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Dublin Drag Mysteries #1
Death in Heels
When Fi went to support her best friend’s drag debut, she didn’t imagine a killer would be going to watch it too. And they’re waiting for their grand finale…
Fi McKinnery is full of nerves as the gorgeous Mae B (aka her best friend Robyn) takes to the stage for her debut at drag club TRASH, but Mae B is dazzling…that is until local queen Eve lampoons her performance and ruins the show. So when Eve turns up dead later that night, face down in the gutter of a rain-soaked Dublin street, the timing seems awfully suspicious…
The police are quick to rule Eve’s death an accident, but Fi is convinced it was foul play. When her ‘Hagatha Christie’ amateur sleuthing backfires, it drives a wedge between Fi and Robyn. But when another friend is targeted in a hit-and-run, she’s determined to get this twisted killer caught, no matter what the consequences.
Even as the rest of the gang start to distance themselves, Fi is certain that they’re all in terrible danger. Something dark is lurking beneath the feathers, glitter and sequins of Dublin’s drag scene. And it’s not just the sticky floor and cracked mirrors. Someone is targeting the queens. When another member of the group is gunned down, it’s clear the danger is coming ever closer. Can Fi stop the killer before any more of her friends are hurt?
Fi McKinnery is full of nerves as the gorgeous Mae B (aka her best friend Robyn) takes to the stage for her debut at drag club TRASH, but Mae B is dazzling…that is until local queen Eve lampoons her performance and ruins the show. So when Eve turns up dead later that night, face down in the gutter of a rain-soaked Dublin street, the timing seems awfully suspicious…
The police are quick to rule Eve’s death an accident, but Fi is convinced it was foul play. When her ‘Hagatha Christie’ amateur sleuthing backfires, it drives a wedge between Fi and Robyn. But when another friend is targeted in a hit-and-run, she’s determined to get this twisted killer caught, no matter what the consequences.
Even as the rest of the gang start to distance themselves, Fi is certain that they’re all in terrible danger. Something dark is lurking beneath the feathers, glitter and sequins of Dublin’s drag scene. And it’s not just the sticky floor and cracked mirrors. Someone is targeting the queens. When another member of the group is gunned down, it’s clear the danger is coming ever closer. Can Fi stop the killer before any more of her friends are hurt?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
259 people are currently reading
3690 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 22, 2023
Man, I hate that I can’t recommend this one wholeheartedly. So much of it is adorable and fun, a cozy mystery set in Dublin’s drag community. But there are real problems.
First, I did not realize that the main character of Fi was a straight woman when I read the synopsis. I thought this was going to be about a drag queen solving a murder. God, that would have been awesome. Fi is a fine character, but it was a disappointment to say the least.
Fi finds Eve, a viper dressed in drag from her friend’s club TRASH, murdered in the street. Only, no one believes that Eve was murdered. And Fi’s pushing causes friction between her and her best friend Robyn. Now, there’s this thing where straight girls try to push into queer spaces and there is understandable pushback from people like Thora and Merkin when they feel that is what Fi is doing. But Robyn is Fi’s best friend from childhood, and it makes zero sense why he turns on her so easily.
The details about the drag performances and culture are wonderful. The shows are often the grandest thing you have ever seen and put together with duct tape and sofa cushions. And the welcoming family that embrace Robyn at TRASH is honestly beautiful. Plus, the Gingham Mafia was perfect.
But the actual killer? Baffling. Like, this would have been an easy 4 stars but for the absolute nonsensical motive.
And, very importantly, part of me feels like this is the queer version of a white savior narrative. Fi comes into the club and is the only person who knows Eve would have never tripped in stilettos? Please.
First, I did not realize that the main character of Fi was a straight woman when I read the synopsis. I thought this was going to be about a drag queen solving a murder. God, that would have been awesome. Fi is a fine character, but it was a disappointment to say the least.
Fi finds Eve, a viper dressed in drag from her friend’s club TRASH, murdered in the street. Only, no one believes that Eve was murdered. And Fi’s pushing causes friction between her and her best friend Robyn. Now, there’s this thing where straight girls try to push into queer spaces and there is understandable pushback from people like Thora and Merkin when they feel that is what Fi is doing. But Robyn is Fi’s best friend from childhood, and it makes zero sense why he turns on her so easily.
The details about the drag performances and culture are wonderful. The shows are often the grandest thing you have ever seen and put together with duct tape and sofa cushions. And the welcoming family that embrace Robyn at TRASH is honestly beautiful. Plus, the Gingham Mafia was perfect.
But the actual killer? Baffling. Like, this would have been an easy 4 stars but for the absolute nonsensical motive.
And, very importantly, part of me feels like this is the queer version of a white savior narrative. Fi comes into the club and is the only person who knows Eve would have never tripped in stilettos? Please.
December 23, 2022
Death in Heels was a delightfully fun read for me, featuring drag queens in Dublin. Fi, the best friend of baby drag Mae B., finds Eve’s body in an alleyway following Mae B.’s big debut. Fi, who the Queens call “little straight girl”, doesn’t believe that Eve died as a result of an accident and goes a little bonkers alienating her friends to pursue who murdered Eve.
I can’t tell you how much I loved the scenes of the drag shows as I felt like I was physically sitting in the audience listening to the songs and laughing hysterically at their antics. I LOVED this cast of characters, and the end had me staying up VERY late turning the pages as quickly as I could.
One of the last scenes takes place at a Pride parade and I loved the thrill of it all.
I’m not usually a reader of cozy mysteries, but learning about the drag scene in Dublin drew me in very quickly! I loved it! What a great premise! I could easily see this book made into a movie.
Pub date is Jan. 1st, 2023.
*Thank you so much to Amazon Publishing for the gifted ARC!*
I can’t tell you how much I loved the scenes of the drag shows as I felt like I was physically sitting in the audience listening to the songs and laughing hysterically at their antics. I LOVED this cast of characters, and the end had me staying up VERY late turning the pages as quickly as I could.
One of the last scenes takes place at a Pride parade and I loved the thrill of it all.
I’m not usually a reader of cozy mysteries, but learning about the drag scene in Dublin drew me in very quickly! I loved it! What a great premise! I could easily see this book made into a movie.
Pub date is Jan. 1st, 2023.
*Thank you so much to Amazon Publishing for the gifted ARC!*
December 30, 2022
A new series for me, a different read, chosen from the Kindle First Reads selection for December.
Fi and Robyn are best friends, sharing a flat. When Robyn finally plucks up the courage to take to the stage as his drag alter ego, Mae B., Fi is there to cheer him on. Little do they know that there is a murderer in the vicinity. When Eva, fellow drag artist, takes to the stage dressed as Mae B and poking fun at Robyn's act it infuriates Fi. However, it's not long before Eva is found outside, dead; the question is was Eva the target or did the murderer think they had caught up with Robyn?
I have to say I enjoyed this one on the whole; the drag queens, their names, the knowledge learned of how to refer to them correctly in today's minefield of genders, and the fabulous description of the costumes! The mystery didn't do it for me; I worked out fairly early on who was responsible - it seemed quite clear-cut to me. I learned a fair bit from this one but I'm not sure I will continue with the series. For me, 3.5 stars.
Fi and Robyn are best friends, sharing a flat. When Robyn finally plucks up the courage to take to the stage as his drag alter ego, Mae B., Fi is there to cheer him on. Little do they know that there is a murderer in the vicinity. When Eva, fellow drag artist, takes to the stage dressed as Mae B and poking fun at Robyn's act it infuriates Fi. However, it's not long before Eva is found outside, dead; the question is was Eva the target or did the murderer think they had caught up with Robyn?
I have to say I enjoyed this one on the whole; the drag queens, their names, the knowledge learned of how to refer to them correctly in today's minefield of genders, and the fabulous description of the costumes! The mystery didn't do it for me; I worked out fairly early on who was responsible - it seemed quite clear-cut to me. I learned a fair bit from this one but I'm not sure I will continue with the series. For me, 3.5 stars.
December 1, 2022
I really liked the premise of this book but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
A found family of drag queens finding a killer is a fun story idea but there were a lot of pieces that didn't add to the story for me. (spoilers below!)
I thought the split between Robyn and Fi was pretty sudden but their reunion was even quicker. Witnessing someone's death is certainly a valid reason for both of them to start acting up, but the fight felt largely useless from the beginning, and the total forgiveness without a conversation felt forced.
I also felt that Fi's storyline wasn't finished, which is definitely in part done to allow for more growth in book two, but there wasn't a small resolution even. She had her job interview that didn't go well, but that storyline just kinda died. Relatedly, the coworker with a crush was never resolved, and the fact of Gavin being her boss's son was a detail that didn't go anywhere (despite it seeming like it was set up to be important).
Fi as a character just was unlikeable to me. Being consistently late for her job with no sign of caring about it, as well as having no consideration for the feelings of others when she wrote her blogs are just a couple of reasons I didn't really root for the main character of the book.
Lastly, I thought Karen being the killer was a strange reveal. I had put it together that it would be her, but she had dumb reasons for wanting to kill her brother so much that she killed a lot of other people. I just found her whole speech about being jealous that her brother was a better girl than her entirely ridiculous. She could have been a good villain in this story if she had had reasons for her actions, but the reasons we were given just didn't work.
Plot- 3 stars
Writing- 4 stars
Characters- 2 stars
A found family of drag queens finding a killer is a fun story idea but there were a lot of pieces that didn't add to the story for me. (spoilers below!)
I thought the split between Robyn and Fi was pretty sudden but their reunion was even quicker. Witnessing someone's death is certainly a valid reason for both of them to start acting up, but the fight felt largely useless from the beginning, and the total forgiveness without a conversation felt forced.
I also felt that Fi's storyline wasn't finished, which is definitely in part done to allow for more growth in book two, but there wasn't a small resolution even. She had her job interview that didn't go well, but that storyline just kinda died. Relatedly, the coworker with a crush was never resolved, and the fact of Gavin being her boss's son was a detail that didn't go anywhere (despite it seeming like it was set up to be important).
Fi as a character just was unlikeable to me. Being consistently late for her job with no sign of caring about it, as well as having no consideration for the feelings of others when she wrote her blogs are just a couple of reasons I didn't really root for the main character of the book.
Lastly, I thought Karen being the killer was a strange reveal. I had put it together that it would be her, but she had dumb reasons for wanting to kill her brother so much that she killed a lot of other people. I just found her whole speech about being jealous that her brother was a better girl than her entirely ridiculous. She could have been a good villain in this story if she had had reasons for her actions, but the reasons we were given just didn't work.
Plot- 3 stars
Writing- 4 stars
Characters- 2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
Hmm. I’d grade this “has potential”. I like the drag setting a lot, but it’s missing the tautness a good mystery needs. Instead of being an engaging web of relationships, motivations and obfuscations it’s just a messy tangle of confusion.
Character establishment and development is poor. There are a ton of drag queen characters and I barely had a handle on any of them. I definitely had zero emotional connection to anybody.
And Fi? Zzz. What does her best friend Robyn like about her so much? Do the other queens actually like her at all? How does she manage to have not one but TWO love interests? There is nothing about her. She has a dead end job and zero hobbies, bar an inexplicably popular photography blog and a hanger-on obsession with her local drag bar. Maybe the author wasn’t confident enough to have a drag queen as the actual protagonist?
Also - Fi barely does any mystery solving. Her main contribution to solving the murder mystery is being certain it was a murder and not an accident - and it’s not even clear why she’s the only one who thinks that. I guess it was supposed to create tension between her and her “friends” (?) at the drag bar?
But yeah, not much detecting goes on. Then it’s a rush to a really quite ridiculous ending.
(Heads up that the murderer is discussed at the start of the sequel. I started reading Death in the Dark without realising it was a sequel so unfortunately I knew the Death in Heels killer from the beginning.)
Character establishment and development is poor. There are a ton of drag queen characters and I barely had a handle on any of them. I definitely had zero emotional connection to anybody.
And Fi? Zzz. What does her best friend Robyn like about her so much? Do the other queens actually like her at all? How does she manage to have not one but TWO love interests? There is nothing about her. She has a dead end job and zero hobbies, bar an inexplicably popular photography blog and a hanger-on obsession with her local drag bar. Maybe the author wasn’t confident enough to have a drag queen as the actual protagonist?
Also - Fi barely does any mystery solving. Her main contribution to solving the murder mystery is being certain it was a murder and not an accident - and it’s not even clear why she’s the only one who thinks that. I guess it was supposed to create tension between her and her “friends” (?) at the drag bar?
But yeah, not much detecting goes on. Then it’s a rush to a really quite ridiculous ending.
(Heads up that the murderer is discussed at the start of the sequel. I started reading Death in the Dark without realising it was a sequel so unfortunately I knew the Death in Heels killer from the beginning.)
July 26, 2022
When Fi McKinnery attends the TRASH nightclub to see new drag queen Mae B's (aka her best friend and roommate Robyn's) debut performance, she doesn't expect the evening to take a sinister turn. When she finds not-so-well-liked queen Eve's body face down in the street, her suspicions of foul play are immediately dismissed by the guards and the drag community alike, leading Fi to have to channel her inner 'Hagatha Christie' to find out what really happened. Are the other queens in danger? If so, who is behind the murderous plot??
Death In Heels is a fabulous 'whodunnit', set in the Dublin drag community, that finds the perfect balance between fun and serious plotline. The characters - Fi, Mae B, Thora, Del and Miss Merkin, to name just a few - are immediately likeable, the reader not being able to resist being drawn into the adventures (and misadventures) of this quirky 'family'.
Commercial mystery writing at its very best, Death in Heels gets a well-deserved 5 stars and I look forward to more from Kitty Murphy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my free copy of the e-book version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Death In Heels is a fabulous 'whodunnit', set in the Dublin drag community, that finds the perfect balance between fun and serious plotline. The characters - Fi, Mae B, Thora, Del and Miss Merkin, to name just a few - are immediately likeable, the reader not being able to resist being drawn into the adventures (and misadventures) of this quirky 'family'.
Commercial mystery writing at its very best, Death in Heels gets a well-deserved 5 stars and I look forward to more from Kitty Murphy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my free copy of the e-book version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
In the last few years the art of drag has become mainstream thanks to tv shows like Drag Race, with some drag queens having worldwide stars status. It’s usual to find them now on tv or in music, but it’s not as usual to find them in literature, so when I found out about Death In Heels I jumped with joy. What could be funnier that a murder mystery plus drag queens?
Fi’s best friend, Robyn, is gonna make his drag debut as Mae B at Trash, a Dublin drag club. Her dazzling performance will get tarnished by Eve’s antics, another queen who’s not much loved among her own. When later that night Eve is found drowned in a gutter, police rules it an accident, but Fi is convinced she was killed. Who would kill a drag queen?
Death In Heels is first in the Dublin Drag Mystery series and a good starting point. First of all, kudos to the author for tackling a different scenario to what it’s typical of cozy mysteries. It’s always good to see some queer representation in genres different than LGBTQIA+ fiction. I loved her approach to it, not ridiculing the art of drag or people doing it, but showing full support for them, not only from others in the community, but from their own families. I may have gotten a bit emotional reading how proud Mae B’s mom and grandpa were of her. Thank you for that.
The mystery was interesting although there was not much sleuthing involved. Fi, aka Hagatha Christie, was pretty tenacious despite having everyone against. I found some of the other characters a bit irritating. Fi and Robyn’s relationship had its ups and downs but, in my opinion, they were too sudden. Their fight fell a bit disproportionate considering they were best friends.
I liked the characterization of the queens and the club environment. They felt pretty realistic. I also liked how the author drew attention on the pronouns issue and how to refer to someone correctly. The dialogue between the queens was all of sass and humor and it was quite fun to read.
Despite some red-herrings that made me doubt my initial theory for a moment, I guessed correctly the villain, but found their motivations a bit weak. The resolution veered into an action story and felt a bit OTT.
Great premise, entertaining mystery and characters with room to grow, so I’ll keep my eye out for the second book in the series.
Thanks to FMcM for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and a spot on the tour.
In the last few years the art of drag has become mainstream thanks to tv shows like Drag Race, with some drag queens having worldwide stars status. It’s usual to find them now on tv or in music, but it’s not as usual to find them in literature, so when I found out about Death In Heels I jumped with joy. What could be funnier that a murder mystery plus drag queens?
Fi’s best friend, Robyn, is gonna make his drag debut as Mae B at Trash, a Dublin drag club. Her dazzling performance will get tarnished by Eve’s antics, another queen who’s not much loved among her own. When later that night Eve is found drowned in a gutter, police rules it an accident, but Fi is convinced she was killed. Who would kill a drag queen?
Death In Heels is first in the Dublin Drag Mystery series and a good starting point. First of all, kudos to the author for tackling a different scenario to what it’s typical of cozy mysteries. It’s always good to see some queer representation in genres different than LGBTQIA+ fiction. I loved her approach to it, not ridiculing the art of drag or people doing it, but showing full support for them, not only from others in the community, but from their own families. I may have gotten a bit emotional reading how proud Mae B’s mom and grandpa were of her. Thank you for that.
The mystery was interesting although there was not much sleuthing involved. Fi, aka Hagatha Christie, was pretty tenacious despite having everyone against. I found some of the other characters a bit irritating. Fi and Robyn’s relationship had its ups and downs but, in my opinion, they were too sudden. Their fight fell a bit disproportionate considering they were best friends.
I liked the characterization of the queens and the club environment. They felt pretty realistic. I also liked how the author drew attention on the pronouns issue and how to refer to someone correctly. The dialogue between the queens was all of sass and humor and it was quite fun to read.
Despite some red-herrings that made me doubt my initial theory for a moment, I guessed correctly the villain, but found their motivations a bit weak. The resolution veered into an action story and felt a bit OTT.
Great premise, entertaining mystery and characters with room to grow, so I’ll keep my eye out for the second book in the series.
Thanks to FMcM for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review and a spot on the tour.
January 15, 2023
3.5 rounded up! I enjoyed it. It got a bit boring in the middle of the book but first half and a few last chapters were really really good. I love how sassy of all the drag queens in this book and love love love their big personalities. They make me smile so much.
August 10, 2023
WARNING SPOILERS
honestly was a very hard book to finish, I mainly did because I wanted to find out who the murderer was. This book felt extremely unrealistic so it was hard to follow. And not unrealistic because “who would want to murder a drag queen” but because the amount of support around every single drag queen seemed far fetched And maybe that’s a part of it right? It’s nice to live in this world where cis-het men understand pronouns and grandfathers come to pride parades to support their drag queen grandsons, but because I know it will be a long time before that world exists, I rolled my eyes a lot.
And I hate that, because I recognize the author identifies as bi&queer and grew up in LGBT spaces.. but I’m like.. extremely catholic Ireland is this progressive? Really? And even the one scene where a hate crime was about to ensue it just felt so mellow dramatic. Maybe I’m jaded, idk.
To the actual story, it took forever to actually pick up, it felt like no one really had a motive, and once I found out the murderer it was so weird that it’s the person who’s only showed up in the story 3 extremely forgettable times and even their motive was so lame. And the drama between Fi and Robyn was so lame it didn’t feel like a real reason to argue and end a friendship. Just a lot of eye rolling.
Idk. I probably just hate murder mysteries. Please take this with a grain of salt, esp. if you like murder mysteries and want to read a semi-fantasy perfect world where the only realistic thing is how negligent the cops were.
honestly was a very hard book to finish, I mainly did because I wanted to find out who the murderer was. This book felt extremely unrealistic so it was hard to follow. And not unrealistic because “who would want to murder a drag queen” but because the amount of support around every single drag queen seemed far fetched And maybe that’s a part of it right? It’s nice to live in this world where cis-het men understand pronouns and grandfathers come to pride parades to support their drag queen grandsons, but because I know it will be a long time before that world exists, I rolled my eyes a lot.
And I hate that, because I recognize the author identifies as bi&queer and grew up in LGBT spaces.. but I’m like.. extremely catholic Ireland is this progressive? Really? And even the one scene where a hate crime was about to ensue it just felt so mellow dramatic. Maybe I’m jaded, idk.
To the actual story, it took forever to actually pick up, it felt like no one really had a motive, and once I found out the murderer it was so weird that it’s the person who’s only showed up in the story 3 extremely forgettable times and even their motive was so lame. And the drama between Fi and Robyn was so lame it didn’t feel like a real reason to argue and end a friendship. Just a lot of eye rolling.
Idk. I probably just hate murder mysteries. Please take this with a grain of salt, esp. if you like murder mysteries and want to read a semi-fantasy perfect world where the only realistic thing is how negligent the cops were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
Ah this was such a good pride read! Very witty with lots of references to Dublin, girlie pop icons and Millennial/Gen Z experiences. But the book also looks at homophobia and how it is still very much present in everyday society. I wasn't too mad on the big reveal at the end, and I found some lines a bit cringey. Overall though I did really like the book, truthfully it reminded me of the Spice Girls movie...chaotic but a fun experience <3 For sure I'll check out the other books in the series.
September 3, 2023
I hoped for more. This had the potential to be fabulous, but unfortunately, it will sashay away into a disappointing 1.5⭐️ review
September 22, 2024
3.5 stars for this one. Loved the development of the drag queen characters involved in this first of a series. They were funny, poignant and sometimes tragic but all very real people under the makeup and sequins. The main protagonist at times was more than a little annoying and some of the time for me her narrative was a bit too repetitive. Still an easy read, and I skipped the bits that annoyed me.
June 21, 2023
Really immersive with the drag element and the Dublin setting but the murder mystery aspect felt a little light and slow in places and the antagonist is unfortunately predictable in the end. Really wanted to like it more!
December 8, 2022
A truly unexpected pleasure!
My goodness. Mostly when my Prime First Reads email arrives I groan, my ingratitude tempered by the knowledge that I simply don’t have to choose any of them.
But thank you, Kitty Murphy, for one of the unexpectedly best reads I’ve had in some time. The characters here are mainly outrageous in all senses of the word but Murphy gives them backstories, and present lives, that had me completely hooked.
Murphy writes emotions like a master of the art and, albeit that most of the characters are Drag Queens, their personalities abound in every walk of life.
I was blown away by a book that I chose out of my disillusionment at how such a great idea as first reads now, it seems to me, has maybe lost its way.
Gay, straight or any other colour of the rainbow, this story reflects so many emotions that we have all experienced at some time or another.
My goodness. Mostly when my Prime First Reads email arrives I groan, my ingratitude tempered by the knowledge that I simply don’t have to choose any of them.
But thank you, Kitty Murphy, for one of the unexpectedly best reads I’ve had in some time. The characters here are mainly outrageous in all senses of the word but Murphy gives them backstories, and present lives, that had me completely hooked.
Murphy writes emotions like a master of the art and, albeit that most of the characters are Drag Queens, their personalities abound in every walk of life.
I was blown away by a book that I chose out of my disillusionment at how such a great idea as first reads now, it seems to me, has maybe lost its way.
Gay, straight or any other colour of the rainbow, this story reflects so many emotions that we have all experienced at some time or another.
January 7, 2023
A cozy mystery with an unusual setting, a great cast of likeable and fleshed out characters, and a solid plot that kept me guessing
I can't wait to read other books by this author as I would be happy to read more stories set in the drag world of Dublin.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
I can't wait to read other books by this author as I would be happy to read more stories set in the drag world of Dublin.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 15, 2023
It took me a bit of time to get into this book but I enjoyed it! I struggled to guess the twist and for a murder mystery it was surprisingly heartwarming!
April 22, 2023
I was very hopeful that this was going to be a really fun read. Instead, I feel like I wasted a lot of time on a character that was bland, co-dependent, and mired in her own self pity. I finished the book hoping for more and never got it. I doubt I will be reading anything else by this author. I am so disappointed.
May 26, 2023
Dire
If you feel that life is too short then this book is for you. It will make every minute seen like an eternity.
If you feel that life is too short then this book is for you. It will make every minute seen like an eternity.
March 4, 2023
SO. MUCH. FUN! Not the murder....murder isn't fun. But the whole cast of characters reminds me of my own friends and that feeling one has with close friends of being a family. They ARE family. They have their squabbles, and their inside jokes, and petty grievances, but they absolutely love each other.
I felt a bit bad for Fi, because at first she really didn't seem to be let in. She wasn't part of the family, even as Robyn's best friend and roommate. She wasn't queer, so she doesn't fit in there. I know how that feels to not be part of the "in-crowd" and feel alone because everyone else seems to be accepted when you're not. And as Robyn becomes more involved in TRASH, the more that feeling increases, because she's locked out of his new world. She provers herself in the end and she becomes family.
I LOVE Del. He's probably my favorite character. Fi and Robyn are great...ALL of them are, but there's just something about Del that I just love and I want to hug the stuffing out of him. He's dependable, he's funny, he's fierce. He's also more vulnerable than he appears. He's the kind of friend everyone should have. Everyone needs a Del.
And I love how everyone is referred to with respect to their chosen pronouns and names. Del has a boy name...I just can't remember what it is. Because he's Del. That's how he's chosen to identify, and people respect that. So he's Del. And some characters go by they/them and even when the "dictective" O'hell-no! er....O'hara is intent on disrespecting them, people correct him. I love to despise him. He's AWFUL, but you know you are SUPPOSED to think he's awful, which reinforces the positive depiction of the drag performers. The fact that he's awful and inept, and he's so terrible to them makes you want to stand up for them. And I think that's such an important thing...to have LGBTQ characters who are depicted in a positive role. They aren't pedophiles, or promiscuous, or drug pushers, or criminals. They aren't awful people who have chosen a risky lifestyle. You see them as they are. Good, normal people, going about their business, having jobs as lawyers, or cashiers, or seamstresses, but they also happen to enjoy dressing up and performing in their free time. They have close friendships and hobbies and pets and families. They are people you might pass on the street any time and not even know that there is another side to them than the one they allow you to see. And they are SO. MUCH. FUN! No one is one-dimentional and these characters are so vibrant. More of this, please!! Everyone deserves to see themselves represented. Everyone deserves to read characters that they relate to. That they see themselves in. For most of us, we never have to worry about that, because there are already so many books that tell our stories. But there aren't very many that tell the stories of LGBTQ individuals, and they deserve it just as much as we do.
This book is NOT for you IF:
You are homophobic.
You are racist.
You don't like to have fun.
You don't like to laugh.
You don't like whodunnits.
BUT, if you like to read about people who seem real, who you'd want to meet and hang out with, you are open-minded and supportive of ALL people, I think you'll really enjoy this.
I felt a bit bad for Fi, because at first she really didn't seem to be let in. She wasn't part of the family, even as Robyn's best friend and roommate. She wasn't queer, so she doesn't fit in there. I know how that feels to not be part of the "in-crowd" and feel alone because everyone else seems to be accepted when you're not. And as Robyn becomes more involved in TRASH, the more that feeling increases, because she's locked out of his new world. She provers herself in the end and she becomes family.
I LOVE Del. He's probably my favorite character. Fi and Robyn are great...ALL of them are, but there's just something about Del that I just love and I want to hug the stuffing out of him. He's dependable, he's funny, he's fierce. He's also more vulnerable than he appears. He's the kind of friend everyone should have. Everyone needs a Del.
And I love how everyone is referred to with respect to their chosen pronouns and names. Del has a boy name...I just can't remember what it is. Because he's Del. That's how he's chosen to identify, and people respect that. So he's Del. And some characters go by they/them and even when the "dictective" O'hell-no! er....O'hara is intent on disrespecting them, people correct him. I love to despise him. He's AWFUL, but you know you are SUPPOSED to think he's awful, which reinforces the positive depiction of the drag performers. The fact that he's awful and inept, and he's so terrible to them makes you want to stand up for them. And I think that's such an important thing...to have LGBTQ characters who are depicted in a positive role. They aren't pedophiles, or promiscuous, or drug pushers, or criminals. They aren't awful people who have chosen a risky lifestyle. You see them as they are. Good, normal people, going about their business, having jobs as lawyers, or cashiers, or seamstresses, but they also happen to enjoy dressing up and performing in their free time. They have close friendships and hobbies and pets and families. They are people you might pass on the street any time and not even know that there is another side to them than the one they allow you to see. And they are SO. MUCH. FUN! No one is one-dimentional and these characters are so vibrant. More of this, please!! Everyone deserves to see themselves represented. Everyone deserves to read characters that they relate to. That they see themselves in. For most of us, we never have to worry about that, because there are already so many books that tell our stories. But there aren't very many that tell the stories of LGBTQ individuals, and they deserve it just as much as we do.
This book is NOT for you IF:
You are homophobic.
You are racist.
You don't like to have fun.
You don't like to laugh.
You don't like whodunnits.
BUT, if you like to read about people who seem real, who you'd want to meet and hang out with, you are open-minded and supportive of ALL people, I think you'll really enjoy this.
January 4, 2023
The night has finally come for Fi's best friend Robyn to make their debut on the stage as their drag queen alter-ego Mae B, and she is there front of house at Dublin's drag club Trash to support her through an epic performance.
But the night ends with a sour note, when bitchy rival drag queen Eve upstages Mae B with a mocking rendition of her set, and has to be dragged from the stage. To make matters even more complicated, Eve then turns up dead in the alley behind Trash. The police are sure Eve's death is an accident, but Fi is certain there is more to it, especially since everyone at Trash had a motive to want Eve out of the way.
Fi is determined to get to the bottom of what really happened that night, even if it means alienating her Trash family by delving into their secrets. Someone is out to get Fi's drag queen friends, but as violence targets more members of the little group, she is not sure if it is a stranger or one of their inner circle. In her 'Hagatha' Christie guise she cannot rest until the culprit is brought to justice - even if it means putting herself in danger in the process.
I was sure that this book was going to be lots of fun (how could a whodunit set around the drag scene of Dublin fail to be anything but?), and, it was absolutely full to the brim with all the drama and passion that I hoped for!
Kitty Murphy immerses you completely in the drag scene of Dublin, taking you on and off the stage to bring alive all the glory of the performances, and the complex relationships that exist between the Trash family members, and their friends and blood family - using this as a rich backdrop for a very entertaining tale.
Shy, fleece-loving Fi drives the story as the unexpected sleuth, contrasting beautifully with a cast made up of vivid showbiz types. She comes out of her shell as the story progresses through thrills, spills, and emotional turmoil to an exciting climax on the streets of Dublin. I loved that she has her own journey to make alongside solving the twisty murder mystery, with a lovely little romantic thread of her own too. And, if you ever wanted a fascinating look beneath the glamour of the drag scene then you are in for a treat!
At its heart, this is a cosy murder mystery, but once the dramatic beginning hooks you in, it soon reveals itself to be so much more. There is layer upon layer of really interesting exploration of the dynamics between characters whose vulnerabilities are exposed over the course of the story. For the most part, the brash exteriors crack to offer a glimpse of the insecurities that lie within when the Trash family is targeted, taking you through a whole range of emotions. Murphy injects a lot of real world grittiness into the story beneath all the feathers and sequins in the menacing form of prejudice and hatred of those in the LGBTQ+ community, but there is a tonne of wry humour in the telling, and it is love that shines through in the end.
This is the first part in a new mystery series, the Dublin Drag Mysteries, and having taken the Trash family into my heart, I cannot wait for them to reunite for book two.
But the night ends with a sour note, when bitchy rival drag queen Eve upstages Mae B with a mocking rendition of her set, and has to be dragged from the stage. To make matters even more complicated, Eve then turns up dead in the alley behind Trash. The police are sure Eve's death is an accident, but Fi is certain there is more to it, especially since everyone at Trash had a motive to want Eve out of the way.
Fi is determined to get to the bottom of what really happened that night, even if it means alienating her Trash family by delving into their secrets. Someone is out to get Fi's drag queen friends, but as violence targets more members of the little group, she is not sure if it is a stranger or one of their inner circle. In her 'Hagatha' Christie guise she cannot rest until the culprit is brought to justice - even if it means putting herself in danger in the process.
I was sure that this book was going to be lots of fun (how could a whodunit set around the drag scene of Dublin fail to be anything but?), and, it was absolutely full to the brim with all the drama and passion that I hoped for!
Kitty Murphy immerses you completely in the drag scene of Dublin, taking you on and off the stage to bring alive all the glory of the performances, and the complex relationships that exist between the Trash family members, and their friends and blood family - using this as a rich backdrop for a very entertaining tale.
Shy, fleece-loving Fi drives the story as the unexpected sleuth, contrasting beautifully with a cast made up of vivid showbiz types. She comes out of her shell as the story progresses through thrills, spills, and emotional turmoil to an exciting climax on the streets of Dublin. I loved that she has her own journey to make alongside solving the twisty murder mystery, with a lovely little romantic thread of her own too. And, if you ever wanted a fascinating look beneath the glamour of the drag scene then you are in for a treat!
At its heart, this is a cosy murder mystery, but once the dramatic beginning hooks you in, it soon reveals itself to be so much more. There is layer upon layer of really interesting exploration of the dynamics between characters whose vulnerabilities are exposed over the course of the story. For the most part, the brash exteriors crack to offer a glimpse of the insecurities that lie within when the Trash family is targeted, taking you through a whole range of emotions. Murphy injects a lot of real world grittiness into the story beneath all the feathers and sequins in the menacing form of prejudice and hatred of those in the LGBTQ+ community, but there is a tonne of wry humour in the telling, and it is love that shines through in the end.
This is the first part in a new mystery series, the Dublin Drag Mysteries, and having taken the Trash family into my heart, I cannot wait for them to reunite for book two.
December 19, 2022
Drag queens are being hunted down.
Death in Heels opens with such a bang that Kitty Murphy grabs the reader’s attention and holds them in a vice-like grip. I was instantly so invested in Robyn and Fi that had Eve not been murdered I might just have climbed in the pages and killed her myself.
There’s a chatty, conversational tone in Fi’s first person account that draws in the reader and makes them feel they are her only confidante as she tries to establish how Eve died. There’s just enough colloquialism to make the direct speech feel perfectly fitting for the Dublin setting and that lends an authenticity to the story. The descriptions are beautifully written, clear and evocative so that Kitty Murphy places vivid images in the reader’s mind, creating a filmic quality that I found rather special. They contrast too with the humorous and often vitriolic, biting, comments some of the queens make, especially to Fi, so that Death in Heels feels balanced and nuanced.
My heart went out to Fi. Although Death in Heels is a murder mystery, Fi imbues an emotional element, illustrating how it feels never quite to belong, to be permanently on the outside or periphery. Indeed, her photography places her one pace removed from others in an affecting manner, making the reader empathise with her all the more. I found her development over the story surprisingly touching and all the more effective as she is the straight character who is isolated, rather than the LGBTQ+ community members. I loved too, the way her photography didn’t usually show people’s faces as this emphasised how we tend to make assumptions and judgements about others without knowing the full facts.
The plot romps along and gives a superb insight into the world of drag queens so that I felt I learnt a lot about how their personas change with their costumes and whether they are acting as male or female, lending a fascinating psychological viewpoint too. Although the narrative is relatively light even if it is a murder story, it does consider some profound issues of loyalty, family and isolation that add layers of interest at the same time as the reader is being thoroughly entertained by the story.
Death in Heels is witty, acerbic, interesting, entertaining and moving. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Death in Heels opens with such a bang that Kitty Murphy grabs the reader’s attention and holds them in a vice-like grip. I was instantly so invested in Robyn and Fi that had Eve not been murdered I might just have climbed in the pages and killed her myself.
There’s a chatty, conversational tone in Fi’s first person account that draws in the reader and makes them feel they are her only confidante as she tries to establish how Eve died. There’s just enough colloquialism to make the direct speech feel perfectly fitting for the Dublin setting and that lends an authenticity to the story. The descriptions are beautifully written, clear and evocative so that Kitty Murphy places vivid images in the reader’s mind, creating a filmic quality that I found rather special. They contrast too with the humorous and often vitriolic, biting, comments some of the queens make, especially to Fi, so that Death in Heels feels balanced and nuanced.
My heart went out to Fi. Although Death in Heels is a murder mystery, Fi imbues an emotional element, illustrating how it feels never quite to belong, to be permanently on the outside or periphery. Indeed, her photography places her one pace removed from others in an affecting manner, making the reader empathise with her all the more. I found her development over the story surprisingly touching and all the more effective as she is the straight character who is isolated, rather than the LGBTQ+ community members. I loved too, the way her photography didn’t usually show people’s faces as this emphasised how we tend to make assumptions and judgements about others without knowing the full facts.
The plot romps along and gives a superb insight into the world of drag queens so that I felt I learnt a lot about how their personas change with their costumes and whether they are acting as male or female, lending a fascinating psychological viewpoint too. Although the narrative is relatively light even if it is a murder story, it does consider some profound issues of loyalty, family and isolation that add layers of interest at the same time as the reader is being thoroughly entertained by the story.
Death in Heels is witty, acerbic, interesting, entertaining and moving. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 4, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Death in Heels is the first Dublin Drag mystery by Kitty Murphy. Released 1st Jan 2023 by Thomas & Mercer, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The second book in the series is due out in April 2023.
This is such a well written and genuinely engaging mystery. The main protagonist, Fi McKinnery, is earnestly appealing, brave, loyal, and rendered believably. In fact, the author has a real gift with characterisation; even the minor secondary characters are handled well and skillfully. Given the premise (death in and around a Dublin drag club), the pitfalls could have been legion. I admit to some trepidation going into the read and feared it would be full of caricatures, appropriations, and cheap shots. It's none of those things.
The mystery is well plotted and paced, and I never found my interest wandering at all. The climax, denouement, and resolution were satisfying (if not shocking or unexpected). It's rather sad that it needs to be said in today's world, but a high point for me was that there was no cruelty or ridicule aimed at the characters on the author's part. It would've been easy (maybe expected!) to lampoon drag and LGBTQIA+ culture for cheap laughs and the author has refrained, for which I applaud. There is *camp* aplenty; bad puns, and occasionally catty dialogue (it's a murder mystery in a drag club), but it's not *mean* and I'm glad.
Quite looking forward to the next book in April.
Four stars, a strong series starter.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death in Heels is the first Dublin Drag mystery by Kitty Murphy. Released 1st Jan 2023 by Thomas & Mercer, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The second book in the series is due out in April 2023.
This is such a well written and genuinely engaging mystery. The main protagonist, Fi McKinnery, is earnestly appealing, brave, loyal, and rendered believably. In fact, the author has a real gift with characterisation; even the minor secondary characters are handled well and skillfully. Given the premise (death in and around a Dublin drag club), the pitfalls could have been legion. I admit to some trepidation going into the read and feared it would be full of caricatures, appropriations, and cheap shots. It's none of those things.
The mystery is well plotted and paced, and I never found my interest wandering at all. The climax, denouement, and resolution were satisfying (if not shocking or unexpected). It's rather sad that it needs to be said in today's world, but a high point for me was that there was no cruelty or ridicule aimed at the characters on the author's part. It would've been easy (maybe expected!) to lampoon drag and LGBTQIA+ culture for cheap laughs and the author has refrained, for which I applaud. There is *camp* aplenty; bad puns, and occasionally catty dialogue (it's a murder mystery in a drag club), but it's not *mean* and I'm glad.
Quite looking forward to the next book in April.
Four stars, a strong series starter.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 3, 2023
Fi is excited to see her best friend Robyn's drag debut as Mae B at drag club TRASH, but things soon go wrong. First, one of the other queens, Eve, borrows Mae's outfit and mocks her performance. Then Fi is given the cold shoulder by the other queens, the unspoken message being that Mae doesn't need her any more. Then finally, whilst walking home alone, Fi comes across Eve's dead body in an alleyway.
Everyone else, including the police, seems happy, if not keen, to rule Eve's death a tragic accident, claiming she was drunk or on drugs, slipped in Mae's skyscraper heels and drowned in the torrential rain which was pooling in the alley. Certainly, other than the bruise on her forehead, which could have been from a fall, there are no signs of foul play. But Fi isn't convinced. If Eve fell why are there no marks on her knees or hands? And claiming that Eve, who could drink a bottle of vodka and still dance in high heels on stage, was drunk enough to fall over seems implausible.
But the more Fi keeps digging the more she is ostracised by Mae and the other queens. Even when Robyn's new boyfriend is deliberately run over they seem determined to ignore the evidence. But Fi is convinced that someone is targeting the drag queens, perhaps Robyn in particular.
This is a hard book to review. The murder plot was god, with plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing along the way. The trouble is, I found almost all of the characters very unlikable which made it an uneasy book to read - obviously it helped that I didn't like any of the suspects but it also didn't make me particularly ill-disposed towards the murderer. In fact, I had some sympathy for the murderer in the end. I also feel that the book perpetrated many of the stereotypes about drag queens and gay men.
Overall, it was okay and different from my usual reading, but I wouldn't go out of my way to read another book by this author.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Everyone else, including the police, seems happy, if not keen, to rule Eve's death a tragic accident, claiming she was drunk or on drugs, slipped in Mae's skyscraper heels and drowned in the torrential rain which was pooling in the alley. Certainly, other than the bruise on her forehead, which could have been from a fall, there are no signs of foul play. But Fi isn't convinced. If Eve fell why are there no marks on her knees or hands? And claiming that Eve, who could drink a bottle of vodka and still dance in high heels on stage, was drunk enough to fall over seems implausible.
But the more Fi keeps digging the more she is ostracised by Mae and the other queens. Even when Robyn's new boyfriend is deliberately run over they seem determined to ignore the evidence. But Fi is convinced that someone is targeting the drag queens, perhaps Robyn in particular.
This is a hard book to review. The murder plot was god, with plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing along the way. The trouble is, I found almost all of the characters very unlikable which made it an uneasy book to read - obviously it helped that I didn't like any of the suspects but it also didn't make me particularly ill-disposed towards the murderer. In fact, I had some sympathy for the murderer in the end. I also feel that the book perpetrated many of the stereotypes about drag queens and gay men.
Overall, it was okay and different from my usual reading, but I wouldn't go out of my way to read another book by this author.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2022
Death in Heels is the first in potential series by debut author Kitty Murphy. With the glamorous and dramatic setting of the Dublin drag scene and a group of fabulous and feisty queens as characters this book provides plenty of fashion, fun and excitement and it is clear that there is potential for more stories to come.
Fi is an aspiring photographer who shares her flat with her best friend Robyn , soon to be known as Mae B once he makes his debut at their favourite drag club TRASH. They have been best friends since childhood and Fi wants nothing more that for Mae to succeed and be a star. The night of the big debut everything seems to be going well, that is until another local queen, Eve, in a fit of pique steals Mae's act and the show. When Fi stumbles on Eve's dead body in a laneway behind the club she is immediately suspicious, and even when the police suggest it was a tragic accident she is reluctant to believe them. Fearing that her best friend could now be in danger , she tries to uncover the truth behind Eve's death and it is only when another queen is injured that the rest of the group take her seriously.
This was a fast fun and entertaining read set in my home city. I loved so many of the characters and the found family relationship between the queens , their love and support for each other was really great to see. Of all the characters the protagonist Fi was probably the least likeable and least developed, but if there are more books to come I can see that the author could be holding back a little so that the character becomes more fully formed as the series progresses. I did guess the murderer, but that did not spoil my enjoyment of the book. However I did think that the reasoning the murderer gave for their actions was weak.
I look forward to reading more from this author and would definitely pick up the next book in the series.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Fi is an aspiring photographer who shares her flat with her best friend Robyn , soon to be known as Mae B once he makes his debut at their favourite drag club TRASH. They have been best friends since childhood and Fi wants nothing more that for Mae to succeed and be a star. The night of the big debut everything seems to be going well, that is until another local queen, Eve, in a fit of pique steals Mae's act and the show. When Fi stumbles on Eve's dead body in a laneway behind the club she is immediately suspicious, and even when the police suggest it was a tragic accident she is reluctant to believe them. Fearing that her best friend could now be in danger , she tries to uncover the truth behind Eve's death and it is only when another queen is injured that the rest of the group take her seriously.
This was a fast fun and entertaining read set in my home city. I loved so many of the characters and the found family relationship between the queens , their love and support for each other was really great to see. Of all the characters the protagonist Fi was probably the least likeable and least developed, but if there are more books to come I can see that the author could be holding back a little so that the character becomes more fully formed as the series progresses. I did guess the murderer, but that did not spoil my enjoyment of the book. However I did think that the reasoning the murderer gave for their actions was weak.
I look forward to reading more from this author and would definitely pick up the next book in the series.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
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October 22, 2025DEATH IN HEELS is the first book in a new series about the drag scene in Dublin Ireland. Having reviewed books for almost forty years, I can honestly say this is the first book I have ever read with the drag queen scene and murder in the plot.
The book does revolve around Fi McKinnery, who incidentally is straight. Her connection to the drag club happens to be her roommate Robyn, who is a drag queen. The book also revolves around the drag club called Trash, where Robyn is about to make her drag debut as Mae B. There is a lot of anticipation as Robyn takes the stage. Robyn is nervous, but once she takes to the stage she absolutely does a stunning performance, and is met with rousing applause and cheers.
But all that is ruined when another drag performer Eve Harrington, decides to crash the show and steal the limelight from Mae B. Eve mocks Mae by dressing like she did, and it turns from a great debut to one of lampooning ridicule. But it does not end there, because later that night, Fi goes outside to the back of the club and finds Eve facedown in a puddle of water. She is dead.
Of course police seem to think the death was accidental, that she feel off her towering heels and went face first into the water, not able to get back out. Fi thinks there is much more to this than mere accidental death. She sees it as a murder, because of the manner in which Eve acted on the stage. There is an interesting list of suspects and characters that enter the picture, but Fi wonders if this may be the first of other murders that attack those in the Dublin drag scene.
She turns into an amateur detective, not knowing that soon she would be in danger as well, for the person fearing the truth will emerge about Eve’s death. The book is filled with lots of sequins and heels and suspense, as Fi gets closer to pointing a finger at the killer. The book definitely does not drag along, making this a great debut, as readers anticipate future books in the series.
The book does revolve around Fi McKinnery, who incidentally is straight. Her connection to the drag club happens to be her roommate Robyn, who is a drag queen. The book also revolves around the drag club called Trash, where Robyn is about to make her drag debut as Mae B. There is a lot of anticipation as Robyn takes the stage. Robyn is nervous, but once she takes to the stage she absolutely does a stunning performance, and is met with rousing applause and cheers.
But all that is ruined when another drag performer Eve Harrington, decides to crash the show and steal the limelight from Mae B. Eve mocks Mae by dressing like she did, and it turns from a great debut to one of lampooning ridicule. But it does not end there, because later that night, Fi goes outside to the back of the club and finds Eve facedown in a puddle of water. She is dead.
Of course police seem to think the death was accidental, that she feel off her towering heels and went face first into the water, not able to get back out. Fi thinks there is much more to this than mere accidental death. She sees it as a murder, because of the manner in which Eve acted on the stage. There is an interesting list of suspects and characters that enter the picture, but Fi wonders if this may be the first of other murders that attack those in the Dublin drag scene.
She turns into an amateur detective, not knowing that soon she would be in danger as well, for the person fearing the truth will emerge about Eve’s death. The book is filled with lots of sequins and heels and suspense, as Fi gets closer to pointing a finger at the killer. The book definitely does not drag along, making this a great debut, as readers anticipate future books in the series.
January 28, 2023
Wow my heart is pounding after that showstopper of a finale sequence. I had half an inkling who the killer might be, but I also had many other theories and one of them was right but I wasn't even sure I wanted to be right.
I'm a huge fan of drag queens and kings, and especially over the last few years seen many of them live on the West End stage, but this is the first time I'd read a novel centred around the world of drag, and getting an insight into far more than you see on Drag Race, or on stage, was just fascinating.
Behind the glitz and glamour, there are real young men, who are just trying to live their best lives, do what they love for a living, and just hope that no one is going to kill them, or shout abuse at them for doing so.
I loved how Fi was able to explain drag, and the pronouns to many people as she follows her suspicion that Eve's death wasn't accidental and it explained things to me in a way that made sense. I've never been sure what pronoun to use when referring to queens and now do I do!
I was fully absorbed in the world of TRASH the club all the queens featured perform at, and loved being on Mae B's journey for her debut and her being at the centre of everything. There are so many possible suspects and it's also clear no one is safe.
Even the finale was in my mind a clear homage to a similar sequence in a film that I suspect is a hit within the gay community, and only other time I've seen that tried. Actually though I reckon this book would almost certainly look good on a screen, big or small!
it's just wonderful, I'm so glad I stumbled across the book and I'm greatly looking forward to reading the second book in this series too.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 4, 2022
Rating: 3.8/5
I have seen this described as a "cosy mystery" and I would have to concede that the graphics on the cover do lean towards that impression. However, that description does "Death in Heels" something of a disservice. It is a far more rounded murder mystery in the traditional "whodunnit" style than is typically associated with a novel classified under the "cosy" banner.
"Death in Heels" opens with a sharp, impactful prologue that sets the scene concisely and effectively. As soon as we enter into the main body of the novel the world of the drag queens is immediately introduced and I loved the imagery that Kitty Murphy created. I have never been inside a drag club in Dublin, but her description of the fictitious "TRASH" club conjured up memories of visits to "Funny Girls" in Blackpool* (*other drag clubs are available).
Throughout the novel the characterisation is impressive - not only that of the various drag queens we are introduced to, but also of the supporting cast outside of this world. The murder mystery element of the plot is not the strongest I have come across, but it is decent enough and its gradual unravelling is generally handled well. There are some lovely comic touches throughout, even though some of the humour has a slightly dark edge, as the characters laugh in the face of adversity. There are also some quite poignant moments and astute social commentary.
Prior to reading this I was slightly concerned that it may turn out to be - like the name of the drag club it features - a little trashy, but I am happy to report that this book contains far more treasure than trash.
I have seen this described as a "cosy mystery" and I would have to concede that the graphics on the cover do lean towards that impression. However, that description does "Death in Heels" something of a disservice. It is a far more rounded murder mystery in the traditional "whodunnit" style than is typically associated with a novel classified under the "cosy" banner.
"Death in Heels" opens with a sharp, impactful prologue that sets the scene concisely and effectively. As soon as we enter into the main body of the novel the world of the drag queens is immediately introduced and I loved the imagery that Kitty Murphy created. I have never been inside a drag club in Dublin, but her description of the fictitious "TRASH" club conjured up memories of visits to "Funny Girls" in Blackpool* (*other drag clubs are available).
Throughout the novel the characterisation is impressive - not only that of the various drag queens we are introduced to, but also of the supporting cast outside of this world. The murder mystery element of the plot is not the strongest I have come across, but it is decent enough and its gradual unravelling is generally handled well. There are some lovely comic touches throughout, even though some of the humour has a slightly dark edge, as the characters laugh in the face of adversity. There are also some quite poignant moments and astute social commentary.
Prior to reading this I was slightly concerned that it may turn out to be - like the name of the drag club it features - a little trashy, but I am happy to report that this book contains far more treasure than trash.
December 29, 2022
Death In Heels - Kitty Murphy
Fi McKinnery has nerves jangling as she watches Mae B (aka her best friend Robyn) takes to the stage for her debut at drag club TRASH. Eve, a young Queen lampoons Mae’s performance out of spite and for laughs and ruins the show. Then she turns up dead, face down in the gutter. The death is quickly ruled an accident, but Fi is convinced otherwise, as her friends begin to disown her it is clear that other Queens are targets and Fi has to do all she can to stop more murders.
Well I absolutely shimmied my way through this first of the new Dublin drag mystery series! I don’t know much about the world of Drag Queens except Ru Pauls Drag Race but I know more now! This packs a punch, is dazzling, glamorous and very murderous!
‘Your little Hagatha Christie act leaves me right in the firing line.’
The characters of Fi and Robyn are joyous
I just adored all the detail about Robyn’s drag persona Mae B getting herself ready as a new a baby Queen. The spats between all the Queens were brilliant, I especially loved Thora Point and Miss Merkin.
‘They will kill again, and again….Either way it’s time to drag them into the light. Once and for all.’
OMG, this was so good, I was completely hooked on this tale. Packed full of sass and humour, I just loved this bunch of Queens - the arguments, the drama, the murder. And although I know little of this world, I became part of it and that is what a great writer does, they draw you in, make you want to know more and then bosh! Hit you with a fabulous ending that you did not see coming!
Fi McKinnery has nerves jangling as she watches Mae B (aka her best friend Robyn) takes to the stage for her debut at drag club TRASH. Eve, a young Queen lampoons Mae’s performance out of spite and for laughs and ruins the show. Then she turns up dead, face down in the gutter. The death is quickly ruled an accident, but Fi is convinced otherwise, as her friends begin to disown her it is clear that other Queens are targets and Fi has to do all she can to stop more murders.
Well I absolutely shimmied my way through this first of the new Dublin drag mystery series! I don’t know much about the world of Drag Queens except Ru Pauls Drag Race but I know more now! This packs a punch, is dazzling, glamorous and very murderous!
‘Your little Hagatha Christie act leaves me right in the firing line.’
The characters of Fi and Robyn are joyous
I just adored all the detail about Robyn’s drag persona Mae B getting herself ready as a new a baby Queen. The spats between all the Queens were brilliant, I especially loved Thora Point and Miss Merkin.
‘They will kill again, and again….Either way it’s time to drag them into the light. Once and for all.’
OMG, this was so good, I was completely hooked on this tale. Packed full of sass and humour, I just loved this bunch of Queens - the arguments, the drama, the murder. And although I know little of this world, I became part of it and that is what a great writer does, they draw you in, make you want to know more and then bosh! Hit you with a fabulous ending that you did not see coming!
August 22, 2025
Ok. So. This isn't a big 'message' book. It's a fun, little, whodunit - with the first person narrator a straight girl whose best friend is a gay man trying to break into the local drag community in Dublin. He is already friends with many of them - although...to be fair, frenemies is more accurate. The characters are snarky and bitchy with each other, but some of them are downright evil.
One of the most clearly rotten of the group dies mysteriously in an alley near the venue where they all perform. While it is ostensibly an accident - she tripped, hit her head and drown in a small amount of water, our narrator is suspicious. In the course of trying to get to the bottom of it, she loses friends (temporarily) and seems to antagonize the very queens she is trying to help.
The tensions build as more an more of their community are being killed. One in a car 'accident', and one in a shooting. The plot comes to a climax during the Dublin Pride Parade. The ending is very tightly written with tension building until the very end.
There is also a budding straight and a budding gay love story intertwined.
I saw a couple of the things that were supposed to be big reveals way before they were revealed - including the fact that these were not just random. The murderer was a complete surprise and I'm not entirely sure that is believable.
That said, while it was completely formulic, it was enjoyable within the context of that style of book. It is a fun diversion - not terribly deep, but definitely fun and interesting and worth a read.
One of the most clearly rotten of the group dies mysteriously in an alley near the venue where they all perform. While it is ostensibly an accident - she tripped, hit her head and drown in a small amount of water, our narrator is suspicious. In the course of trying to get to the bottom of it, she loses friends (temporarily) and seems to antagonize the very queens she is trying to help.
The tensions build as more an more of their community are being killed. One in a car 'accident', and one in a shooting. The plot comes to a climax during the Dublin Pride Parade. The ending is very tightly written with tension building until the very end.
There is also a budding straight and a budding gay love story intertwined.
I saw a couple of the things that were supposed to be big reveals way before they were revealed - including the fact that these were not just random. The murderer was a complete surprise and I'm not entirely sure that is believable.
That said, while it was completely formulic, it was enjoyable within the context of that style of book. It is a fun diversion - not terribly deep, but definitely fun and interesting and worth a read.
June 24, 2022
Irish drag queens may not get much sunlight, but they can still throw plenty of shade. Centered on a drag family that performs at the Dublin dive bar TRASH, the novel follows Fiona (Fi) McKinnery and her best friend and roommate Robyn/Mae B as Mae B makes her debut on the TRASH stage, lip-syncing to Julie London. She’s a huge success, until Eve, a nasty little queen, does a parody of Mae B’s act, ruining the night.
When, later that evening, Eve is found dead, face down in an overflowing gutter, is anyone surprised? While everyone, from the gay community to the Gardaí (police), is willing to accept the death as an accident, Fi—who discovered the body on her way home from the club—is convinced it’s murder. When she speculates about Eve’s murder on her blog, she draws the ire of the queens who would rather forget about the whole thing and quickly turn their misogyny on Fi, dubbing her “Hagatha Christie.” Unfortunately, ensuing incidents only support Fi’s speculation.
A charming novel about growing up and growing apart, the power of family—both your own and the one you create—and the danger of repression.—Brian Kenney
For more reviews of forthcoming Crime Fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...
When, later that evening, Eve is found dead, face down in an overflowing gutter, is anyone surprised? While everyone, from the gay community to the Gardaí (police), is willing to accept the death as an accident, Fi—who discovered the body on her way home from the club—is convinced it’s murder. When she speculates about Eve’s murder on her blog, she draws the ire of the queens who would rather forget about the whole thing and quickly turn their misogyny on Fi, dubbing her “Hagatha Christie.” Unfortunately, ensuing incidents only support Fi’s speculation.
A charming novel about growing up and growing apart, the power of family—both your own and the one you create—and the danger of repression.—Brian Kenney
For more reviews of forthcoming Crime Fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...
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