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Read if you like:
💄 single POV
💄 1st person POV
💄 single timeline
💄 family bonding
💄 large cast of crazy characters 🤪

This book right here is why I love going in to books blind!! I don’t know what I was expecting from the title and cute little cover, but it definitely wasn’t a girl that has to go undercover to solve a murder from 20 years ago because her dead mom wrote her notes and asked her to 🤪🤪
I really loved the characters here! Aunt DeeDee was my favourite of course, and I feel like I also really got to know Dakota’s mom through stories and letters 💕 I really liked Dakota
Any 30-something year old girly who loves The Real Housewives and murder is going to LOVEEEE this read 💕💕 I can’t recommend it enough!!
The most action-packed funnest cozy mystery I have ever read! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!! Thank you so much to Storm Publishing and Kristen Bird for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕

Super cute, cozy murder mystery that was easy to read. Chockfull of female friendship, family dynamics and a hint of pageantry! It’s an easy summer read with clever twists.

After the death of her mother, Dakota finds herself drowning in grief and medical debt. Her mother’s last wish? That Dakota enter the town’s centennial beauty pageant to win enough money to save their home. No pressure, right? Especially when your aunt gets arrested, a murder rocks the event, and suddenly you’re the only one asking the right questions.

I loved the female friendships in this one—strong, supportive, and refreshingly free of backstabbing drama. Kristen does a beautiful job of showcasing women lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. Dakota’s bond with the other contestants, her aunt, and even her memory of her mom gave the story real heart amid all the hairspray and hijinks.

Was the mystery groundbreaking? Not exactly. But it was juicy, full of secrets, and fun to play detective alongside Dakota. I listened to the audiobook, which leaned very heavily into a southern twang—sometimes charming, sometimes a little too over-the-top—but it fit the quirky dramedy vibe.

All in all, this cozy mystery sparkled where it needed to, with just enough glitter, gossip, and girl power to keep me entertained. I may need to reread it just to catch all the breadcrumbs now that I know the truth…

I really enjoyed A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem. It was full of suspense, drama, mystery, secrets, and betrayal.

I loved the pageant setting, the fierce and clever characters (especially Dakota), and the addictive writing. It was a bit like a cross between the movie Miss Congeniality and a who-dunnit Agatha Christie type novel. It was very entertaining.

This is the first book I've read from Kristen, and it definitely won't be the last. I'm very much looking forward to reading the sequel, An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds.

I highly recommend.

4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Kristen Bird for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem" is the first book in the "A Dakota Green Mystery" series, and for me, the basic concept was enough to make me want to pick it up from the shelf. I'm not a fan of pageants – in fact, I have strong reservations about them in general. That's why I was particularly curious to see how the novel portrays the world of pageants, and fortunately, we don't just get the glamour, but also a behind-the-scenes look.

The main character, Dakota Green, is trying to come to terms with the death of her mother when she receives a letter from her asking her to enter the Aubergine beauty contest. Although Dakota doesn't really want to take part – neither grief nor her morals are compatible with the world of beauty pageants – she finally gives in. Partly to respect her mother's wishes, partly for financial reasons. But the situation soon takes a more serious turn when her beloved Aunt Deedee is accused of theft and then murder. Dakota is forced to investigate as she continues to prepare for the pageant – and try to stay alive.

I liked Dakota's character in general, because she's intelligent, determined, and she keeps going when others would have given up long ago. Even though she has stated a little too often that she is "different from the others", overall she is a genuine and likeable protagonist. Furthermore, the supporting characters are not just there for decoration, but really add to the story – each have their own narrative and place. There were some really interesting characters that I really hope we see again in the next novel of the series.

The plot kept me engaged throughout and there were twists and turns that I really wasn't expecting. Kristen Bird cleverly intertwines the threads of grief, friendship and the search for justice, while maintaining the tension throughout. I particularly liked the way the theme of female friendships was presented – it's not about rivalry, but support and solidarity – a positive portrayal that was rare and refreshing. The same love and belonging is also felt in Dakota's relationship with her mother and aunt, which nicely counterpoints the darker tone of the crime story.

Overall, "A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem" is an enjoyable cozy mystery that not only offers an intriguing mystery, but also speaks sensitively and authentically about loss, female relationships, and what lies beneath the surface of beauty.

I picked up Kristen Bird after reading Watch It Burn. When I heard about this book coming out and the premise it promised, I was hooked!

This ended up being quite a different book, and I found myself quite enjoying it. I found the writing style to be very down to Earth and quite humorous. I enjoyed the beauty pageant theme and seeing Dakota evolve as a character through what unravels during it. I love the setting, as well as how Emily's thoughts and perceptions of her competitors were portrayed.

I truly hope there are more iterations on this theme! I'd love to hear more from these or similar characters and really loved the mystery balanced with the humor and great character development.

So Dakota is a very much likeable character, manoeuvring lives ups and downs. When the letters come from her mum each month, I thought this was a great idea to keep her going. The killer about halfway through was kind of a bit obvious, even with a few red herrings thrown in for good measure. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd one now. I have read the epilogue.

Kristen Bird has done it again and this time she has pivoted and twisted the mystery genre just enough to keep things fresh, and oh so fun to read! This cover is girl boss status and so is Dakota! This is a fun, light read that will keep you guessing as you turn the pages.

This is a really funny read with a bit of murder thrown into the mix. I really enjoyed this book and found it so hard to put down once I stared it.

A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem is a good read.
I did enjoy this book that is a bit funny with a mix of mystery. This is the first book I've read from this author but the title and cover was calling my name. I think the author did a great job holding my attention. The characters are written well, and the storyline is entertaining.
The FMC is drowning in debt, her mom passed, and her aunt wants her to do a beauty pageant that she doesn't want anything to do with, but it maybe the only way. If you wanna know more I recommend adding this story to your TBR!

Kristen Bird, lets be best friends...

A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem, is the perfect blend of southern charm, quirky characters with a side cart of mystery. This book is equally entertaining as it is suspenseful

The small town backdrop with the ever present beauty pageant scene makes for a vibrant and engaging setting, filled with colorful personalities and hidden agendas.

Enter Dakota , a relatable and witty narrator, balancing the need to save her family home and maintain her snarky sarcasm. The supporting cast of character is equally well-developed, with each character adding their own unique flavor to the story, everyone feels so incredibly real, I swear I am going to miss them all!

I loved everything about this book including my initial love for the cover.

Kudos to Kristen Bird and cheers to A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem!!

Check out this teaser :

Welcome to Aubergine, Virginia, where the mountains are blue, the air is sweet, and the beauty queens have secrets darker than last year's spray tan.

Armed with more sarcasm than sequins, Dakota reluctantly enters the cutthroat world of sashes and smiles to save her family home. But when the pageant owner vanishes faster than she can shimmy into an evening gown, suspicion lands on Dakota's beloved Aunt DeeDee.

Now Dakota must navigate a minefield of catty contestants, skeptical judges, the infuriatingly handsome new sheriff and the unsolved beauty queen mystery – all while mastering the art of walking in heels without looking like a newborn foal. Can this reluctant pageant star unmask a killer, clear her aunt's name, and claim the crown? Or will she be the next to disappear?

Loved it, want to read another one soon. Here's my money, give me a series
Well plotted, witty, intriguing
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A letter a month from a young woman's dead mother culminates in a strange and unusual ask: enter the small-town Rose Beauty pageant to get out of debt.

MC Daktota has a problem though, she's a dropped out of vet school farm hand who hasn't waxed her eyebrows in years, let alone prepped for a spectacular show full of perfection. Dakota is wrapped up in a journey with many threads, and what starts as an ask from her mother turns into a whodunnit murder mystery with a "Miss Congeniality" undertone.

I felt that I knew many of the twists but the story was easy to read and provided some feel good moments. I think this is a great vacation read for relaxing and could see myself reading another in this series.

Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and author Kristen Bird for this eARC

This was so fun and entertaining. I enjoyed this different type of writing from Kristen Bird, and it was super playful. I am excited to read the other two in the series and follow along Dakotas journey!

"A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem" was an absolute delight! From the moment I started reading, I was completely captivated. The protagonist's distinctive combination of Southern charm and unwavering resolve created a truly compelling narrative. Professionally speaking, the plot's intricate structure, filled with unexpected twists, ensured a consistently high level of suspense. This novel effectively balances a lighthearted tone with a genuinely engaging mystery, making it a highly recommended read for anyone seeking an entertaining and skillfully executed cozy mystery.

Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and author Kristen Bird for this eARC

The premise for A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem sounded so fun and gave me major Miss Congeniality vibes. And in a way I guess it did deliver.
Our MC Dakota has some major not-like-other-girls, pick-me attitude with a big superiority complex and I found her absolutely unlikeable. But throughout the book she has some very good, and necessary, character development which I loved to see.
The side characters were amazing, I loved Lacy and Summer and even Sevilla.
The mystery itself was fine, I guessed it pretty quickly, but it was still fun to read.
Despite it's flaws A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem was an enjoyable read and I'll probably continue with the series.

In A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem, Kristen Bird presents a delightful mix of mystery, humour, and heart in a small-town setting. Dakota Green, a stable hand, would rather do anything than compete in Aubergine, Virginia's annual beauty pageant, but her late mother’s dying wish forces her into a world of glitz and glamour. Dakota, armed with sarcasm and determination, must step into the competitive world of beauty queens to uncover a decades-old mystery surrounding a missing contestant and save her family home.

The small town of Aubergine is beautifully brought to life, where the air is sweet, but the secrets run deep. The pageant world is portrayed as a cutthroat, sometimes absurd place, with Dakota caught in the middle of it all. As if the competition weren't enough, the pageant owner vanishes, and suspicion falls on Dakota’s beloved Aunt DeeDee. As Dakota reluctantly enters this world of sashes and smiles, she faces a minefield of catty contestants, dubious judges, and the annoyingly handsome new sheriff, all while trying to solve the mystery and clear her aunt's name.

The book is packed with humour, particularly from Dakota's sarcastic voice, and the twists in the plot keep readers on their toes. The epilogue is especially jaw-dropping, adding a final layer to the mystery that left me reeling. A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem is a perfect read for fans of small-town mysteries with plenty of laughs, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of suspense.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

Enjoyable cozy and humorous mystery.

I really enjoyed reading this Cozy Mystery Thriller.

It definitely gave me a Miss Congeniality vibe while still remaining uniquely it's own story. I read through this book pretty quickly and enjoyed playing detective right alongside Dakota.

If you enjoy a lighter mystery with some comical moments I think this is definitely worth checking out!

This book was a pure delight to read. A beauty pageant plagued with hyper-competitive contestants, a missing person and a decades old mystery surrounding a former Beauty Queen has everyone shaking in their stilettos.

The last place Dakota Green wants to be is in Aubergine’s annual pageant. But it was one of her late mother’s last wishes and truth be told Dakota could really use the prize money. With the help of her aunt and her best friend, Dakota joins in the festivities.

And just when Dakota thinks things can’t get any worse — a first night hat tradition and a butt-busting workout set to Broadway tunes?! — a pageant crown goes missing and her Aunt DeeDee is arrested.

Cue the hijinks, amateur detecting and one very swoon-worthy new sheriff in town.

I loved the snark, sarcasm and great humor of this story. But there is also so much warmth. Not just in Dakota’s love for her aunt, but she’s still navigating the loss of her mother and how much her life has shifted in the past year. Things stay on the cozy side, but there’s no shortage of surprises, twists and dark motives.

We get past + present mysteries — no secret that’s a fave of mine — and I was all in with Dakota as she unraveled clues and searched for the truth. There are so many secrets in this small Virginia town as well as a great cast of supporting characters who make for excellent suspects.

I’ve read all of Kristen Bird’s books and am such a fan of her writing and her characters. At the core of all of her stories are strong women and found family. In BEAUTY QUEEN’S GUIDE the friendships were definitely one of my favorite parts. Dakota’s best friend, Lacy, cracked me up so much and their ride or die friendship is one we all need.

This is the first book in a new series and I’m so excited to see what Dakota gets up to next.