The Boy in the Red Dress

By: Kristin Lambert

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss

A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Miss Fisher's Murder Mystery in this rollicking romp of truth, lies, and troubled pasts.

New Year's Eve, 1929.

Millie is running the show at the Cloak & Dagger, a swinging speakeasy in the French Quarter, while her aunt is out of town. The new year is just around the corner, and all of New Orleans is out to celebrate, but even wealthy partiers' diamond earrings can't outshine the real star of the night: the boy in the red dress. Marion is the club's star performer and his fans are legion--if mostly underground.

When a young socialite wielding a photograph of Marion starts asking questions, Millie wonders if she's just another fan. But then her body is found crumpled in the courtyard, dead from an apparent fall off the club's balcony, and all signs point to Marion as the murderer. Millie knows he's innocent, but local detectives aren't so easily convinced.

As she chases clues that lead to cemeteries and dead ends, Millie's attention is divided between the wry and beautiful Olive, a waitress at the Cloak & Dagger, and Bennie, the charming bootlegger who's offered to help her solve the case. The clock is ticking for the fugitive Marion, but the truth of who the killer is might be closer than Millie thinks.

Critic reviews

Raves for The Boy in the Red Dress:

“A twisty Jazz Age mystery with a diverse cast of characters, and an exciting NOLA setting that comes alive. Perfect for fans of Veronica Mars and The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue.” — Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New Year Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series

It's the Cat's Meow!

Escape into the 20s that didn't suck: the 20s from 100 years ago. This is the 1920s like you don't see it nearly enough—through the lens of queer culture. Set in the more tolerant parts of "anything goes" New Orleans, the characters have lots of juicy love triangles and compelling family/found-family issues to sort out as they tackle one whopper of a mystery. No spoilers here though - just check it out!

What Was I Waiting For?

The Boy in the Red Dress hits on every level. The mystery kept me turning the pages from first to last. The characters could be a bit over the top but they almost needed to be to hold their own against the bold setting. Interestingly, it wasn’t the characters I expected had to be overly vivid that carried the emphasis, it was others. I think this allowed the full character cast to feel balanced. Definitely recommended.

Who dun it?

A little slow for my liking but the plot line was pretty good. The story kept the reader engaged and questioning most of the side characters throughout the book. The main characters were likable and brought some depth to the story. However, I would have liked more historical context as it relates to the 1920’s era in which the story is based. While some historical aspects were described in detail, the 20’s had far more political/religious conflict happening in the setting in which the story is based. So, in my opinion, that part of the story felt a little flat for me.

Overall, the book was a good read. The plot line and characters were well written and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Good Mystery

It may be that I've been in a off mood for the past few days while attempting to read this book, or maybe that I'm outgrowing YA characters. But I'm honestly so annoyed with our main character Millie... She acted like a self righteous, overconfident, sulky brat throughout the beginning of this book. I will admit she got better as the book went on.

I did enjoy all of the LGBTQIA+ rep and it was interesting in a 1920's prohibition New Orleans speakeasy setting.

I did enjoy the mystery portion of this book. And for once I didn't call who the perpetrator was. That was a nice surprise.

This book was recommended to me by TBR (Tailored Book Recommendations).

Great book!

This had me hooked the whole way through. Classic murder mystery, Agatha Christie style with an inclusive and diverse character base. Great book for preteen and up. Who doesn’t love a kick butt female lead character? Looking forward to the next book by Kristin Lambert. I can see this as a mystery series.