📚: Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder by Brandi Bradley
⭐️: 2/5

A body’s just been found in Western Kentucky - Ethan, young and likable, in his shower with a knife to his chest. With a controlling best friend, an unhinged girlfriend, and a shady past, Detective Lindy D’Arnund needs to untangle it all to find what happened.

This book feels like it’s having an identity crisis - does it want to be a soapy thriller (with Gabbi & Jenna’s POVs) or does it want to be a police procedural (with Lindy’s POV)? With both, it feels not fully fleshed out, and focusing on one type of genre vs another would have made for more clarity.

Writing-wise, this was hard to get through with clunky writing & POV change ups that feel confusing. An ending that could have been surprising but missed any kind of wow factor. Ultimately not the read for me.

Thanks to Rumor Mill Press via @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder is out now.

I loved this book, it was such a twisty read overall and it had me questioning who I can trust which made me devour the book in one sitting as I needed to know the truth.

Honestly, I devoured Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder. It’s the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. I'm a sucker for a good thriller with complex female characters, and this one delivered in spades. The way the author explores the dark side of ambition and friendship was so compelling, and I was constantly trying to figure out who to trust. It's definitely a book that will have you questioning everyone's motives, and I loved the way it kept me guessing. If you're looking for a suspenseful, twisty read that'll have you hooked, this is it

Release: March 13, 2025
Publisher: Rumor Mill Press

Rating: 3.75 ★

Pretty Girls Get Away with Murder follows a group of friends whose lives are turned upside down by a shocking murder. The story delves into their dark secrets, lies, and betrayals as the truth about what really happened begins to unravel. With twists and turns at every corner, the novel keeps you guessing as you learn more about the characters and their hidden motives. It’s a fast-paced psychological thriller that explores the lengths people will go to protect themselves — even if it means getting away with murder.
Pretty Girls Get Away with Murder by Brandi Bradley is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. This dark, gripping thriller had me hooked from the very start. The story centers around a group of friends who are caught up in a web of lies, secrets, and murder — and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride from beginning to end.
What I really loved about the book is how it flips the typical “perfect girl” trope on its head. The characters are layered and complex, and none of them are as innocent as they first appear. The narrative moves back and forth between different perspectives, slowly revealing hidden truths and building tension. The more you learn about these characters, the more you question who can really be trusted. The writing is sharp, and there’s a constant sense of unease that kept me turning pages.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Brandi Bradley threw in another surprise that completely changed the direction of the story. It’s one of those books where you can’t help but second-guess everything, and the ending is both shocking and satisfying.
If you love psychological thrillers with strong, flawed characters and an unpredictable plot, Pretty Girls Get Away with Murder is a must-read. It’s a fast-paced, dark tale of betrayal, power, and what happens when the truth comes out. Bradley’s writing is sharp and thrilling, and I couldn’t recommend this book more for anyone looking for a gripping, high-stakes story.

Favorite Quote:
"it's funny how people think they know what's best for you, when they don't even know what's inside you."

This was so f*cking twisted and felt eerily realistic. The plot was built up layer by layer quite deviously. However, I HATED the chapter lengths and kept looking at how many pages more to get over with the chapter. I also found myself skipping a few pages in between every now and then cause it felt a little unnecessary and boring.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Jenna finds her best friend murdered. She is convinced its his evil ex Gabbi. Everything seems to line up that Gabbi was the perfect culprit. But the detectives uncover dirt, and it's who you least expect.

I liked the premise of this story but the build up fell flat a bit.

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Rumor Mill Press for an advanced copy of Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder.

Ethan a young entrepreneur is murdered in his home and as the police investigate they believe his ex girlfriend Gabbi is the prime suspect. But as they learn more about Ethan they realize he may not be the good guy everyone thought he was.

This was honestly the most boring thriller I have ever read. The title is totally misleading and the storyline was all over the place. I was not a fan of the writing style and the dialogue between the characters was horrible. This was a very forgettable book in my opinion.

This book is great for anyone who really likes the crime thriller genre. There are some interesting characters, so I was invested in seeing how the interact throughout the book.

A standard thriller that I'll soon forget. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder is full of twists and turns. The author did an excellent job of building the characters in the book. This book is great for anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. I felt like I was visualizing my favorite crime show series. This story will have you guessing til the end.

I really enjoyed this book. It's my first by Bradley, and I look forward to reading more of her work. I loved the twists and turns. This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I would love to listen to an audiobook version of this. It would be great.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

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.

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!