A mysterious painting...the connections between an artist from the past and a character in the present day...what could go wrong? Readers can imagine that the answer is a lot!

In the present, meet Shanice. She is going through a hard time with a breakup and a job loss. What will happen when Shanice examines a painting?

Also, spend time with artist Estelle and art patron Maud. This is during the period of the Harlem Renaissance.

How will these story lines intersect? Find out in this page turner.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for this title. All opinions are my own.

I wasn’t able to finish this before the publishing date which sucks because I was so excited to read this.

While i enjoyed all of the gothic elements in this novel, I felt it was a little repetative. I could have done without the main character telling themselves to inhale and exhale over and over again. It was slow in the beginning and although I was able to guess the twist of I did enjoy this and will be reading more from this author.

What would you do if you inherited a painting that caused people to loose their minds trying to get their hands on? What if that painting tells a deeper story of an almost forgotten artist?

Shanice has found that life isn’t always great. When her grandmother is cleaning out her house to sell and gives Shanice a painting that has been passed down through the generation a whole can of worms is opened. It is up to Shanice to figure out the truth about the painting, the artist, and her family.

Good atmospheric vibes. However, I felt the story kinda dragged and was overly long. I thought the characters were well developed and the author did a good job incorporating the historical elements to the story. The story also took a while for me to get into. I really enjoyed Not So Perfect Strangers by the same author. However, this one was just ok. Rated: 3 stars

I was really interested in this book because it is so different from anything else I've read. The way the Harlem Renaissance was woven into the present day storyline was creative and I enjoyed the dual timelines. I was also impressed with the way mental health, racial and class inequality, and artist exploitation were presented. The mystery aspect of the story was captivating, and the characters made it hard to know who to trust. Even though I guessed a couple of the twists along the way, there were so many more that I did NOT see coming! This was a fun read and I recommend picking it up!

Check out "Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton - it's a super gripping thriller that mixes the lives of Shanice Pierce, a writer in the present day, with Estelle Johnson, an artist from the Harlem Renaissance. Shanice stumbles upon a creepy painting in her grandma's house that connects her to Estelle, who was influenced by the rich art patron Maude Bachmann, aka "Godmother." As Shanice digs into the painting's past, she uncovers some shady secrets and a bunch of mysterious deaths.

Stratton is really good at making interesting and easy-to-connect-with characters. Shanice is shown as a tough and nosy main character, whose story of finding herself and being brave is really captivating. Estelle's character, even though from a different time, is just as lifelike, showing the challenges and dreams of an artist during the Harlem Renaissance. The side characters, like the mysterious Godmother, make the story even more interesting and mysterious.

Stratton's writing really sets the mood and brings out the spooky vibe of the story. She switches between past and present smoothly and makes the settings, like Harlem and Shanice's grandma's house, feel incredibly real with her detailed descriptions.

The book looks at stuff like art, how the past affects the present, and searching for the truth. It talks about race, money, and power, especially in terms of who owns and exploits creativity. It also discusses how paranoia messes with your head and how far someone will go to find out secrets.

Stratton uses a bunch of cool writing tricks to make the story more interesting. Like, having two timelines makes things more complicated but also deeper, and the creepy gothic stuff adds a spooky vibe. Plus, there's lots of hidden meanings in symbols, especially in the painting that's a big deal in the story. The pacing is just right, with some parts that build up tension slowly and other parts that really get your heart racing.

The novel moves along pretty smoothly, but some people might get a little lost with the dual timelines at first. But as you keep reading, everything starts to make more sense and gets more interesting. The way the story is set up really keeps you on edge and slowly reveals important parts of the plot. It's an easy read that keeps you wanting more the whole time.

Do What Godmother Says is a total page-turner that mixes history, horror, and mystery in a really cool way. Stratton totally nails it with the characters and the story - it's definitely a must-read. The book dives into some deep stuff and the writing really sets the mood.

I'd totally suggest checking out Do What Godmother Says if you're into gothic thrillers and stories with multiple timelines. The plot is super detailed, the characters are awesome, and the writing really sets the mood. There are a few parts that might leave you scratching your head, but the whole book is worth it and sticks with you.

4.25 ⭐️

This book was definitely a journey. Sometimes slower paced and sometimes faster paced. I wondered throughout the book if this was based on a true story because of it being based on the Harlem Renaissance period. I found the period to be really intriguing but was also glad that it went back and forth into present day. I would have been less engaged if it did not go between the two periods. I also feel that this helped with building the suspense of the story. The author did a good job of aligning Essie’s story with Shanice’s story. They both unfolded together really well which is why I gave a high rating. There were times where I felt like I was losing interest but then the author picked right back up and I was drawn again. This is not a typical read for me so I was really glad that I stuck with it and finished it through. I loved the ending.

Characters:
Essie - I loved Essie as a character and she was portrayed very well as a black woman in the 1920s.
Shanice - I didn’t love Shanice as a character. Sometimes I feel like she brought things upon herself and blamed “the beast” and used “the beast” as a crutch even though she says she doesn’t want other people’s pity for having a mental illness.

Theme:
Be careful who you put your trust into
Family can be complicated

Trigger Warnings:
DEFINITELY check trigger warnings as there are some intense topics throughout this story

Do What Godmother Says is a captivating blend of historical fiction and thriller, told through dual timelines. Shanice's life is in turmoil until she discovers a mysterious painting at her grandmother's house, leading her to unravel the haunting story of Estelle Johnson, a Harlem Renaissance artist. Estelle's past with Maud, a wealthy woman dabbling in the occult, is filled with secrets and betrayals that Shanice slowly uncovers.

The characters are well-developed, with Shanice's relatability and Estelle's poignant story driving the plot. The twists are a mix of predictable and genuinely surprising, keeping the reader engaged. The gothic elements and eerie atmosphere add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and thrillers. Stratton's writing is engaging, and the book is a gripping, thought-provoking journey from start to finish.

This was a chilling book with half of the story told in current day by Sharice, an unreliable narrator who suffers from paranoia. She inherits a painting that was given to her great grandmother. In researching the artist, begins down a deadly road of mystery, romance, and murder, wrapped up in superstition and the occult. What is real? What is imagined? Is the artist herself reliable?

The book explores the story of the artist, Essie, in a dual timeline. Her story takes place during the Harlem Renaissance, a black artist whose white patron, Maude, is known as “Godmother.” In the author’s note, we learn that “Godmother” is loosely based on a real person who tried to access and control “primitive spirituality” by supporting Black and Native American artists during the Harlem Renaissance.

“Do What Grandmother Says” is creepy and disturbing. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the determination of the protagonists. Stratton does a great job pulling together past and present, incorporating the role of the ancestors, and drawing parallels between evil legacies and generational trauma. Parts of the book were predictable if you pay attention to the clues but overall the twists and turns were quite a ride with a satisfying ending.

I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley.

"Do What Godmother Says" by L.S. Stratton is a delightful and creative book that revitalizes the fairy tale genre. With its clever prose, compelling characters, and unique idea, it is a fun diversion into a humorous world where magic and mayhem mix. The book's heart and comedy make it a recommended read for anyone searching for a whimsical and enchanting trip, even with its minor pace flaws.

The plot of this book was very interesting: POV #1 follows a Black artist in the Harlem renaissance era & POV #2 follows a woman in the present who has inherited the last painting the artist ever did.

POV #1: Estelle
Such a gut-wrenching story of an underprivileged artist being taken advantage of by a rich white woman who became her patron & is called “Godmother”. Estelle keeps noticing strange occult things happening & everything surrounding Godmother just seems so…. Off. I really enjoyed this POV but towards the end things just kind of got over the top & took me out of the creepy things that were happening. Estelle’s POV really highlights the racism that took place during this time & how she became a the “token black girl” in Godmother’s life.

POV # 2: Shaurice
Estelle’s portrait is a family heirloom & always creeped out Shaurice. Her POV does an interview job at highlighting anxiety & depression which is referred to as the “beast.” When Shaurice gets the painting people around her are murdered, she’s being stalked & keeps being offered an insane amount of money from multiple art collectors for the painting. Once again, once the ending happened & things were revealed things just seemed way too over the top & were added for shock factor. I also guessed who the “bad guy” was with everything & felt it was a little lackluster in the grand reveal of their involvement.


Overall I really enjoyed this dual timeline & the story was very unique. It had me glued to my Kindle at times. I just wish thrillers didn’t have so much revealed at the end of the story to “pull it all together”

Shanice is a young woman whose life is falling apart. Her boyfriend broke up with her, she lost her job and found herself helping clean and organize her grandmother’s house. While cleaning, she finds a portrait painted by one of her ancestor's friends. Shanice gets curious about the painting and starts researching the painter's name, Essie.
The book is written from the perspective of Shanice and the perspective of Essie, and it contains two women across time.
The writing is excellent, and the whole story is very intriguing; I highly recommend it.

Ok in Do what Godmother says we have Shanice in present day who receives a “creepy” painting from her grandmother. She’s intrigued by the history of this painting and decides to do research on it. While trying to uncover dark history and secrets everyone wants a piece of this painting and several offers are thrown her way..even threats?

We have a dual timeline and in the 1920’s we have a young artists named Essie who gets taken under the wing by Maude aka godmother who basically steals artwork and claims it for herself from other black, young, less privileged women. Maude is murdered and Essie is fleeing in the beginning of this story. What really happened?

I was so excited to start this but i must admit it did take me a little longer to commit to this, it has a very slow start. I loved the historical fiction that was based on a real person and the time era. I honestly could have had more of Essie’s story in the 20’s era and the gothic vibe as a book on its own. I loved how both women were being held down and fighting for their life basically.

I love how this story showed how racism, classism, and being privileged and praying on others still can’t buy you happiness.

The cult stuff i understand where the author was going with it but being that this was a gothic story i think this should have been flushed out more.

This did not give thriller to me. I would categorize this as a gothic historical fiction mystery. It still have though.

The end like literally the last 10% had my jaw on the floor!!

Dual POV/ Dual Timelines
Takes place in DC and Harlem
Art meets history meets Murder.
Inspired by a real person in Harlem Renaissance history.
Decent characters and pacing.
The grandmother character was my fav 💝
Nice and twisty, kept me guessing.
Love the ties to South Carolina.
Mental illness Rep.
Loss and betrayal.
Mentions of the occult/cult behavior.
Stalking/murder.
This story does a really good job highlighting the abuses the wealthy white "benefactors" heaped upon young black artists during the Harlem Renaissance and how those same abuses can continue today if not checked...
Creepy and smart, I loved it!

Summer time is here!! What a refreshing, thought provoking read. A history lesson that didn't feel like i was in school. Finished it in a few sittings. The characters were fleshed out, one could identify with the various situations. Normally when reading stories set in two different time periods, there's always a period that's written weaker than the other. I was heavily invested and enjoyed both periods. I didn't enjoy Ms. Stratton previous book, so I was apprehensive about reading. There were no worries. The writing style was smooth and tight. I quickly found myself submerged into the story and was disappointed when it was over. It's been a few days since reading and still the characters are with me.

#DOWHATGODMOTHERSAYS, #NETGALLEY, #LSSTRATTON, #THRILLERS

This was a weird one. It was said to be a horror book, but it wasn’t exactly. It seemed like it was supposed to be a gothic book, but it just didn’t get that dark. BUT nevertheless, it was really, really effing good.

Ok so the main thing I liked about this was the timeline. Idk what it is, but I LOVE anything that has anything to do with the Renaissance era. And this one has a lot to do with the art. The flashbacks to when the original painting was finished to the present was pretty cool. I loved the way that Stratton was able to pull the two timelines together. And the way the parties in this were described seemed so much like everything I’ve ever heard or read about that time.

The plot tho seemed weird and all over the place. There was a lot that I wished was explored more. Like the house and what exactly that little group (?) was? Like I didn’t understand why it had such a huge part in the plot but it was only mentioned in passing. And the things they were doing or why they were doing it wasn’t really explained either, so I just didn’t understand why she wouldn’t develop that part of the plot more.

The writing style was the thing that got me for this book tho. Idk what she put in this, but it really had me like stuck in this story. I remember starting this at night and listening to it until like 2 am. I had to get to the bottom of why this painting was so important. And let me just tell you, I was NOT expecting what I got. Idk how Stratton made me feel all the things the main character did and then turned it into what she did, but I seriously tip my hat to her. She really had me going but tied up everything so nicely with a bow. I think I said out loud, “WTF?!” LOL

I didn’t care for the anxiety rep tho. ONLY because it was tied to something else and she kept saying, “I know you think I’m crazy.” And I just wish we had better language to surround that. Anxiety is already filled with enough intrusive thoughts. I just wish they didn’t make us feel this way. And when it does, I wish we had someone that believed us. There is someone who believes in this book, but we don’t know how or why until the ending. And that didn’t help me throughout the rest of the story.

This was a pretty fun book! This is my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more of her work! I already went and put a hold on Not So Perfect Strangers lol That one sounds like another thriller that’s going to have me going, WTF in the middle of the night again….. And I can’t wait lol

“Do What Godmother Says” is the Thriller/Historical Fiction mashup I never knew I needed!

If a series of unfortunate events was a person, it would be Shanice, the FMC in the thrilling, historical fiction, “Do What Godmother Says.” After losing her job and relationship all in the same day she thinks life can’t get any worse but she’s in for a surprise when she accepts a mysterious painting from her grandmother that’s been passed down for generations.

Creeped out and intrigued by the painting Shanice makes it her mission to find out as much as she can about the artist. While there isn’t much information on Estelle “Essie” Johnson [the Harlem Renaissance painter] there’s plenty of information on Maude Bachman- Essie’s patron and benefactor. She soon uncovers a troubling business arrangement that may answer questions about the untimely demise of the once-budding artist.

While she’s putting all of the pieces together, and declining lucrative offers to sell the painting she realizes that she’s being stalked and her life is in danger. What’s so important about this painting, is how can she prove she’s not crazy, and who can she trust?

This was a thrilling read that I never wanted to walk away from. I loved the story development from the POV of Essie and Shanice shown in different timelines. There were lots of surprises and I must admit, I didn’t see that ending coming.

Additionally, L.S. Stratton forces the reader to consider several real and ongoing issues that impact Black Americans like gentrification, interracial relationships, and the erasure of Black Art.

Excellent read.

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions and views expressed are my own.*

Shanice Pierce is a writer going through a tough time, losing her job and her boyfriend all at once. She inherits a painting from her grandmother that has been in the family for generations. To her surprise, she finds herself drawn to it in a way she can’t understand. As she searches for answers, she learns that the artist was a young woman whose mentor was known as “Godmother” and that both of them vanished without a trace.
I would say this a thriller with historical fiction elements but also has some commentary on race, class, wealth, mental health, and family. I enjoyed this book but i did find it a bit predictable but that didn't bother me too much. I enjoy Stratton's writing and will be sure to read her next book. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Great book keeps you on your toes and I love the history and past and present used in the story I felt like I was right there with the characters