The Debutantes

Olivia Worley's "The Debutantes" is a riveting thriller set against the glamorous yet perilous backdrop of New Orleans' elite social scene. The Les Masques Ball, the crown jewel of the debutante season, takes a dark turn when the newly crowned Queen, Lily LeBlanc, mysteriously vanishes after the event. This disappearance stirs up haunting memories of Margot Landry, last year's Queen, whose untimely death was shrouded in whispers and scandal.

Worley masterfully intertwines the lives of three debutantes—Vivian, Piper, and April—who, despite their different backgrounds and histories, must unite to unravel the sinister secrets lurking beneath their polished exteriors. As they dig deeper, the specter of Margot's death looms large, suggesting that her end was no mere accident. The narrative is intensified by the presence of a menacing figure in a Jester costume, whose threats to expose the girls' own secrets add an extra layer of tension and urgency.

"The Debutantes" is a deftly crafted tale of mystery and intrigue, where every polished smile hides a potential motive, and every socialite has something to lose. Worley's characters are complex and compelling, their secrets as intricate as the masks they wear. The suspense builds to a fever pitch as the trio races against time to uncover the truth and prevent another tragedy.

This novel is a must-read for fans of thrillers and anyone fascinated by the dark undercurrents of high society. "The Debutantes" keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing until the very end. It’s a captivating blend of elegance and danger, proving that in the world of debutantes, the most dangerous monsters are often the ones hiding in plain sight.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This book had me invested! Absolutely amazing from the plot to the twist. I could not put this book down. Chefs kiss highly recommend this book!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

I devoured The Debutantes in one sitting! It’s what you’d get if Pretty Little Liars was set amongst southern debutante culture. It’s also very reminiscent of Ashley Winstead’s The Last Housewife, with all the seediness of patriarchal culture rotting in the systems of our society that feed issues like classism, racism, corruption, and sexism.

I loved the different perspectives of each of the Maids and felt they were very well developed characters. Their tentative but enduring bonds of sisterhood showcase the strength of women and girls. As a sophomore novel, this book is an absolute triumph. It’s engaging, relevant, and doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of our world. I cannot recommend it enough!

Please note, this book and its themes are intended for a mature, upper YA audience. Be sure to check content warnings before reading or recommending. Thank you to Netgalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.