2000: Isabelle Whitmore vanishes at Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas, without a trace.
2025: The Lone Star Princess Pageant is about to begin, but this year it’s offering more than an annual dose of rhinestone heels and plunging necklines. Competition is stiffer than ever —and long standing grudges are about to resurface. Ingrid fled Anhalt in the wake of her sister Isabelle’s disappearance and has now returned, just in time for a construction crew to start digging up Sherman Ranch; the pageant brings up past traumas that Melanie can’t forget; Cat, newly sober, starts to feel threatened in ways that bring back old demons; and Sarah Lynn, who comes from a long line of pageant winners, knows that losing is not an option.
When old resentments and new confrontations reach their boiling point, temperatures drop to deadly degrees as a record-setting storm brings down the state’s power grid. With everyone trapped under one roof, scores will be settled, and more than one person will end up dead.
This was my first book by Kelsey Cox, and after hearing so many great things about her debut, Party of Liars, last year, I had to pick up this one. This is an intricate thriller with a fairly large cast, multiple morally gray female protagonists, and a sloooow-burn missing person mystery. The book also explores the darker side of beauty pageants, especially the pressure they place on young women (and how their mothers’ behavior can be toxic), while also showing how these events can bring a small community together. I loved the small-town Texas setting and thought it was the perfect backdrop for a pageant thriller.
The story is told through multiple POVs—mostly from morally gray middle-aged women Ingrid, Cat, and Melanie, who were all friends when Izzy disappeared 25 years earlier. The other POV is of teenager Sarah Lynn, the daughter of the queen bee of the town, Kennedy Claire, who was Ingrid’s bestie growing up. It literally is a “two degrees of separation” gossipy town where everyone knows everyone’s business. The story also includes flashbacks to 2000 when Izzy first disappeared and other years that gradually give you clues to the mystery—and if you’re paying close attention, the major reveal at the end becomes predictable. I was a bit overwhelmed at the start, as there are so many character introductions and constant POV shifts—jotting down names and relationships early on definitely helps keep everyone straight, and the story is easy to follow from there. The central mystery surrounding Izzy’s disappearance is very slow to unravel, but it’s compelling—there’s long been suspicion surrounding her boyfriend at the time, Ben Sherman, and his family, and they are SHADY characters right off the bat!
Ingrid returns home because her mother is undergoing cancer treatment and it’s clear she’s never truly recovered from her twin’s disappearance. She’s also an unreliable narrator who makes questionable decisions that don’t make her easy to like. Cat is a standout character—she’s a recovering alcoholic, trying to rebuild a relationship with her daughter, Olivia, and stay sober, all while convinced that someone is following her. Is she paranoid like she’s been in the past, or does she really have a stalker? It’s really hard to tell at first. The most likable of the POVs is definitely Melanie—she’s a nurse caring for Ingrid’s mom and Cat’s lifelong friend who’s saved her from many downward spirals—but at the same time, it’s clear she knows more than she says. I really didn’t find any of these women completely trust-worthy, but it helped add intrigue to a story that was lacking a bit in suspense. The heartfelt dynamic between Sarah Lynn, Hannah, and Olivia—teen friends who are all entered in the pageant—is another interesting thread and a nice contrast to the fractured adult relationships of their mothers.
The short chapters, many ending on small cliffhangers, along with the constantly shifting POVs, kept me turning pages and made this a binge read. Despite a lack of major suspense early on, the final 30% makes sticking with this book well worth it—there’s a shocking murder, detours, red herrings, and a major twist that comes when it seems the story is about to wrap up (although I predicted it early on). The last chapter also includes a surprise that’s really clever and gives the ending an extra punch that makes it more memorable.
If you’re an audiobook listener, this is one you need to listen to. The STELLAR cast all deliver excellent performances that bring each POV to life and elevate the story to another level. And even if you find the suspense too slow-building, the performances will definitely keep you engaged from beginning to end!
Narrator Performance
Pretty Dead Things is read by seasoned narrators Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona.
Andrew Eiden narrates the opening chapter and the flashback sequences interspersed throughout, bringing to life Abel Sherman, the missing Isabel Whitmore, Detective Ryan, and others. He does a fantastic job pacing these sections with the perfect amount of tension and unease, making every jump to the past feel important!
Brittany Pressley gives Melanie a warm, compassionate voice that suits the this grounded character, who’s also a nurse. The Southern accent she gives Melanie sounds so authentic and really distinguishes her from the others. During the scenes where Melanie’s caring for Mrs. Whitmore, you can hear her kindness and patience. The conversations between Melanie and Cat are a highlight, and you can hear Melanie’s concern as she supports her friend through her sobriety and paranoia. As secrets come to light, Pressley shifts her performance to show a sharper, more calculating side to Melanie, making her feel more complex than she first appears.
Saskia Maarleveld portrays Cat with a voice that sounds both vulnerable and determined. As Cat’s convinced that someone’s following her while she’s also trying to protect her daughter, Olivia, Maarleveld gives a dynamic performance with a tone that wavers between unease and badass determination. Her delivery of the scenes between Cat and Olivia does a great job conveying their strained relationship while also making it clear how desperately Kat wants to repair the damage she’s done.
Stevi Incremona portrays Ingrid with an expressive voice that makes her discomfort at being back in a place filled with painful memories of her twin sister’s disappearance palpable. In Ingrid’s inner dialogue, Incremona makes it clear that she’s an unreliable narrator and is withholding things, particularly regarding her relationship with Joel and her connection to the Sherman family. The delivery of the dialogue between Ingrid and Travis highlights their chemistry but also makes Ingrid’s obvious ignoring of red flags feel frustrating. As Ingrid makes more impulsive decisions later on, Incremona uses dynamic expression to make the character more compelling, but perhaps more unlikeable—a great performance!
Mia Wurgaft gives Sarah Lynn an energetic, youthful voice that captures a teenager determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a pageant winner. Some of the audiobook’s most heartfelt moments are Sarah Lynn’s interactions with Hannah and Olivia, particularly while they’re working together at the shop and during the lead-up to the pageant. Wurgaft brings an authenticity and warmth to these scenes that highlights the loyalty and friendship between them.
If you’re considering Pretty Dead Things, the audiobook is definitely the way to go, especially with such standout performances from all the narrators. Don’t hesitate on this one!
Narrator Performance
Pretty Dead Things is read by seasoned narrators Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona.
Andrew Eiden narrates the opening chapter and the flashback sequences interspersed throughout, bringing to life Abel Sherman, the missing Isabel Whitmore, Detective Ryan, and others. He does a fantastic job pacing these sections with the perfect amount of tension and unease, making every jump to the past feel important!
Brittany Pressley gives Melanie a warm, compassionate voice that suits the this grounded character, who’s also a nurse. The Southern accent she gives Melanie sounds so authentic and really distinguishes her from the others. During the scenes where Melanie’s caring for Mrs. Whitmore, you can hear her kindness and patience. The conversations between Melanie and Cat are a highlight, and you can hear Melanie’s concern as she supports her friend through her sobriety and paranoia. As secrets come to light, Pressley shifts her performance to show a sharper, more calculating side to Melanie, making her feel more complex than she first appears.
Saskia Maarleveld portrays Cat with a voice that sounds both vulnerable and determined. As Cat’s convinced that someone’s following her while she’s also trying to protect her daughter, Olivia, Maarleveld gives a dynamic performance with a tone that wavers between unease and badass determination. Her delivery of the scenes between Cat and Olivia does a great job conveying their strained relationship while also making it clear how desperately Kat wants to repair the damage she’s done.
Stevi Incremona portrays Ingrid with an expressive voice that makes her discomfort at being back in a place filled with painful memories of her twin sister’s disappearance palpable. In Ingrid’s inner dialogue, Incremona makes it clear that she’s an unreliable narrator and is withholding things, particularly regarding her relationship with Joel and her connection to the Sherman family. The delivery of the dialogue between Ingrid and Travis highlights their chemistry but also makes Ingrid’s obvious ignoring of red flags feel frustrating. As Ingrid makes more impulsive decisions later on, Incremona uses dynamic expression to make the character more compelling, but perhaps more unlikeable—a great performance!
Mia Wurgaft gives Sarah Lynn an energetic, youthful voice that captures a teenager determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a pageant winner. Some of the audiobook’s most heartfelt moments are Sarah Lynn’s interactions with Hannah and Olivia, particularly while they’re working together at the shop and during the lead-up to the pageant. Wurgaft brings an authenticity and warmth to these scenes that highlights the loyalty and friendship between them.
If you’re considering Pretty Dead Things, the audiobook is definitely the way to go, especially with such standout performances from all the narrators. Don’t hesitate on this one!
Pretty Dead Things is read by seasoned narrators Andrew Eiden, Brittany Pressley, Mia Wurgaft, Saskia Maarleveld, and Stevi Incremona.
Andrew Eiden narrates the opening chapter and the flashback sequences interspersed throughout, bringing to life Abel Sherman, the missing Isabel Whitmore, Detective Ryan, and others. He does a fantastic job pacing these sections with the perfect amount of tension and unease, making every jump to the past feel important!
Brittany Pressley gives Melanie a warm, compassionate voice that suits the this grounded character, who’s also a nurse. The Southern accent she gives Melanie sounds so authentic and really distinguishes her from the others. During the scenes where Melanie’s caring for Mrs. Whitmore, you can hear her kindness and patience. The conversations between Melanie and Cat are a highlight, and you can hear Melanie’s concern as she supports her friend through her sobriety and paranoia. As secrets come to light, Pressley shifts her performance to show a sharper, more calculating side to Melanie, making her feel more complex than she first appears.
Saskia Maarleveld portrays Cat with a voice that sounds both vulnerable and determined. As Cat’s convinced that someone’s following her while she’s also trying to protect her daughter, Olivia, Maarleveld gives a dynamic performance with a tone that wavers between unease and badass determination. Her delivery of the scenes between Cat and Olivia does a great job conveying their strained relationship while also making it clear how desperately Kat wants to repair the damage she’s done.
Stevi Incremona portrays Ingrid with an expressive voice that makes her discomfort at being back in a place filled with painful memories of her twin sister’s disappearance palpable. In Ingrid’s inner dialogue, Incremona makes it clear that she’s an unreliable narrator and is withholding things, particularly regarding her relationship with Joel and her connection to the Sherman family. The delivery of the dialogue between Ingrid and Travis highlights their chemistry but also makes Ingrid’s obvious ignoring of red flags feel frustrating. As Ingrid makes more impulsive decisions later on, Incremona uses dynamic expression to make the character more compelling, but perhaps more unlikeable—a great performance!
Mia Wurgaft gives Sarah Lynn an energetic, youthful voice that captures a teenager determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a pageant winner. Some of the audiobook’s most heartfelt moments are Sarah Lynn’s interactions with Hannah and Olivia, particularly while they’re working together at the shop and during the lead-up to the pageant. Wurgaft brings an authenticity and warmth to these scenes that highlights the loyalty and friendship between them.
If you’re considering Pretty Dead Things, the audiobook is definitely the way to go, especially with such standout performances from all the narrators. Don’t hesitate on this one!
