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Indie Darling
Nashville is a city of two faces, where the glitter often masks the grit.
Kelly Williams, a Dolly Parton–loving, sports-car-driving private investigator in Nashville, helps women. Sisters in search of lost siblings. Wives determined to uncover affairs. Daughters haunted by men lingering outside their windows. Clients trust her because she listens, she believes them, and over the years she’s honed a specialized skill set.
Her latest client is Sarah Owens, better known as Seraph, the magnetic and polarizing lead singer of the indie sensation The Garden Snakes. After a series of threats turns violent, she hires Kelly to identify her assailant. With feminist anthems, cryptic lyrical easter eggs, and an electrifying stage presence, Seraph has built a fiercely loyal following—and attracted a number of critics. At that level of fame, her attacker could be anyone.
Then, in the middle of a Nashville performance, Seraph is shot on stage. The ambulance carrying her disappears. As the city reels and conspiracy theories swirl, Kelly is pulled into a dangerous web of secrets involving Seraph’s bandmates, her troubled past, and the high cost of stardom.
Propulsive and atmospheric, Indie Darling is both a page-turning mystery and a powerful meditation on art, obsession, and the perils of being a female artist in a celebrity-obsessed world.
Kelly Williams, a Dolly Parton–loving, sports-car-driving private investigator in Nashville, helps women. Sisters in search of lost siblings. Wives determined to uncover affairs. Daughters haunted by men lingering outside their windows. Clients trust her because she listens, she believes them, and over the years she’s honed a specialized skill set.
Her latest client is Sarah Owens, better known as Seraph, the magnetic and polarizing lead singer of the indie sensation The Garden Snakes. After a series of threats turns violent, she hires Kelly to identify her assailant. With feminist anthems, cryptic lyrical easter eggs, and an electrifying stage presence, Seraph has built a fiercely loyal following—and attracted a number of critics. At that level of fame, her attacker could be anyone.
Then, in the middle of a Nashville performance, Seraph is shot on stage. The ambulance carrying her disappears. As the city reels and conspiracy theories swirl, Kelly is pulled into a dangerous web of secrets involving Seraph’s bandmates, her troubled past, and the high cost of stardom.
Propulsive and atmospheric, Indie Darling is both a page-turning mystery and a powerful meditation on art, obsession, and the perils of being a female artist in a celebrity-obsessed world.
10 pages, Audible Audio
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Lauren Nossett
8 books360 followersLAUREN NOSSETT is a professor turned novelist and the award-winning author of the thrillers THE RESEMBLANCE and THE PROFESSOR. Her books have been Amazon Editors picks and featured in The New York Times, Buzzfeed, E! News, and Paste Magazine. THE RESEMBLANCE won the ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel and was chosen as a Book All Georgians Should Read. Lauren currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her spunky Pomeranian, Bowie. Her new novel, INDIE DARLING, will release July 28, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
August 9, 2026
Early thoughts: I didn't realize this one was a mystery when I requested it, but I was pleased to see that. It is dark and leaning toward a more chaotic style, with interesting characters, but a murky plot.
Feeling: It's a rock n' roll occult noir mystery 😍
I’m curious about: the style. It's unorthodox and interesting, with every scene building a hundred tiny details. *edit Sometimes I wrestled with this element, but I mostly enjoyed the experiment.
"And then there’s that other thing— the dark implication whenever a newscaster describes what a murdered woman was wearing: the assumption that because she was young, because she was pretty, because she had legs and breasts and a beating heart, that somehow she deserved it." p26
What worked:
🎤 I adore the FMC, a Dolly-loving PI driving way too fast through the streets of Nashville! She's exciting, entertaining, and unpredictable enough to keep my attention.
📜 I am rarely a fan of prose books that feature poems or song lyrics interspersed throughout the text. But I feel that the author used this feature in an interesting way, by making the lyrics themselves part of the mystery and primary storyline.
What didn’t:
😵💫 The pace is really hectic and it's hard to follow the action of the scene from one sentence to the next. For me, this makes for a confusing read.
Who this is for: I think this one is most fighting for an NA audience, but it's fun. Most readers of noir or rock 'n roll/diva tropes will find something to enjoy here.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The goal isn’t to live forever , the goal is to create something that will. —CHUCK PALAHNIUK
I paint flowers so they will not die. —FRIDA KAHLO" p5
""How do you lose a body?"" p77
"Kara lifts her chin. “I’ll post the video. We’ll find her cousins. What’s the power of a police force compared to millions of fans?”“What about the cease and desist?” I ask. She shakes her head. “This is for Seraph.”" p255
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
Content Notes:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
reckless driving, murder, kidnapping, contract killing, occult concepts
Feeling: It's a rock n' roll occult noir mystery 😍
I’m curious about: the style. It's unorthodox and interesting, with every scene building a hundred tiny details. *edit Sometimes I wrestled with this element, but I mostly enjoyed the experiment.
"And then there’s that other thing— the dark implication whenever a newscaster describes what a murdered woman was wearing: the assumption that because she was young, because she was pretty, because she had legs and breasts and a beating heart, that somehow she deserved it." p26
What worked:
🎤 I adore the FMC, a Dolly-loving PI driving way too fast through the streets of Nashville! She's exciting, entertaining, and unpredictable enough to keep my attention.
📜 I am rarely a fan of prose books that feature poems or song lyrics interspersed throughout the text. But I feel that the author used this feature in an interesting way, by making the lyrics themselves part of the mystery and primary storyline.
What didn’t:
😵💫 The pace is really hectic and it's hard to follow the action of the scene from one sentence to the next. For me, this makes for a confusing read.
Who this is for: I think this one is most fighting for an NA audience, but it's fun. Most readers of noir or rock 'n roll/diva tropes will find something to enjoy here.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The goal isn’t to live forever , the goal is to create something that will. —CHUCK PALAHNIUK
I paint flowers so they will not die. —FRIDA KAHLO" p5
""How do you lose a body?"" p77
"Kara lifts her chin. “I’ll post the video. We’ll find her cousins. What’s the power of a police force compared to millions of fans?”“What about the cease and desist?” I ask. She shakes her head. “This is for Seraph.”" p255
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc!📚
Content Notes:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
reckless driving, murder, kidnapping, contract killing, occult concepts
April 1, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the cast of characters, the setting, the song lyrics sprinkled throughout, the mystery, and how it all tied together. I really liked Kelly’s character and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of her in another installment.
PI Kelly Williams helps women. Her newest client is a well known musician who has a stalker. Kelly tries to solve the mystery through numerous Easter eggs and teams up with local detectives (and her cute co-tenant) to find out who is behind everything.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
PI Kelly Williams helps women. Her newest client is a well known musician who has a stalker. Kelly tries to solve the mystery through numerous Easter eggs and teams up with local detectives (and her cute co-tenant) to find out who is behind everything.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
November 18, 2025
I could not stop turning the pages! I read this entire book in two days and loved every bit of it. The characters are vibrant, funny, and alive on the page. As someone who lives in Nashville, the setting was so immersive and I loved mentally walking around some of my favorite areas. Kelly is one of the coolest detectives I've ever read, and Dolly would be honored to know she had such a badass fictional fan. This book is full of mystery and Fleetwood Mac vibes. Speaking of the latter two musicians, I feel like writing songs in books can easily mess up the flow or not work, and this book was the opposite. The clues were left perfectly and I loved the lyrics!
On the note of clues, the twists and turns were PERFECT. I'm trying to write this without any spoilers, but I was very much unnerved (in the right way) by two of the characters so much that when they arrived again in the narrative, I audibly went UGH. As the ending came together, I was so satisfied with everyone's endings. This book was clever, humorous, and gripping at the same time. I'm honored that I got to be one of the first readers of this book!
On the note of clues, the twists and turns were PERFECT. I'm trying to write this without any spoilers, but I was very much unnerved (in the right way) by two of the characters so much that when they arrived again in the narrative, I audibly went UGH. As the ending came together, I was so satisfied with everyone's endings. This book was clever, humorous, and gripping at the same time. I'm honored that I got to be one of the first readers of this book!
August 3, 2026
Состоит из клише, хихикушек и Долли Партон. Частный детектив занимается охами, ахами, боится прошлого, долго выбирает помаду и постоянно вспоминает материнский инстинкт. Расследования особо нет, детектив занят.
July 15, 2026
While I liked the ending of the book, getting there felt like a very slow moving journey. The storylines didn’t feel very cohesive, but overall, a decent book.
May 5, 2026
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Okay— let’s get honest. This one just wasn’t my favorite.
For me, it felt like multiple different stories clashing together rather than one cohesive narrative. The characters didn’t fully make sense alongside each other, and even once everything was explained, it still didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way.
I did enjoy Kelly’s character— she felt grounded and easy to follow— but Sarah (Seraph) was a major struggle for me. I found her extremely unlikeable, and it seemed like I was supposed to feel invested in her… but I just didn’t. When she’s shot on stage and then goes missing— the central hook of the story— I realized I wasn’t emotionally connected enough to care, which made it hard to stay engaged.
There’s a lot going on here— fame, obsession, identity, and the darker side of celebrity— but for me, it leaned more into chaotic than compelling.
Overall, this one was just a bit too much, a bit too strange, and ultimately not for me.
Okay— let’s get honest. This one just wasn’t my favorite.
For me, it felt like multiple different stories clashing together rather than one cohesive narrative. The characters didn’t fully make sense alongside each other, and even once everything was explained, it still didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way.
I did enjoy Kelly’s character— she felt grounded and easy to follow— but Sarah (Seraph) was a major struggle for me. I found her extremely unlikeable, and it seemed like I was supposed to feel invested in her… but I just didn’t. When she’s shot on stage and then goes missing— the central hook of the story— I realized I wasn’t emotionally connected enough to care, which made it hard to stay engaged.
There’s a lot going on here— fame, obsession, identity, and the darker side of celebrity— but for me, it leaned more into chaotic than compelling.
Overall, this one was just a bit too much, a bit too strange, and ultimately not for me.
May 1, 2026
“You know what happens to stars, don’t you?” And when I continue to stare, he says, “They explode.”
This book! From the wholly authentic sleuth who adores Dolly Parton to the superstar indie singer who vanishes from a bloody stage and the colorful band mates and suspects who populate her life, I loved every component of this modern whodunit. While INDIE DARLING is set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene, it will take you to some very unexpected places through a series of clues you’ll love to decipher alongside P.I. Kelly Williams. Nossett throws back the curtain on obsession and the dangers of living in the public eye through pitch-perfect prose and relentless pacing.
Destined to remain one of my favorite novels of the year.
This book! From the wholly authentic sleuth who adores Dolly Parton to the superstar indie singer who vanishes from a bloody stage and the colorful band mates and suspects who populate her life, I loved every component of this modern whodunit. While INDIE DARLING is set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene, it will take you to some very unexpected places through a series of clues you’ll love to decipher alongside P.I. Kelly Williams. Nossett throws back the curtain on obsession and the dangers of living in the public eye through pitch-perfect prose and relentless pacing.
Destined to remain one of my favorite novels of the year.
July 28, 2026
Thank you, Macmillan audio, Netgalley, and Lauren Nossett, for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Narrated by Amara Jasper.
Amara did a great job at narrating the multiple characters contained in this story. You could clearly hear when each character was speaking and when it was just the narrator.
The story itself was very interesting and a different style of mystery/thriller/investigative fiction than im used to. The style used by Lauren was intriguing and different. The use of lyrics dropped here and there along the story was great to give readers an idea of what the main character would sing about.
At times, the story lost me a little, but I think it was me and losing track of the number of witnesses and characters we were talking to.
Overall, if you're into investigative works of fiction, this is definitely for you.
Amara was great at delivering the story and the characters. I would love to listen to more of Amara's work.
Definitely recommend the audiobook.
Narrated by Amara Jasper.
Amara did a great job at narrating the multiple characters contained in this story. You could clearly hear when each character was speaking and when it was just the narrator.
The story itself was very interesting and a different style of mystery/thriller/investigative fiction than im used to. The style used by Lauren was intriguing and different. The use of lyrics dropped here and there along the story was great to give readers an idea of what the main character would sing about.
At times, the story lost me a little, but I think it was me and losing track of the number of witnesses and characters we were talking to.
Overall, if you're into investigative works of fiction, this is definitely for you.
Amara was great at delivering the story and the characters. I would love to listen to more of Amara's work.
Definitely recommend the audiobook.
August 3, 2026
Being a Dolly fan, I was immediately drawn in by the blurb. But the fact that Indie Darling turned into a mystery surrounding a singer, the band and a shooting? This was going to take me on one heck of a ride.
This was my first book by Lauren Nossett and I liked the way that she told the story, making everyone look guilty. Especially because of the unique way the story was told from the present and then old videos of the band through the eyes of Seraph. She sort of reminded me of Taylor Swift with the way she laid down easter eggs in her music for the fans (and perhaps for the mystery aspect of this story).
Combining Seraph's POV with Kelly's, the PI was effective in not only telling this story, but to give a voice to the reader and pull us into high stakes toxic world of music and stardom. Kelly was a great protagonist in that she wasn't going to stop until she got answers. I feel like she could be a recurring character in more stories since she's lovable and has such a strong, Dolly loving personality.
And finally, since I listened to the audio, I have to give credit to the narration performed entirely by Amara Jasper. Switching from Seraph to Kelly seamlessly, Jasper's accents were easy to follow and added to the overall enjoyment of this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the unique storytelling from different medias and the great audiobook performance. The one thing that would've pushed this a head above was if the lyrics that were dropped in throughout the story were actually sang, but regardless, I loved having them be a part of the story and clues to the mystery. I look forward to reading more by Nossett in the future.
This was my first book by Lauren Nossett and I liked the way that she told the story, making everyone look guilty. Especially because of the unique way the story was told from the present and then old videos of the band through the eyes of Seraph. She sort of reminded me of Taylor Swift with the way she laid down easter eggs in her music for the fans (and perhaps for the mystery aspect of this story).
Combining Seraph's POV with Kelly's, the PI was effective in not only telling this story, but to give a voice to the reader and pull us into high stakes toxic world of music and stardom. Kelly was a great protagonist in that she wasn't going to stop until she got answers. I feel like she could be a recurring character in more stories since she's lovable and has such a strong, Dolly loving personality.
And finally, since I listened to the audio, I have to give credit to the narration performed entirely by Amara Jasper. Switching from Seraph to Kelly seamlessly, Jasper's accents were easy to follow and added to the overall enjoyment of this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the unique storytelling from different medias and the great audiobook performance. The one thing that would've pushed this a head above was if the lyrics that were dropped in throughout the story were actually sang, but regardless, I loved having them be a part of the story and clues to the mystery. I look forward to reading more by Nossett in the future.
August 25, 2026
Lauren Nossett is becoming one of my favorite new authors! Nossett is so skilled at creating rich, vibrant settings--her first books were in a southern university setting, and in Indie Darling, she explores Nashville's music scene.
Kelly, a private investigator, is hired by Sarah, a famous musician, to find out who's behind some alarming incidents. When Sarah is shot onstage and then disappears, Kelly gets deeper into her world to find out what's happened. I really enjoyed the presence of Sarah throughout the book, and the way Kelly played off of her. Sarah's really only on the page very briefly with Kelly, but her presence in Kelly's life after she's gone was really well done. They were great foils to each other in a way that came together nicely. I was invested in both of their stories, and the heart of the story has stuck with me even after I finished reading.
The pacing was a bit slower in the beginning--while the moment Sarah disappears is an intense scene, the rest of the first half or so is a little slower. It felt more like a classic PI mystery, like Sue Grafton in its pacing, as Kelly methodically pieces everything together and explores the leads while also dealing with her personal life. Kelly's an interesting enough character that the slower pacing was perfect for me. It picked up when it needed to, and there was always something moving the story forward.
I think this is meant as a standalone book, but I'd come along on another of Kelly's cases, just like I'd love to see more of Marlitt's adventures from Nossett's other two books, The Resemblance and The Professor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Kelly, a private investigator, is hired by Sarah, a famous musician, to find out who's behind some alarming incidents. When Sarah is shot onstage and then disappears, Kelly gets deeper into her world to find out what's happened. I really enjoyed the presence of Sarah throughout the book, and the way Kelly played off of her. Sarah's really only on the page very briefly with Kelly, but her presence in Kelly's life after she's gone was really well done. They were great foils to each other in a way that came together nicely. I was invested in both of their stories, and the heart of the story has stuck with me even after I finished reading.
The pacing was a bit slower in the beginning--while the moment Sarah disappears is an intense scene, the rest of the first half or so is a little slower. It felt more like a classic PI mystery, like Sue Grafton in its pacing, as Kelly methodically pieces everything together and explores the leads while also dealing with her personal life. Kelly's an interesting enough character that the slower pacing was perfect for me. It picked up when it needed to, and there was always something moving the story forward.
I think this is meant as a standalone book, but I'd come along on another of Kelly's cases, just like I'd love to see more of Marlitt's adventures from Nossett's other two books, The Resemblance and The Professor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2026
3.75/5
Thank you @macmillan.audio #partner for the gifted copy of this audiobook! #macaudio2026
I’ve been eyeballing Lauren Nossett’s books for quite some time! I was really excited to finally pick one up and I’m happy to report that Indie Darling did not disappoint! This story follows an investigation that unfolds in the spotlight of a famous singer, exploring what can happen when fame and obsession collide.
I am a huge fan of stalker themed stories so I was immediately drawn to this one. I think initially what stood out to be is I loved Lauren writing style. The story was written with plenty of suspense and a bombshell early on which had me hooked. I really enjoyed seeing everything unfold through Kelly’s perspective. She was such a smart, quick thinking investigator that made it easy for me to want to get behind her! Sareph wasn’t the easiest character to like, but I actually appreciated that. I think Lauren wrote her that way intentionally. So even though I wasn’t loving her vibe Lauren ended up doing a great job peeling back the layers of her character. She helped me understand why she was the way that she was and for me I needed to hear that because it brought her less desirable characteristics full circle.
I listened to the audiobook and I will say the narrator Amara Jasper did a bang up job! She set the tone of this book perfectly and really made these characters come to life!
I’m so glad it was my introduction to Lauren Nossett’s work. I think this would be perfect for anyone who enjoys a good stalker theme or readers who like books about famous people or musicians!
Thank you @macmillan.audio #partner for the gifted copy of this audiobook! #macaudio2026
I’ve been eyeballing Lauren Nossett’s books for quite some time! I was really excited to finally pick one up and I’m happy to report that Indie Darling did not disappoint! This story follows an investigation that unfolds in the spotlight of a famous singer, exploring what can happen when fame and obsession collide.
I am a huge fan of stalker themed stories so I was immediately drawn to this one. I think initially what stood out to be is I loved Lauren writing style. The story was written with plenty of suspense and a bombshell early on which had me hooked. I really enjoyed seeing everything unfold through Kelly’s perspective. She was such a smart, quick thinking investigator that made it easy for me to want to get behind her! Sareph wasn’t the easiest character to like, but I actually appreciated that. I think Lauren wrote her that way intentionally. So even though I wasn’t loving her vibe Lauren ended up doing a great job peeling back the layers of her character. She helped me understand why she was the way that she was and for me I needed to hear that because it brought her less desirable characteristics full circle.
I listened to the audiobook and I will say the narrator Amara Jasper did a bang up job! She set the tone of this book perfectly and really made these characters come to life!
I’m so glad it was my introduction to Lauren Nossett’s work. I think this would be perfect for anyone who enjoys a good stalker theme or readers who like books about famous people or musicians!
Read
July 20, 2026A really interesting music themed procedural! I love a PI story and will be waiting to see what this talented author writes next. (maybe this will be a series??)
**A colorfully described Nashville setting
**A quirky, Dolly Parton-obsessed main character (private investigator Kelly Williams)
**Kelly's new client: the lead singer of an all-female feminist indie band called Seraph and the Garden Snakes, who are receiving threats
**Band drama (Seraph and co. were part of another band that broke up)
**Seraph writes in Taylor Swift Easter Eggs
Kelly was a great main character who teamed up with her singer-songwriter office mate to solve a music-related crime.
**A colorfully described Nashville setting
**A quirky, Dolly Parton-obsessed main character (private investigator Kelly Williams)
**Kelly's new client: the lead singer of an all-female feminist indie band called Seraph and the Garden Snakes, who are receiving threats
**Band drama (Seraph and co. were part of another band that broke up)
**Seraph writes in Taylor Swift Easter Eggs
Kelly was a great main character who teamed up with her singer-songwriter office mate to solve a music-related crime.
June 19, 2026
There are so many layers to this story, with the main mystery of the stalker/k*ller, unraveling the secrets of the victim’s past, and the main character’s own problems playing out in her life as she tries to solve the mystery. Underneath it all is the interwoven themes of dealing with toxic men and what it means to be a woman in today’s society. I loved how the author approaches it from multiple angles, showing the difficulties from both the MC and the victim’s perspectives. The song lyrics sprinkled throughout the book were absolutely brilliant and I especially loved that the author included full-length lyrics at the end of the book.
The MC was absolutely adorable and I would definitely read more detective stories with her as the PI! Her positive attitude and love of Dolly Parton kept things light enough to balance out the heavier themes of the rest of the book.
Basically… READ THIS BOOK!!!
The MC was absolutely adorable and I would definitely read more detective stories with her as the PI! Her positive attitude and love of Dolly Parton kept things light enough to balance out the heavier themes of the rest of the book.
Basically… READ THIS BOOK!!!
June 11, 2026
This is an instance where you really should listen to the audiobook version! Lauren Nossett’s “Indie Darling” becomes an absolute entertainment masterpiece with Amara Jasper’s narration. Jasper makes the main character, Dolly Parton-loving Nashville private investigator and single mom, Kelly Williams, someone you want to confide in and invite over for coffee. The perfect sweet and sarcastic Southern accent, the confident story-telling, and the ability to easily distinguish the voices of the other characters make this performance so memorable. Bravo!
The story centers on the controversial lead singer of a Nashville trio, Sarah Owens, known as “Seraph,” who hires Kelly to find the stalker who has been harassing her for two years, and who just crossed a new line by attacking her and branding her with the letter “W.” Just as Kelly gets started and becomes familiar with the friends and hangers-on of Sarah’s social and business circles, the band appears at Nashfest (an outdoor music festival) and Sarah is shot on stage. But the ambulance carrying her to a hospital disappears.
As Kelly navigates Sarah’s world of jealous ex-bandmates, lecherous producers, crazy Deliverance-type first cousins, over involved influencers, teenage internet stalkers, and unhelpful police, her quest gets muddied with conspiracy stories and the constant worry that if Sarah didn’t get immediate medical attention, then she must be dead nudging by the amount of AB negative blood left on the stage.
The author makes clever use of song lyrics/liner notes to provide both clues and insight into the kind of person Sarah is. Kelly, admitting that there’s a momma bear hibernating within her, wants nothing more than to find Sarah alive and safe. The story has a few twists and a lot of action as we barrel towards the ending. And there is room for Nossett to bring back the delightful detective Kelly. The audio performance was what really made this a 5 star tale.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): Sarah’s blue eyes are edged with green.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Although kudzu creeps into background photos like it does everywhere in the south.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy!
The story centers on the controversial lead singer of a Nashville trio, Sarah Owens, known as “Seraph,” who hires Kelly to find the stalker who has been harassing her for two years, and who just crossed a new line by attacking her and branding her with the letter “W.” Just as Kelly gets started and becomes familiar with the friends and hangers-on of Sarah’s social and business circles, the band appears at Nashfest (an outdoor music festival) and Sarah is shot on stage. But the ambulance carrying her to a hospital disappears.
As Kelly navigates Sarah’s world of jealous ex-bandmates, lecherous producers, crazy Deliverance-type first cousins, over involved influencers, teenage internet stalkers, and unhelpful police, her quest gets muddied with conspiracy stories and the constant worry that if Sarah didn’t get immediate medical attention, then she must be dead nudging by the amount of AB negative blood left on the stage.
The author makes clever use of song lyrics/liner notes to provide both clues and insight into the kind of person Sarah is. Kelly, admitting that there’s a momma bear hibernating within her, wants nothing more than to find Sarah alive and safe. The story has a few twists and a lot of action as we barrel towards the ending. And there is room for Nossett to bring back the delightful detective Kelly. The audio performance was what really made this a 5 star tale.
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): Sarah’s blue eyes are edged with green.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Although kudzu creeps into background photos like it does everywhere in the south.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy!
May 15, 2026
I enjoyed Indie Darling by Lauren Nossett as I was listening to it. I was initially drawn to this book because I spent my formative years in and around Nashville so I was curious in the setting. My small town, Gallatin, gets a shoutout in the book. Most of my questions were answered in this story. Why did Sarah/Seraph choose Kelly Williams to be her private investigator? What happened to Seraph after she was shot in the middle of her concert? It was fascinating to see the relationships around celebrities. The secret messages in the song lyrics were interesting but the reading of the song lyrics at the end didn’t hit as hard. The narrator, Amara Jasper, made me fall in like with the main character. ALC was provided by Macmillan Audio via NetGalley. I received an advance listening copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2026
3.5/5 ⭐️ - This novel had decent vibes and an interesting premise, bud actually execution was lacking in finesse.
I liked the personality of our main character PI Kelly, and her whole Dolly Parton shtick was endearing. I enjoyed her tenacity and enjoyed being in her perspective. When it comes to our other main characters the pop stars, particularly Sarah, I found them also interesting but less so than Kelly. They felt more surface level and like other reviews didn’t connect or care about them as deeply.
Both characters have the unfortunate quality of being overly philosophical and expunge their superficial feminism constantly. As a feminist myself it’s not that I disagreed with their takes, but felt at times it came over lecturey and unnatural to the dialogue, and didn’t say anything new or fresh.
I also felt the police procedural aspect of this novel lacked in realism (I mean our PI gets kidnapped & assaulted by potential suspects, instead of forcing her to go to the hospital or go home she’s allowed to hang out at the suspects moms house and bake cookies in their kitchen?? Huh?).
I do think the critique of fame and especially how social media has become integral to fan culture compelling and could see the “point” of this novel from the perspective of the author, I just unfortunately do not think the pacing or the storyline was entertaining enough to leave me wowed.
I liked the personality of our main character PI Kelly, and her whole Dolly Parton shtick was endearing. I enjoyed her tenacity and enjoyed being in her perspective. When it comes to our other main characters the pop stars, particularly Sarah, I found them also interesting but less so than Kelly. They felt more surface level and like other reviews didn’t connect or care about them as deeply.
Both characters have the unfortunate quality of being overly philosophical and expunge their superficial feminism constantly. As a feminist myself it’s not that I disagreed with their takes, but felt at times it came over lecturey and unnatural to the dialogue, and didn’t say anything new or fresh.
I also felt the police procedural aspect of this novel lacked in realism (I mean our PI gets kidnapped & assaulted by potential suspects, instead of forcing her to go to the hospital or go home she’s allowed to hang out at the suspects moms house and bake cookies in their kitchen?? Huh?).
I do think the critique of fame and especially how social media has become integral to fan culture compelling and could see the “point” of this novel from the perspective of the author, I just unfortunately do not think the pacing or the storyline was entertaining enough to leave me wowed.
August 10, 2026
Indie Darling is a mystery novel that takes place in the Nashville music scene and the disappearance of the lead singer of a feminist pop band.
Kelly Williams is a PI that specializes in cases with female clients. When a local indie band’s lead singer (Sarah-Faith Owens AKA Seraph) hires her to find out who is sending her threatening letters, she’s just getting into the investigation when Seraph is shot at her concert and her body disappears from the stage. Despite the police’s involvement, Kelly continues to look into who was threatening Seraph and what happened to her in those chaotic minutes after the shooting. Kelly will dig into dark family secrets and jealous ex-bandmates looking for the truth.
Indie Darling had a lot of potential, but it just didn’t hit quite right for me. I thought the band’s music and stage personas seemed unrealistic, and it was missing that “I know this band” feeling like I’ve had when reading about other fictional musicians. The reveal of what was behind Seraph’s stalking and disappearance fell a little flat for me too. But I liked Kelly a lot, and her sidekick and office mate, Evan, and I’d definitely read more of her future investigations if this becomes a series.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Narrator notes: Indie Darling was read by Amara Jasper, who nailed the Southern accent.
Disclosure: This review of Indie Darling is based on an ALC (advanced listening copy) provided by Macmillan Audio for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kelly Williams is a PI that specializes in cases with female clients. When a local indie band’s lead singer (Sarah-Faith Owens AKA Seraph) hires her to find out who is sending her threatening letters, she’s just getting into the investigation when Seraph is shot at her concert and her body disappears from the stage. Despite the police’s involvement, Kelly continues to look into who was threatening Seraph and what happened to her in those chaotic minutes after the shooting. Kelly will dig into dark family secrets and jealous ex-bandmates looking for the truth.
Indie Darling had a lot of potential, but it just didn’t hit quite right for me. I thought the band’s music and stage personas seemed unrealistic, and it was missing that “I know this band” feeling like I’ve had when reading about other fictional musicians. The reveal of what was behind Seraph’s stalking and disappearance fell a little flat for me too. But I liked Kelly a lot, and her sidekick and office mate, Evan, and I’d definitely read more of her future investigations if this becomes a series.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Narrator notes: Indie Darling was read by Amara Jasper, who nailed the Southern accent.
Disclosure: This review of Indie Darling is based on an ALC (advanced listening copy) provided by Macmillan Audio for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! A PI is asked to take an indie singer’s case involving stalking. However, the singer is later shot on stage but her body can’t be found when the dust settles. Are the two events related or independent of each other? Where’s the body? I was scrambling the entire time to untangle the different threads in the plot and was happy with the reveal and ending. I felt it wrapped up nicely without being obvious. I’ll likely go back and read the author’s other works now.
July 24, 2026
This was a good story. The detective, Kelly, was a great protagonist and the character who kept me connected to the story. She was the only thing that made me care about the victim, Seraph, who was portrayed as quite unlikable.
I enjoyed following Kelly as she uncovered more about Seraph’s upbringing and the traumas that shaped her, while also learning more about Kelly herself. The investigation gradually revealed both women’s stories, which kept me engaged throughout. Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read.
I enjoyed following Kelly as she uncovered more about Seraph’s upbringing and the traumas that shaped her, while also learning more about Kelly herself. The investigation gradually revealed both women’s stories, which kept me engaged throughout. Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read.
July 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s rounded to 4 ⭐️s
The premise of this one sounded so good, I had to grab it! 🙌
This was an interesting listen, but mostly because of the engaging narration! I really enjoyed the Kelly character and would love to see this character in future novels! She definitely made this book memorable! 👏
Thank you partner Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
The premise of this one sounded so good, I had to grab it! 🙌
This was an interesting listen, but mostly because of the engaging narration! I really enjoyed the Kelly character and would love to see this character in future novels! She definitely made this book memorable! 👏
Thank you partner Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
June 29, 2026
This was a good PI story, I was interested to see how it was going to play out. But it was missing something for me to give it more stars. Appreciate the goodreads win!
August 2, 2026
A fine mystery, but the detective didn't really grab me. I don't see this being a series I follow if there end up being more installments.
August 16, 2026
3.75⭐️ Kelly is a Dolly Parton-loving PI, and single mom in Nashville. She specializes in cases involving women. In this case, she’s hired to help pop-star Seraph(aka Sarah), who’s being stalked, then disappears. Between her current bandmates, who are like sisters, her former bandmates, her questionable family members, manager, and the general public, the possible suspect list is ever-growing - and every one seems to have their own secrets, especially Seraph.
I was really excited to get a copy of this one after reading the premise, and while it didn’t end up as a favorite, I really enjoyed it! There was a wide variety of characters, and a lot going on, but rather than being confusing, it kept moving and worked. I was pulled in immediately, wondering about Kelly, what her history was, and how it would play into her job and interactions. The author does a great job of keeping you guessing the whole time, revealing the tiniest pieces of information about each character, convincing you that everyone is suspicious. Sarah was a super interesting character, and the story comes together nicely, but I wish we could’ve had more time with her, what she went through, perhaps as an epilogue or something? I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, but did feel like I wanted a bit more at the end. I would love for this to be a series and get to follow Kelly more - perhaps get a glimpse into some of her past cases?
It will for sure be recommending this one! For anyone who loves a grab you and never let you go mystery, celebrity drama, a Nashville backdrop, definitely give this one a try! Also, the author uses song lyrics to reveal little clues was super original and fun!
Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and author Lauren Nossett, for the eARC of Indie Darling.
I was really excited to get a copy of this one after reading the premise, and while it didn’t end up as a favorite, I really enjoyed it! There was a wide variety of characters, and a lot going on, but rather than being confusing, it kept moving and worked. I was pulled in immediately, wondering about Kelly, what her history was, and how it would play into her job and interactions. The author does a great job of keeping you guessing the whole time, revealing the tiniest pieces of information about each character, convincing you that everyone is suspicious. Sarah was a super interesting character, and the story comes together nicely, but I wish we could’ve had more time with her, what she went through, perhaps as an epilogue or something? I thoroughly enjoyed the ride, but did feel like I wanted a bit more at the end. I would love for this to be a series and get to follow Kelly more - perhaps get a glimpse into some of her past cases?
It will for sure be recommending this one! For anyone who loves a grab you and never let you go mystery, celebrity drama, a Nashville backdrop, definitely give this one a try! Also, the author uses song lyrics to reveal little clues was super original and fun!
Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and author Lauren Nossett, for the eARC of Indie Darling.
June 16, 2026
Kelly Williams might be my favorite new PI in ages, and I'm already hoping this turns into a series.
She's a Dolly Parton-loving, sports-car-driving private investigator in Nashville who only takes cases helping women, and her own past gives her real empathy for the women who walk through her door. Her newest client is Sarah Owens, better known as Seraph, the magnetic lead singer of an indie band with a cult-like following, witchy stage presence, and cryptic lyrics fans love to decode. Someone's been stalking her, and it's escalating. Then Seraph gets shot on stage mid-concert and the ambulance carrying her vanishes.
What pulled me in was the peek behind the curtain of the music industry, where all that glitter hides a lot of grit. Seraph's orbit is full of suspects, the pace never lets up, and the twists and red herrings kept me guessing. Amara Jasper's narration is so good. She juggles a big cast and balances Kelly's go-go-go energy with her tenderness, and gives Seraph the sympathy a complicated woman deserves. The easter egg lyrics running through the story and the actual songs at the end add to the whole atmosphere and really pull you in. Stay for the author's note too. It's worth it.
Twenty years of handing books to reluctant readers taught me that the right thriller can convert almost anyone, and this is one of those. If thrillers aren't usually your thing, this one still works for the strong women at its center, the questions about staying true to yourself, and the real cost of fame. Music lovers especially, this is your book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the early listen.
She's a Dolly Parton-loving, sports-car-driving private investigator in Nashville who only takes cases helping women, and her own past gives her real empathy for the women who walk through her door. Her newest client is Sarah Owens, better known as Seraph, the magnetic lead singer of an indie band with a cult-like following, witchy stage presence, and cryptic lyrics fans love to decode. Someone's been stalking her, and it's escalating. Then Seraph gets shot on stage mid-concert and the ambulance carrying her vanishes.
What pulled me in was the peek behind the curtain of the music industry, where all that glitter hides a lot of grit. Seraph's orbit is full of suspects, the pace never lets up, and the twists and red herrings kept me guessing. Amara Jasper's narration is so good. She juggles a big cast and balances Kelly's go-go-go energy with her tenderness, and gives Seraph the sympathy a complicated woman deserves. The easter egg lyrics running through the story and the actual songs at the end add to the whole atmosphere and really pull you in. Stay for the author's note too. It's worth it.
Twenty years of handing books to reluctant readers taught me that the right thriller can convert almost anyone, and this is one of those. If thrillers aren't usually your thing, this one still works for the strong women at its center, the questions about staying true to yourself, and the real cost of fame. Music lovers especially, this is your book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the early listen.
July 4, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of Indie Darling by Lauren Nossett, and I was immediately drawn in by the premise. A Dolly Parton-loving woman teams up with a chart-topping pop star to help identify and stop a stalker, while unraveling clues hidden in the artist's Taylor Swift-esque Easter eggs for fans. It sounded like the perfect blend of mystery, music, and female friendship.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the concept for me. The story felt highly repetitive, and the pacing dragged, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. I also struggled to connect with the pop star at the center of the story. Because I never found her particularly likable or compelling, I wasn't especially invested in what happened to her.
Overall, I think Indie Darling had an incredibly strong premise with a lot of potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. While I can see the appeal for readers who enjoy celebrity-centered mysteries, this one just wasn't the right fit for me.
Unfortunately, the execution didn't live up to the concept for me. The story felt highly repetitive, and the pacing dragged, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. I also struggled to connect with the pop star at the center of the story. Because I never found her particularly likable or compelling, I wasn't especially invested in what happened to her.
Overall, I think Indie Darling had an incredibly strong premise with a lot of potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. While I can see the appeal for readers who enjoy celebrity-centered mysteries, this one just wasn't the right fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lauren Nossett's latest thriller hits every right note with a toxic, locked-room mystery inside a rising indie-pop band. You won't see the final twists coming.
"A razor-sharp, pitch-black thriller that hooks you from the very first track. Nossett brilliantly exposes the dark, parasitic underbelly of the music industry in a story that is as stylish as it is terrifying. Elevated to absolute perfection by Amara Jasper’s hypnotic narration, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen for summer!"
In Indie Darling, award-winning author Lauren Nossett delivers a dazzling, propulsive, and deeply atmospheric Nashville-music-scene domestic psychological suspense novel. The story hinges on a fiercely independent private investigator navigating immense physical and corporate hurdles to locate a missing indie pop star after a shocking onstage shooting shatters the city.
A music star shot on stage. An ambulance that vanishes into thin air. Nashville’s neon lights are hiding a pitch-black underbelly. Indie Darling by Lauren Nossett is the ultimate music-world obsession.
The Hook
A polarizing indie-pop star is shot live on stage in front of thousands of fans—but the true mystery begins when the ambulance carrying her away vanishes into thin air.
If the answers to a missing person case were hidden inside a band's lyrics, could you solve it? 🕵️♀️ Meet Kelly Williams: a Dolly Parton-loving PI who only takes cases to protect women. Her new client just went missing from a live stage.
Elevator Pitch
When Seraph, the magnetic lead singer of The Garden Snakes, is abducted following an on-stage shooting, a specialized private investigator must navigate Nashville's toxic music industry. To find her, she must decode cryptic lyrical clues and unmask an obsessed stalker hidden within the star’s inner circle.
Setting
Nashville, Tennessee—specifically contrasting the glamorous, glittery stage lights of Music City against its gritty, cut-throat corporate underbelly.
Vibe
Glittery yet gritty, tense, fast-paced, and deeply atmospheric. It perfectly channels the parasocial obsession of modern fandom mixed with a classic neon-noir aesthetic.
Genre
Mystery / Psychological Thriller / Crime Fiction / Music Industry Noir.
Themes
~Parasocial Obsession:
The terrifying reality of modern celebrity culture and aggressive fandoms.
~The Cost of Stardom:
Exploitation, greed, and the sacrifices women make to survive the music industry.
~Female Solidarity:
Protecting vulnerable women in places where institutional systems fail them.
Standout Characters
~Kelly Williams: A fierce, sports-car-driving private investigator who listens to Dolly Parton and dedicates her agency solely to helping women.
~Sarah "Seraph" Owens: The enigmatic, troubled frontwoman of The Garden Snakes whose feminist anthems mask a dark past.
Author Writing Standout
Lauren Nossett brilliantly weaves cryptic song lyrics and multimedia clues into the narrative, allowing the reader to act as a co-detective trying to solve the cipher alongside Kelly.
Takeaway
True talent is a dangerous commodity in a celebrity-obsessed world that values consumption over the actual human creator.
Title Significance
Indie Darling serves a dual meaning: it is the industry label given to an organic, critically acclaimed female artist, but it also highlights how society treats these artists as disposable "darlings" to be played with and controlled.
Metaphor
The novel operates like a vinyl record with a hidden, scratchy B-side—smooth and melodic on the surface, but skipping with dark, jarring secrets underneath.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you want a fast-paced thriller that pairs the addictive, music-industry drama of Daisy Jones & The Six with the sharp, relentless investigative grit of a classic detective noir.
My Thoughts
Nossett hits all the right chords with this one. Kelly Williams is an instantly memorable protagonist whose warmth and love for Dolly Parton balance out the pitch-black cynicism of the music industry executives she goes up against. The locked-room feel of a band's toxic inner circle keeps the tension exceptionally high.
Audio Standout 🎧 Amara Jasper
Amara Jasper delivers a masterclass in solo narration. She seamlessly transitions between Kelly’s methodical, deeply empathetic southern PI voice and the high-wire, frantic panic of Nashville's music industry elites. Her performance turns the book's multimedia elements—like podcast snippets and media reports—into a genuinely cinematic listening experience.
Verdict
A Must-Read (4.5/5 Stars). Indie Darling is an electric, razor-sharp puzzle that effortlessly balances the glitzy allure of Music City against the dark, cynical reality of industry exploitation. Nossett anchors a potentially far-fetched missing-persons premise with meticulous plotting, delivering a logical and deeply satisfying payoff that respects the reader's intelligence. It is a brilliant, front-row seat to a toxic industry that will keep you completely hooked until the final track drops.
Recs or Read-Alikes
~Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon — Perfect for fans of Indie Darling; this dark psychological thriller follows an all-female rock band whose rise to fame turns deadly.
~Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Offers the same music-infused obsession and toxic band dynamics, but stripped of the crime element.
~A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan — Captures the cynical corporate music industry vibes, acting like Indie Darling if it were given a brilliant, structural thriller twist.
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2026, and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted at
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: July 28, 2026
July 2026 Must-Read Books
"A razor-sharp, pitch-black thriller that hooks you from the very first track. Nossett brilliantly exposes the dark, parasitic underbelly of the music industry in a story that is as stylish as it is terrifying. Elevated to absolute perfection by Amara Jasper’s hypnotic narration, this audiobook is an absolute must-listen for summer!"
In Indie Darling, award-winning author Lauren Nossett delivers a dazzling, propulsive, and deeply atmospheric Nashville-music-scene domestic psychological suspense novel. The story hinges on a fiercely independent private investigator navigating immense physical and corporate hurdles to locate a missing indie pop star after a shocking onstage shooting shatters the city.
A music star shot on stage. An ambulance that vanishes into thin air. Nashville’s neon lights are hiding a pitch-black underbelly. Indie Darling by Lauren Nossett is the ultimate music-world obsession.
The Hook
A polarizing indie-pop star is shot live on stage in front of thousands of fans—but the true mystery begins when the ambulance carrying her away vanishes into thin air.
If the answers to a missing person case were hidden inside a band's lyrics, could you solve it? 🕵️♀️ Meet Kelly Williams: a Dolly Parton-loving PI who only takes cases to protect women. Her new client just went missing from a live stage.
Elevator Pitch
When Seraph, the magnetic lead singer of The Garden Snakes, is abducted following an on-stage shooting, a specialized private investigator must navigate Nashville's toxic music industry. To find her, she must decode cryptic lyrical clues and unmask an obsessed stalker hidden within the star’s inner circle.
Setting
Nashville, Tennessee—specifically contrasting the glamorous, glittery stage lights of Music City against its gritty, cut-throat corporate underbelly.
Vibe
Glittery yet gritty, tense, fast-paced, and deeply atmospheric. It perfectly channels the parasocial obsession of modern fandom mixed with a classic neon-noir aesthetic.
Genre
Mystery / Psychological Thriller / Crime Fiction / Music Industry Noir.
Themes
~Parasocial Obsession:
The terrifying reality of modern celebrity culture and aggressive fandoms.
~The Cost of Stardom:
Exploitation, greed, and the sacrifices women make to survive the music industry.
~Female Solidarity:
Protecting vulnerable women in places where institutional systems fail them.
Standout Characters
~Kelly Williams: A fierce, sports-car-driving private investigator who listens to Dolly Parton and dedicates her agency solely to helping women.
~Sarah "Seraph" Owens: The enigmatic, troubled frontwoman of The Garden Snakes whose feminist anthems mask a dark past.
Author Writing Standout
Lauren Nossett brilliantly weaves cryptic song lyrics and multimedia clues into the narrative, allowing the reader to act as a co-detective trying to solve the cipher alongside Kelly.
Takeaway
True talent is a dangerous commodity in a celebrity-obsessed world that values consumption over the actual human creator.
Title Significance
Indie Darling serves a dual meaning: it is the industry label given to an organic, critically acclaimed female artist, but it also highlights how society treats these artists as disposable "darlings" to be played with and controlled.
Metaphor
The novel operates like a vinyl record with a hidden, scratchy B-side—smooth and melodic on the surface, but skipping with dark, jarring secrets underneath.
Why You Should Read
Read this if you want a fast-paced thriller that pairs the addictive, music-industry drama of Daisy Jones & The Six with the sharp, relentless investigative grit of a classic detective noir.
My Thoughts
Nossett hits all the right chords with this one. Kelly Williams is an instantly memorable protagonist whose warmth and love for Dolly Parton balance out the pitch-black cynicism of the music industry executives she goes up against. The locked-room feel of a band's toxic inner circle keeps the tension exceptionally high.
Audio Standout 🎧 Amara Jasper
Amara Jasper delivers a masterclass in solo narration. She seamlessly transitions between Kelly’s methodical, deeply empathetic southern PI voice and the high-wire, frantic panic of Nashville's music industry elites. Her performance turns the book's multimedia elements—like podcast snippets and media reports—into a genuinely cinematic listening experience.
Verdict
A Must-Read (4.5/5 Stars). Indie Darling is an electric, razor-sharp puzzle that effortlessly balances the glitzy allure of Music City against the dark, cynical reality of industry exploitation. Nossett anchors a potentially far-fetched missing-persons premise with meticulous plotting, delivering a logical and deeply satisfying payoff that respects the reader's intelligence. It is a brilliant, front-row seat to a toxic industry that will keep you completely hooked until the final track drops.
Recs or Read-Alikes
~Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon — Perfect for fans of Indie Darling; this dark psychological thriller follows an all-female rock band whose rise to fame turns deadly.
~Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Offers the same music-infused obsession and toxic band dynamics, but stripped of the crime element.
~A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan — Captures the cynical corporate music industry vibes, acting like Indie Darling if it were given a brilliant, structural thriller twist.
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2026, and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted at
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: July 28, 2026
July 2026 Must-Read Books
August 3, 2026
Lauren Nossett, the award-winning author of THE RESEMBLANCE and THE PROFESSOR, delivers her breakout hit with INDIE DARLING, a cleverly constructed and dynamic story of a Dolly Parton–obsessed private detective who is hired to investigate a pop star’s stalker…and winds up drawn into her shocking disappearance.
Like her idol, Kelly Williams knows the power of a suit of armor in the form of a low-cut blouse, some stilettos and red lipstick. But whereas Dolly can’t help but find herself in the spotlight, Kelly’s costumes hide both her and her career --- private investigation --- from the public. Her ability to blend in while standing out has made her successful, and she chooses her clients carefully: only women. Those seeking her skills include wives who suspect their husbands are cheating on them and mothers who are mourning lost, drug-dependent daughters.
Sarah Owens is an enigmatic, spellbinding indie darling whose band, The Garden Snakes, is just about to conquer the music world. Though she tends to stick to country, even Kelly is aware of the controversial Nashville artist. Her lyrics confront misogyny head-on, often employing religious and mythological figures to drive home their points about power, control and oppression. It’s clear that Sarah --- who goes by Seraph when performing --- has numerous fans and followers, and even some toxic commenters who obsess over her. But one in particular has stood out.
Two years ago, Sarah, along with her bandmates and roommates, Remy Lin and Janelle Jenkins, began receiving alarming messages at their home. The stuff of serial killers, the letters are cut from magazines and newspapers, and they scream about the girls and their “whorish” ways. A broken window follows, along with increasingly threatening notes. Then Sarah is attacked one evening and branded with the letter W, the mark singeing her skin. Knowing the scrutiny that women face in police departments, Sarah hires Kelly to help her identify and stop her stalker. But Kelly first will have to learn about the people closest to Sarah, both to understand her and to rule them out. The latter doesn’t come so easily.
When The Garden Snakes began, they were a quintet as the girls were joined by Tommy Elder and Cole Atkins. Since leaving the group, the men have gone on to start their own band, but it is nowhere near as popular as the now female-led Garden Snakes. They have become known not just for their lyricism and performances, but also for the high-level scavenger hunts that Sarah plans around the city to launch new songs and albums or share secret performances. It seems that Tommy and Cole's potential hurt and jealousy could be further amplified by Sarah’s ever-growing status as a creative icon, on par with the likes of Lady Gaga. Then there’s her manager, Ross Nolan, a typical powerful white man who boasts a label full of stars…and his own sexual assault rumors. Amid the #MeToo era, fans are eager to dissect Sarah’s lyrics for clues that Ross has abused her or the rest of the band.
Having the lay of the land, Kelly attends NashFest, a huge concert where The Garden Snakes are set to perform. But just as Sarah launches the band’s most popular and controversial song, mayhem breaks out, and Sarah is shot. In the chaos that follows, she is whisked away in an ambulance, never to be seen again. The vehicle --- stolen and wiped clean of its GPS tracker --- is found abandoned with no trace of Sarah, her shooter or her abductor. The amount of blood on the stage indicates that survival is unlikely, but Kelly made a promise to help Sarah, and she’s not backing down yet.
As Kelly digs deeper, she learns of even more suspects. Sarah, despite her current larger-than-life personality and stage presence, rose from far more meager and conservative roots. In the years since her career has begun to take off, her country cousins have raged against her skimpy outfits, God-hating lyrics and departure from a good Christian way of life. In the wake of Sarah’s disappearance, a TikToker has begun posting eerily private videos of the band’s early days that seem to indicate much more in-band tension than Sarah, Remy or Janelle ever let on.
Around the same time, Kelly herself begins to receive strange packages that bring with them even more questions about Sarah, her attacker and the band’s very origins. It is here that Lauren Nossett ratchets up her pacing and intensity, zeroing in on not just the many possible suspects, but also music industry power plays and Kelly’s own growing obsession with solving the case. Unlike the suspicious and frequently inept police, Kelly has a very personal connection to Sarah’s story. She, too, once had to look over her shoulder at every sound, to gather up her son and flee their home in the night, and she will stop at nothing to make sure that Sarah no longer has to feel the same way.
Pairing the vibrant city of Nashville with the intricate (and often exploitative) dynamics of the music industry, Lauren Nossett takes on the ambitious task of writing a mystery on a national stage, where suspects, clues and red herrings abound and nearly everyone is a potential culprit. It’s an expansive, demanding approach, but not only does she handle it with ease, she also manages to weave in truly poignant and thought-provoking descriptions of abuse, consent, artistic growth and victim-shaming.
Kelly Williams is a charming, smart-talking and clever character whom readers are sure to love. Her vow to protect, support and champion women is immediately gripping, and when she backs it up with a near-obsessive search for answers, her strong investigative mind is lit on fire. At the same time, though, she carries a real sense of hope and a surprisingly fun sense of humor.
Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ashley Winstead and Jennifer Hillier will devour this expertly written mystery and demand a sequel.
Reviewed by Rebecca Munro
Like her idol, Kelly Williams knows the power of a suit of armor in the form of a low-cut blouse, some stilettos and red lipstick. But whereas Dolly can’t help but find herself in the spotlight, Kelly’s costumes hide both her and her career --- private investigation --- from the public. Her ability to blend in while standing out has made her successful, and she chooses her clients carefully: only women. Those seeking her skills include wives who suspect their husbands are cheating on them and mothers who are mourning lost, drug-dependent daughters.
Sarah Owens is an enigmatic, spellbinding indie darling whose band, The Garden Snakes, is just about to conquer the music world. Though she tends to stick to country, even Kelly is aware of the controversial Nashville artist. Her lyrics confront misogyny head-on, often employing religious and mythological figures to drive home their points about power, control and oppression. It’s clear that Sarah --- who goes by Seraph when performing --- has numerous fans and followers, and even some toxic commenters who obsess over her. But one in particular has stood out.
Two years ago, Sarah, along with her bandmates and roommates, Remy Lin and Janelle Jenkins, began receiving alarming messages at their home. The stuff of serial killers, the letters are cut from magazines and newspapers, and they scream about the girls and their “whorish” ways. A broken window follows, along with increasingly threatening notes. Then Sarah is attacked one evening and branded with the letter W, the mark singeing her skin. Knowing the scrutiny that women face in police departments, Sarah hires Kelly to help her identify and stop her stalker. But Kelly first will have to learn about the people closest to Sarah, both to understand her and to rule them out. The latter doesn’t come so easily.
When The Garden Snakes began, they were a quintet as the girls were joined by Tommy Elder and Cole Atkins. Since leaving the group, the men have gone on to start their own band, but it is nowhere near as popular as the now female-led Garden Snakes. They have become known not just for their lyricism and performances, but also for the high-level scavenger hunts that Sarah plans around the city to launch new songs and albums or share secret performances. It seems that Tommy and Cole's potential hurt and jealousy could be further amplified by Sarah’s ever-growing status as a creative icon, on par with the likes of Lady Gaga. Then there’s her manager, Ross Nolan, a typical powerful white man who boasts a label full of stars…and his own sexual assault rumors. Amid the #MeToo era, fans are eager to dissect Sarah’s lyrics for clues that Ross has abused her or the rest of the band.
Having the lay of the land, Kelly attends NashFest, a huge concert where The Garden Snakes are set to perform. But just as Sarah launches the band’s most popular and controversial song, mayhem breaks out, and Sarah is shot. In the chaos that follows, she is whisked away in an ambulance, never to be seen again. The vehicle --- stolen and wiped clean of its GPS tracker --- is found abandoned with no trace of Sarah, her shooter or her abductor. The amount of blood on the stage indicates that survival is unlikely, but Kelly made a promise to help Sarah, and she’s not backing down yet.
As Kelly digs deeper, she learns of even more suspects. Sarah, despite her current larger-than-life personality and stage presence, rose from far more meager and conservative roots. In the years since her career has begun to take off, her country cousins have raged against her skimpy outfits, God-hating lyrics and departure from a good Christian way of life. In the wake of Sarah’s disappearance, a TikToker has begun posting eerily private videos of the band’s early days that seem to indicate much more in-band tension than Sarah, Remy or Janelle ever let on.
Around the same time, Kelly herself begins to receive strange packages that bring with them even more questions about Sarah, her attacker and the band’s very origins. It is here that Lauren Nossett ratchets up her pacing and intensity, zeroing in on not just the many possible suspects, but also music industry power plays and Kelly’s own growing obsession with solving the case. Unlike the suspicious and frequently inept police, Kelly has a very personal connection to Sarah’s story. She, too, once had to look over her shoulder at every sound, to gather up her son and flee their home in the night, and she will stop at nothing to make sure that Sarah no longer has to feel the same way.
Pairing the vibrant city of Nashville with the intricate (and often exploitative) dynamics of the music industry, Lauren Nossett takes on the ambitious task of writing a mystery on a national stage, where suspects, clues and red herrings abound and nearly everyone is a potential culprit. It’s an expansive, demanding approach, but not only does she handle it with ease, she also manages to weave in truly poignant and thought-provoking descriptions of abuse, consent, artistic growth and victim-shaming.
Kelly Williams is a charming, smart-talking and clever character whom readers are sure to love. Her vow to protect, support and champion women is immediately gripping, and when she backs it up with a near-obsessive search for answers, her strong investigative mind is lit on fire. At the same time, though, she carries a real sense of hope and a surprisingly fun sense of humor.
Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ashley Winstead and Jennifer Hillier will devour this expertly written mystery and demand a sequel.
Reviewed by Rebecca Munro
July 30, 2026
I loved Lauren’s debut, THE RESEMBLANCE, and her sophomore novel, THE PROFESSOR! She quickly became an auto-buy author for me, so I’m not at all surprised that I also loved INDIE DARLING 🎸
Kelly Williams is a Dolly Parton-loving private detective living in Nashville, with one mission: help women. Her new task is to dig into the disappearance of a pop star.
I was intrigued right away! I loved how Nossett fused the mystery with cryptic lyrics. It was fun trying to solve the case alongside Kelly! The story is centered around strong women, which I also loved.
INDIE DARLING is a layered mystery that explores obsession and the cost of fame.
This is a fresh mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy books about pop culture and the music industry.
Kelly Williams is a Dolly Parton-loving private detective living in Nashville, with one mission: help women. Her new task is to dig into the disappearance of a pop star.
I was intrigued right away! I loved how Nossett fused the mystery with cryptic lyrics. It was fun trying to solve the case alongside Kelly! The story is centered around strong women, which I also loved.
INDIE DARLING is a layered mystery that explores obsession and the cost of fame.
This is a fresh mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy books about pop culture and the music industry.
July 29, 2026
Solid Story Of Legacy And Family Marred By Prominent Hyper Leftist Politics. As far as the tale as a whole here goes, this is one of those tales that is actually at least somewhat like The Great Gatsby: The beginning is a bunch of *utter* shit, but once you get beyond it into the actual meat of the story, it actually opens up into a rather spectacular tale... that in this case returns to at least some of the utter shit deeper in, but at least at this later point it is more "shit flavored" than straight "eating shit".
The base story - of a single mom PI investigating the threats to an indie band and the fallout thereof (without going to spoilery) - is truly great. There's a lot of strong and interesting characters here, and the more meta level discussion of legacy, fame, family, and even death is truly well done.
Which is why the inclusion and prominence of such hyper leftist politics is such a shame, because it will lead to many readers either never picking this book up, actively defenestrating it if they do, or at bare minimum DNFing it and likely leaving a lower starred review than even this one - and every bit of this is absolutely a self inflicted own goal that truly wasn't necessary.
Specifically, as is my style in my reviews, these are the reasons stars were lost:
Hyper feminism to the point of active and pervasive misandry. Yes, there are a couple of decent male characters here. But the utter hatred our main character shows for essentially all things male utterly drips from the page, particularly early on, and when we finally find at least one source of this character's hatred - a looming threat throughout the book, lurking in the background - it turns out to be a perfectly reasonable nothingburger *far* from the active threat the tale before the reveal had made it out to be.
Note here that I actually *do* have some of my own experience with some of the very issues raised here. I'm not denying the reality of *some* cases whatsoever. I worked for a District Attorney many years ago, and among the cases I personally worked on were one where a woman came to us for a restraining order, got it... and the man she got it against murdered her days later anyway, as well as another involving a father raping his own daughter. One scene from the trial of that last case there in particular will haunt me to my dying day, because I had personally been sworn in as a witness for that specific trial when the Defense accused me of not copying all digital evidence (I had), and thus I was actively in the courtroom for the utterly horrifying and sickening moment that ultimately sealed that person's fate. I doubt I'm the only one present that day who will remember that specific moment the rest of their lives, and to be clear this was roughly 16 yrs ago now, or over 1/3 of my own lifetime ago. I've seen the depths of evil even in this Millennium's South worse than even the book portrays here - those are just some of the cases I've worked at a professional level, I've dealt with others as bad or worse on a personal level as well - and yet I haven't let that lead me to such general hatred of all things man. Nor women, when women have been just as evil. (And yes, I've seen a lot of that too.) So like I said, absolute own goal here.
The other star comes off from the anti-gun politics, even as a gun is actively used here in a situation reminiscent of both the Butler, PA assassination attempt of President Trump during the 2024 campaign and the 2017 Las Vegas concert festival shooting - to the level that those particularly traumatized by those events should likely skip this book if you're not mentally prepared to handle a scene portrayed very close in nature to those two events. Again, absolute own goal here where the scenes could have worked *even better* without the political diatribes.
But hey, maybe you like those kinds of politics. In which case you're absolutely going to love this book. Truly. So if you're one of those types of readers, *please* pick this book up. Read it. Review it. Leave a glowing review praising everything about this book, including the politics. Reach out to your political allies and tell them of this wondrous tale.
But if you're more similar to me and have more issues with such politics, particularly in your fictional books you read largely to try to escape politics and simply have a great tale, yeah, just skip this one. Spare Nossett the more scathing review, as I think I've done a reasonably balanced one here and perhaps you may be more inclined to be... "less gentle". Maybe the book deserves that, but Nossett herself is simply a person writing a tale she clearly believes in and enjoys, and she doesn't need your rant. Arguably doesn't even need this one, but again, I like to think I'm reasonably well balanced and I am in fact in these last two paragraphs alone actively telling those I think will enjoy this book to read and spread it and those I think won't like this book to simply avoid it - which alone speaks to a reasonable balance, to my mind.
Overall, again, truly a strong tale for what the tale itself is... but the politics included herein are absolutely going to determine which readers enjoy it to what levels.
Recommended, if you agree with its political bent.
The base story - of a single mom PI investigating the threats to an indie band and the fallout thereof (without going to spoilery) - is truly great. There's a lot of strong and interesting characters here, and the more meta level discussion of legacy, fame, family, and even death is truly well done.
Which is why the inclusion and prominence of such hyper leftist politics is such a shame, because it will lead to many readers either never picking this book up, actively defenestrating it if they do, or at bare minimum DNFing it and likely leaving a lower starred review than even this one - and every bit of this is absolutely a self inflicted own goal that truly wasn't necessary.
Specifically, as is my style in my reviews, these are the reasons stars were lost:
Hyper feminism to the point of active and pervasive misandry. Yes, there are a couple of decent male characters here. But the utter hatred our main character shows for essentially all things male utterly drips from the page, particularly early on, and when we finally find at least one source of this character's hatred - a looming threat throughout the book, lurking in the background - it turns out to be a perfectly reasonable nothingburger *far* from the active threat the tale before the reveal had made it out to be.
Note here that I actually *do* have some of my own experience with some of the very issues raised here. I'm not denying the reality of *some* cases whatsoever. I worked for a District Attorney many years ago, and among the cases I personally worked on were one where a woman came to us for a restraining order, got it... and the man she got it against murdered her days later anyway, as well as another involving a father raping his own daughter. One scene from the trial of that last case there in particular will haunt me to my dying day, because I had personally been sworn in as a witness for that specific trial when the Defense accused me of not copying all digital evidence (I had), and thus I was actively in the courtroom for the utterly horrifying and sickening moment that ultimately sealed that person's fate. I doubt I'm the only one present that day who will remember that specific moment the rest of their lives, and to be clear this was roughly 16 yrs ago now, or over 1/3 of my own lifetime ago. I've seen the depths of evil even in this Millennium's South worse than even the book portrays here - those are just some of the cases I've worked at a professional level, I've dealt with others as bad or worse on a personal level as well - and yet I haven't let that lead me to such general hatred of all things man. Nor women, when women have been just as evil. (And yes, I've seen a lot of that too.) So like I said, absolute own goal here.
The other star comes off from the anti-gun politics, even as a gun is actively used here in a situation reminiscent of both the Butler, PA assassination attempt of President Trump during the 2024 campaign and the 2017 Las Vegas concert festival shooting - to the level that those particularly traumatized by those events should likely skip this book if you're not mentally prepared to handle a scene portrayed very close in nature to those two events. Again, absolute own goal here where the scenes could have worked *even better* without the political diatribes.
But hey, maybe you like those kinds of politics. In which case you're absolutely going to love this book. Truly. So if you're one of those types of readers, *please* pick this book up. Read it. Review it. Leave a glowing review praising everything about this book, including the politics. Reach out to your political allies and tell them of this wondrous tale.
But if you're more similar to me and have more issues with such politics, particularly in your fictional books you read largely to try to escape politics and simply have a great tale, yeah, just skip this one. Spare Nossett the more scathing review, as I think I've done a reasonably balanced one here and perhaps you may be more inclined to be... "less gentle". Maybe the book deserves that, but Nossett herself is simply a person writing a tale she clearly believes in and enjoys, and she doesn't need your rant. Arguably doesn't even need this one, but again, I like to think I'm reasonably well balanced and I am in fact in these last two paragraphs alone actively telling those I think will enjoy this book to read and spread it and those I think won't like this book to simply avoid it - which alone speaks to a reasonable balance, to my mind.
Overall, again, truly a strong tale for what the tale itself is... but the politics included herein are absolutely going to determine which readers enjoy it to what levels.
Recommended, if you agree with its political bent.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Indie Darling feels like somebody looked at a corkboard covered in red string and said, "Okay, but what if we made it feminist and gave it a Dolly Parton soundtrack?" And honestly? I was in.
Our girl Kelly Williams is a Nashville PI who exclusively helps women, loves Dolly with the intensity of a woman who has found her religion, and drives around solving problems while most mystery protagonists are still busy withholding information from the police for no reason. The second a famous indie singer named Seraph hires her to investigate escalating threats and stalking, you know this thing is about to spiral. Then Seraph gets shot on stage and somehow the situation gets even weirder, which is honestly impressive. That's already a lot of plot. Most books would take a nap after that. This one keeps running.
Kelly absolutely carried this book for me. She has that rare mystery protagonist quality where I actually wanted to spend time with her. She's competent without being smug, caring without being sanctimonious, and she genuinely likes helping people. Which shouldn't feel revolutionary, but after years of reading detectives who act like human interaction is a federal crime, it really does. I would happily follow Kelly through six more books, three questionable stakeouts, and at least one situation where she definitely should have called for backup but decided vibes were enough.
The celebrity angle worked for me more than I expected because it isn't really about fame. It's about what happens when people convince themselves they own you.
Seraph has the kind of fanbase that would spend six hours analyzing an Instagram caption and emerge with a seventeen-page manifesto. Every lyric is a clue. Every appearance means something. Every silence means something. At one point I felt like the entire city of Nashville was treating this woman like a human escape room. The book gets at something genuinely unsettling about how female artists become public property while everyone insists they're doing it out of love.
The audiobook deserves its flowers because Amara Jasper understood the assignment. Kelly's voice is warm and funny and stubborn in exactly the way I imagined. The narration adds so much personality that even when Kelly is marching directly toward danger with the confidence of someone who has apparently never watched a true crime documentary, I was fully locked in. There are narrators who read a book. Amara Jasper felt like she was sitting across from me telling me the story over coffee and occasionally interrupting herself because she just remembered another suspicious thing somebody said.
Now, was the mystery itself the most shocking thing I've ever read? Not exactly. There were a couple moments where the book revealed something with dramatic flair and I was sitting there like, "Yes, sweetheart, I've been carrying that suspicion around for three chapters." The bigger issue for me was pacing. The lyrics, recordings, clues, and various artifacts of Seraph's life all make thematic sense, but sometimes they slowed things down when I really just wanted Kelly back on the case asking uncomfortable questions and making everybody nervous.
But here's the thing. The reason this still worked for me is because underneath all the mystery mechanics, it's actually a pretty sad story about women trying to survive being turned into symbols.
Kelly sees women as people. The world around her often doesn't. That's true for her clients. It's true for Seraph. It's true for almost every woman in this book. The story keeps returning to that idea without ever climbing onto a soapbox about it, and those were the moments that hit hardest.
By the end, I was less invested in whether I got every mystery answer and more invested in Kelly herself, which feels like a pretty strong argument for making this a series because I am not remotely done hanging out with her.
This ended up being a solid 3.5 stars for me. Not because I wasn't entertained. I absolutely was. I just wanted a little more punch from the mystery itself. But Kelly? Kelly is a five-star character living in a three-and-a-half-star mystery, and frankly that's still a pretty good time.
Whodunity Award: For Turning Nashville Into the Most Suspicious City in America and Making Me Distrust Every Person Holding a Guitar Case
And thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. You gave me a Dolly-worshipping detective, a missing indie rock goddess, and enough celebrity conspiracy energy to make me feel like I accidentally wandered into a fan subreddit at 2 AM, and for that I am grateful.
Our girl Kelly Williams is a Nashville PI who exclusively helps women, loves Dolly with the intensity of a woman who has found her religion, and drives around solving problems while most mystery protagonists are still busy withholding information from the police for no reason. The second a famous indie singer named Seraph hires her to investigate escalating threats and stalking, you know this thing is about to spiral. Then Seraph gets shot on stage and somehow the situation gets even weirder, which is honestly impressive. That's already a lot of plot. Most books would take a nap after that. This one keeps running.
Kelly absolutely carried this book for me. She has that rare mystery protagonist quality where I actually wanted to spend time with her. She's competent without being smug, caring without being sanctimonious, and she genuinely likes helping people. Which shouldn't feel revolutionary, but after years of reading detectives who act like human interaction is a federal crime, it really does. I would happily follow Kelly through six more books, three questionable stakeouts, and at least one situation where she definitely should have called for backup but decided vibes were enough.
The celebrity angle worked for me more than I expected because it isn't really about fame. It's about what happens when people convince themselves they own you.
Seraph has the kind of fanbase that would spend six hours analyzing an Instagram caption and emerge with a seventeen-page manifesto. Every lyric is a clue. Every appearance means something. Every silence means something. At one point I felt like the entire city of Nashville was treating this woman like a human escape room. The book gets at something genuinely unsettling about how female artists become public property while everyone insists they're doing it out of love.
The audiobook deserves its flowers because Amara Jasper understood the assignment. Kelly's voice is warm and funny and stubborn in exactly the way I imagined. The narration adds so much personality that even when Kelly is marching directly toward danger with the confidence of someone who has apparently never watched a true crime documentary, I was fully locked in. There are narrators who read a book. Amara Jasper felt like she was sitting across from me telling me the story over coffee and occasionally interrupting herself because she just remembered another suspicious thing somebody said.
Now, was the mystery itself the most shocking thing I've ever read? Not exactly. There were a couple moments where the book revealed something with dramatic flair and I was sitting there like, "Yes, sweetheart, I've been carrying that suspicion around for three chapters." The bigger issue for me was pacing. The lyrics, recordings, clues, and various artifacts of Seraph's life all make thematic sense, but sometimes they slowed things down when I really just wanted Kelly back on the case asking uncomfortable questions and making everybody nervous.
But here's the thing. The reason this still worked for me is because underneath all the mystery mechanics, it's actually a pretty sad story about women trying to survive being turned into symbols.
Kelly sees women as people. The world around her often doesn't. That's true for her clients. It's true for Seraph. It's true for almost every woman in this book. The story keeps returning to that idea without ever climbing onto a soapbox about it, and those were the moments that hit hardest.
By the end, I was less invested in whether I got every mystery answer and more invested in Kelly herself, which feels like a pretty strong argument for making this a series because I am not remotely done hanging out with her.
This ended up being a solid 3.5 stars for me. Not because I wasn't entertained. I absolutely was. I just wanted a little more punch from the mystery itself. But Kelly? Kelly is a five-star character living in a three-and-a-half-star mystery, and frankly that's still a pretty good time.
Whodunity Award: For Turning Nashville Into the Most Suspicious City in America and Making Me Distrust Every Person Holding a Guitar Case
And thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. You gave me a Dolly-worshipping detective, a missing indie rock goddess, and enough celebrity conspiracy energy to make me feel like I accidentally wandered into a fan subreddit at 2 AM, and for that I am grateful.
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