Reality TV star drops dead at the reunion?? Childhood BFF is the main suspect?? Oh don’t worry—Dakota’s got a murder to solve and a diamond to find before midnight.

📚 Reasons to Read An Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds
A cozy murder mystery – From blackmail and fake séances to secret inheritances, Dakota’s got her hands full in Aubergine.


Reunion – A former reality star is dead, and old high school secrets are spilling fast.


Ticking clock – Dakota has until midnight to solve a murder and decide if she’ll claim a legacy that could destroy her.


Swoony small-town romance – Between the dreamy sheriff and a shocking discovery about her past, Dakota’s life may never be the same.
Earlier this year I read A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem, and immediately looked to see if there were any more. This one is coming out in June and I think Dakota Green is a main character I can’t wait to read more about. Sure there were times where you wondered why she didn’t put the pieces together like you probably will, but it doesn’t really matter here. This book is fun, the characters are memorable, and it’s just an enjoyable way to spend your time!

Title: An Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds
Series: Dakota Green Book #2
Author: Kristen Bird
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: June 10, 2025
My Rating: 3.7 Stars
Pages: 270

Book two in the Dakota Green Mysteries begins a few months after the conclusion of Book One “A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem with a second visit to Aubergine, Virginia, and the Rose Palace.
I read and enjoyed the first book... The blurb posted - it is perfect for fans of small-town mysteries with big laughs -- and yes it delivered!

Dakota Green is home to attend her ten year high school reunion as well as deal with some family business and spend time with local sheriff and possible boyfriend Charlie Strong. What she hadn't planned was to be thrown into another murder investigation or to have to once again try to prove the innocence of someone close to her! With a whole graduating class to choose from and a victim who had ruffled more than a few feathers Dakota knows she has her work cut out for her and that's before she even has a chance to discuss a once in a lifetime job offer with her aunt!
And the adventure begins . . . .

About the author ~ Kristen has lived coast to coast, but with her extended family in north Alabama, her roots run southern deep. She teaches high school English and writes in local coffee shops near her home outside of Houston. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband, and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mi

I enjoyed reading Ms. Bird’s “A Letter From the Author’ - It is always fun hearing the author’s personal side in writing a story. And yes we readers are also excited as well as anxious to find out the next chapter in the lives of Dakota and Charlie and of the other folks in Aubergine.


Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this enjoyable eGalley.
Audiobook Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 10, 2025.

This is a fun cosy mystery with a sassy main character! Dakota is at her high school reunion event, desperately counting the minutes before she can she, when one of her former classmates collapses. Can she help Sheriff partner Charlie solve the mystery, and clear best friend Lacy's name?

This is the second in a series, and you definitely need to read the first one before this if you intend to read them both. I hadn't read the first, but now don't have to as the story from number 1 was VERY clearly revealed in this! It's always quite disappointing when a book rehashes the complete story of a previous, but I do understand why that had to happen in this case as the story follows closely on timewise. That all said, I loved Dakota, and Savilla's word mix ups were brilliant. I will definitely look out for book 3.

An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds is a fun, fast-paced mystery full of small-town secrets, sharp humor, and just the right touch of drama. Dakota is a smart, relatable heroine juggling family revelations, murder, and romance—all while trying to clear her best friend’s name. The mix of glamour, gossip, and a glittering whodunit kept me turning pages, even if some twists were a bit over the top. A sparkling cozy mystery with heart and style—I’ll definitely be reading the next one!

Dakota Green returns, somewhat reluctantly, to her hometown to attend her 10th class reunion. She tells herself that she will stay the obligatory one hour, then leave. However, when a classmate dies suddenly on the dance floor, Dakota is pulled into the investigation as a witness, but also as the girlfriend of the local sheriff.

It took me a long time to read this book, not because it was hard, but because the story just did not hold my attention. I enjoyed the characters enough to keep going, but the pacing of the book was sluggish.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

In An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds (Dakota Green Mysteries #2) by Kristen Bird, Dakota Green reluctantly attends her high school reunion only to stumble upon a murder at the Rose Palace. When her best friend becomes the prime suspect, Dakota's loyalty compels her to investigate the secrets swirling among rekindled acquaintances, long-held family secrets, and a missing diamond. Dakota must untangle the clues before time runs out, while dealing with a surprising inheritance. This engaging small-town mystery combines suspense, moments of sharp wit, and a captivating whodunit.

A welcome aspect of this second installment is the return of beloved characters from the first book, alongside the introduction of new individuals. It was a joy to follow Dakota, a resourceful and independent amateur sleuth, as she delves into Brett's murder while exploring the hidden histories and potential motives within the Rose Palace.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries who appreciate strong, relatable female characters, a touch of clever humor, and a distinctive setting like the intriguing Rose Palace. An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds is a delightful and engaging continuation of the Dakota Green series, and I eagerly anticipate Dakota's next adventure!

Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds by Kristen Bird is the second book in the Dakota Green Mystery Series, and while I haven’t read the first installment, I found it easy to catch up on the backstory and fully enjoy this one. The story begins with Dakota Green attending her high school reunion, where reality TV star Brett Brinkley dies under suspicious circumstances. With plenty of possible suspects in the mix, Dakota is determined to uncover the truth, especially to help clear her childhood best friend, who was being blackmailed by the victim.
Adding another layer to the story is Dakota’s budding relationship with the town sheriff. As a relatively new couple, they’re still navigating their dynamic, which adds a nice touch of personal drama. I also appreciated the secondary storyline involving Dakota and her inheritance, which tied seamlessly into the main mystery. The charm of this mystery lies not just in its engaging plot but also that I didn’t figure out the killer’s identity before the big reveal.
Overall, this book is an entertaining whodunit with a strong main character and a storyline that balances intrigue with personal stakes.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

An Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds by Kristen Bird is a sharp, lively follow-up in the Dakota Green Mystery series that delivers everything cozy mystery lovers want—and then some.

Dakota Green returns to her hometown of Aubergine, Virginia, expecting nothing more than awkward high school reunion conversations and maybe some flat beer. Instead, she finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation when reality TV star and hometown golden boy Brett Brinkley drops dead on the dance floor. When Dakota’s childhood best friend is accused of the crime, Dakota doesn’t hesitate to dive back into sleuth mode—this time while juggling veterinary school, a strained long-distance romance with the town’s sheriff, and the recent bombshell about her true parentage. Oh, and let’s not forget a missing $75 million diamond and an inheritance tied up in family drama.

Kristen Bird nails the small-town atmosphere, crafting a setting where secrets hide behind every smile, and loyalty is a complicated thing. The supporting characters—quirky, flawed, and full of personality—bring the town of Aubergine vividly to life. Dakota herself is the perfect balance of wit, resilience, and relatable uncertainty, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for.

The murder mystery is tightly plotted, filled with believable red herrings, genuine twists, and just the right level of emotional stakes. Bird handles humor and heart with equal skill, giving readers a story that’s as fun as it is smart. The tension between Dakota’s old life and her future ambitions adds real depth without slowing down the story’s momentum.

While the inheritance subplot is layered and at times almost takes center stage, it ultimately ties back into the main mystery and Dakota’s evolving understanding of who she is—and who she wants to be.

If you love Janet Evanovich’s humor, Elle Cosimano’s fast-paced plotting, or the cozy cleverness of Only Murders in the Building, this series is a must-read. Kristen Bird has created a world you’ll want to come back to again and again. I can’t wait for book three.

Final verdict: A sparkling, smart mystery full of heart, humor, and high-stakes secrets. Add this to your TBR immediately.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

I love An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds! I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I love the characters! Charlie and Dakota, Lacy and Anton...I want to be friends with them. Lots of twists and turns... I never saw the ending coming! If you like mysteries, add this one to your shelf. Now!

Lots of laughs and groans, plenty of angst, and coming home for a reunion can be a really bad idea. Things are a lot different now that her mom is gone and the killers from the Beauty pageant murder are in prison, but murder happens anyway and the victim is a really disgusting piece of work. A rich old man has died and she has to be on hand for the reading of the will, finds out she is half owner of a nearly bankrupt estate, and her friend is really her half-sister. Enough things happening with assorted boyfriends and insights into past events to drive anyone to distraction. Addictive read that just keeps moving along. Loved it.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Storm Publishing courtesy of NetGalley. Pub Date Jun 10, 2025
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High school reunions can be murder; literally.

Our favourite daughter of Aubergine is back in town for her 10 year high school reunion, revisiting some memories that are better suited to stay in high school along with sweaty gym socks. After winning the town's famous beauty pageant, Dakota Green is finally finishing veterinary school but she owes it to her best friend Lacy (and the upcoming willing reading of her newly discovered father) to return to town. When hometown golden boy turned reality star Brett Brinkley suddenly chokes on the dance floor, it seems that there's more secrets in the small town than anyone could have imagined.

I have been waiting with bated breath for the return of Dakota, Lacy, Savilla and crew after reading the first book of the series. Kristen Bird does not disappoint with her follow-up book. Filled to the brim with a fast-paced story, well-developed characters, and real-world issues, this book is a must have for your bookshelf.

The books in this series always fly by to me, and I love that you can clearly picture people in your own life mirrored in the book's characters. It brings a feeling of bookish camaraderie to the experience, while also trying to solve the mystery along the way.

I cannot wait for book 3, and hopefully many more to follow!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second in the series and as enjoyable as the first. The books are a little bit madcap with amazingly odd and unique characters dancing around the key characters. There is a death and there is a diamond as the title suggests, and yet somehow they both seem secondary to the character development and the tidbits of each suspect's private life as it is gently revealed, and each has reasons for murder. The running background story about being an heiress adds flavour and keeps the plot moving, and gives the characters reasons to interact. A fun and actually quite joyful book despite the murder!!

Another thrilling whodunit adventure in Aubergine and The Rose Palace with our favorite female main character and soon-to-be a doctor in veterinary medicine who also has a knack for detective work, Dakota Green. Five stars all around, I loved it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this author’s last book. This one was just as fun and full of story as the last. I really like this author they’re becoming an instant buy for me. I love the pace, humor, and heart behind the story.

⭐️ 5/5
First person POV, single narrative: FMC- Dakota
Liner Timeline with some quick flashbacks
Whodunit Murder Mystery
Setting: Aubergine, Virginia

While this is Book 2 in the Dakota Green Mystery Series you don’t have to read the first to follow along. The author provides just enough history and background on returning characters to get you up to speed without slowing down the story or making you feel out of the loop.

The characters were well thought out and the roles they each played in the mystery and different side stories was really well done. There were so many times that I had doubts and thought it was too obvious who the suspect was but then I was SO WRONG because another twist was throw at me. It was complex and captivating, I was completely engrossed and can’t wait to read what’s next!

This looked and sounded like a fun read but it took me a few days to get through for some reason. I actually started keeping notes as I read this one so I’d remember what I wanted to write here.

-This is definitely book 2, and I’ve never heard of book 1, so without that background I am not sure I can do this review fairly. I’d be interested in reading it though.

-Is it protocol for police to require all attendees at an event stay at that location for long enough that they have to be assigned rooms to sleep? Especially when they keep making a point about how everyone is local, lived here forever, still lives here, low flight risks is what it sounds like. Not a single person pushed back on this.

-“Mommy” “Stepmommy” etc make me cringe every time I read adults using those words, and I’ve lived in the South for 25 years.

-The pageant stuff really threw me, but I might need to read book one. I’ve been around pageants. I’ve never seen a culture where the entire town including male children live and breathe for a pageant, or where a town this supposedly small can support a pageant every single year?

-Convicted murders were both allowed to visit the lawyer of their victim, while the daughter of their victims was there, just to hear the will reading???

-Wait, the murders are sisters AND housed in the same prison???

-Why is Savilla so eager to take care of her mom and her aunt/nanny and get them out of jail after they murdered her father?

-I find Savilla’s mixing up of words really charming actually.

-I can’t suspend enough disbelief that a $75,000,000 diamond was on display in a case in a hotel in some random small southern town. Or that it went missing and there wasn’t an immediate worldwide uproar. Or that it wasn’t insured?????????

-The police had an ankle monitor handy and put it on someone who wanted to leave the hotel???

-They found the jewel that “could be sold to remedy some of the Rose’s financial problems” $75,000,000 is only going to solve SOME problems??????????

-Time skip, now Dakota entered a pageant in the summer and won a bunch of money? How was that funded if the Rose is broke?

Overall, I did want to find out what happened, and I’d read book 1, but without it I felt lost.

I loved the first Dakota Green novel and was delighted to receive the ARC of her second. Dakota's adventures are never boring, zany moments follow her everywhere she goes!

It's her high school school reunion and she returns home and expects the typical small talk that will bring. Instead, it's time to solve another mystery and murder.

This one involves some diamonds and a lot of spunky banter from Dakota. An equally fun installment in her series, I hope to see more!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a chance to read and review. These opinions are my own. This one is due to come out in June of 2025.

Another thrilling murder mystery in Aubergine!!

I absolutely loved this second instalment in the series, I again had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed and there were twists and turns that kept the book intriguing and exciting.

I loved seeing the relationships build further from book 1 and I am really excited to read the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

A great murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Dakota is back in Aubergine for the weekend to spend time with her boyfriend, Charlie, to attend the reading of Mr Finch's will, and to attend the 10-year high school reunion being held at The Rose Palace. Her plans are somewhat disrupted by one of the reunion attendees dying in the middle of the dance floor during the event! Dakota has to put her sleuthing hat on again to try and figure it all out with Charlie. Blackmail and secrets, a missing jewel, and plenty of suspects. This wasn't quite as strong a story as the first book, but I'm enjoying the series so far.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Kristen Bird for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.