Recommended for: Fans of cosy mysteries with a twist, drag culture, and a dash of glamour.
Holly Stars’ Murder in the Dressing Room introduces a fresh amateur sleuth in Misty Divine, a drag queen with a sharp wit and a strong sense of justice. By day, Joe is a shy hotel accountant, but by night, they transform into the glamorous Misty Divine, a rising star on the London drag scene. When Misty’s mentor, the legendary Lady Lady, is found dead in her dressing room, Misty is drawn into a mystery that’s as glitzy as it is suspenseful.
While the premise is promising, the execution falls a little flat. Misty’s investigation follows a rather formulaic path, relying heavily on logical deductions rather than any particularly creative or compelling sleuthing. This made the investigation feel more like a checklist than an intriguing mystery, and I found myself wishing for a more dynamic or unpredictable approach to the case.
The characters are vibrant, especially the drag queens, who are described in rich detail, making it easy to visualise their larger-than-life personalities. However, I was disappointed by the lack of description of some of the other characters, particularly Miles and the drag kings. They felt a little underdeveloped, which left me wanting more depth and insight into their personalities and motivations.
I also felt that the drag humour, which could have been a standout feature, was somewhat restrained. While there were some witty lines, I couldn’t help but wonder if the humour had been toned down for a broader, mainstream audience. There’s definitely room for more of the sharp, irreverent humour that’s synonymous with drag culture, and I think this could have added a lot more flair to the narrative.
That said, the novel does shine in its sense of place. The interiors, especially the drag club where much of the action takes place, are evocatively described, creating a vivid atmosphere that adds a lot to the story. The world of drag is beautifully captured, with plenty of heart and humour, and it’s clear that Stars has a deep appreciation for the culture.
Ultimately, Murder in the Dressing Room is an enjoyable debut, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights I was hoping for. The mystery itself is solid, but the investigation could have been more engaging, and the character development of some key figures left me wanting more. Still, it’s a fun read for fans of cosy mysteries with a touch of glamour, and I’ll be curious to see how Misty Divine evolves in future instalments.
Murder in the Dressing Room will be published on 6th February 2025.
Thank you to Holly Stars, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley UK for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
