Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies to review.

Anytime Bahni Turpin narrates an audiobook, I know I am in for a treat, and that proved true once again with Trouble In Queenstown. Vandy is a cop turned PI and she is back in her hometown of Queenstown, NJ. Her first case turns out to be one that is more than she bargained for, as it quickly turns into more than what her client said it was. This was entertaining and kept my attention the entire time, and I loved all of the turns it took. Vandy was a good protagonist, and I loved how she was relentless in getting to the bottom of what was really going on, regardless of who tried to stop her.

This was my first read of Pitts, and I will have to check out her other books. I am hoping this is the first in a series as it seemed to be set up that way, and I do recommend it and think audio is the way to read it if you like audiobooks.

Ahhh so good. Detective mysteries are either hit or miss and this was a hit. The characters were awesome. The story line was great.

Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts is a solid mystery with a gripping premise, but it falls short in a few areas. The setting is vivid, and the plot offers some intriguing twists, but the pacing felt uneven, with some sections dragging while others were rushed. The characters, though interesting, could have been more fully developed to create stronger emotional connections. While the story has potential and moments of suspense, it lacked the tension needed to make it a truly captivating read. Overall, it’s an enjoyable book for mystery fans, but it doesn’t quite stand out from the genre’s best.

This audiobook was not what I had expected. I feel like it started out slow and was focused a lot on the MC having one night stands too often which. Once the story got slightly interesting the audio just stopped working. I gave up. It didn't capture my attention that much to keep going.

Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For some reason, I was under the impression that Trouble in Queenstown was Delia Pitts' debut, but it is not! I thought she did a wonderful job of using the showing not telling method, almost to the point where sometimes I wasn't quite sure what she was getting at, but it felt electric all the same. I loved our FMC Evander “Vandy” Myrick, and she was a very relatable character between her quest for justice and the way her dad was the center of her world. Loss of a child is discussed among other things, so I would make sure to check your triggers as this book does get a little dark.

I loved Bahni Turpin as the narrator for the audiobook, and thought she made the entire storyline along with its characters come alive in an exciting way. She was on it during the action scenes as well, and I was impressed with the way she made Vandy shine. I loved how the book was broken down into Vandy's different cases though it also came along with the progression of the plot itself. I love a gritty PI novel, but I also felt like something was missing from this one to keep me from connecting with it fully. 🤷‍♀️ Couldn't tell you what but that's where I'm at. That being said, I will definitely read this author again, especially if this is in fact the start of a new series.

I really enjoyed the main character of Trouble in Queenstown! Vandy Myrick is a private investigator, who had recently moved back home. When the mayors nephew comes in with a story about his wife, Vandy takes the job. Things take a very violent turn and the small town now has many issues.

I would read a whole series with Vandy as the main character, even the side characters were amazing to meet. I really enjoyed the relationship between Vandy and her dad, who has dementia.
It was my first book narrated by Bahni Turpin and she did a great job, brought the story to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great mystery that kept me engaged during the whole story. I expected more of a thrilling aspect. But overall a good read! Glad I gave this one a try!

This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her work. This story is filled with lies, dirty politics, obviously murder, and corruption. Racial disparity plays a significant part also. I really liked the depiction of the ups and downs of dementia. I read this book as well as listened to the audiobook. Thanks NetGalley for the eArc of this book.

Vandy Myrick’s daughter died of an overdose at a party. Unable to go back to her job, she quit her job in Philadelphia and went back home to Queenstown. A downgrade from being a police officer, most of her PI jobs revolve around collecting evidence against cheating spouses. Hired to investigate Leo Hannah’s wife for cheating, things go south when Vandy finds her dead. Leo claims a man named Hector Ramirez killed his wife and then he killed Hector. As Vandy delves into the mystery, however, things are not as they seem. As she rekindles with an old flame, racial tension and political corruption come to light in her investigation. Can Vandy solve the mystery before it’s too late?

Narrator, Bahni Turpin’s intonations and unique voices make the characters easy to distinguish. The narrative pace fits well with the author’s writing pace. Vandy is likable, authentic, and easy to relate to. The plot is engaging, well-developed, and intriguing. The world building is well done and draws the listener into the story. Listeners who like mysteries, smalltown novels, and strong female protagonists will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.

Please Note: A copy of this audiobook was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

“Trouble in Queenstown” is a riveting tale that plunges readers into the gritty world of Evander “Vandy” Myrick, a private investigator whose quest for truth takes her through the underbelly of her childhood hometown. The novel is not just a mere detective story; it’s an exploration of complex social issues, woven into the fabric of Queenstown, New Jersey.

The protagonist, Vandy, is a character crafted with depth and resilience. As a Black woman in a predominantly white town, she navigates her investigations with a sharp wit and unwavering determination. Her transition from a cop to a private eye is not just a career move but a personal journey towards self-fulfillment, away from the shadows of her father’s expectations. This personal angle adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Vandy’s character relatable and her struggles palpable.

The setting of Queenstown is almost a character in itself, encapsulating the essence of small-town America with its cornfields and pharma labs, yet it harbors secrets that are anything but mundane. The author does an exceptional job of painting a vivid picture of this community, where privacy is a luxury and everyone knows your business—or so they think.

The plot of “Trouble in Queenstown” is engaging, with Vandy taking on what appears to be a straightforward surveillance job for Leo Hannah, the mayor’s nephew. However, the case quickly spirals into a web of deceit as a racially charged murder implicates members of the Hannah family, turning the town upside down. The investigation becomes a battleground for Vandy, who faces opposition at every turn, yet her resolve never falters.

Narration by Bahni Turpin brings an additional dimension to the story, infusing it with emotion and tension that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Turpin’s performance complements the written word, ensuring that the suspense and drama are felt as much as they are read.

One of the most commendable aspects of the novel is its insightful examination of racism within Queenstown. The author doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities faced by minority communities, using the genre of mystery to shed light on societal issues. This approach not only entertains but also educates, prompting readers to reflect on the prejudices that exist within their own environments.
The twists and turns of the narrative are cleverly plotted, ensuring that readers remain engaged throughout. Each revelation feels earned, and the pacing is such that there’s never a dull moment. The story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, in the search for truth, one must confront the uncomfortable and the unexpected.

In conclusion, “Trouble in Queenstown” is a compelling read that offers more than just thrills. It’s a story of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of justice, set against the backdrop of a town rife with secrets and prejudice. Vandy Myrick emerges not just as a detective but as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest corners of society, one person’s tenacity can shine a light on the truth. For those seeking a mystery that resonates with real-world issues and provides a strong, intelligent lead, this novel is a must-read.

I found this to be an enjoyable and entertaining listen. Vandy is a PI in her hometown. I love that this story is set in my home state. Vandy is such a strong and unique main character. She is feisty and complex. I had a good time getting to know her character.

This was a solid murder mystery that I found myself invested in up until the end. The author delivered humor throughout the story that I thought was a nice addition. The plot was well developed and I thought Vandy and the supporting characters were well flushed out.

Bahni Turpin is one of my fave narrators, and she perfectly brought this story to life!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Special thanks to the author & @minotaurbooks for my advanced copy‼️

This was not a fav the pacing was entirely too slow for me. It was giving grandma 1940’s mystery like nothing about it was really exciting. The writing wasn’t completely bad but at the same time I could’ve DNF’d. Then Evander starting off the book saying she was horny was so stank cause ma’am why lol. Then she was working one case that somehow turned into three yet they were all somehow connected. 

This was just all over the place for me I think the best part of the book was the cover!!! Idk what I was expecting this to be but the author didn’t really deliver like I hoped. I even had the audio and it still didn’t hit maybe I should’ve read it without it. Overall, this was low-grade mid in my opinion but you might like it!!!

I enjoyed this mystery novel. It feels like a modern day noir novel. However, Vandy Myrick isn’t your typical devil-may-care, hair-of-the-dog, won’t-be-your-sap, private eye. Instead, she is a middle-aged black woman with lots of grit who’s managed to stay (mostly) on her feet despite multiple setbacks and tragedies. Unlike the classic noir detectives, Vandy has the sense to accept help on occasion and is in the process of rebuilding her life with an assortment of old friends and found family. The story touches and multiple tough subjects and gets very heavy in a few places.

The mystery itself is multi-layered and twisty. I was thrown for a loop more than once.

The audiobook is narrated by Bahni Turpin. I thought she did a great job bringing Vandy and her investigations to life.

Trigger warning: This book is somewhere between a mystery and a thriller. There are some somewhat gory moments and traumatic events including but not limited a murder scene, death on the page, death of a family member, and attempted r*pe. There is also an aging family member with dementia.

I snagged an eARC of Trouble in Queenstown from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was hoping for a badass lady detective taking charge, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The whole hotshot detective routine felt too familiar and formulaic, so I had to put it down after a few chapters.

The protagonist's interactions with men and the unrealistic fighting scenes didn't hold my interest, and I never even got to the main crime. The writing style might be a hit for fans of old film-noir PI vibes, especially with a female lead, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I can see the potential depth in themes like race and gender dynamics, but it didn't resonate with me this time around.

While Trouble in Queenstown may resonate with others, it missed the mark for me. The exploration of race and gender in a male-dominated field might be compelling, but the writing style didn't click with my taste. I appreciate the effort, but this one wasn't for me.

Although I enjoyed the story line of this book, the writing style was not for me. I came very close to DNFing this one several times. But I was invested enough that I wanted to know who was guilty and to see how it ended. I would probably pass on any others by this author in the future.

Evander Myrick, better known as Vandy, finds herself back in her small hometown of Queenstown, NJ, after her career in law enforcement comes to a halt. Back in her hometown, she opened a PI office, which will honor her dream. After all, her career in law enforcement was more about honoring her father’s expectations.

While I loved the premise, I struggled with the first chapter, pacing, and, at times, the story. I wanted to like Vandy, but she was a hard character to connect with. I was disappointed that she felt a little too much like a cut-out character and one who wasn’t as savvy as I thought she might be—especially considering her previous job.

On the other hand, the audiobook helped pull off the slow times and moved through the places that felt a little too cliche and overworked. Bahni Turpin as the narrator did a wonderful job of holding my attention.

Would I be interested in listening to the second book in the series? Absolutely. This series has potential.

Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the advanced listening copy of the audiobook. #macaudio2024

“Evander ‘Vandy’ Myrick became a cop to fulfill her father’s expectations. After her world cratered, she became a private eye to satisfy her own. Now she's back in Queenstown, New Jersey, her childhood home, searching for solace and recovery. Vandy agrees to take on a new client, the mayor’s nephew, Leo Hannah, to keep the cash flowing and expand her local contacts. Leo wants Vandy to tail his wife to uncover evidence for a divorce suit.” A double homicide changes her plan of attack, as do several interesting new clients.

The main character, Vandy, is a quintessential PI: intelligent, strong, sarcastic, and a little haunted by her past. While the story has more “tell than show” than I like, I wanted to like the MC and appreciated her guts and determination. I think the audiobook delivery is what ultimately sold me on the book, especially the almost-over-the-top villains, who are hilariously entitled and ballsy with a New Jersey edge.

At first I really liked this mystery. I feel like I had things figured out for the most part. Then it just kept going and going, but I already felt like I had known things for a while, and so it just needed to wrap up.

I finished Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts and here are my musings.


Vandy Myrick gave up being a cop to take on the world as a PI. Now she's back in her hometown, as a black woman and a business owner, she knows she has an uphill battle.

That is until Leo Hanna, the nephew of the Mayor, requests her services to tail his wife. Should be pretty easy and routine but when his wife is murdered in their home and the murderer shot by Leo, something doesn’t make sense and Vandy can’t keep her nose out of it.

YAHOOO this book was phenomenal! I read and listened to the audio and the narrator was BRILLIANT! I loved the sass of Vandy and her no nonsense way of conducting herself. Please tell me this is going to be a series! I loved the characters. Except Leo… Slippery MF.

I thought the plot was clever and the pace worked really well. There were a couple of slower spots but I felt like it was a little rest for the reader before you got the full POW again! The twists were excellent and the dialogue was really intelligent and realistic.

There wasn’t really anything I didn’t like, it was a really entertaining book. I really think if you like thrillers with a bad @ss MC.. This has to be your next read!

4.5 stars!

Thank you to @minotaurbooks and @netgalley for my gifted ALC and ARC.

Delia Pitts has been writing mysteries for quite some time, but she is new to me. In Trouble in Queenstown, she introduces hardboiled sleuth Evander Myrick. Myrick’s friends call her Vandy, and that helps to distinguish her from her elderly father for whom she is named; he’s in a memory care unit.

My thanks go to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for the review copies. This book is for sale now.

At first glance, I thought that this detective fiction was set in New Zealand. Queenstown, right? But in this case, the locale is Queenstown, New Jersey. The story opens with Vandy cleaning up a mess in her office just as Leo Hannah storms in and wants to see Evander Myrick. He assumes Myrick will be a Caucasian male, and that Myrick herself is a member of the cleaning staff.

Oops.

Hannah comes to hire Vandy in the wake of his wife’s murder. He knows exactly who did it, he tells her, and he wants her to prove it, starting with some surveillance. Vandy isn’t sure she should take this job, but she has to pay top dollar to keep her daddy in the best facility, so she reluctantly signs on. As the story progresses, there are numerous twists and turns, and the violence escalates. By the story’s end, three different people have tried to hire her for exactly the same case!

The thing I appreciate here is the way Pitts addresses cop racism. So many detective novels require the reader to suspend belief, to assume that every cop is fearlessly dedicated to finding out the unvarnished truth and arresting the perpetrator of the crime, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. But as Vandy conducts her investigation, Pitts keeps it real. At one point the detective speaks with a salon stylist that worked on Ivy’s hair, and he tells her that Ivy was afraid of someone at home. Vandy asks if he contacted the police.

“’The police?’ He jerked his neck, pursing his lips as if I’d farted. ‘Girl, you think the cops came here?’ He sniffed. ‘You don’t look like a fool. Maybe I read you wrong.’”

Sadly, the second half of the book doesn’t impress me as much as the first half does. I have a short list of tropes that I never want to see again in a mystery novel, and she trips a few, including my most hated one. I won’t go into details because it’s too far into the story, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but when it appears, I sit back, disengage from the text, and roll my eyes. Ohhh buh-ruther. As I continue reading, I can see who the murderer is well in advance, and the climax itself is a bit over the top, though without the tropes, I mightn’t have noticed this last issue.

In addition to the digital review copy, I have the audio. The reader does a fine job.

The more mysteries a person reads, the staler tropes become. I am perhaps more sensitive than most readers, having logged over a thousand novels in this genre. Readers that have not read many mysteries are less likely to be aware of, and therefore bothered by overused elements, and so this book may please you much more than it did me. But for hardened, crochety old readers such as myself, I recommend getting this book free or cheap, if you choose to read it. Newer readers may enjoy it enough to justify the sticker price.