that worked so well. It was suspenseful, mysterious and I felt like I was investigating the mystery alongside Misty Divine. I loved hearing how Joe was hyping himself up, and using Misty Divine’s persona to get him through major challenges. Joe’s growth in this book was huge and I loved every minute.

Overall this has been a mysterious and captivating series so far and I can’t wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for MarcoPoloReads.
546 reviews14 followers
July 4, 2026
Misty Divine is back and settling into life as the owner and hostess of Lady’s Bar. Everything seems to be going great… until a private detective is stabbed right in front of her, leaving behind one cryptic warning: Misty is in danger. Now she’s searching for a missing photographer, dealing with a shady televangelist, trying to save Lady’s Bar, and somehow keeping her relationship from falling apart all while looking fabulous.

Y’all, this series is everything I want in a cozy mystery. It’s funny, charming, twisty, and somehow balances all of that with meaningful social commentary that gives the story so much more depth. And let’s be honest, the drag queens are what pulled me into this series in the first place, and I’m happily staying for all the glitter, glamour, and absolute chaos.
The found family, the humor, the mystery, I had such a good time reading this. Misty is quickly becoming one of my favorite amateur sleuths because she refuses to back down when something isn’t right and will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. That said, I did find myself getting frustrated when Misty ignored the advice of the people closest to her. I was hoping to see a little more growth in that area after the first book. There was also a fair amount of repetition, with several scenes rehashing events that had literally just happened.

Even with those minor issues, I had a blast. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery that’s hilarious, heartfelt, fabulously queer, and full of twists, do yourself a favor and pick this series up.

Thank you so much Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and Holly Stars for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily Maag.
113 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up

really enjoyed this on audio this time! was so fun to hear it read by the author

i think i liked this more than the first, but just some quality nitpicks and i felt it got a little long sometimes. however, im so sat for whatever holly stars has misty devine getting up to next!
Profile Image for readwith.kloe.
36 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2026
Missing In SoHo ARC Review!

Author: Holly Stars
Format Read: NetGalley Digital
Pub date: June 2, 2026
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count: 384
Recommended for readers who enjoy: Drag Race (duh) and The Tuxedo Society
Notable Tropes: Mystery/Thriller, Plot Twists, and Drag Brunches ;)
Minor complaints: During some plot heavy moments, I struggled to stay engaged and attentive. I did love the characters and dialogue of this book, it just seemed to drag a bit!
Favorite Aspects:
- The mystery plot was very fun to read! Though it sometimes became stagnant, I did like the way this was written, as well as the twists and turns throughout the storyline.
- I realized halfway through this book that it was #2 in the series🤦‍♀️ However, I didn’t feel like I was super out of the loop plot wise! I wasn’t super lost, so I think the beginning of this book was very good in that manner.
- The dialogue was so fun to read! I always love when books have a lot of dialogue, as it tends to keep me engaged.
Final recommendation: In terms of star ratings, I’d rate Missing In SoHo 4/5🌟’s! I think this book is perfect for anyone looking for a thriller with a little bit of spice<3

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!! ( even though it’s being posted extremely late :/ )
Profile Image for Franki Jace.
131 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for not only access to the e-ARC, but for sending me a free print ARC of the book!
Y'all, Murder in the Dressing Room was one of my top reads last year. So much so that I recommended it to my local Little Queer Book Club as a read for this year, and they picked it as the first read of 2026. I saw Missing in Soho was coming out and I've never requested a book so quickly. When I saw the print ARC in the mail I quite literally screamed. Normally I read fast, sometimes I'd even say too fast. But boi did I take my sweet time with this one, because I wanted to soak it in. And it was totally worth it. I love reading about Joe/Misty, seeing their character develop and how they evolve. Same as the other characters, like Miles and Auntie Susan. I was genuinely hooked from beginning to end, and I'm quite honestly still hooked. I'm already frothing at the mouth for the third book. And yes, I will also be recommending this book for the book club for next year. This book really speaks to queer rights and queer wrongs, and Holly's writing style flows so effortlessly, it kept me in a trance for hours at a time. I can't wait to see what's next for Joe/Misty. Please y'all, this book, this SERIES, is a must. Period.
Profile Image for Carly (carly_reads_queer).
244 reviews16 followers
June 5, 2026
Drag Queen Misty Divine is back in all her fierce glamorous glory with another mystery surrounding Lady’s Bar.

When a stranger has important information for Misty only to be stabbed outside the bar before they can speak Misty sets out on a mission to discover why.

This was a cozy campy romp through twists and turns to find a missing photo journalist and discover what might be worth murdering for.

Both heartfelt and humorous this mystery was full of charming characters, drag queens saving the day, balancing love and danger, and the LGBTQIA+ community coming together to fight for themselves and each other.

I absolutely loved the action packed who-done-it mixed with real issues and emotion. I was rooting for the future of Misty and Miles and Lady’s Bar. I was hooked on every page and look forward to more from Misty!

What you’ll get:
•Campy Murder Mystery
•Missing Person
•Drag Queens Save the Day
•Secrets & Lies
•Relationship Troubles
•Set in England
•Heartfelt & Humorous
Profile Image for Julianna Scholtes.
42 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2026
this was even more fun to read than the original! i loved getting more of auntie susan’s character. she is perhaps my favorite of them all. besides joe ofc. they are such a wonderful person and i think a lot of us can see ourselves in them. lady lady would’ve loved to look down and see auntie susan and misty divine working together. what else. oh! i’m glad plimberly got to play an integral role in solving the mystery. this was so interesting and exciting and it really kept me on my toes. amazing stuff. it’s going to be so sad to start reading books that don’t involve misty divine but i’m THRILLED to see that a 3rd book in the mdu (misty divine universe) is in the works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vivien Parry.
1,123 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
Divine investigation!

The first book was a recommendation that I absolutely loved! The characters, the mystery and the way I got pulled into the story but all the right spots for me.
This book was just brilliant! The intrigue that linked back to the first book was exposed and the deepening investigation was a thrill of a ride. Misty teaming up with Auntie Susan and finding a side to her she never expected was an avenue to explore in another book! The American evangelist who I thought was a man but still in the dark about that one - will we get a third book that clears it up or is it a loose thread that will just clap in the wind!
I pray for book three and all the excitement I know will be within its pages! Misty/Joe are the friend you know will pull you into scrapes and help you come up smelling of roses!
Profile Image for Katelyn Kongable.
346 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2026
Oh Misty Divine! What a wild ride. Is there anything more fun than a drag queen solving a murder and a missing persons case? I don't think so sign me up! Misty has found herself in a precarious position when a private eye is murdered in the club she works at. This of course means she has to help solve it. The members of the club added to the shenanigans including Auntie Susan. There were a lot of twists and turns. The ending was riveting and action packed as well. What a fun book.
599 reviews35 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 19, 2026
Netgalley Review

The writing was engaging and took me into the world of drag. There was a lot going on that made the story exciting, you didn't know what mischief the main character was going to get into next.

There was a prologue and an epilogue which started and ended the story well. The chapters were fairly long, which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on.

There was a good flow between the chapters and a good pace to the overall story. Whilst we solved the mystery a good time before the end, there were more things in play that kept the story going well.

The characters were excellent and I enjoyed following Misty on her adventures. I was glad that we got to see another side to Auntie Susan and that when the going got tough there was someone there to help. I loved the community spirit, even when Misty felt like she was on her own, it was nice to see that there was someone there. At times I really felt for Misty and hoped that it would all work out in the end.

Lastly the settings. Whilst it was a character based story, there were some nice descriptions of the bars where the characters worked and the areas that their investigating took them.

Overall a great read. I am excited to see what Misty gets up to next!
Profile Image for Jenny.
658 reviews
June 17, 2026
Holly Stars did it again. Thinking back on Murder in the Dressing Room, Joe/Misty was very much an amateur sleuth finding their way and now they have learned and grown. Also Miles, what a sweetheart!! Holly had me worried up until the end. I can not wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Sue Plant.
2,514 reviews38 followers
February 12, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

an interesting whodunnit with a drag queen.... plenty of red herrings and the like and the author managed to pull me right in....
Profile Image for Allie Valder.
29 reviews
June 23, 2026
Review of an advance copy received from NetGalley
2/5 stars
This book was a bit of a disappointment for me, I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did. There were definitely aspects I liked, the humor landed well, the pacing kept the story moving, and it held my attention for most of the book.
Unfortunately, I struggled with how unrealistic much of the story felt. While the novel addresses homophobia, which is a very real and important issue, I found that events seemed to fall into place a little too perfectly for the main character. The overall plot stretched my suspension of disbelief to the point that it became difficult to stay fully invested in the story. The book didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy.
216 reviews
August 12, 2026
Another triumphant Misty Divine mystery solved. I LOVE reading about the spunkiness and adventures that Misty goes on, and with the writing in this book, it feels like you are right there with her. This is an amateur sleuth who has spunk, conviction, sass, and still has a vulnerable side that we are also lucky enough to read about. The supporting characters (Miles, Auntie Susan, Mandy, Baseball Cap, and Plimberly) just added to the fun and chaos that seem to follow Misty wherever she goes. I only wish I could visit London Soho and see Misty in action. I eager await the next installment in this series and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery with a dash of glamour added into the mix.
Profile Image for Mrs Jillian.
10 reviews
August 5, 2026
a thrilling ride

I love drag and I love thrillers, imagine my joy when I found this author.

This book has been gripping, I have read it in every quiet moment, not being able to wait to turn another page.

I look forward to the next Misty Divine mystery. Thank you Holly Stars
Profile Image for Chad.
222 reviews2 followers
August 4, 2026
So glad I found this series Waldy this was just published so a wait will entail for the next installment
Profile Image for Lauren (teasandthankyou).
65 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 22, 2025
Misty Divine is back at the centre of a new mystery when a photographer goes missing and a private investigator comes asking for help in finding him.

Conspiracy. Sequins. Party Rings...

I adore Holly's writing and, if you follow her on Instagram, you'll be familiar with her signature in-jokes that are peppered throughout this story (personal faves featured Take A Break and Pizza Express).

Everything ticked the box for me on this one: pacing, plot, characters. I even found myself loving Auntie Susan in this one - honourable mentions to Keanu and Baseball Cap too!

There is a good blend of wit, action and mystery, and shines a light on the effects and damage that prejudice causes. Another great entry in the Misty Divine series, I can't wait for more 💕

Missing in Soho is out in hardback and ebook on 2nd February 2026!
Profile Image for Kristine Booksandstuff123.
189 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 9, 2026
'Missing in Soho'by Holly Stars.
☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars.
Absolutely loved this story, I was a big fan of the authors first one so I was looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint.
The book was very fast paced and it all led to an amazing conclusion. I liked that a lot of other characters were part of the main storyline including Aunty Susan (who I'm now a big fan of).
If you're a fan of murder mysteries and over all fabulousness then give this book a read. You won't be disappointed.

Photographer Jeremy Edmunds has vanished without a trace. Last known location? Soho.
As the owner of Lady’s Bar, no one knows the city – and its secrets – better than drag queen Misty Divine. So who better to help private detective Sylvester Green follow this missing man’s trail than the Queen of Soho herself?
But no sooner has one mystery landed, than another one takes Misty by surprise.
Because the next day, Sylvester is back. The difference? Yesterday, he was alive and safe. Today, he’s dripping blood onto her doorstep after narrowly escaping an attack on his life.
With danger drawing in, Misty must take Sylvester’s investigation into her perfectly manicured hands. Can she solve the case, and find the missing photographer?
Or will the next crime for Misty to solve be a murder?

Thankyou to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews