This book had me guessing who the culprit was from start to finish! At one point or another, I trusted NOONE 👀💎 I actually really enjoyed it!

The story was original and had moments of humor, romance (although not nearly enough 😭), and grieving. All of the characters were quite multilayered and were very well developed.

There were moments, though, where certain reveals felt very anticlimactic and happened very quickly. I wish more time would have been spent on better execution but that really is the only complaint I have!

A good cozy mystery 🥰

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC 🙌🏼

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author Kristen Bird for this eARC

Another fun instalment in the Dakota Green Series.

I enjoyed An Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds more than I did book one.
I’m still not a fan of Dakota’s character (she’s still got some pick-me vibes) but there is definitely character growth since book one and we are moving in the right direction. My absolute favourite is still Sevilla - you never know what she is going to say or do and she is a fun character.
The mystery was fine, entertaining but not all that hard to figure out.

Solid 3.25 stars, I will be continuing with this series.

The second book in the series and I thought I had read the first one - I should have checked because it turned out I had not! However there were enough explanations of relationships etc for me to catch on to the current story.

The MC, Dakota Green, is attending her High School reunion when one of the attendees, who is now a TV star, dies on the dance floor. The circumstances are suspicious and one of Dakota's friends is a suspect so Dakota is keen to help find out the truth. Dakota's boyfriend is the town Sheriff which causes problems between them as they try to work out how much information they should be passing to each other.

I really liked the character of Dakota Green until she unilaterally decided that her boyfriend was having thoughts about his attractive police partner and, instead of talking to him about it, talked herself into all sorts of nonsense. This aspect of the proceedings lost the book a whole star for me. However the mystery was intriguing and the murderer very hard to spot. The method of death was rather unusual too. Overall three stars.

3.75 stars

I absolutely LOVED the first book in the Dakota Green series. I was over the moon when Storm Publishing reached out and offered me an eARC of An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds. I don't know if my expectations were a bit too high but this one had some growing pains.

Kristen Bird constructs some really puzzling mysteries. The complexity of the case compared to other cozy mysteries was one of the reasons I fell so hard for A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem. AHGtDaD absolutely lives up to that legacy. I was fully engaged in the whodunnit and while I didn't guess the culprit correctly, it's satisfying to look back and see all the clues were there if I'd been smart enough to spot them!

Another aspect that drew me to Dakota Green was the strong women-supporting-women theme of the first book. Maybe it was the beauty pageant setting that brought it out in the characters but it was great. It gave the whole book a slumber party/sorority get together vibe that was so fun. In contrast, this second book is quite dour. Dakota's unfounded jealousy is like a whole extra (unfun) character tagging along in the first three-quarters of the book. It seemed to come out of nowhere and is totally at odds with who she is in the first book. The narrative lampshades it with asides like 'this isn't who Momma raised me to be' - and I get we all have thoughts we're not proud of - but jeez, jealousy became Dakota's only character trait for awhile. It was too much. I liked how the situation was eventually resolved. You know, when they finally used words instead of Dakota's patented deep conversations via meaningful looks... but it was frustrating that she never owned how much she was keeping back from Charlie while being mad he was being cold. (He wasn't really being cold. He was doing his job.)

Which brings me to my biggest disappointment. I loved how the ABQGtMaM ended. I was excited for Charlie and Dakota to get together. But reading AHGtDaD felt like I'd somehow skipped an entire novel, or least a novella's worth of their relationship developing. Because we were thrown into their first major fight without experiencing all the cute early relationship building, half the time I was rooting for them to break up. It felt, at times, like Dakota didn't even like Charlie and was looking for an excuse to ditch him.

I'll continue the series because I do like the characters when they're not acting fools, and the small town setting is great. I'll give this one grace that it has some teething problems while the author rearranges the world to keep the series going. But I hope the next book returns to the fun, friendship is forever charm of A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem, and I hope Deputy Wright isn't pigeonholed as a perpetual rival.

I loved this book so much! I love how this continued on from the first book. I love all the new characters as well and I just love this series and hope that there are more to come as it’s such a great cozy mystery that is very heartwarming as well.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a good cozy mystery that is heartwarming as well.

I would like to thank Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

I enjoyed this murder mystery novel. When Dakota Green returns to her hometown for a high school reunion, she expects it to be awkward. What she doesn’t expect, is someone to drop dead on the dance floor. When her best friend since childhood is accused of the crime, Dakota has to go into sleuth mode to prove her best friend is innocent. Dakota has so much already going on in her life, so there’s never a dull moment.
I liked how much was going on in this book, it made it very interesting and kept me entertained. I did not read the first book in the series before reading this one, but I will definitely be picking it up at some point.

Dakota Green comes home to Aubergine, Virginia to attend her ten year high school reunion. All Dakota wants to do is stay for an hour, some small talk and warm beer. She is hoping to spend time with Sheriff Charlie Strong, her "boyfriend" after the reunion. What she isn't expecting is to be a witness to a murder! Brett Brinkley, a former classmate, now reality star collapses on the dance floor. If that isn't enough to get Dakota's sleuthing gene going, her best friend, Lacy, becomes a suspect. Oh and there is a missing diamond, a possible inheritance and an amazing job offer all for Dakota to sort out!

This is a fun cozy that will make you laugh. Although this is the second book, the author provides enough background that it can be read as a stand-alone. (I will say that I enjoyed the first book, A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem, a little more.) There are twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The characters are well developed and the plot moves along. The author leaves enough threads unanswered so we can expect another book, I hope.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

The second Dakota Green book by author Kristen Bird I have read this year. Another amusing quick read completed in a day. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

I'd heard good things about the first Dakota Green novel and I was keen to read the second installment of her world centred around Rose Palace in the fictional town of Aubergine, Virginia.

Dakota is a bold and brave, but fallible enough to be relatable. The Southern American setting was a fun choice for the setting of this cosy mystery. I enjoyed the setting up or what is clearly destined to be a long term series arc around the future of Dakota and her next steps.

Thank you to Netgalley for this E-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

Going to my reunion was something I avoided when it rolled around. After reading this book, I am glad I did because dead body aside, it still sounded awkward. Brett, our victim, was clearly still stuck in the past or at least as we learn good at playing at it. One thing that astounds me is how vile the victims in cozies always turn out to be. That makes sense so you wind up with a whole plethora of suspects from the ex to the ex's new man to the crazy girlfriend. I'm not sure what was more amusing about her between her desperation to be famous or infamous or her belief in the evil eye. As I quick aside, I have an Italian grandmother and I remember her using the same word for evil eye (not cruse.) I immediately pictured my own grandmother in the role.
Dakota's life feel like it spun on its head and could continue to do so in the book from her relationship with Charlie, to her investigation side to her awesome opportunity. I did get a little wig at how well it was described by the author when she tried to save Brett but then my brain kicked in and I realized that would never happen exactly like it did. Read the book to enjoy and ignore things like she was not wearing gloves. Dakota also had to navigate a lot of shifting dynamics from a friend becoming a sister to finding solid ground with Charlie despite the overly pretty deputy.
I had my suspicions on the killer and all I can say is don't jump to conclusions based on the first guy to act like a skunk. The mystery was good and cozy but the ending was awesome. So much happiness to go around and Dakota's grandmother's comment. It made everything truly ring true for me because God works in mysterious ways just like the ending said.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

In the second Dakota Green Mystery, Dakota returns to Aubergine, Virginia, for her high school reunion, planning to reconnect with best friend Lacy and Sheriff Charlie Strong while handling family matters. A murder implicating Lacy and a missing $50 million Rose Diamond pull Dakota into a fast-paced investigation, with a divisive reality TV star among the suspects.

The plot blends small-town charm, humor, and a gripping whodunit, with relatable characters shining despite spoilers from the first book. Dakota’s packed weekend—juggling jealousy, career choices, and family secrets—occasionally crowds the pacing, but Kristen Bird’s heartfelt, immersive mystery remains a delightful read for cozy mystery fans.

Thank you NetGalley, Publisher and Author for sending over an arc in exchange for honest review!

I absolutely love Kristin Bird’s An Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds and this entire series! From start to finish, this book had me hooked with its perfect mix of mystery, humor, and heart. Set in the charming and moody town of Aubergine, Virginia, the story pulls you into a small-town atmosphere where secrets are everywhere and everyone has something to hide.

Dakota Green is one of my favorite heroines—smart, determined, and incredibly relatable. Her journey as an amateur sleuth kept me turning pages, especially as she navigates personal challenges and complex relationships. The romance with the town sheriff adds just the right touch of warmth and emotional depth to the suspenseful plot.

What really stands out is how well-crafted the mystery is. The murder of reality TV star Brett Brinkley at a high school reunion had me guessing right up until the end, with twists and red herrings that kept things fresh and exciting. I also appreciated the rich subplots, especially Dakota’s family secrets and inheritance, which added layers to the story beyond the main mystery.

The supporting characters bring Aubergine to life with their quirks and flaws, creating a vivid and engaging backdrop that feels both cozy and realistic. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with humor, heart, and intrigue—think Janet Evanovich with a small-town twist—you’ll find this book impossible to put down.

Honestly, Kristin Bird’s writing never disappoints, and I’ll read whatever she writes next without hesitation. This series always makes me laugh and keeps me guessing, which is exactly what I want from a mystery. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Netgallery, Storm publishing and Kristen Bird for this ARC.

I loved the first book and was so glad to return to Aubergine and see Dakota and her family and friends again as they got wrapped up in another murder this time a her high school reunion. This was such a easy read got through it in a day and half as it was so absorbing. I will definitely buy this when it comes out maybe in audiobook as well. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

Kristen Bird has done it again, with her latest novel in the Dakota Green series. Since we last left Dakota, she'd just won the annual beauty pageant, developed feelings for the sheriff investigating the death of Mr. Finch, the previous owner of the Rose Palace, and had decided to go back to veterinary school.

In An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds, Dakota returns to the Rose Palace for her high school reunion, and for the reading of Mr. Finch's will. (You'll have to read the book to find out why she's going to will reading!) When another murder occurs, Dakota finds herself searching for answers once again.

This book is another must-read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!

A clever cozy mystery. Not as humorous as I expected since her writing was compared to Janet Evanovich's in the blurb. Once I gave it a chance by continuing to read, I was captivated by the story. Some surprises. Pleasant enough characters but no one I really cared about. It was until over halfway through that I realized I was listening to Book 1 in my car while running errands. Enjoyable listening. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Zu langfädig, zu bedeutungsschwanger. Das passt für mich nicht zum Titel. Danke fürs bereit stellen vom Lese-Ex.

This is an ideal holiday read. It is clearly one of a series, but can be read alone. When the star of a reality show dies at a high school reunion in Aubergine vet student Dakota must work hard to make sure her best friend (and the ex-girlfriend of the corpse) is not accused of murder.

Very enjoyable read. I like the characters and Savilla’s word mashes were inspired and humorous. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Dakota returns home for her high school reunion expecting nostalgia, not murder. But when a former classmate-turned-reality-TV star dies on the dance floor, Dakota’s best friend becomes the prime suspect. Juggling the pressures of vet school, a long-distance relationship, and a shocking family revelation, Dakota dives into a tangled mystery involving murder, missing diamonds, and blackmail.

Fast-paced and full of twists, this small-town whodunit proves the past doesn’t always stay buried. With colorful, engaging characters, the Dakota Green series is a definite must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Kristen Bird for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.