The Boy in the Red Dress

Whew! This book, y\’all. Can you believe this is the author\’s debut novel?! This is a murder mystery set in New Orleans in 1929-1930. I could recap the book for you, but I think the description of the book does a perfect job of that already and if you\’re reading the review then you already know all the things I could tell you about the plot. But the characters are what really make this book shine. Our main character, Millie, (who is fantastically bisexual btw) is so dang hard headed and fierce and has such a sharp mind (and mouth). Marion, the titular character, is just absolutely adorable and fantastic and although he\’s being accused of murder he always seems to have his own agency. Lambert created a supporting cast of characters that are full of, well…character. Each and every character that is in this book has their own personality that seems to pop off of the page. Everything from the environment to the clothing is filled with the kind of minute details that makes you feel very present in this world without being overly descriptive. From bi love triangles (!!!) to the actual revealing of the murderer Lambert keeps you guessing right until the very end. This book deserves all the stars.

This book has everything, a gutsy girl-detective, queer history, 1920s fashion, and New Orleans speak easies. If you\’ve ever thought to yourself, I love Veronica Mars, but wish it was queer and took place in the Prohibition area South, this is the book you\’ve been waiting for. The author weaves a mystery that will keep you guessing and shouting at the page until the very end. But it\’s the incredible characters and the relationships she weaves that will stay with me. This feels like Nancy Drew for a new generation. A stunning debut. I can\’t wait to see what she writes next.

Filled with themes of loyalty, acceptance, and found family, with a fun mystery at it\’s center and a 1920s setting, THE BOY IN THE RED DRESS is a must read! I loved how diverse this cast is, and while Lambert doesn\’t shy away from the struggles of being queer and/or marginalized in this era, the love and automatic acceptance the characters feel for one another is wonderful and touching. LOVE LOVE LOVED seeing that on the page! Millie makes for a compelling and intensely relatable protag–she\’s tough, stubborn, and incredibly determined, but all of those stem from her fierce desire to protect her friends and family. I loved her and would follow her through ten more books! Lambert weaves the 1920s setting in effortlessly, showcasing all the elements unique to that time period without taking away from the main storyline. The book is tightly-plotted and the mystery incredibly satisfying.

Its a period murder mystery set in 1929 with characters who undoubtedly had real life counter parts that few authors have ever wanted to write about. I truly cared about the denizens of the Cloak and Dagger and enjoyed the plot twists. This is a loving ode to family – the flawed ones we get born into by chance and the formed families of our heart. I welcome more books from Southern writers who lift up themes of living as our authentic selves and accepting those around us who are. Love is love.

I cant wait to see what else comes from this debut author! Really skilled writing, a diverse and interesting set of characters and so much LGBTQ reppin! Can this be a series please? I want to spend more time with my friends at the Cloak and Dagger.

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