I wanted to love this so much because I’m a huge housewives fan! This was just so hit and miss. At times I was loving it and in deep and other times I thought it was corny and all over the place. It’s still an entertaining book, so I’d give it a chance especially if you love housewives, but I just wouldn’t go in with high expectations. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This wasn’t the best fit for me - I went in expecting a thriller/mystery and while the second half does have a lot of people being killed off, it was very reality tv drama focused and had a campy vibe to it throughout. To be fair, I’m not a reality TV watcher and haven’t watched any of the Real Housewives shows. Therefore, I don’t believe I’m the ideal reader for this book. However, if you enjoy the over-the-top scripted drama, behind-the-scenes show runner and cast details, you will enjoy it.

The characters were all quite unlikeable, and I didn’t find myself particularly invested in any of their stories. The mystery aspect was predictable and should have been evident to anyone paying attention. At the beginning of the book, there was a list of characters, which I appreciated because I frequently forgot who was who and had to refer to it often.

This book definitely incorporates some cliches commonly found in reality shows and could be an enjoyable beach read if you enjoy over-the-top storylines and larger-than-life personalities. Although it’s not my preferred genre, I believe fans of such shows will find the drama captivating.

Thanks @simonbooks for the gifted copy!

If you love a frothy housewives show but up the drama and murder, this is the book for you! It was an easy, low stakes read.

I really wanted to love this one since I love the Housewives and work in reality TV but it didn't work for me. The characters were shallow and they're all pretty awful, and the murder mystery takes forever to be introduced. It was a great concept but the execution was lacking.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the copy to review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
Juicy, gossipy, and gloriously vicious, The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is a wildly entertaining murder mystery that reads like a love letter to the original Real Housewives era. If you’re a fan of the high drama, catfights, and chaotic glamour that made the franchise iconic, this book is a must-read.

Astrid Dahl brilliantly captures the over-the-top personalities and scandalous drama you’d expect from reality TV but layers it with a dark twist—a murder that needs solving. The narrative feels fresh and unique, leaning into the outrageous antics and pettiness of the characters while still delivering a solid whodunit. The nods to Real Housewives nostalgia are clever and hilarious, making it even more engrossing for fans of the shows.

While the main focus is the mystery and all the piping hot tea that comes with it, there’s also a sapphic romance added to the plot. I didn’t expect this relationship because it wasn’t brought up in any descriptions/tropes or warnings. I was happy I kept reading because it did add heart without stealing the spotlight … or did it… from the story’s delicious drama.

Overall, this book is a fun, unique read that feels like bingeing an entire season of Housewives—but with a murder to solve. A perfect guilty pleasure for fans of juicy gossip, sharp-tongued characters, and all things reality TV.

This was just not the book for me. I am a Bravo fan and love the different Real Housewives series which I kinda expected this book to be similar to but realized I am just not a fan of reading about it versus watching.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm solely rating The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey off of vibes alone. This book is exactly like watching an episode of The Real Housewives it is so messy. If you are looking for rich people acting insane and messy this is the read for you.

Each of the character were so interesting that you couldn't wait to see what kind of mess they were going to get themselves into. Most of the time they brought the drama on themselves with a little meddling from Eden their show runner who knew just what buttons to press in order to get an over the top reaction. While all of the characters are partially to blame for what happens to Hope and the other two murders.

I will say I knew exactly how the mystery aspects of the story were going to play out. It was a bit obvious about what was going on and how everything was going to play out but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all. That said I was a little shocked at the second and third murders.

One thing that really pulled me out of this book is I don't think the author has ever been to the Olive Garden. There is a whole scene with Eden and Renee eating pizza and cheesy bread at the Olive Garden which could never happen because thats not something that they serve.

If you crave a little messiness that only reality tv can bring this is the book for you.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was an odd little ride, to say the least. While the title promises quirky fun, the story itself lacked a clear direction, often feeling scattered and unsure of its path. The premise had potential, but the execution left me wanting more in terms of plot cohesion and character development.

That said, there were flashes of wit and creativity that kept me turning the pages. The author’s style shows promise, and while this book didn’t fully deliver for me, I’d be open to reading more from them in the future. A decent read, but it fell short of its intriguing title.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a witty read! It is extremely rare that a book will both keep me intrigued and guessing at the same time, and this one did both!!! Being a huge fan of reality tv, combined with my loved for reading, this was an absolute perfect combo!!!

3.75 stars- I have been an OG housewives fan since the days of Vicki Gunvalson and Gena Keough took over Bravo while I was watch reruns of The West Wing…anyways, I digress. This is a great mystery palette cleanser for anyone who also loves watching any show in the Bravo universe. It’s campy, funny, and full of nods to the Bravo wives.
Other than that reason, I read Perfume & Pain last year and it was one of my favorite books of the year. When I got approved for this arc I literally was jumping up and down in full fan girl mode. I am here for anything Anna or Astrid writes.

Thank you to NetGalley & Simon & Schuster for my digital arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

Where do I begin? This is supposed to be a takeoff on all the "Real Housewives" shows, and, in a way, it is. There are all the usual characters: the bully, the shy one, the dumb one, the drunk one, the one with all the money she can ever spend (and rumors about how she got it), the one who is poorer than the others, even the one with a prosthetic (this time a foot)! Oh, and of course, the mouthy one who loudly proclaims that the only things in life worth having are all Italian (but is she GREEK?).

When a new, young girl marries into the family of two of the Golden Goddesses, no one knows much about her and her sisters-in-law don't know what to think of her. She comes from California, but not the glamorous part, she sings and writes songs, but not the showy ones they like, and worst of all, she is NOT Italian!! But she is the new flavor of the month on THEIR reality show, so they want to find out everything.

When she is murdered, the race is on to find the killer. Then there are a couple more murders, and rumors of two more in the past, and who is this mysterious woman who shows up, presenting herself as a hometown friend of the murdered housewife? Add in a couple (or more?) lesbian love affairs, and you have a real mess.

I am not the target audience for this book, but I slogged through it just to finish and find out if there had been any point to it. There hadn't.

The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is a darkly comedic and suspenseful mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats while laughing out loud. Astrid Dahl's debut novel serves up a delicious mix of mystery, wit, and sharp social commentary, wrapped in a fast-paced, twist-filled narrative.

Set in the upper crust of New Jersey's suburban elite, the book follows a group of seemingly perfect housewives who are bound by their shared history, friendship, and the one thing they can’t quite shake: the fact that they’re all dead. Or, at least, mostly dead. The novel opens with the murder of one of the wives in a particularly grisly and dramatic fashion, and from there, Dahl takes readers through a series of complex, twisty revelations that uncover secrets, betrayals, and a whole lot of hidden skeletons in the closets of New Jersey’s wealthiest.

What makes The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey so compelling is its rich characterization and the unique blend of humor and horror. Dahl’s sharp prose is often laced with dark humor, making it easy to sympathize with characters who are far from perfect, yet incredibly relatable. The "dead wives" are far from your typical ghosts; they are complex, multidimensional women with unresolved issues from their lives—and deaths—that they can’t quite escape. Through these characters, Dahl delivers biting critiques of the pressures of suburban life, the illusion of perfection, and the secrets we all keep.

The pacing of the book is incredibly tight, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep the mystery rolling while also peeling back layers of personal history and relationships. Dahl’s talent for building suspense is clear, and her ability to blend the supernatural with the mundane is masterful. Even when the plot takes outlandish turns, it never feels contrived or forced.

One of the novel's standout aspects is its exploration of female friendship and rivalry. The relationships between the dead wives feel real—complicated, messy, and filled with both affection and competition. It’s a fun, yet poignant, commentary on how women navigate power, envy, and loyalty in a world that constantly expects them to fit a certain mold.

However, while The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is a page-turner full of sharp humor, it’s also a story about redemption and finding peace with the past. Dahl expertly balances the humor and suspense with deeper emotional moments, allowing the characters to grow—even from beyond the grave.

Final Verdict: For fans of quirky mysteries with a dark edge, The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is a must-read. Dahl's inventive storytelling, memorable characters, and clever twists will leave readers eagerly flipping the pages. It’s a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but beneath its humor lies a smart, thrilling tale about life, death, and everything in between.

As a Housewives fan, this was such a delightful read -- I loved the plentiful Easter eggs peppered throughout! The format made it super un-put-downable, between the varying perspectives plus the talking head interviews...just a super fun book.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for approving this ARC. I rated the book three stars. It features five women on a reality show called "Garden State Goddesses." I liked most of the characters, but the character development could have been better. Also, there needed to be more development for the plot in general. The entire concept was really interesting and the author really brought the drama. The murder occurs in the second half of the story and I felt it should have happened much sooner. I appreciated the overall message about how fame can change people. I would like to see more from the author in future.

Will add review to goodreads soon. I really enjoyed this one.

“The truth always comes out and trust me, this convo is full of it…there will be two signed books to giveaway too! Because who doesn’t want a little more truth (and maybe a few more secrets) delivered right to your door?”

My trashy reality tv loving heart absolutely ate this book up! Omg it was like The Real Housewives meets Jerseylicious! I was loving the drama, the mystery and the true crime. The goddesses were so fun, and I loved seeing all of their different personalities. Meeting the show runner, Eden and the crew was an added bonus. I wish we got a little more character development from the goddesses, as well as a deeper look into Hope and Renee’s relationship. I felt like we skipped a bunch that could have been fun to read. I also wished the ending was wrapped up nicer. It kind of left off as a cliffhanger. Overall I thought it was a fun read, and definitely paid homage to reality tv.

Thank you Simon Books and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had a lot of fun with this one being a huge fan of all of the "Real Housewives" shows. I really enjoyed the characters, they were just as bitchy and delusional as I expected/wanted them to be. I loved that Eden was a producer and all that happened....oh boy! I thought the writing was really great and I loved the parts where they were in the confessional. I will be recommending this to so many people.

I am an avid housewife watcher. I love everything Bravo. Getting an ARC for this book felt like a real win. Unfortunately, I did not love this story. I felt like it was over the top and almost parody-like. Maybe if I had gone in expecting that my outlook would be different, but I felt it was farcical and didn't hit the thriller notes the way I anticipated. The plot took awhile to pick up and then I felt that a lot of it was predictable.

Overall, not a poorly written book but definitely not my cup of tea.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who once loved the trash TV that was the Real Housewives franchises, I naturally had to read Astrid Dahl’s BravoTV-inspired novel, The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey. Dahl takes everything that you love (and hate!) about reality TV and spins a murder mystery around it, creating a novel that fans of the Housewives franchises will find a lot of fun to read.

Clearly inspired by one of the Housewives’ more stunning series - the Real Housewives of New Jersey - this book focuses on a group of closely connected Italian-American women starring in the Huzzah network’s hit series, Garden State Goddesses. As you can imagine if you have ever watched RHONJ, more than one cast member is related, and they don’t take kindly to strangers. So when a new Housewife marries into the family and joins the show, the claws come out. Someone is obviously going to wind up dead, drumming up more scandal and publicity than the Huzzah network execs could ever manufacture on their own.

After reading this novel, I can’t help but wonder why no one dreamt up a Housewives-inspired novel before now, as it a prime breeding ground for juicy, page-turning reading. This book is just as gossipy as your favorite Housewives’ franchises, and even comes complete with “Confessional” transcripts where the Housewives dish out the dirt and stab each other in the back.

The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey is first and foremost written for Housewives fans, as they will appreciate the various nods to the “real” Real Housewives and their nefarious machinations. This book has jaw-dropping table flips, all-out family wars, ingenue outcasts, and bratty children aspiring to their own star. Add in an honest-to-goodness murder and you have all the makings of compelling reality TV.

There are some things that don’t work with this novel, however, including the fact that once the murder takes place, the book feels rushed, quickly pulling together bits and pieces from various sources to create a narrative that is neither surprising nor shocking. Things happen quickly and without warning in this story, and I found myself having to go back and re-read passages several times because I missed the introduction of a new plot point. I think this novel could have used a more fleshed out plot, as well as tighter editing, but it is still a fun read. Reality TV isn’t perfect, nor is it believable, so why should this book, rooted in reality TV, be any different?

Recommended to fans of the Real Housewives franchise!

Garden State Goddesses is one of the top rated shows on Huzzah: fan favorite Renee is an openly bisexual single mom; Carmella is the network’s dream villain; Birdie has several late husbands to her name, each one wealthier than the last. But for the upcoming third season, show runner Eden needs something truly special.

Hope’s Californian childhood was less surfing and sand and more Bible studies and choir practice. Her father was a founder of the Brother God community and it took to adulthood for Hope to leave. A call from her cousin Eden is her escape — a chance encounter blossoms into romance and now Hope is the newest Goddess. Eden’s betting big on her naive, outsider cousin winning over the hearts of viewers.

But when one of the cast collapses while filming, it quickly becomes evident the drama isn’t only on-screen. An anonymous Instagram account gleefully spilling ALL the tea, possible mob connections, and multiple pasts coming to light are only the beginning.

THE REALLY DEAD WIVES OF NEW JERSEY is gossipy and capital-D Drama, exactly the book I wanted to sink into during a snowy weekend! There’s backstabbing galore and cast confessionals, secret lovers and scandals. While this one won’t be lauded by the literary crowd, fans of reality tv will have a blast.