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Dublin Drag Mysteries #2
Death in the Dark
Abduction. Accusations. And murder on the dance floor.
Sparkle McCavity, young drag queen and employee of Miss Merkin, is missing, presumed kidnapped or even worse. Naturally, Merkin turns to reluctant sleuth and friend to the community Fi for help, but clues and suspects are worryingly thin on the ground—and the drag king Stan the Man is proving somewhat distracting. When Merkin’s niece is then found murdered, spiked on a light pole in nightclub TRASH, it becomes clear that Fi’s friends are in danger. Again.
With the ever-inept Detective O’Hara becoming convinced that the most likely suspect is Miss Merkin herself, tensions begin to build among the friends. Could one of them really be responsible?
After a strangely spooky séance, Fi’s best friend Robyn disappears. Guilt-ridden and distraught, Fi and her friends must double their efforts to save Robyn and Sparkle before it’s too late.
Just as long as her increasingly complicated and distracting love life doesn’t get in the way!
Sparkle McCavity, young drag queen and employee of Miss Merkin, is missing, presumed kidnapped or even worse. Naturally, Merkin turns to reluctant sleuth and friend to the community Fi for help, but clues and suspects are worryingly thin on the ground—and the drag king Stan the Man is proving somewhat distracting. When Merkin’s niece is then found murdered, spiked on a light pole in nightclub TRASH, it becomes clear that Fi’s friends are in danger. Again.
With the ever-inept Detective O’Hara becoming convinced that the most likely suspect is Miss Merkin herself, tensions begin to build among the friends. Could one of them really be responsible?
After a strangely spooky séance, Fi’s best friend Robyn disappears. Guilt-ridden and distraught, Fi and her friends must double their efforts to save Robyn and Sparkle before it’s too late.
Just as long as her increasingly complicated and distracting love life doesn’t get in the way!
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
42 people are currently reading
2359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 14, 2023
I adored Kitty Murphy’s Death in Heels so knew I had to have Death in the Dark, the second book in the Dublin Drag Mystery Series. And if possible, I loved Death in the Dark even more!
Sparkle McCavity, employee of Miss Merkin and drag queen extraordinaire, disappears and Fi once again sleuths the clues to see if she can find out what happened to Sparkle.
The gang of TRASH, a popular drag venue, returns and I was so happy to be back with Fi, Robyn (Mae B.), Del, and the rest of the drag family. Fi is just so relatable to me, a straight, non-drag, and extremely awkward character with a heart of gold. She truly loves her chosen family and will do anything to protect and help them.
Once again, during the scenes of the Drag Queens’ (and King) shows, I felt like I was transported into the club and sitting in the front row. The songs were playing in my mind and I could clearly see each person singing along and dancing.
Stan the Man is introduced into this story and I was absolutely fascinated with him. Also introduced are Thora’s aunts who are an absolute hoot!
The twist was insane and shocking, and the ending left me with emotional tears. Loved it!
I hope there’s many more of Dublin Drag Mystery books coming out because I am all in!
*Thank you so much to the author for sending me an advance copy!* Pub date April 11th, 2023.
Sparkle McCavity, employee of Miss Merkin and drag queen extraordinaire, disappears and Fi once again sleuths the clues to see if she can find out what happened to Sparkle.
The gang of TRASH, a popular drag venue, returns and I was so happy to be back with Fi, Robyn (Mae B.), Del, and the rest of the drag family. Fi is just so relatable to me, a straight, non-drag, and extremely awkward character with a heart of gold. She truly loves her chosen family and will do anything to protect and help them.
Once again, during the scenes of the Drag Queens’ (and King) shows, I felt like I was transported into the club and sitting in the front row. The songs were playing in my mind and I could clearly see each person singing along and dancing.
Stan the Man is introduced into this story and I was absolutely fascinated with him. Also introduced are Thora’s aunts who are an absolute hoot!
The twist was insane and shocking, and the ending left me with emotional tears. Loved it!
I hope there’s many more of Dublin Drag Mystery books coming out because I am all in!
*Thank you so much to the author for sending me an advance copy!* Pub date April 11th, 2023.
January 25, 2023
Another brilliant book in this series, I just love the queens in these books and how they’ve become their own family. The book has a fascinating plot with so much going on throughout. It truly kept me on the edge of my seat.
January 1, 2025
2 ⭐
I love the characters in this book but it dragged on a lot. I found myself skipping over sections just so I could get this completed.
I love the characters in this book but it dragged on a lot. I found myself skipping over sections just so I could get this completed.
February 21, 2023
A young drag queen Sparkle McCavity and an employee of Miss Merkin, is missing and presumed kidnapped or even worse. Merkin turns to reluctant sleuth and friend to the community Fi for help, however clues and suspects are worryingly thin on the ground and the drag king Stan the man is proving somewhat distracting. When Merkin’s niece is found murdered, spiked on a light pole in nightclub TRASH, it becomes clear that Fi’s friends are possibly in danger.
With detective O’Hara becoming convinced that the most likely suspect is Miss Merkin herself, tensions start to build between the friends. Could one of them possibly be responsible?
After a spooky seance, Fi’s best friend Robyn disappears and a guild ridden Fi and her friends must double their efforts to save Robyn and Sparkle before it becomes too late.
I did enjoy the book and it held my attention however, which is my own fault I didn't realise that this book was the second book in the series when I requested it. So, at times I was a bit confused but regardless I did enjoy the story and the whole premise was interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC and Death in the dark comes out on 11th April:)
With detective O’Hara becoming convinced that the most likely suspect is Miss Merkin herself, tensions start to build between the friends. Could one of them possibly be responsible?
After a spooky seance, Fi’s best friend Robyn disappears and a guild ridden Fi and her friends must double their efforts to save Robyn and Sparkle before it becomes too late.
I did enjoy the book and it held my attention however, which is my own fault I didn't realise that this book was the second book in the series when I requested it. So, at times I was a bit confused but regardless I did enjoy the story and the whole premise was interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC and Death in the dark comes out on 11th April:)
April 26, 2023
Fabulous darling! This was full of fun and a delight to read. It was so easy to imagine all The characters.
April 16, 2023
I had recently read Death in Heels and enjoyed it, so it was a no brainer that I would grab Death in the Dark which is the sequel.
In this book, a Drag Queen goes missing and someone else is found dead and the police do not seem too concerned. Bring on Fi’s alter ego Hagatha Christie to solve the case.
The mystery kept guessing until the very end. Everyone has potential to be a suspect and was an enjoyable read.
In this book, a Drag Queen goes missing and someone else is found dead and the police do not seem too concerned. Bring on Fi’s alter ego Hagatha Christie to solve the case.
The mystery kept guessing until the very end. Everyone has potential to be a suspect and was an enjoyable read.
May 1, 2023
Before I say anything else, I have a confession to make: I have not (yet) read the first Dublin Drag Mystery. I’ll let you know at the end of this review whether or not I think that affected my enjoyment of this book.
As enticing as the blurb for this book is, I think I prefer the description of Death in the Dark the author used Twitter:
"She's working her way up... DEATH IN THE DARK is the tale of 6 fictional Dublin drag queens, 1 clumsy friend, 1 handsome drag king, a shimmer of kidnap & a body stuck on a pole, mixed together with a sprinkling of intrigue and a séance. At Halloween."
Intriguing or what?
And WOW, does Death in the Dark live up to that promise! There’s a lot to like in this book. Fi is a great and very likeable, yet realistically present, main protagonist. The cast of characters is nothing short of fabulous (as if I could use any other word when talking about drag queens and kings 😊). The interactions between them sound real and are entertaining. In fact, all of them grew so real while I was reading that I want to go out and watch their show…meet them. I loved the friendship they shared, the loyalty between them, and the love they so obviously felt for each other.
The set-up of this story was rather wonderful too. It wasn’t instantly clear whether or not crimes had actually been committed, and Fi, our reluctant hero, was anything but eager to start an investigation. For a long time, nobody is sure what if anything, is going on. But the more time goes by, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong.
Fi’s investigation is anything but straightforward. She really doesn’t have any idea where to begin or what might be going on. She puts herself in dodgy situations and even goes as far as attending a seance. And when she eventually does stumble across answers the situation only becomes more horrific.
I’m not sure I’m doing a very good job indicating how much I enjoyed this book. It seemed to get everything right. The balance between serious and fun, between dark and light, and between mystery and personal story was just about perfect. I wanted to know about the characters as much as I wanted to know what was going on and whodunnit. Which is why I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be reading future titles in the Dublin Drag Mysteries.
And on that note…
I’m afraid I can’t give you a clear-cut answer to the question if I should have read Death in Heels first. In general, it is always a good idea to read a series in order, of course. And I probably would have understood who-was-who in Death in the Dark a little quicker if I had read the prequel. But at no point, while reading this book, did I find myself lost, or scratching my head, or even wanting to kick myself for not taking the time to read the previous instalment. One thing I do have to say is that if you think you might want to read both books, you must read them in order. Death in the Dark holds all the spoilers for Death in Heels.
As enticing as the blurb for this book is, I think I prefer the description of Death in the Dark the author used Twitter:
"She's working her way up... DEATH IN THE DARK is the tale of 6 fictional Dublin drag queens, 1 clumsy friend, 1 handsome drag king, a shimmer of kidnap & a body stuck on a pole, mixed together with a sprinkling of intrigue and a séance. At Halloween."
Intriguing or what?
And WOW, does Death in the Dark live up to that promise! There’s a lot to like in this book. Fi is a great and very likeable, yet realistically present, main protagonist. The cast of characters is nothing short of fabulous (as if I could use any other word when talking about drag queens and kings 😊). The interactions between them sound real and are entertaining. In fact, all of them grew so real while I was reading that I want to go out and watch their show…meet them. I loved the friendship they shared, the loyalty between them, and the love they so obviously felt for each other.
The set-up of this story was rather wonderful too. It wasn’t instantly clear whether or not crimes had actually been committed, and Fi, our reluctant hero, was anything but eager to start an investigation. For a long time, nobody is sure what if anything, is going on. But the more time goes by, the clearer it becomes that something is very wrong.
Fi’s investigation is anything but straightforward. She really doesn’t have any idea where to begin or what might be going on. She puts herself in dodgy situations and even goes as far as attending a seance. And when she eventually does stumble across answers the situation only becomes more horrific.
I’m not sure I’m doing a very good job indicating how much I enjoyed this book. It seemed to get everything right. The balance between serious and fun, between dark and light, and between mystery and personal story was just about perfect. I wanted to know about the characters as much as I wanted to know what was going on and whodunnit. Which is why I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be reading future titles in the Dublin Drag Mysteries.
And on that note…
I’m afraid I can’t give you a clear-cut answer to the question if I should have read Death in Heels first. In general, it is always a good idea to read a series in order, of course. And I probably would have understood who-was-who in Death in the Dark a little quicker if I had read the prequel. But at no point, while reading this book, did I find myself lost, or scratching my head, or even wanting to kick myself for not taking the time to read the previous instalment. One thing I do have to say is that if you think you might want to read both books, you must read them in order. Death in the Dark holds all the spoilers for Death in Heels.
October 17, 2024
Like the first book 1) some lines are cringey and 2) the mystery isn't super complicated. There's also a Ouija board this time around?? With all this in mind however, I have a soft spot for this series. The characters have a real charm about them, and I love how they have this family bond. I think it's great too that the author highlighted HIV & U=U. 3.5 stars rounded up ⭐
October 6, 2024
This book doesn't really show any improvement on the first one. It still has that "self-published" vibe that screams out for a good editor. This book will be fine for people who don't think too deeply about what they read and just want something light to pass the time, but it won't be enough for more literary people. Main issues:
- Very bland main character. Why is she such a great friend? What makes her attractive as a romantic partner? What makes her a great amateur sleuth? We're meant to believe all these things, but the evidence isn't there.
- Too many/poorly developed supporting characters. I still barely have a mental picture of who everyone is, and no emotional connection to anyone. I know they're a tight knit bunch of queens (and Fi ...), a family-level friendship group - but I only know that because Fi keeps saying it. I don't see or feel it. Again, half of them don't seem to like her. This leads to odd scenes like moments of emotional intimacy between Fi and Merkin, when their relationship actually seems defined by conflict.
- Odd choice of new characters. So Niall is also a drag queen and he works in Merkin's shop yet he's never even mentioned in passing in the first book? Weird.
- Poor romance everything. We leave Book 1 with Fi just getting together with a guy ... then no real relationship happens ... then he takes a job abroad ... basically it fizzles into nothingness, and pages go by without him being mentioned, then suddenly Fi will mention him again. Then about halfway through, there's a passage about Fi ugly crying over him for weeks. Oh. A better writer would make us feel this strand of the plot running through the book, but every time he came up I was like, 'Oh yeah, forgot he was a thing. Remind me what he sees in Fi again?' This also killed any tension with the potential new love interest - which could have been interesting but wasn't.
- Poor pacing, both across the book as a whole and in individual scenes. Mystery-wise, the first half of the book is just Fi wandering around going, "I don't knooow." An example of the latter would be the scene where a character is shown to be HIV+. This could have been done in a clever way that added to the mystery, but instead it's a very straightforward reveal, puts the brakes on what should be quite a tense scene and is just used as a Moral Lesson for how we should treat people with HIV.
- Very little mystery solving. Hagatha??? Fi does barely anything, and when she does the info she needs falls neatly into her lap. Also, there are no suspects. Suspect A is suspected only by the police and we never truly consider them a possibility. Suspect B simply makes no sense and I was left confused when Fi threw them into the mix. It becomes obvious too early that Person C is going to be It. A really good mystery has more suspects and interesting subplots that explain why the non-guilty were doing their suspicious things.
- Unrealistic role of police. Very uneven portrayal of Detective O'Hara - I understand how the author wants us to view him/him vs Fi, but she isn't subtle enough with it. And I find it hard to believe the Dublin guards are as incompetent as portrayed.
With practice, feedback and a good editor, this author has a lot of potential. The basic quality of the writing is fine and there were flashes of humour that, if consistent, could really develop the character of Fi. And of course, the drag setting is a great idea. But I'm not going to read a series like this when I could just read someone really good like Tana French.
- Very bland main character. Why is she such a great friend? What makes her attractive as a romantic partner? What makes her a great amateur sleuth? We're meant to believe all these things, but the evidence isn't there.
- Too many/poorly developed supporting characters. I still barely have a mental picture of who everyone is, and no emotional connection to anyone. I know they're a tight knit bunch of queens (and Fi ...), a family-level friendship group - but I only know that because Fi keeps saying it. I don't see or feel it. Again, half of them don't seem to like her. This leads to odd scenes like moments of emotional intimacy between Fi and Merkin, when their relationship actually seems defined by conflict.
- Odd choice of new characters. So Niall is also a drag queen and he works in Merkin's shop yet he's never even mentioned in passing in the first book? Weird.
- Poor romance everything. We leave Book 1 with Fi just getting together with a guy ... then no real relationship happens ... then he takes a job abroad ... basically it fizzles into nothingness, and pages go by without him being mentioned, then suddenly Fi will mention him again. Then about halfway through, there's a passage about Fi ugly crying over him for weeks. Oh. A better writer would make us feel this strand of the plot running through the book, but every time he came up I was like, 'Oh yeah, forgot he was a thing. Remind me what he sees in Fi again?' This also killed any tension with the potential new love interest - which could have been interesting but wasn't.
- Poor pacing, both across the book as a whole and in individual scenes. Mystery-wise, the first half of the book is just Fi wandering around going, "I don't knooow." An example of the latter would be the scene where a character is shown to be HIV+. This could have been done in a clever way that added to the mystery, but instead it's a very straightforward reveal, puts the brakes on what should be quite a tense scene and is just used as a Moral Lesson for how we should treat people with HIV.
- Very little mystery solving. Hagatha??? Fi does barely anything, and when she does the info she needs falls neatly into her lap. Also, there are no suspects. Suspect A is suspected only by the police and we never truly consider them a possibility. Suspect B simply makes no sense and I was left confused when Fi threw them into the mix. It becomes obvious too early that Person C is going to be It. A really good mystery has more suspects and interesting subplots that explain why the non-guilty were doing their suspicious things.
- Unrealistic role of police. Very uneven portrayal of Detective O'Hara - I understand how the author wants us to view him/him vs Fi, but she isn't subtle enough with it. And I find it hard to believe the Dublin guards are as incompetent as portrayed.
With practice, feedback and a good editor, this author has a lot of potential. The basic quality of the writing is fine and there were flashes of humour that, if consistent, could really develop the character of Fi. And of course, the drag setting is a great idea. But I'm not going to read a series like this when I could just read someone really good like Tana French.
Read
August 31, 2023Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Death in the Dark is the second Dublin Drag mystery featuring part time till worker and full time friend and amateur sleuth Fi, written by Kitty Murphy. Released 11th April 2023 by Thomas & Mercer, it's 299 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 first book in the series, Death in Heels, is also available on KU.
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 (murder, skullduggery, and drama in and around a Dublin drag club), the pitfalls could have been legion. A lot of authors would have been tempted to caricature and ridicule and Ms. Murphy skillfully navigates the traps, resulting in a solidly entertaining and very well written read.
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 throughout, 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 so very glad. There's a fun, almost Scooby Do mystery feel, with ridiculous situations, ghosts in the walls, do-lally geriatric aunties and a final middle finger scene to homophobia that is *very* satisfying to read (no spoilers).
Quite looking forward to the next books in this delightful series.
Four and a half stars. With two books extant, and included in KU, this would make a superlative choice for a weekend binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death in the Dark is the second Dublin Drag mystery featuring part time till worker and full time friend and amateur sleuth Fi, written by Kitty Murphy. Released 11th April 2023 by Thomas & Mercer, it's 299 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 first book in the series, Death in Heels, is also available on KU.
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 (murder, skullduggery, and drama in and around a Dublin drag club), the pitfalls could have been legion. A lot of authors would have been tempted to caricature and ridicule and Ms. Murphy skillfully navigates the traps, resulting in a solidly entertaining and very well written read.
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 throughout, 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 so very glad. There's a fun, almost Scooby Do mystery feel, with ridiculous situations, ghosts in the walls, do-lally geriatric aunties and a final middle finger scene to homophobia that is *very* satisfying to read (no spoilers).
Quite looking forward to the next books in this delightful series.
Four and a half stars. With two books extant, and included in KU, this would make a superlative choice for a weekend binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 25, 2023
"Death in the Dark" marks a significant chapter in the Dublin Drag mystery series, and it is a work that undoubtedly exemplifies the craft of storytelling. The author's narrative prowess shines through in this well-crafted and genuinely immersive mystery.
At the heart of the story is the character of Fi McKinnery, a figure who is not only earnestly appealing but also exemplifies qualities of unwavering loyalty and unflinching bravery. The portrayal of Fi is a testament to the author's ability to breathe life into characters, rendering them utterly believable. This gift for characterization extends beyond the main protagonist, as even the secondary characters are deftly and skillfully handled, thereby enriching the narrative tapestry.
The plot of this mystery is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, artfully weaving together a web of intrigue that keeps the reader captivated from start to finish. The narrative pacing is such that it sustains interest, ensuring that the reader remains engrossed throughout the journey. The climax and resolution of the tale are not only satisfying but also deliver unexpected and, at times, shocking revelations, adding depth to the narrative's impact.
One of the most commendable facets of this work is the author's treatment of the characters. In a landscape where cruelty and ridicule are all too common, the author demonstrates a profound respect for the characters by eschewing these negative tendencies. This aspect lends an aura of authenticity to the narrative, fostering a genuine connection between the reader and the characters, a quality often overlooked in modern literature.
Furthermore, "Death in the Dark" unveils a whimsical charm reminiscent of classic mysteries, evoking a 'Scooby-Doo' atmosphere replete with outrageous situations and mysterious entities lurking within the walls. This whimsy, though seemingly on the surface, conceals a layer of nuanced storytelling that adds depth and complexity to the narrative, providing readers with an experience that is both captivating and memorable.
In essence, "Death in the Dark" emerges as a literary work that embodies the essence of masterful storytelling. It combines elements of surprise, authenticity, and whimsy to create a reading experience that is not only satisfying but also resonant. This novel, often deemed silly and shallow, is, in fact, a treasure trove of narrative ingenuity, and for those who delve into its pages, every minute spent within its world is a moment to be cherished.
At the heart of the story is the character of Fi McKinnery, a figure who is not only earnestly appealing but also exemplifies qualities of unwavering loyalty and unflinching bravery. The portrayal of Fi is a testament to the author's ability to breathe life into characters, rendering them utterly believable. This gift for characterization extends beyond the main protagonist, as even the secondary characters are deftly and skillfully handled, thereby enriching the narrative tapestry.
The plot of this mystery is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, artfully weaving together a web of intrigue that keeps the reader captivated from start to finish. The narrative pacing is such that it sustains interest, ensuring that the reader remains engrossed throughout the journey. The climax and resolution of the tale are not only satisfying but also deliver unexpected and, at times, shocking revelations, adding depth to the narrative's impact.
One of the most commendable facets of this work is the author's treatment of the characters. In a landscape where cruelty and ridicule are all too common, the author demonstrates a profound respect for the characters by eschewing these negative tendencies. This aspect lends an aura of authenticity to the narrative, fostering a genuine connection between the reader and the characters, a quality often overlooked in modern literature.
Furthermore, "Death in the Dark" unveils a whimsical charm reminiscent of classic mysteries, evoking a 'Scooby-Doo' atmosphere replete with outrageous situations and mysterious entities lurking within the walls. This whimsy, though seemingly on the surface, conceals a layer of nuanced storytelling that adds depth and complexity to the narrative, providing readers with an experience that is both captivating and memorable.
In essence, "Death in the Dark" emerges as a literary work that embodies the essence of masterful storytelling. It combines elements of surprise, authenticity, and whimsy to create a reading experience that is not only satisfying but also resonant. This novel, often deemed silly and shallow, is, in fact, a treasure trove of narrative ingenuity, and for those who delve into its pages, every minute spent within its world is a moment to be cherished.
January 14, 2024
"Death in the Dark" by Kitty Murphy is a riveting mystery that combines elements of suspense, humor, and the vibrant world of drag queens. The story follows Sparkle McCavity, a young drag queen who goes missing, setting off a chain of events that lead to murder, intrigue, and a touch of the supernatural.
Kitty Murphy skillfully weaves a tale of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as protagonist Fi takes on the role of a reluctant sleuth. The plot is layered with unexpected twists, and the thin trail of clues and suspects adds an element of mystery that keeps the pages turning.
The characters, particularly Fi and her diverse group of friends in the drag community, are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. The introduction of the drag king Stan the Man provides not only distraction but also a delightful element of humor that balances the darker themes of the story.
The author's portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community is both authentic and respectful, offering a refreshing and inclusive perspective. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of prejudice on the lives of the characters are woven seamlessly into the narrative.
The book successfully navigates the balance between suspenseful mystery and lighthearted moments, creating an engaging reading experience. The inclusion of a spooky séance adds a supernatural touch to the plot, elevating the story beyond a typical mystery.
While the love life subplot adds complexity to the narrative, it is skillfully integrated without overshadowing the main mystery. The resolution ties up loose ends satisfyingly, delivering a conclusion that is both surprising and emotionally resonant.
In summary, "Death in the Dark" is a delightful and well-crafted mystery that captivates with its blend of suspense, humor, and diverse characters. Kitty Murphy's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a highly recommended read for fans of the genre.
Kitty Murphy skillfully weaves a tale of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as protagonist Fi takes on the role of a reluctant sleuth. The plot is layered with unexpected twists, and the thin trail of clues and suspects adds an element of mystery that keeps the pages turning.
The characters, particularly Fi and her diverse group of friends in the drag community, are well-developed and add depth to the narrative. The introduction of the drag king Stan the Man provides not only distraction but also a delightful element of humor that balances the darker themes of the story.
The author's portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community is both authentic and respectful, offering a refreshing and inclusive perspective. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of prejudice on the lives of the characters are woven seamlessly into the narrative.
The book successfully navigates the balance between suspenseful mystery and lighthearted moments, creating an engaging reading experience. The inclusion of a spooky séance adds a supernatural touch to the plot, elevating the story beyond a typical mystery.
While the love life subplot adds complexity to the narrative, it is skillfully integrated without overshadowing the main mystery. The resolution ties up loose ends satisfyingly, delivering a conclusion that is both surprising and emotionally resonant.
In summary, "Death in the Dark" is a delightful and well-crafted mystery that captivates with its blend of suspense, humor, and diverse characters. Kitty Murphy's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a highly recommended read for fans of the genre.
March 19, 2023
Was so good to be back at TRASH with this group of drag queens and kings. I loved the first book in this series, and think this one might be even better.
I totally didn't guess who the murderer is, nor the motive, but I agreed with Fi and the queens, that things were messy, nothing really made sense and that there must be something sinister going on.
Fi is initially reluctant to try to investigate once again, given she is still mentally recovering from the aftermaths of the first book, but when it is clear that the police, and in particular the completely disgusting Detective O'Hara are not really doing anything other than looking down on the whole drag community, and not investigating, she decides to step it up a gear.
With mixed effects!
We get to know more about various of the queens personal lives, as we see them more in and out of drag, and the addition of Stan was rather welcome.
I love this series so much, the Dublin setting, the Drag scene setting, and the amateur detecting and the vivid cast of characters, all so distinct. I love the descriptions of the performances, and how they are keeping the club running, and getting to meet Thora's aunts was interesting. And we get to see another side to Merkin too.
Just loving this book and this series, and I really hope there will be a third book, as I am eager for more. Utterly addictive story that I read in a day.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I totally didn't guess who the murderer is, nor the motive, but I agreed with Fi and the queens, that things were messy, nothing really made sense and that there must be something sinister going on.
Fi is initially reluctant to try to investigate once again, given she is still mentally recovering from the aftermaths of the first book, but when it is clear that the police, and in particular the completely disgusting Detective O'Hara are not really doing anything other than looking down on the whole drag community, and not investigating, she decides to step it up a gear.
With mixed effects!
We get to know more about various of the queens personal lives, as we see them more in and out of drag, and the addition of Stan was rather welcome.
I love this series so much, the Dublin setting, the Drag scene setting, and the amateur detecting and the vivid cast of characters, all so distinct. I love the descriptions of the performances, and how they are keeping the club running, and getting to meet Thora's aunts was interesting. And we get to see another side to Merkin too.
Just loving this book and this series, and I really hope there will be a third book, as I am eager for more. Utterly addictive story that I read in a day.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
Death in the Dark is the second in Kitty Murphy's new Dublin Drag Murder Series, and its as sharp and engaging as its predecessor, Death in Heels. While this book can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the original book first as you will have a much greater understanding of the characters and their relationships and so you will have a greater enjoyment of Death in the Dark. Once again someone is preying on Dublin's drag queens, this time a young queen known as Sparkle McCavity has disappeared, leaving her friends and work colleagues in the lurch with no explanation other than some rather incongruous sounding text messages which sound nothing like her. When her boss turns to our heroine and amateur sleuth Fi for help , the young photographer is drawn into a mystery that soon involves a gruesome murder scene, a distracting drag king and of course the inept or possibly even corrupt Detective O'Hara. The stakes are raised even higher by the disappearance of her best friend Robyn and soon Fi finds herself in mortal danger.
This was a really fast paced read and while the central mystery was not too difficult to figure out, I really enjoyed the story and how it was being told and there were still a few surprises along the way. The author has created a wonderful group of characters and I loved spending time with them and learning more about them as the were more fleshed out than in the previous book.
This was a really fast paced read and while the central mystery was not too difficult to figure out, I really enjoyed the story and how it was being told and there were still a few surprises along the way. The author has created a wonderful group of characters and I loved spending time with them and learning more about them as the were more fleshed out than in the previous book.
February 26, 2023
Death in the Dark is a very interesting mystery that will keep your eyes glued to the pages.
Sparkle McCavity is a young drag queen and employee of Miss Merkin who has mysteriously disappeared. Miss Merkin, somewhat reluctant at first, decides to ask her friend Fi for help in solving the matter but it soon becomes clear that Fi's friends are in danger again. Sparkle's body is found stuffed into the light pole of the TRASH nightclub and soon afterwards Robyn, Fi's best friend, also disappears. Detective O'Hara begins to strongly suspect Merkin and this increases the tension between the friends. Will one of them really be responsible for the murder? Will Fi and her friends be able to save Robyn and Sparkle before it's too late?
It was really hard for me to put this book away. I pulled an all-nighter to finish reading it. The numerous plots and suspense left me, chapter by chapter, with bated breath. I couldn't wait to find out who was behind Sparkle and Robyn's disappearance.
The author's pen is very smooth, sarcastic and funny. I can't wait until you can read this book too. I can assure you that between kidnappings, accusations, murders and dance floors it will be impossible for you to get bored!
Many thanks to Kitty Murphy and Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sparkle McCavity is a young drag queen and employee of Miss Merkin who has mysteriously disappeared. Miss Merkin, somewhat reluctant at first, decides to ask her friend Fi for help in solving the matter but it soon becomes clear that Fi's friends are in danger again. Sparkle's body is found stuffed into the light pole of the TRASH nightclub and soon afterwards Robyn, Fi's best friend, also disappears. Detective O'Hara begins to strongly suspect Merkin and this increases the tension between the friends. Will one of them really be responsible for the murder? Will Fi and her friends be able to save Robyn and Sparkle before it's too late?
It was really hard for me to put this book away. I pulled an all-nighter to finish reading it. The numerous plots and suspense left me, chapter by chapter, with bated breath. I couldn't wait to find out who was behind Sparkle and Robyn's disappearance.
The author's pen is very smooth, sarcastic and funny. I can't wait until you can read this book too. I can assure you that between kidnappings, accusations, murders and dance floors it will be impossible for you to get bored!
Many thanks to Kitty Murphy and Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2023
Thankyou so much to the author Kitty Murphy for allowing me to read a proof copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved the first book in this series so I had high expectations with this book...and it didn't let me down.
A young drag queen by the name Sparkle McCavity goes missing. Sparkle's employer Miss Merkin turns to ameteur sleuth and friend to the community Fi for her help. There doesn't seem to be be many clues and not a lot of suspects either. When Miss Merkin's niece is found murdered at the club, it appears that Fi's friends could be in danger...again. And when Robyn goes missing, Fi is distraught and tries everything she can to save her friend and Sparkle.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I love the characters in these books, particularly Del. I love the introduction of Drag King 'Stan the Man' and the effect Stan has on Fi. I was not expecting the ending, that had me surprised and in suspense. I binge read the last quarter of the book because I could't put it down. I would definitely recommend these books to anyone who is a fan of crime fiction and all things fabulous. I look forward to reading more of this series :)
I loved the first book in this series so I had high expectations with this book...and it didn't let me down.
A young drag queen by the name Sparkle McCavity goes missing. Sparkle's employer Miss Merkin turns to ameteur sleuth and friend to the community Fi for her help. There doesn't seem to be be many clues and not a lot of suspects either. When Miss Merkin's niece is found murdered at the club, it appears that Fi's friends could be in danger...again. And when Robyn goes missing, Fi is distraught and tries everything she can to save her friend and Sparkle.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I love the characters in these books, particularly Del. I love the introduction of Drag King 'Stan the Man' and the effect Stan has on Fi. I was not expecting the ending, that had me surprised and in suspense. I binge read the last quarter of the book because I could't put it down. I would definitely recommend these books to anyone who is a fan of crime fiction and all things fabulous. I look forward to reading more of this series :)
April 11, 2023
Abduction. Accusations. And murder on the dance floor. Sparkle McCavity, young drag queen and employee of Miss Merkin, is missing, presumed kidnapped or even worse. Naturally, Merkin turns to reluctant sleuth and friend to the community Fi for help, but clues and suspects are worryingly thin on the ground—and the drag king Stan the Man is proving somewhat distracting. When Merkin’s niece is then found murdered, spiked on a light pole in nightclub TRASH, it becomes clear that Fi’s friends are in danger. Again. With the ever-inept Detective O’Hara becoming convinced that the most likely suspect is Miss Merkin herself, tensions begin to build among the friends. Could one of them really be responsible? After a strangely spooky séance, Fi’s best friend Robyn disappears. Guilt-ridden and distraught, Fi and her friends must double their efforts to save Robyn and Sparkle before it’s too late. Just as long as her increasingly complicated and distracting love life doesn’t get in the way!
I found this story to be well written and in general absolutely amazing. Will recommend to others.
I found this story to be well written and in general absolutely amazing. Will recommend to others.
March 26, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
I didn't realize when I requested this that it was the second in the series. However, like many cozy mystery series, you can read "sequels" without necessarily having read the books that came before. I was mostly able to catch on with the typical recap and context clues.
Fi McKinnery is just a young woman in Ireland who seems to have death all around her. In the previous book, her roommate and best friend's sister was the culprit. This time, a drag queen has disappeared, and then the niece of the manager of the drag club (TRASH) is found impaled on a light pole in the club. What follows is Fi trying to get the dickish detective to take seriously the disappearances, while also going through a bit of an existential crisis herself.
I loved the vibes and found family feelings, but I wasn't super sold on the writing style. I would definitely read more from this author and in this series though, because it was just a lot of fun for something that was pretty dark.
CW: homophobia/prejudice, involuntary confinement, kidnapping, violence
I didn't realize when I requested this that it was the second in the series. However, like many cozy mystery series, you can read "sequels" without necessarily having read the books that came before. I was mostly able to catch on with the typical recap and context clues.
Fi McKinnery is just a young woman in Ireland who seems to have death all around her. In the previous book, her roommate and best friend's sister was the culprit. This time, a drag queen has disappeared, and then the niece of the manager of the drag club (TRASH) is found impaled on a light pole in the club. What follows is Fi trying to get the dickish detective to take seriously the disappearances, while also going through a bit of an existential crisis herself.
I loved the vibes and found family feelings, but I wasn't super sold on the writing style. I would definitely read more from this author and in this series though, because it was just a lot of fun for something that was pretty dark.
CW: homophobia/prejudice, involuntary confinement, kidnapping, violence
April 14, 2023
Murphy’s second entry in the Dublin Drag Mysteries series is once again filled with a memorable cast of characters, a twisty turny plot and tons of high-jinks. Murphy’s characters are incredibly likable, even Miss Merkin, the bossiest and most diva-esque of queens will tug at your heart. Additionally, I love all the 2SLGBTQIA+ representation. The mystery is a great balance of suspects, clues and red herrings and kept me guessing to the end. This touches on some sensitive topics, take care and check the CWs. FYI: If you’re interested in this series, this book contains spoilers for book one, Death in Heels, so be sure to pick it up first to keep that plot a mystery.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2023
The second Dublin Drag mystery finds Fi investigating when a drag queen and the assistant of famed Miss Merkin goes missing. The police don't seemed concerned but Miss Merkin and those who know Niall think that he has been abducted or worse. Things become even more complicated when Fi's roommate and best friend, Robyn, goes missing too.
Overall, I thought this was a decent mystery. I thought it slowed down some in the middle, and then I was disappointed by the whodunit. Fi didn't really come across clues for this person; it was more just happenstance. In that sense, it didn't feel like a cozy mystery in the way I wanted.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I thought this was a decent mystery. I thought it slowed down some in the middle, and then I was disappointed by the whodunit. Fi didn't really come across clues for this person; it was more just happenstance. In that sense, it didn't feel like a cozy mystery in the way I wanted.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2024
This series is such a delight. I read this in 3 days which I believe should tell you enough!
The gritty, dark and damp Dublin mixed with the glamour of drag give a unique atmosphere I can't get enough of. I feel like this one delved even deeper into the interpersonal relationships and we got to see more of some characters that were in the background in the first book. Also I have to say: drag king love interest? Something I didn't know I needed in my life and now I am SCREAMING for more. I'm gonna see if I can wait for december to read the next one cause it's Xmassy but... unsure how that'll go.
The gritty, dark and damp Dublin mixed with the glamour of drag give a unique atmosphere I can't get enough of. I feel like this one delved even deeper into the interpersonal relationships and we got to see more of some characters that were in the background in the first book. Also I have to say: drag king love interest? Something I didn't know I needed in my life and now I am SCREAMING for more. I'm gonna see if I can wait for december to read the next one cause it's Xmassy but... unsure how that'll go.
March 30, 2023
I enjoyed it, but I wish that I'd read the first in series. Not too late, though.
Welcome to the world of those who live Mardi Gras all year long. Except that this is only one club and someone wants it gone. One performer disappears, and another one is dead under suspicious circumstances, the detective seems singularly useless, so Fi is tasked with solving it all. Good sleuthing and excellent world building. Some of the characters could easily be found in clubs where I live. Very well done.
I requested and received an EARC from Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thank you!
Welcome to the world of those who live Mardi Gras all year long. Except that this is only one club and someone wants it gone. One performer disappears, and another one is dead under suspicious circumstances, the detective seems singularly useless, so Fi is tasked with solving it all. Good sleuthing and excellent world building. Some of the characters could easily be found in clubs where I live. Very well done.
I requested and received an EARC from Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 21, 2023
The second Dublin Drag Mystery story, this time sees drag queen Sparkle McCavity disappear in mysterious circumstances. Miss Merkle asks friend to the TRASH nightclub Fi to find Sparkle, and help solve other tragic occurances along the way.
I really enjoyed this sorry, Fi is a fun reluctant detective, and I love the resident drag queens. It does work as a standalone, however to understand the characters fully I would advise reading the first book before this one.
I really enjoyed this sorry, Fi is a fun reluctant detective, and I love the resident drag queens. It does work as a standalone, however to understand the characters fully I would advise reading the first book before this one.
April 13, 2023
This book is the second in the Dublin Drag mystery series , and I enjoyed it more than the first in the series.
A drag Queen Sparkle McCavity is missing , Merkin turns to Fi in the hope she can solve the mystery .
More disappearances and a death follow and Fi tries her hardest to solve the mystery.
The characters have developed from the first book and so has the calibre of writing .
An enjoyable and different cosy mystery !
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.
A drag Queen Sparkle McCavity is missing , Merkin turns to Fi in the hope she can solve the mystery .
More disappearances and a death follow and Fi tries her hardest to solve the mystery.
The characters have developed from the first book and so has the calibre of writing .
An enjoyable and different cosy mystery !
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.
April 15, 2023
Uniquely Amazing
I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway and it was very enjoyable. An incredibly easy and intriguing read. The only downside is I read book 2 before book 1. So make sure to read in order if you don't want spoilers to previous mystery! Knowing the whodunit won't stop me from reading the 1st book though! I look forward to many more Drag mysteries with Fi and the Queens!
I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway and it was very enjoyable. An incredibly easy and intriguing read. The only downside is I read book 2 before book 1. So make sure to read in order if you don't want spoilers to previous mystery! Knowing the whodunit won't stop me from reading the 1st book though! I look forward to many more Drag mysteries with Fi and the Queens!
February 16, 2024
Better than the first
Death in the Dark is a more refined and complex book than the first Dublin Drag Mystery, with a few twists and turns to keep you guessing.
The key characters are likeable and interesting, and there is an element of generosity in the sharing of their lives.
Would thoroughly recommend reading, but it is worth reading the first book to have a better handle on the character arcs.
Death in the Dark is a more refined and complex book than the first Dublin Drag Mystery, with a few twists and turns to keep you guessing.
The key characters are likeable and interesting, and there is an element of generosity in the sharing of their lives.
Would thoroughly recommend reading, but it is worth reading the first book to have a better handle on the character arcs.
July 2, 2023
I've been loving these books. The usual stuff that's been released in recent months hasn't quenched my thirst for a good book. But these... they're fabulous, darling! Cosy, quaint, and filled with suspense, wonderful characters, the charm of Dublin, and so much more. Kind of wish that I'd saved them for autumn reading! Looking forward to seeing if there's more!
July 22, 2023
Another good and strange book
I mainly like the fact that I get a glimpse into the lives of people I wouldn't have never met otherwise. It helps one develop a new look at ourselves. The story in itself is not very logical. It doesn't have the regular who done it process in it. There is no logical deduction or detective work. Everything is random. But it is a fun book to read.
I mainly like the fact that I get a glimpse into the lives of people I wouldn't have never met otherwise. It helps one develop a new look at ourselves. The story in itself is not very logical. It doesn't have the regular who done it process in it. There is no logical deduction or detective work. Everything is random. But it is a fun book to read.
January 13, 2024
The mystery in this book is well-paced and plotted. I simply adored this read. This is one of those authors where you can close your eyes and picture yourself exactly where they are describing in the scene and I love that. I enjoyed the continued character development from the first book overall I have nothing bad to say this was a fun and entertaining book.
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