Drag queens take center stage in Holly Stars’ Murder in the Dressing Room, a fun and fierce cozy mystery.
Joe is a hotel accountant who dreams of something bigger—and they find it as Misty Divine, an up-and-comer in the London drag scene. Misty’s a regular performer at Lady’s Bar, a drag haven owned and operated by the legendary Lady Lady. But when Misty discovers Lady Lady’s lifeless body in her dressing room, she and the other drag queens and kings who perform at the venue become suspects in the murder. To clear her name and find justice for Lady Lady, Misty decides to investigate the crime. She uncovers shocking secrets about Lady Lady, her bar and her fellow drag performers—and someone is willing to kill again to stop Misty from getting to the truth.
Stars’ humor shines in Murder in the Dressing Room, a funny, engaging mystery that makes full use of the dramatic world of drag. A drag queen herself, Stars does an exceptional job of showcasing the highs and lows experienced by members of the community: Joe is empowered by their drag persona and has found a strong support system and devoted boyfriend, but they also experience misgendering and discrimination by strangers and local law enforcement. Throughout the novel, Joe transforms into Misty and de-drags several times. Some situations, like those with their employer, call for Joe to respond; others require Misty’s brashness and wardrobe. Stars does a wonderful job showing how a drag performer can live their most authentic life by embracing all aspects of their identity.
The central mystery is more than it seems, involving a cat burglary, bribery, intimidation and a stolen dress once worn by Judy Garland. Fans of fierce looks and found family will devour this book.
