Review and Rating - Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox
Pretty Dead Things
Kelsey Cox
Copyright 2026
319 Pages
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Alright, I’d like to start out with my beef about the title and first few pages of this one. It totally gives the whole, massacre at the pageant vibe. And while I don’t naturally root for a scene of that nature, it does lead us in that direction. For most of the book, we don’t even have a body. We just have a 25 year old missing persons case.
Now, I’ll backup a little. This read follows this years group of Lone Star Princess Pageant contestants, coached by their moms who competed for the title back in 2000. The year Izzy went missing. Now 25 years later, Izzy’s sister is returning to Texas to care for her sick mother. Upon returning, the history of her sister’s case hangs over this years pageant. Especially once Izzy’s remains are finally found.
The mama drama doesn’t disappoint. Especially when one pageant mom is found dead. So let’s cue the unheard of Texas snowstorm, and the pageant chaos. Where ultimately we are in the front row seat for the towns “grumpy old man” to commit suicide, admitting to killing Izzy 25 years ago, and dead pageant mom.
So this is where I went.. okay for real? How predictable and utterly undramatic. The plot just plops right now like “here’s the answer” and no killer mom chaos anywhere to be seen! I couldn’t believe it. Until I realized that’s not where the story ends. Sweet, sweet Melanie, mom of Hannah, caring nurse, turns out to be slightly unhinged and a criminal. That’s more like it!
Now I will say, this wasn’t my favorite reveal of the mysteries I’ve read. I do think we could have woven more moms chaos into this web and it would have brought it up a couple notches. But I loved the characters, the pacing jaunted along nicely, and the story was fun. 3 and a half stars for this one.
If you love some mama drama, this is the book for you. And if so, please use my link below to buy the book. I’ll make a small commission which I will use to buy more books and continue our fun little blogger/reader dynamic we have going here.
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