This book has a strong, engaging plot with plenty of options to consider when trying to work out “whodunnit.” There are some absolutely infuriating characters here, which is always a good sign that the author has hit the mark in making them credible. I loved seeing how they responded to different situations and where they all ended up. The sub-plot around the lead detective’s baby was interesting and made her very endearing. A bit of tidying up is needed to correct where the tense changes from past to current and where the perspective switches from first to third person.

“Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder” by Brandi Bradley is a fresh, dynamic take on Southern noir that offers readers both a riveting murder mystery and a sharply observed commentary on small-town dynamics, gender roles, and the struggles of queer life in conservative settings. Bradley’s novel crackles with tension and wit, diving into the duality of Kentucky’s charm with an equal mix of affection and critique, crafting a story that’s as suspenseful as it is socially insightful.

Set in the seemingly idyllic Western Kentucky town, the story centers around the murder of a young entrepreneur. The primary suspect? His beautiful, eccentric ex-girlfriend, Gabbi, who embodies the “New Age” neo-hippie stereotype with such intensity that she both enchants and unsettles everyone around her. Gabbi’s exotic, bohemian lifestyle and unconventional charisma make her an easy target for suspicion, even from Jenna, the victim's best friend. As whispers about jealousy and shady deals swirl, the responsibility to unravel the truth lands in the hands of detective Lindy D’Arnaud and her partner, Boggs. Bradley’s careful pacing and attention to detail ensure that each twist heightens the suspense, leading readers deeper into the tangled web of love, business, and betrayal.

The novel is also a compelling character study, examining each protagonist’s inner struggles. Lindy, a complex and nuanced lead, is particularly memorable. As a queer detective living with her wife in a conservative region, Lindy constantly balances her career, her personal life, and her sexuality in a town that doesn’t fully accept her. Bradley adds another layer of tension by introducing Lindy’s wife’s ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be the sperm donor for their baby. His return to town stirs up unresolved feelings, leaving Lindy feeling vulnerable and uncertain about her relationship. This subplot not only intensifies the drama but also enriches the portrayal of Lindy as a modern woman who’s grappling with her place in a community where her identity is both unusual and, at times, unwelcome.

Gabbi’s character is equally intriguing, embodying the titular “pretty girl” who seems to coast through life with her looks and charm—yet Bradley doesn’t let Gabbi fall into stereotype. Rather, she crafts her as both fascinating and sympathetic, revealing the isolation and misunderstandings that such a persona often attracts. While Gabbi initially comes off as a free-spirited “smokeshow,” her complexity unfolds as she tries to process both her grief and her precarious position as a suspect. Gabbi’s portrayal highlights the underlying theme of the novel: how easily people—especially women—are reduced to superficial labels and prejudices.

Jenna’s perspective provides yet another angle, blending suspicion with personal grievance as she processes her grief and wrestles with her suspicion toward Gabbi. Through Jenna, Bradley demonstrates the intense but often brittle friendships between women, especially in communities where everyone’s lives are entangled by shared history and gossip. The tension between Gabbi and Jenna brings an emotional richness to the narrative, underscoring how grief and envy can blur the lines between love, loyalty, and judgment.

Bradley’s narrative style is vividly Southern, with sharp dialogue and wry observations that capture the peculiarities and contradictions of small-town Kentucky life. The town itself becomes a character, with its intricate social network of loyalty, rumors, and alliances that both sustains and stifles its residents. The book teems with colorful characters and a kind of gossipy energy that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about close-knit but insular communities. Bradley’s writing is sharp, clever, and tinged with dark humor that keeps the novel buoyant even as it delves into the murky waters of murder and betrayal.

“Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder” is also notable for how it interrogates the traditional image of the “Southern belle.” Through Gabbi’s beauty and mystique, Bradley explores how a certain kind of feminine charm—though often celebrated—can become a curse, leading to envy and resentment from others. This is particularly well-executed in the way Gabbi’s looks and eccentricity lead others to question her morals and intentions, touching on themes of misogyny and the double standards women face.

The book’s title hints at the larger social commentary Bradley weaves into the mystery: in a town steeped in beauty and tradition, “pretty girls” can either be elevated or torn down based on the whims of public perception. Bradley captures this tension with a keen eye, showing how beauty, charm, and allure can complicate a woman’s life in ways that are as limiting as they are empowering.

Fans of crime fiction and Southern noir will be drawn to Bradley’s ability to mix elements of both with a modern twist. Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder is more than just a whodunit; it’s a story about identity, relationships, and the power dynamics embedded in communities that cling to traditional values while quietly yearning for change. The alternating perspectives between Lindy, Gabbi, and Jenna bring depth and a well-rounded view of the plot, keeping the reader invested in each of their fates as the story builds to a satisfying, yet thought-provoking conclusion.

Overall, Bradley’s latest novel is a must-read for anyone who loves dark, twisty mysteries set against a backdrop of complex social issues. Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder delivers on its promise of suspense, while also providing a layered, emotionally resonant look at the fragility of human connection in a world governed by appearances. With its blend of sharp dialogue, dark humor, and nuanced exploration of the characters’ inner lives, Bradley has crafted a compelling story that resonates beyond its genre, making it a standout in contemporary Southern noir.

I just started reading this book thanks netgalley and publisher for my arc copy! I love it so far and can’t wait to read more!

Full review to follow

When a young entrepreneur is killed, everyone in town points fingers at his New Age, neo hippie, miracle-manifesting, smokeshow of an ex-girlfriend, Gabbi including the victim’s best friend, Jenna. As detective Lindy D’Arnaud and her partner Boggs search for a motive, they begin to wonder if this is a case of jealous violence or shady business dealings gone sour! Great read!! I loved reading about Kentucky princesses! I visit Kentucky every year! The storyline was very interesting! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It had great suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, a fantastic who done it and done crazy twists and turns! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!