What do you think?
Majestic Hills
A Black couple leaves their downtown Chicago condo for a new suburban subdivision, only to find themselves at the center of a maelstrom in this gripping page-turner from the award-winning author of Three Girls from Bronzeville.
Tired of the daily drama in his emergency room, Dr. Langdon Blaque is in search of a place where he can leave the world behind. He loves his job and has no delusions about the suburbs being perfect, but he wants peace and quiet. His wife Josephine, a lawyer, grew up listening to her father’s stories about the Jim Crow South, and sundown towns. She prefers the city. Still, she agrees to move with the caveat that they stay for a year and reassess.
The tight-knit, predominantly white group of neighbors in Majestic Hills initially welcomes them with open arms. But beneath the veneer of privileged harmony, tensions simmer. When a horrifying crime rocks the community, the illusion of safety is shattered, and Josephine and Langdon find themselves at the heart of a brewing storm that pits neighbor against neighbor, exposes deeply ingrained prejudices, and threatens to implode into violence.
As their experiment in suburban living ticks toward the one-year mark, the Blaques are pushed to a breaking point. Can they find a way to make a home in Majestic Hills? Or has the move put their future, their marriage, and even their safety in jeopardy?
Tired of the daily drama in his emergency room, Dr. Langdon Blaque is in search of a place where he can leave the world behind. He loves his job and has no delusions about the suburbs being perfect, but he wants peace and quiet. His wife Josephine, a lawyer, grew up listening to her father’s stories about the Jim Crow South, and sundown towns. She prefers the city. Still, she agrees to move with the caveat that they stay for a year and reassess.
The tight-knit, predominantly white group of neighbors in Majestic Hills initially welcomes them with open arms. But beneath the veneer of privileged harmony, tensions simmer. When a horrifying crime rocks the community, the illusion of safety is shattered, and Josephine and Langdon find themselves at the heart of a brewing storm that pits neighbor against neighbor, exposes deeply ingrained prejudices, and threatens to implode into violence.
As their experiment in suburban living ticks toward the one-year mark, the Blaques are pushed to a breaking point. Can they find a way to make a home in Majestic Hills? Or has the move put their future, their marriage, and even their safety in jeopardy?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2026
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August 4, 2026
A thought-provoking genre-bender of literary suspense meets domestic drama, Majestic Hills brought to life a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood to explore race, class, marriage, and belonging with nuance and care. With eye-opening insight, rich social commentary, and conversation-starting themes, it was a timely, perceptive look at modern America that would be a perfect book club selection for anyone wanting to discuss systemic racism or class and privilege. On top of the powerful topics that underpinned the story, however, there was an equally dynamic storyline with multi-dimensional characters and a chilling community with teeth. Claustrophobic, morally complex, and laugh-out-loud funny in the most unexpected of ways, I was glued to my chair from beginning to end. After all, the slow-burning suspense simmered with an uneasy sense of dread. Well, until the end, that is, which both hit the spot and kind of didn’t...but I’ll get to that in a moment.
As much as the quietly building tension kept me enthralled, though, I do have to say that the characters were easily the stars of the show—beyond the profound messaging beneath the story, of course. Deeply developed, well-rounded, and emotionally believable, even the supporting cast held their own in this polished tale. Not only that, but I was truly impressed with the dialogue, which easily kept me immersed in every scene. Ultimately, however, I found this to be an issue-driven story. Perfect for fans of interpersonal conflict, neighborhood drama, or provocative, socially relevant topics, it’s guaranteed to be a hit as long as you don’t go in expecting a straightforward, fast-paced, twist-heavy thriller. Leaning more on deep characterization and simmering suspense, it promised great things and mostly delivered. Well, minus that open-ended conclusion, which felt just a tad bit anticlimactic despite the true-to-life, quietly hopeful, emotionally satisfying feel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Character-driven stories
- Domestic drama
- Strong social commentary
- Literary fiction
- Slow-burning suspense
- Complex characters
- Thought-provoking themes
- Nuanced storytelling
- Quietly building tension
- Insightful writing
- Conversation-starting reads
- A claustrophobic feel
SYNOPSIS:
Tired of the daily drama in his emergency room, Dr. Langdon Blaque is in search of a place where he can leave the world behind. He loves his job and has no delusions about the suburbs being perfect, but he wants peace and quiet. His wife Josephine, a lawyer, grew up listening to her father’s stories about the Jim Crow South, and sundown towns. She prefers the city. Still, she agrees to move with the caveat that they stay for a year and reassess.
The tight-knit, predominantly white group of neighbors in Majestic Hills initially welcomes them with open arms. But beneath the veneer of privileged harmony, tensions simmer. When a horrifying crime rocks the community, the illusion of safety is shattered, and Josephine and Langdon find themselves at the heart of a brewing storm that pits neighbor against neighbor, exposes deeply ingrained prejudices, and threatens to implode into violence.
As their experiment in suburban living ticks toward the one-year mark, the Blaques are pushed to a breaking point. Can they find a way to make a home in Majestic Hills? Or has the move put their future, their marriage, and even their safety in jeopardy?
Thank you Dawn Turner and Scribner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 4, 2026
Content warning: racism, classism, child death, bullying, violence, death, gun violence
As much as the quietly building tension kept me enthralled, though, I do have to say that the characters were easily the stars of the show—beyond the profound messaging beneath the story, of course. Deeply developed, well-rounded, and emotionally believable, even the supporting cast held their own in this polished tale. Not only that, but I was truly impressed with the dialogue, which easily kept me immersed in every scene. Ultimately, however, I found this to be an issue-driven story. Perfect for fans of interpersonal conflict, neighborhood drama, or provocative, socially relevant topics, it’s guaranteed to be a hit as long as you don’t go in expecting a straightforward, fast-paced, twist-heavy thriller. Leaning more on deep characterization and simmering suspense, it promised great things and mostly delivered. Well, minus that open-ended conclusion, which felt just a tad bit anticlimactic despite the true-to-life, quietly hopeful, emotionally satisfying feel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Character-driven stories
- Domestic drama
- Strong social commentary
- Literary fiction
- Slow-burning suspense
- Complex characters
- Thought-provoking themes
- Nuanced storytelling
- Quietly building tension
- Insightful writing
- Conversation-starting reads
- A claustrophobic feel
SYNOPSIS:
Tired of the daily drama in his emergency room, Dr. Langdon Blaque is in search of a place where he can leave the world behind. He loves his job and has no delusions about the suburbs being perfect, but he wants peace and quiet. His wife Josephine, a lawyer, grew up listening to her father’s stories about the Jim Crow South, and sundown towns. She prefers the city. Still, she agrees to move with the caveat that they stay for a year and reassess.
The tight-knit, predominantly white group of neighbors in Majestic Hills initially welcomes them with open arms. But beneath the veneer of privileged harmony, tensions simmer. When a horrifying crime rocks the community, the illusion of safety is shattered, and Josephine and Langdon find themselves at the heart of a brewing storm that pits neighbor against neighbor, exposes deeply ingrained prejudices, and threatens to implode into violence.
As their experiment in suburban living ticks toward the one-year mark, the Blaques are pushed to a breaking point. Can they find a way to make a home in Majestic Hills? Or has the move put their future, their marriage, and even their safety in jeopardy?
Thank you Dawn Turner and Scribner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 4, 2026
Content warning: racism, classism, child death, bullying, violence, death, gun violence
July 28, 2026
Dr Langdon Blacque and his wife Josephine make the difficult decision to leave Chicago behind for the peace and quiet of Majestic Hills, a new exclusive subdivision some 40 miles southeast of the city. They've decided to rent out their high-rise condo and give this community a year's try.
They happen to be the only Black family in Majestic Hills but there are a couple other people of color--an Asian wife, a Cuban husband. They make friends easily but then more and more things start to bother them, like the group of white hunters who gather on weekends; the trailer park nearby where people are living in squalor, their needs largely ignored by the county. They find themselves arguing more and their happiness seems to be slipping away. Do they even feel safe here?
Dawn Turner highlights many of today's racial prejudices, social problems and class issues in her story. Very thought-provoking. Do you believe greater privilege brings a bigger duty to society? "To whom much is given, much is expected." Luke 12:48
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley.
They happen to be the only Black family in Majestic Hills but there are a couple other people of color--an Asian wife, a Cuban husband. They make friends easily but then more and more things start to bother them, like the group of white hunters who gather on weekends; the trailer park nearby where people are living in squalor, their needs largely ignored by the county. They find themselves arguing more and their happiness seems to be slipping away. Do they even feel safe here?
Dawn Turner highlights many of today's racial prejudices, social problems and class issues in her story. Very thought-provoking. Do you believe greater privilege brings a bigger duty to society? "To whom much is given, much is expected." Luke 12:48
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley.
July 26, 2026
In Dawn Turner's novel Majestic Hills, some would say that Langdon and Josephine Blaque have done things the so-called "right way." After working hard as an ER physician and attorney, fatigued by the chaos of city living, the Blaques tentatively decide to try living in the suburbs.
Turner brilliantly builds a narrative that layers humor, a little mystery, and relatable characters. What happens in the suburbs when class, privilege, bias, fear, performative politeness, and authenticity collide?
The prologue grabbed me right away; I was reading every chance I could get! On my Kindle on my lunch break, on my phone on the elevator, and on my iPad at home.
Working long hours as a hospital pharmacist, I sneak reading in where I can. One of the driving forces behind the decision to move to the suburbs is the trauma fatigue Langdon carries with him from practicing emergency medicine. I love to look at the intersection of healthcare and literature.
Majestic Hills is engaging, thought-provoking, funny, and entertaining! I highly recommend it for book clubs as well.
Another 5-star read from me!
ARC provided by Scribner via NetGalley. Opinions and thoughts are my own.
Turner brilliantly builds a narrative that layers humor, a little mystery, and relatable characters. What happens in the suburbs when class, privilege, bias, fear, performative politeness, and authenticity collide?
The prologue grabbed me right away; I was reading every chance I could get! On my Kindle on my lunch break, on my phone on the elevator, and on my iPad at home.
Working long hours as a hospital pharmacist, I sneak reading in where I can. One of the driving forces behind the decision to move to the suburbs is the trauma fatigue Langdon carries with him from practicing emergency medicine. I love to look at the intersection of healthcare and literature.
Majestic Hills is engaging, thought-provoking, funny, and entertaining! I highly recommend it for book clubs as well.
Another 5-star read from me!
ARC provided by Scribner via NetGalley. Opinions and thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The first half of this book especially sucked me right in. There were two important (intertwined) storylines here - the Blaques' relationship (the Blaques! Come on. I chuckled every time) and Wade & Benji and the injustice of gentrification. I was more invested in the former, even though I appreciated much of what was said about the latter.
For example, when Wade goes home for the night and takes a shower & puts on clean clothes, I thought about how much I take that for granted, and how demoralizing and denigrating it must be to have to walk around dirty. How much it would mess with your mental state, and how that one small thing - a shower - could make such a huge difference. And Wade's words to the judge definitely made me think. So there were plenty of points made and things to say that I appreciated reading.
However as a novel I was more invested in Josey & Langdon's relationship and what it meant to them to move to Majestic Hills, how their friendships developed there, and so on. It is rare that I don't take one side or the other, but in their case, I empathized with them both.
In part, I think this is because Wade as a character did not seem real to me. At least he was nothing like any of the teenagers I have ever known, myself included. College student for sure, high school student no. (Yes I know he was almost there.) When I imagine Wade as a college student it actually changes my whole perception of his storyline.
All that said, this may be one of those books that I am left thinking about long after I read it.
For example, when Wade goes home for the night and takes a shower & puts on clean clothes, I thought about how much I take that for granted, and how demoralizing and denigrating it must be to have to walk around dirty. How much it would mess with your mental state, and how that one small thing - a shower - could make such a huge difference. And Wade's words to the judge definitely made me think. So there were plenty of points made and things to say that I appreciated reading.
However as a novel I was more invested in Josey & Langdon's relationship and what it meant to them to move to Majestic Hills, how their friendships developed there, and so on. It is rare that I don't take one side or the other, but in their case, I empathized with them both.
In part, I think this is because Wade as a character did not seem real to me. At least he was nothing like any of the teenagers I have ever known, myself included. College student for sure, high school student no. (Yes I know he was almost there.) When I imagine Wade as a college student it actually changes my whole perception of his storyline.
All that said, this may be one of those books that I am left thinking about long after I read it.
May 23, 2026
Majestic Hills is a fresh take on the domestic thriller. By setting the tensions of a domestic thriller against the undercurrent of systemic racism and overt bias, Dawn Turner has created a novel that avoids the formulaic tendencies of the domestic thriller genre.
There’s a lot going on in this story, and I think Turner successfully manages those interwoven stories and perspectives.
Unfortunately I didn’t love the ending as much as I’d hoped to. I crave a bit more resolution to the very real, very difficult questions and circumstances Josephine and Langdon are grappling with when we leave them.
On the whole this is a fast, thought-provoking, and incredibly worthwhile read.
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
***Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an advance reader copy of this book. Receiving it had no bearing on my review.
There’s a lot going on in this story, and I think Turner successfully manages those interwoven stories and perspectives.
Unfortunately I didn’t love the ending as much as I’d hoped to. I crave a bit more resolution to the very real, very difficult questions and circumstances Josephine and Langdon are grappling with when we leave them.
On the whole this is a fast, thought-provoking, and incredibly worthwhile read.
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
***Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an advance reader copy of this book. Receiving it had no bearing on my review.
August 16, 2026
I also would want to move to a place where I think is greener like Langdon, and end up fucked in the ass because this new place is somehow more horrific than the city
August 10, 2026
4.25
Langdon Blaque, a black emergency room physician, and his wife Josephine, a lawyer, decide to move out of Chicago to Majestic Hills. It is a mostly white, upscale community in the suburbs.
The neighbors all seem friendly in the beginning, but a terrible crime shatters the neighborhood and the residents all turn against each other.
This book explores themes of race, class, marital stress, economic inequality, affordable housing, and secrets.
This book was so engaging that I read it all in one setting yesterday. I kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen. The book was very well written and I highly recommend it!
Langdon Blaque, a black emergency room physician, and his wife Josephine, a lawyer, decide to move out of Chicago to Majestic Hills. It is a mostly white, upscale community in the suburbs.
The neighbors all seem friendly in the beginning, but a terrible crime shatters the neighborhood and the residents all turn against each other.
This book explores themes of race, class, marital stress, economic inequality, affordable housing, and secrets.
This book was so engaging that I read it all in one setting yesterday. I kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen. The book was very well written and I highly recommend it!
August 23, 2026
Majestic Hills opens with an explosive prologue that had me wondering exactly what kind of book I was getting into. A thriller? A domestic suspense novel? Something much darker?
As it turns out, this is something quieter—and, in many ways, more interesting. I’d call it suburban domestic fiction with a slow-burning undercurrent of racial and class tension.
Josephine and Langdon Blacque are a highly successful Black couple—she’s an attorney, he’s an ER doctor—who have built a comfortable life for themselves. Langdon wants the quintessential suburban dream, and he finds it in Majestic Hills, a beautiful new development where they will be the only Black family. Josephine is far less convinced, but she agrees to give it a year.
At first, everything seems fine. And then the little things begin.
Microaggressions. Uncomfortable interactions. Questions about belonging. And, increasingly, the contrast between affluent Majestic Hills and the nearby trailer park, where resources are disappearing even as money and attention pour into the shiny new development.
That contrast was one of the most interesting parts of the book for me. Turner isn’t just asking questions about race; she’s also digging into class, privilege, access, and what happens when people who genuinely believe themselves to be good and well-intentioned are still benefiting from—and participating in—systems that aren’t equitable.
Josephine and Langdon are both compelling because neither is simply observing these problems from a distance. Josephine becomes involved with Wade, a young Black man who has a brush with the law, while Langdon’s work in the ER brings him face-to-face with the consequences of violence and inequality. At the same time, they’re navigating their own marriage and their different feelings about this community they’ve chosen to call home.
This reminded me somewhat of Caitlin Weaver’s Such a Good Family in its suburban domestic setting, and of Kiley Reid’s Come and Get It in the way it examines race, class, privilege, and the complicated space between people’s intentions and their actual impact.
One thing I would stress: don’t go into this expecting a thriller. Despite that explosive opening, this is much more of a slow-burn character study. It’s interested in people, relationships, communities, and uncomfortable questions more than twists and action.
And uncomfortable is probably the right word—but uncomfortable in a good way. This is the kind of novel that asks you to sit with situations where there aren’t necessarily easy heroes and villains, and where trying to do the right thing doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting it right.
I really enjoyed this. I’m not sure it will be one of those books I’m still thinking about months from now, and it wasn’t quite a top read of the month for me, but I happily lost an afternoon in Majestic Hills. Thought-provoking, well written, and very easy to become absorbed in.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
Thank you to Scribner for the finished copy. Majestic Hills is out now.
As it turns out, this is something quieter—and, in many ways, more interesting. I’d call it suburban domestic fiction with a slow-burning undercurrent of racial and class tension.
Josephine and Langdon Blacque are a highly successful Black couple—she’s an attorney, he’s an ER doctor—who have built a comfortable life for themselves. Langdon wants the quintessential suburban dream, and he finds it in Majestic Hills, a beautiful new development where they will be the only Black family. Josephine is far less convinced, but she agrees to give it a year.
At first, everything seems fine. And then the little things begin.
Microaggressions. Uncomfortable interactions. Questions about belonging. And, increasingly, the contrast between affluent Majestic Hills and the nearby trailer park, where resources are disappearing even as money and attention pour into the shiny new development.
That contrast was one of the most interesting parts of the book for me. Turner isn’t just asking questions about race; she’s also digging into class, privilege, access, and what happens when people who genuinely believe themselves to be good and well-intentioned are still benefiting from—and participating in—systems that aren’t equitable.
Josephine and Langdon are both compelling because neither is simply observing these problems from a distance. Josephine becomes involved with Wade, a young Black man who has a brush with the law, while Langdon’s work in the ER brings him face-to-face with the consequences of violence and inequality. At the same time, they’re navigating their own marriage and their different feelings about this community they’ve chosen to call home.
This reminded me somewhat of Caitlin Weaver’s Such a Good Family in its suburban domestic setting, and of Kiley Reid’s Come and Get It in the way it examines race, class, privilege, and the complicated space between people’s intentions and their actual impact.
One thing I would stress: don’t go into this expecting a thriller. Despite that explosive opening, this is much more of a slow-burn character study. It’s interested in people, relationships, communities, and uncomfortable questions more than twists and action.
And uncomfortable is probably the right word—but uncomfortable in a good way. This is the kind of novel that asks you to sit with situations where there aren’t necessarily easy heroes and villains, and where trying to do the right thing doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting it right.
I really enjoyed this. I’m not sure it will be one of those books I’m still thinking about months from now, and it wasn’t quite a top read of the month for me, but I happily lost an afternoon in Majestic Hills. Thought-provoking, well written, and very easy to become absorbed in.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
Thank you to Scribner for the finished copy. Majestic Hills is out now.
September 16, 2026
Disclaimer: I won this ARC in a GoodReads giveaway but that in no way influenced my review.
This book was obviously from start to finish intended to show differences in how black and white Americans would react or be perceived in various situations throughout their lives. To me, a white person, some of the situations seemed to be overdone and the reactions beyond what I'd expect. However, that is the point of the book -- to show the differences in how these situations would be perceived by whites and blacks. So I'm not in the best situation to make that claim.
That said, I suspect that more blacks than whites are going to read this novel, the story of the lives and experiences of Josephine and Langdon--she's an attorney and he's a medical doctor. They live in Chicago and Langdon sees too much city violence and wants to move out of the city to the suburban dream of Majestic Hills. Josie wants to remain in the city. And from this beginning the story unfolds.
I think the book may be more important for whites to read since blacks already are aware of the issues and reactions presented in the books. Hopefully white people will read and consider and learn from this story.
This book was obviously from start to finish intended to show differences in how black and white Americans would react or be perceived in various situations throughout their lives. To me, a white person, some of the situations seemed to be overdone and the reactions beyond what I'd expect. However, that is the point of the book -- to show the differences in how these situations would be perceived by whites and blacks. So I'm not in the best situation to make that claim.
That said, I suspect that more blacks than whites are going to read this novel, the story of the lives and experiences of Josephine and Langdon--she's an attorney and he's a medical doctor. They live in Chicago and Langdon sees too much city violence and wants to move out of the city to the suburban dream of Majestic Hills. Josie wants to remain in the city. And from this beginning the story unfolds.
I think the book may be more important for whites to read since blacks already are aware of the issues and reactions presented in the books. Hopefully white people will read and consider and learn from this story.
August 2, 2026
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗦
Dr. Langdon Blaque is tired of the bright lights and big city where he works in the ER of a Chicago hospital. What he wants is a place in suburbs where he can enjoy some peace and quiet - he knows it won’t be perfect, but he’s built it up in his imagination to be pretty close.
Unfortunately his wife Josephine, a lawyer, doesn’t share the same excitement about relocating. Though she prefers the city, she agrees to a move - but only if they agree to reassess after a year.
And of what a year it’ll be.
Majestic Hills is a brand new development with beautiful houses and grassy yards and a group of mostly white home owners who initially seem to be welcoming to their new Black neighbors.
Tensions simmer and a storm is coming - who will get caught in it?
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
This one packs a wallop.
If you are looking for a book that unapologetically explores the ways in which class and race affect a community and personal relationships, this is it.
Langdon and Josie have a complex and emotional bond that is tested as their suburban dream turns into a nightmare. I loved his enthusiasm and her cynicism and found the balance they worked so hard to maintain to be handled so well.
And let’s have a moment for this cover. Stunning.
𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞
Suburbicon with a Jordan Peele undercurrent.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗
Highly recommend for anyone interested in a slow burn character study that is as eye opening as it is unexpected.
Dr. Langdon Blaque is tired of the bright lights and big city where he works in the ER of a Chicago hospital. What he wants is a place in suburbs where he can enjoy some peace and quiet - he knows it won’t be perfect, but he’s built it up in his imagination to be pretty close.
Unfortunately his wife Josephine, a lawyer, doesn’t share the same excitement about relocating. Though she prefers the city, she agrees to a move - but only if they agree to reassess after a year.
And of what a year it’ll be.
Majestic Hills is a brand new development with beautiful houses and grassy yards and a group of mostly white home owners who initially seem to be welcoming to their new Black neighbors.
Tensions simmer and a storm is coming - who will get caught in it?
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
This one packs a wallop.
If you are looking for a book that unapologetically explores the ways in which class and race affect a community and personal relationships, this is it.
Langdon and Josie have a complex and emotional bond that is tested as their suburban dream turns into a nightmare. I loved his enthusiasm and her cynicism and found the balance they worked so hard to maintain to be handled so well.
And let’s have a moment for this cover. Stunning.
𝗩𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞
Suburbicon with a Jordan Peele undercurrent.
𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗
Highly recommend for anyone interested in a slow burn character study that is as eye opening as it is unexpected.
June 26, 2026
This was well written, and I did genuinely like the main characters - I enjoyed reading about their relationship and their perspectives, they felt very relatable and likable. Unfortunately, the synopsis makes this sound like an exciting, dramatic story that hits a massive breaking point, and I just didn’t feel that. The pacing felt quite slow for the majority of the book and I found myself wondering where the plot was even going. There wasn’t much of a climax - it felt more like the same issues were revisited throughout the book, so overall I’m left feeling a bit unsatisfied. I was definitely expecting more of a mystery/thriller and I wouldn’t classify this as either. I do think the characters are compelling and this is more of a slow, thoughtful drama which explores multiple social issues.
Thanks very much to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC.
Thanks very much to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC.
August 21, 2026
3.5⭐️
This one was not what I expected at all. I went into Majestic Hills thinking I was getting a thriller, but, It wasn’t that. To me, it was more of a slow burn suspense/drama.
The story follows Langdon and Josephine Blaque, a Black couple who leave their downtown Chicago condo for the suburbs hoping for a little peace and quiet. They move into Majestic Hills, a mostly white, tight knit community that seems welcoming at first. After a horrifying crime happens, tensions rise, long standing prejudices come to the surface and the neighborhood quickly becomes a whole different place.
I actually did enjoy the story, but this was a SLOW burn. I kept waiting for things to really pick up because I was expecting that thriller feeling, and it just never quite got there for me.
I did like how the book touched on racism, prejudice, privilege, marriage, and how quickly that whole “perfect neighborhood” image can fall apart when things get uncomfortable.
I think if I had gone into this knowing it was more of a slow burn story, I probably would’ve enjoyed it even more. So if you’re looking for a fast paced thriller with twists coming at you left and right, this probably isn’t it.
But if you like a slower story that gives you time to sit with the characters and the issues happening around them, definitely give it a try.
This one was not what I expected at all. I went into Majestic Hills thinking I was getting a thriller, but, It wasn’t that. To me, it was more of a slow burn suspense/drama.
The story follows Langdon and Josephine Blaque, a Black couple who leave their downtown Chicago condo for the suburbs hoping for a little peace and quiet. They move into Majestic Hills, a mostly white, tight knit community that seems welcoming at first. After a horrifying crime happens, tensions rise, long standing prejudices come to the surface and the neighborhood quickly becomes a whole different place.
I actually did enjoy the story, but this was a SLOW burn. I kept waiting for things to really pick up because I was expecting that thriller feeling, and it just never quite got there for me.
I did like how the book touched on racism, prejudice, privilege, marriage, and how quickly that whole “perfect neighborhood” image can fall apart when things get uncomfortable.
I think if I had gone into this knowing it was more of a slow burn story, I probably would’ve enjoyed it even more. So if you’re looking for a fast paced thriller with twists coming at you left and right, this probably isn’t it.
But if you like a slower story that gives you time to sit with the characters and the issues happening around them, definitely give it a try.
August 31, 2026
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
Let's say you are a prominent black couple living in Chicago, one spouse is a medical doctor and the other is a lawyer. What preconceived notions do you think they might have when considering a move to a predominantly white suburb outside of the city? If that were you, would you feel comfortable moving to that neighborhood? Would your ideas of the area ruin any chance of living there and potentially raising a family there? We all know that segregation and racial bias did not end with the fair housing act in 1968. Could you live in a place where you are fearful all the time, like going for a walk or jog in the neighborhood or to the local convenience store to pick up milk alone after dark? This is Dawn Turner's second book and I think I'm going to read her memoir, 'Three Girls From Bronzeville' because this story was so well written.
Let's say you are a prominent black couple living in Chicago, one spouse is a medical doctor and the other is a lawyer. What preconceived notions do you think they might have when considering a move to a predominantly white suburb outside of the city? If that were you, would you feel comfortable moving to that neighborhood? Would your ideas of the area ruin any chance of living there and potentially raising a family there? We all know that segregation and racial bias did not end with the fair housing act in 1968. Could you live in a place where you are fearful all the time, like going for a walk or jog in the neighborhood or to the local convenience store to pick up milk alone after dark? This is Dawn Turner's second book and I think I'm going to read her memoir, 'Three Girls From Bronzeville' because this story was so well written.
July 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, but I think it’s a little bit miscategorized on here. It’s not a suspense or thriller. It’s more of a stressful domestic/neighborhood contemporary drama.
The book is filled with racial tension. A black couple moves into the Majestic Hills neighborhood. At first, things are good, but after a series of unfortunate events, things become more and more tense between the neighbors.
This one evoked feelings of sadness, yikes, anger and discouragement. I was very invested in how the story played out.
The book is filled with racial tension. A black couple moves into the Majestic Hills neighborhood. At first, things are good, but after a series of unfortunate events, things become more and more tense between the neighbors.
This one evoked feelings of sadness, yikes, anger and discouragement. I was very invested in how the story played out.
September 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ I didn’t find this to be a thriller? If I didn’t go in expecting thriller - 4 ⭐️
August 15, 2026
I read this in one sitting. It's basically the story of a selfish husband who uproots his self-righteous wife to the boonies on some BS. They are both sanctimonious and naive and watching them fumble through living in this rural Stepford community was irritating.
The book wasted a chunk of time on this 16 year old ideologue who made me question why so many dystopian books center on idiotic teenagers who haven't received fully developed frontal lobes.
All in all, the subtext was heavy and clunky and I don't empathize with anyone in the book.
The book wasted a chunk of time on this 16 year old ideologue who made me question why so many dystopian books center on idiotic teenagers who haven't received fully developed frontal lobes.
All in all, the subtext was heavy and clunky and I don't empathize with anyone in the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Dawn Turner novel, and I was immediately struck by how atmospheric, tense, and emotionally sharp Majestic Hills is. This author has a gift for capturing the quiet moments that reveal everything, especially in a community where silence, politeness, and “perfect” appearances are part of the architecture. At the center of the story are Dr. Langdon Blaque and Josephine, a Black couple leaving their downtown Chicago condo for the promise of suburban calm. Langdon is exhausted from the chaos of the ER and craves peace while Josephine, shaped by her father’s stories of the Jim Crow South and sundown towns is far more skeptical. Their marriage is loving but layered, and this author does a beautiful job showing how differently they experience the same environment. Their interactions feel lived‑in, supportive, strained, hopeful, and occasionally at odds as they try to navigate what this move means for their future. Majestic Hills itself is a character, a tight‑knit, predominantly white subdivision that initially greets the Blaques with warmth and neighborly enthusiasm. But the author makes it clear early on that the harmony is weak. The neighbors’ interactions with Langdon and Josephine are polite on the surface, but there’s an undercurrent questions asked a little too carefully, friendliness that feels performative, and a sense that the Blaques are being observed as much as welcomed. When a terrible crime rocks the community, that veneer shatters. The author handles the shift masterfully. The neighborhood’s “safe” reputation dissolves, and suddenly Josephine and Langdon find themselves pulled into a storm of suspicion, fear, and deeply ingrained prejudice. The way the neighbors turn on one another and on the Blaques is one of the most compelling parts of the book for me. The author shows how quickly people abandon civility when their comfort is threatened. The plot builds steadily toward the one‑year mark Josephine insisted on, and the tension between the couple grows as the community becomes more volatile. The author explores marriage, identity, and belonging with nuance, and she never resorts to easy answers. The crime becomes a catalyst, but the real story is about what happens when people confront the truth of who their neighbors and they themselves really are. As for the ending, it’s not explosive, but it is powerful. The author gives the Blaques a resolution that feels honest and earned. It’s reflective, sobering, and quietly hopeful in a way that lingers. I appreciated that she didn’t force a tidy conclusion but instead, she lets the characters make choices that align with everything they’ve endured. Loved the book and can't wait to read more from this author! #netgalley #majestichills
August 7, 2026
Y’all Can Keep Majestic Hills! That Toxic Community is Radioactive! ☢️✋🏾
Here's the thing: it took me a little minute to catch my stride with this book. I kept picking it up and putting it down, trying to acclimate to the author’s writing style and the story's build-up. But make no mistake, the neighborhood of Majestic Hills was a whole vibe in and of itself! And by vibe, I mean, not necessarily a good one. Personally, I’ve never lived in a community like that, and truth be told, I don’t think I’d survive one day! The shit hit the fan right out the gate! The grass ain’t always greener on the other side, y'all. But I digress... 👀
The relationship between Josephine and Langdon gave such an honest look at the real-life joys and pains couples face in today's society. But where Dawn Turner truly showed off her literary skills was in developing the supporting cast and weaving in "my shoulders were tight" suspense! There was so much depth and nuance packed into almost every side character that I became more invested in them than the main ones. And the way she had me leaning into my Kindle, waiting for the other shoe to drop, was absolutely insane! 😯
This story tackles a rich mix of real-world topics: gentrification, power dynamics, backstabbing, disease, love, catastrophe, and friendship, to name a few. It was packed to the brim with drama, and y’all already know I love me some mess (in my books, of course, never in my daily life!). But even with all of the theatrics going on, I walked away with some valuable lessons, and for that, I am grateful. 💜
Pacing-wise, the middle of the book maintained a great groove once things kicked into high gear. But we have to talk about that ending. It felt a bit rushed, leaving more loose ends than I prefer, and I truly feel like there was so much more the author could have explored to wrap us up. I really wished we had received a final verdict on most of the characters rather than just a select few, and sadly, I've already forgotten the epilogue; but that's on me. 😔
The Aftermath 🌷:
Giving this book a star rating has been hard because there were things I enjoyed about Majestic Hills and things that I did not. For that reason, I landed on THREE STARS. What made this book worth the read though, is the author's exceptional character development and captivating neighborhood drama! They completely carried the story! So even with a stop-and-go pace, a few twists that fell flat, and an unfavorable finish, it's still one I would recommend adding to your TBR! 📝
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Thank you to Scribner, Simon & Schuster, Dawn Turner, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Here's the thing: it took me a little minute to catch my stride with this book. I kept picking it up and putting it down, trying to acclimate to the author’s writing style and the story's build-up. But make no mistake, the neighborhood of Majestic Hills was a whole vibe in and of itself! And by vibe, I mean, not necessarily a good one. Personally, I’ve never lived in a community like that, and truth be told, I don’t think I’d survive one day! The shit hit the fan right out the gate! The grass ain’t always greener on the other side, y'all. But I digress... 👀
The relationship between Josephine and Langdon gave such an honest look at the real-life joys and pains couples face in today's society. But where Dawn Turner truly showed off her literary skills was in developing the supporting cast and weaving in "my shoulders were tight" suspense! There was so much depth and nuance packed into almost every side character that I became more invested in them than the main ones. And the way she had me leaning into my Kindle, waiting for the other shoe to drop, was absolutely insane! 😯
This story tackles a rich mix of real-world topics: gentrification, power dynamics, backstabbing, disease, love, catastrophe, and friendship, to name a few. It was packed to the brim with drama, and y’all already know I love me some mess (in my books, of course, never in my daily life!). But even with all of the theatrics going on, I walked away with some valuable lessons, and for that, I am grateful. 💜
Pacing-wise, the middle of the book maintained a great groove once things kicked into high gear. But we have to talk about that ending. It felt a bit rushed, leaving more loose ends than I prefer, and I truly feel like there was so much more the author could have explored to wrap us up. I really wished we had received a final verdict on most of the characters rather than just a select few, and sadly, I've already forgotten the epilogue; but that's on me. 😔
The Aftermath 🌷:
Giving this book a star rating has been hard because there were things I enjoyed about Majestic Hills and things that I did not. For that reason, I landed on THREE STARS. What made this book worth the read though, is the author's exceptional character development and captivating neighborhood drama! They completely carried the story! So even with a stop-and-go pace, a few twists that fell flat, and an unfavorable finish, it's still one I would recommend adding to your TBR! 📝
Publication Date: August 4, 2026
Thank you to Scribner, Simon & Schuster, Dawn Turner, and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book, but it’s far more of a relationship/social inequality story than the mystery or nail-biting adventure that I expected based on the description. The story revolves around married couple Langdon and Josephine Blaque (oddly appropriate since they’re Black); she’s a hot-shot partner in a downtown Chicago law firm and he’s a new physician who longs to leave their mid-town high-rise condo in favor of the way more laid-back rural area so he can come home from work to peace and tranquility. Getting her to switch gears, though, has been a hard sell.
Then he finds Majestic Hills, a relatively new, custom-designed remote suburban community, and falls in love. Alas, his wife isn’t feeling that love at all; it takes quite a bit of convincing on Langdon’s part – and a compromise to give it a year before deciding to return to the city or not (he, of course, prays it will be the latter). They sublet their condo and, albeit with more than a little reluctance on her part, off they go.
Needless to say, it wouldn’t be much of a story if everything went smoothly (or, conversely, so badly that even Langdon is ready to return home). To be sure, the new place has benefits; the house itself – and all those surrounding it – is quite nice, and the neighbors (mostly white) seem far more friendly and welcoming than Josephine expected. But all too soon, things begin to unravel; what is touted as an idyllic community begins to fall apart. Prime among the revelations is the discovery of a secluded community of near-destitute people – mostly Black – upon whom Majestic Hills developers and community leaders turn a blind eye. But thanks to recent events, awareness of that neglected section of town, so to speak, is turning neighbor against neighbor and exposing the undercurrent of racism.
The rest of the story follows what happens, and it’s not pretty. Details, I’m afraid, are not for me to provide, nor will I reveal how it ends (though I will say I was a little disappointed, but mostly because I felt most sorry for a couple of characters who don’t even play a role in the story but who drew the short end of the stick through no fault of their own). Anyway, it’s a well-written tale, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for offering me a pre-release copy to read and review.
Then he finds Majestic Hills, a relatively new, custom-designed remote suburban community, and falls in love. Alas, his wife isn’t feeling that love at all; it takes quite a bit of convincing on Langdon’s part – and a compromise to give it a year before deciding to return to the city or not (he, of course, prays it will be the latter). They sublet their condo and, albeit with more than a little reluctance on her part, off they go.
Needless to say, it wouldn’t be much of a story if everything went smoothly (or, conversely, so badly that even Langdon is ready to return home). To be sure, the new place has benefits; the house itself – and all those surrounding it – is quite nice, and the neighbors (mostly white) seem far more friendly and welcoming than Josephine expected. But all too soon, things begin to unravel; what is touted as an idyllic community begins to fall apart. Prime among the revelations is the discovery of a secluded community of near-destitute people – mostly Black – upon whom Majestic Hills developers and community leaders turn a blind eye. But thanks to recent events, awareness of that neglected section of town, so to speak, is turning neighbor against neighbor and exposing the undercurrent of racism.
The rest of the story follows what happens, and it’s not pretty. Details, I’m afraid, are not for me to provide, nor will I reveal how it ends (though I will say I was a little disappointed, but mostly because I felt most sorry for a couple of characters who don’t even play a role in the story but who drew the short end of the stick through no fault of their own). Anyway, it’s a well-written tale, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for offering me a pre-release copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 27
Dates read: 01.28.2026 – 01.29.2026
Title: Majestic Hills
Author: Dawn Turner
Format: digital
#caseysbookshelf
This was an ARC. Thank you Simon & Schuster for the early access.
I previously read Dawn Turner’s memoir Three Girls from Bronzeville, and it was heartbreakingly beautiful. The ending didn’t unfold the way I hoped, but that’s real life. What stayed with me most is how she transformed lived experience into powerful storytelling. So I had to pick up her upcoming novel.
Let me be very clear because the cover may signal something else:
📢This is a thriller.📢
The cover (although gorgeous) leans toward something that feels speculative maybe even horror-adjacent with the mirrored profiles and houses perched above like something ominous is growing. If you judge by the cover alone, you might expect surrealism or psychological horror. That is not what this book is. It is a firmly a page-turning suburban thriller
And it moves.
The tension builds steadily as a Black couple relocates to a predominantly white suburban enclave where smiles feel curated and civility feels conditional. When a crime fractures the community, long-simmering prejudice and power dynamics surface quickly. The atmosphere becomes claustrophobic in the best way as our couple learn that zip codes do not diminish racial bias.
This was a page-turner. I could not put it down.
It would be a disservice for thriller readers to skip it thinking it’s speculative, and just as much of a disservice for speculative readers to feel misled. Go in expecting tension, social commentary and escalating unease.
This was a solid four-star read for me from an author whose voice already carries weight.
Add this to your TBR and pre-order. This book arrives in stores August 4, 2026.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention.
Book: 27
Dates read: 01.28.2026 – 01.29.2026
Title: Majestic Hills
Author: Dawn Turner
Format: digital
#caseysbookshelf
This was an ARC. Thank you Simon & Schuster for the early access.
I previously read Dawn Turner’s memoir Three Girls from Bronzeville, and it was heartbreakingly beautiful. The ending didn’t unfold the way I hoped, but that’s real life. What stayed with me most is how she transformed lived experience into powerful storytelling. So I had to pick up her upcoming novel.
Let me be very clear because the cover may signal something else:
📢This is a thriller.📢
The cover (although gorgeous) leans toward something that feels speculative maybe even horror-adjacent with the mirrored profiles and houses perched above like something ominous is growing. If you judge by the cover alone, you might expect surrealism or psychological horror. That is not what this book is. It is a firmly a page-turning suburban thriller
And it moves.
The tension builds steadily as a Black couple relocates to a predominantly white suburban enclave where smiles feel curated and civility feels conditional. When a crime fractures the community, long-simmering prejudice and power dynamics surface quickly. The atmosphere becomes claustrophobic in the best way as our couple learn that zip codes do not diminish racial bias.
This was a page-turner. I could not put it down.
It would be a disservice for thriller readers to skip it thinking it’s speculative, and just as much of a disservice for speculative readers to feel misled. Go in expecting tension, social commentary and escalating unease.
This was a solid four-star read for me from an author whose voice already carries weight.
Add this to your TBR and pre-order. This book arrives in stores August 4, 2026.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for gifting me an ARC of Majestic Hills by author Dawn Turner. In exchange for my free copy, I offer my honest feedback.
I was eager to read Majestic Hills, as I had previously read Three Girls from Brownsville and found the story well written and beautifully executed. Majestic Hills begins as a banger of a story. We know something terrifying has just occurred but Turner deftly hides the details and creates a feeling of mystery and intrigue. The first third of the novel had me flying through the pages as we are introduced to Langdon and Josphine, but as the story begins to unfold the pacing and plot began to drag. It wasn’t until the last 15% that the story starts up again leading to the dramatic conclusion.
The Blaques, Langdon and Josphine are two young married Black professionals, living a comfortable lifestyle in downtown Chicago; he an ER doctor and she a corporate attorney. Langdon unlike Josephine, grew up in a large house with sprawling land in a peaceful neighborhood and he yearns to return to the quietude. He convinces Josephine to move out to Majestic Hills, a new lavish development, an hour outside Chicago. However, once the couple arrive behind the gilded gates, and gleaming homes they discover their idillic surroundings aren’t quite as wonderful and peaceful as imagined. Their mostly white neighbors make them feel unsettled and soon Majestic Hills begins to feel less safe out in the middle of nowhere. There’s a lot of underlying tension and Turner raises some serious issues and concerns regarding gentrification, class distinction, perceived identity and race relations. Overall I did enjoy reading this novel however the middle section of the book was slow and repetitive. For these reasons I give this book 3.5 stars.
I was eager to read Majestic Hills, as I had previously read Three Girls from Brownsville and found the story well written and beautifully executed. Majestic Hills begins as a banger of a story. We know something terrifying has just occurred but Turner deftly hides the details and creates a feeling of mystery and intrigue. The first third of the novel had me flying through the pages as we are introduced to Langdon and Josphine, but as the story begins to unfold the pacing and plot began to drag. It wasn’t until the last 15% that the story starts up again leading to the dramatic conclusion.
The Blaques, Langdon and Josphine are two young married Black professionals, living a comfortable lifestyle in downtown Chicago; he an ER doctor and she a corporate attorney. Langdon unlike Josephine, grew up in a large house with sprawling land in a peaceful neighborhood and he yearns to return to the quietude. He convinces Josephine to move out to Majestic Hills, a new lavish development, an hour outside Chicago. However, once the couple arrive behind the gilded gates, and gleaming homes they discover their idillic surroundings aren’t quite as wonderful and peaceful as imagined. Their mostly white neighbors make them feel unsettled and soon Majestic Hills begins to feel less safe out in the middle of nowhere. There’s a lot of underlying tension and Turner raises some serious issues and concerns regarding gentrification, class distinction, perceived identity and race relations. Overall I did enjoy reading this novel however the middle section of the book was slow and repetitive. For these reasons I give this book 3.5 stars.
September 7, 2026
SYNOPSIS
Tired of the daily drama in his emergency room, Dr. Langdon Blaque is in search of a place where he can leave the world behind. He loves his job and has no delusions about the suburbs being perfect, but he wants peace and quiet. His wife Josephine, a lawyer, grew up listening to her father’s stories about the Jim Crow South, and sundown towns. She prefers the city. Still, she agrees to move with the caveat that they stay for a year and reassess. The tight-knit, predominantly white group of neighbors in Majestic Hills initially welcomes them with open arms. But beneath the veneer of privileged harmony, tensions simmer. When a horrifying crime rocks the community, the illusion of safety is shattered, and Josephine and Langdon find themselves at the heart of a brewing storm that pits neighbor against neighbor, exposes deeply ingrained prejudices, and threatens to implode into violence. As their experiment in suburban living ticks toward the one-year mark, the Blaques are pushed to a breaking point. Can they find a way to make a home in Majestic Hills? Or has the move put their future, their marriage, and even their safety in jeopardy?
There is so much to discuss from this books: class, privilege, systematic racism, and affordable housing, all wrapped in a domestic drama and just a touch of thriller vibes. I would highly recommend this as a book club selection because a group would find a lot to dig into. Good books on topics like this should make the reader think, feel uncomfortable, get angry, and question their own preconceived ideas and this one did just that for me. Author Dawn Turner shines a light on our society, challenging readers to think different and do better. If you are a fan of Jordan Peele’s films, this book is an excellent read alike.
Tired of the daily drama in his emergency room, Dr. Langdon Blaque is in search of a place where he can leave the world behind. He loves his job and has no delusions about the suburbs being perfect, but he wants peace and quiet. His wife Josephine, a lawyer, grew up listening to her father’s stories about the Jim Crow South, and sundown towns. She prefers the city. Still, she agrees to move with the caveat that they stay for a year and reassess. The tight-knit, predominantly white group of neighbors in Majestic Hills initially welcomes them with open arms. But beneath the veneer of privileged harmony, tensions simmer. When a horrifying crime rocks the community, the illusion of safety is shattered, and Josephine and Langdon find themselves at the heart of a brewing storm that pits neighbor against neighbor, exposes deeply ingrained prejudices, and threatens to implode into violence. As their experiment in suburban living ticks toward the one-year mark, the Blaques are pushed to a breaking point. Can they find a way to make a home in Majestic Hills? Or has the move put their future, their marriage, and even their safety in jeopardy?
There is so much to discuss from this books: class, privilege, systematic racism, and affordable housing, all wrapped in a domestic drama and just a touch of thriller vibes. I would highly recommend this as a book club selection because a group would find a lot to dig into. Good books on topics like this should make the reader think, feel uncomfortable, get angry, and question their own preconceived ideas and this one did just that for me. Author Dawn Turner shines a light on our society, challenging readers to think different and do better. If you are a fan of Jordan Peele’s films, this book is an excellent read alike.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Majestic Hills by Dawn Turner is about a professional Black couple who decide to leave their city life behind for the suburbs.
Dr. Langdon Blaque is an ER doctor who wants to escape city life. He feels burned out and exhausted by the constant drama, death, and despair that come with his job. He dreams of finding a place where he can leave all of that behind and spend quiet time with his wife in peace.
Langdon loves his work but believes a move to the suburbs could help revitalize his spirit. His wife, Josephine, a lawyer, is much more hesitant about leaving the city. She grew up hearing her father’s horror stories about sundown towns and the Jim Crow South, which makes her wary of suburban life. Even so, she eventually agrees to Langdon’s plan with one condition: they will stay for one year, and if they do not love it, they will move back to the city.
The couple relocates to Majestic Hills, a predominantly white neighborhood where the neighbors initially seem welcoming and friendly. However, when a crime occurs close to home and the illusion of safety is shattered, Josephine and Langdon find themselves caught in the middle of the fallout. Neighbors are pitted against one another, exposing deep-rooted prejudices in the community. Will Langdon and Josephine be able to truly make Majestic Hills their home?
I thought the book was an okay read overall, but it felt kind of bland to me. I kept waiting for unexpected twists or turns that never really came. The storyline felt very predictable, and not much happened that kept me fully engaged. The book was marketed as both a mystery and a thriller, but I personally didn’t feel like it had many elements of either genre. I did like Langdon and Josephine as characters and thought they were written well.
Dr. Langdon Blaque is an ER doctor who wants to escape city life. He feels burned out and exhausted by the constant drama, death, and despair that come with his job. He dreams of finding a place where he can leave all of that behind and spend quiet time with his wife in peace.
Langdon loves his work but believes a move to the suburbs could help revitalize his spirit. His wife, Josephine, a lawyer, is much more hesitant about leaving the city. She grew up hearing her father’s horror stories about sundown towns and the Jim Crow South, which makes her wary of suburban life. Even so, she eventually agrees to Langdon’s plan with one condition: they will stay for one year, and if they do not love it, they will move back to the city.
The couple relocates to Majestic Hills, a predominantly white neighborhood where the neighbors initially seem welcoming and friendly. However, when a crime occurs close to home and the illusion of safety is shattered, Josephine and Langdon find themselves caught in the middle of the fallout. Neighbors are pitted against one another, exposing deep-rooted prejudices in the community. Will Langdon and Josephine be able to truly make Majestic Hills their home?
I thought the book was an okay read overall, but it felt kind of bland to me. I kept waiting for unexpected twists or turns that never really came. The storyline felt very predictable, and not much happened that kept me fully engaged. The book was marketed as both a mystery and a thriller, but I personally didn’t feel like it had many elements of either genre. I did like Langdon and Josephine as characters and thought they were written well.
August 29, 2026
Professional Black couple Josephine and Langdon are certified DINKs who decide to leave their Chicago city condo for the Chicagoland ‘burbs and a new development called Majestic Hills, where the exterior is pretty but racial, economic, and social tensions bubble just beneath the surface.
Billed as a domestic thriller, it is not.
There’s also something about the lack of variation in sentence structure and length that made the reading experience feel choppy.
And the characters are just not believable.
Josephine and Langdon’s clearly prejudiced White neighbors keep playing in their faces and yet these two keep extending grace. It’s one thing to navigate micro-aggressions and another thing altogether to be Boo-Boo the Fool. By the dramatic final scene, when Josephine crafts a lie to cover the tracks of a neighbor who had been problematic from jump, I had to put the book down and stare into the distance for a minute.
And Langdon? Step into my office. I have questions. The number of times he refers to his wife as “Girllll,” coupled with some of his interactions with other men in the novel, had me wondering whether there was an entirely different storyline being foreshadowed. Apparently not. 👀
And maybe my disappointment is amplified because I loved Turner’s memoir, Three Girls from Bronzeville. I already knew I connected with her voice and her perspective, so I came into this novel ready to love it.
This was not a DNF for me because I DID appreciate what Turner was exploring about straddling two worlds: wanting a different lifestyle for your family without feeling like you’ve sold out, and navigating the race and class dynamics that come with that choice. There are interesting themes there.
But ultimately? This one was not for me.
Billed as a domestic thriller, it is not.
There’s also something about the lack of variation in sentence structure and length that made the reading experience feel choppy.
And the characters are just not believable.
Josephine and Langdon’s clearly prejudiced White neighbors keep playing in their faces and yet these two keep extending grace. It’s one thing to navigate micro-aggressions and another thing altogether to be Boo-Boo the Fool. By the dramatic final scene, when Josephine crafts a lie to cover the tracks of a neighbor who had been problematic from jump, I had to put the book down and stare into the distance for a minute.
And Langdon? Step into my office. I have questions. The number of times he refers to his wife as “Girllll,” coupled with some of his interactions with other men in the novel, had me wondering whether there was an entirely different storyline being foreshadowed. Apparently not. 👀
And maybe my disappointment is amplified because I loved Turner’s memoir, Three Girls from Bronzeville. I already knew I connected with her voice and her perspective, so I came into this novel ready to love it.
This was not a DNF for me because I DID appreciate what Turner was exploring about straddling two worlds: wanting a different lifestyle for your family without feeling like you’ve sold out, and navigating the race and class dynamics that come with that choice. There are interesting themes there.
But ultimately? This one was not for me.
July 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Majestic Hill in exchange for an honest review.
Majestic Hill had one of the rockiest starts I’ve read in a while. The opening chapters struggled with stiff dialogue, heavy-handed exposition, and a tendency to foreground its themes before I’d connected with its characters. There were several points early on where I wondered whether I would finish it at all.
Fortunately, the novel found its footing once the contrasting community of the Grand Vista trailer park was introduced into the story. The atmosphere became genuinely unsettling, and the lingering question of what was wrong with Majestic Hills kept me reading. The dialogue also improved as the story progressed, and the pacing became more focused, even if I still think the novel would have benefited from a tighter edit.
The social commentary is central to the story, though there were stretches where I felt the novel repeated ideas I had already understood rather than allowing the mystery to carry them naturally. Trimming some of those sections would have strengthened the overall momentum.
In the end, this settled into a solid three-star read for me. It isn’t without its flaws, but I think it will find an audience, particularly readers looking for an accessible, contemporary novel with social themes and a quick pace. I finished it in a single day, and while it never fully won me over, it recovered enough from its uneven beginning to leave me glad I stuck with it.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Majestic Hill in exchange for an honest review.
Majestic Hill had one of the rockiest starts I’ve read in a while. The opening chapters struggled with stiff dialogue, heavy-handed exposition, and a tendency to foreground its themes before I’d connected with its characters. There were several points early on where I wondered whether I would finish it at all.
Fortunately, the novel found its footing once the contrasting community of the Grand Vista trailer park was introduced into the story. The atmosphere became genuinely unsettling, and the lingering question of what was wrong with Majestic Hills kept me reading. The dialogue also improved as the story progressed, and the pacing became more focused, even if I still think the novel would have benefited from a tighter edit.
The social commentary is central to the story, though there were stretches where I felt the novel repeated ideas I had already understood rather than allowing the mystery to carry them naturally. Trimming some of those sections would have strengthened the overall momentum.
In the end, this settled into a solid three-star read for me. It isn’t without its flaws, but I think it will find an audience, particularly readers looking for an accessible, contemporary novel with social themes and a quick pace. I finished it in a single day, and while it never fully won me over, it recovered enough from its uneven beginning to leave me glad I stuck with it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you, Scribner Books for the gifted Advanced Reader Copy.
Langdon and Josephine Blaque live and work in downtown Chicago. When Langdon’s job as an emergency room doctor wears on him, he looks to a billboard advertising Majestic Hills. He imagines the new suburban subdivision will offer peace and refuge. Reluctantly, Josephine agrees to rent out their high rise condo to try living in the suburbs for a year. At first, The Blaques receive a warm welcome and become friendly with their new neighbors. When issues arise in the surrounding community, threatening the security of Majestic Hills, the neighbors find themselves on opposing sides of conflict.
This book was successful at incorporating themes of race, class, gentrification and belonging into the interactions with various neighbors. Langdon and Josephine’s relationship captured how compromise and secrets affect a marriage. This book fit into the genres of both contemporary fiction and domestic thriller because of the tense feeling that despite the suburban ideals of planned perfection, something would go wrong. I liked that the book suggests what the future holds for the main characters without giving a neat, packaged ending.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories about suburbia and interpersonal conflict who are willing to contemplate how the shadows of America’s past continue to haunt the present.
Langdon and Josephine Blaque live and work in downtown Chicago. When Langdon’s job as an emergency room doctor wears on him, he looks to a billboard advertising Majestic Hills. He imagines the new suburban subdivision will offer peace and refuge. Reluctantly, Josephine agrees to rent out their high rise condo to try living in the suburbs for a year. At first, The Blaques receive a warm welcome and become friendly with their new neighbors. When issues arise in the surrounding community, threatening the security of Majestic Hills, the neighbors find themselves on opposing sides of conflict.
This book was successful at incorporating themes of race, class, gentrification and belonging into the interactions with various neighbors. Langdon and Josephine’s relationship captured how compromise and secrets affect a marriage. This book fit into the genres of both contemporary fiction and domestic thriller because of the tense feeling that despite the suburban ideals of planned perfection, something would go wrong. I liked that the book suggests what the future holds for the main characters without giving a neat, packaged ending.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories about suburbia and interpersonal conflict who are willing to contemplate how the shadows of America’s past continue to haunt the present.
August 27, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted ebook. All opinions are mine. Based on that gorgeous cover and the blurb, I went into Majestic Hills expecting a thriller, so let me save you the confusion. This is much more of a slow burn, character-driven literary drama with suspenseful elements. And for real? I’m perfectly okay with that because I actually enjoy a slow burn when I know what kind of book I’m getting into. Dawn Turner’s writing is thoughtful and beautifully layered. The characters had so much depth that I became genuinely invested in their lives and the choices they were making. I especially appreciated how Turner explored race relations, privilege and the uncomfortable realities hiding beneath a seemingly picture perfect community without making the story feel like a lecture. There’s tension simmering underneath the surface, but this book is much more interested in people and their relationships than in nonstop twists, action, or shocking reveals. So if you’re looking for a fast paced thriller, this may not scratch that itch, but if you enjoy literary fiction with complex characters, social commentary, and a slow building sense of unease, Majestic Hills is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner publishers for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The writing is gorgeous and compelling, spinning a story of realistic characters that grapple with heavy themes like race and class. Josephine and Langdon Blaque are a black couple that move from a Chicago condo to the suburbs and meet a variety of neighbors with distinct personalities and motives-some not-so-nice. Usually when I read a book about a couple, I don't care about the side characters and find the plot meandering when it switches over to the supporting cast. Not so here-Lonnie, Wade and Benny were touching and held their own. There were so many touches that made each person feel like someone I've met-Lonnie acting stand-offish after crying in front of the Blaques, Wade bristling at being treated "like a child" even though he's 16...Overall it was a good novel with a slow-burning tension that finally came to a head by the end of the book. One star off because I wanted more of a wrap-up in the end, and because a big life event seemed to suddenly be totally fine with one character who had wrestled with it throughout the book. It felt a bit out of left field.
The writing is gorgeous and compelling, spinning a story of realistic characters that grapple with heavy themes like race and class. Josephine and Langdon Blaque are a black couple that move from a Chicago condo to the suburbs and meet a variety of neighbors with distinct personalities and motives-some not-so-nice. Usually when I read a book about a couple, I don't care about the side characters and find the plot meandering when it switches over to the supporting cast. Not so here-Lonnie, Wade and Benny were touching and held their own. There were so many touches that made each person feel like someone I've met-Lonnie acting stand-offish after crying in front of the Blaques, Wade bristling at being treated "like a child" even though he's 16...Overall it was a good novel with a slow-burning tension that finally came to a head by the end of the book. One star off because I wanted more of a wrap-up in the end, and because a big life event seemed to suddenly be totally fine with one character who had wrestled with it throughout the book. It felt a bit out of left field.
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September 15, 2026Langdon and Josephine have successful careers and a good life in the city but Langdon craves a suburban life and convinces Josephine to move to a wealthier community out of the city despite her hesitation. In Majestic Hills they are the only black family and while they initially feel welcomed, little micro aggressions start to show that race, class and wealth might bear more weight to this community than it might appear. When a tragic situation hits the community, Josephine and Langdon find themselves caught in the middle of it all and begun to wonder if this is truly the right place for them or is it all a facade.
The blurb states this as a thriller but I think that is misleading. I think it’s more literary fiction with some community drama as it explores themes of race and class and its role in (or maybe lack of) inclusivity as well. I wanted a little more depth from the characters and perhaps a bit more resolution but I appreciate what the ideas the author brings to light… things to think about.
Thank you to @scribnerbooks and @netgalley for a gifted early digital copy of this novel.
The blurb states this as a thriller but I think that is misleading. I think it’s more literary fiction with some community drama as it explores themes of race and class and its role in (or maybe lack of) inclusivity as well. I wanted a little more depth from the characters and perhaps a bit more resolution but I appreciate what the ideas the author brings to light… things to think about.
Thank you to @scribnerbooks and @netgalley for a gifted early digital copy of this novel.
September 1, 2026
This book cover may be one of my favorites of the year - it is seriously stunning in person! I found the story inside to be just as addicting, one that dives deep into social commentary about race, class, and privilege.
The story is centered on Josephine and Langdon Blaque, a Black couple moving into a suburban subdivision for a change from living in the busy city. The events of the following year change their lives and the lives of their neighbors forever.
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this one. I'd categorize it as maybe a domestic drama with a little bit of layered suspense as the Blaques navigate life in their new home. There are moments of unease and moments of joy as they get to know their neighbors and attempt to form bonds with a whole new group of people. It was well written and eye-opening, and I'm glad I picked it up.
The audio was narrated by Janina Edwards, a new to me narrator. Her voice was soothing to listen to, and her tone made the hours listening fly by. I'd recommend either format here!
The story is centered on Josephine and Langdon Blaque, a Black couple moving into a suburban subdivision for a change from living in the busy city. The events of the following year change their lives and the lives of their neighbors forever.
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this one. I'd categorize it as maybe a domestic drama with a little bit of layered suspense as the Blaques navigate life in their new home. There are moments of unease and moments of joy as they get to know their neighbors and attempt to form bonds with a whole new group of people. It was well written and eye-opening, and I'm glad I picked it up.
The audio was narrated by Janina Edwards, a new to me narrator. Her voice was soothing to listen to, and her tone made the hours listening fly by. I'd recommend either format here!
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