In short, ‘Dead Dead Girls’ is a murder mystery that takes place in jazz-age Harlem, New York and stars a tiny, black lesbian who loves staying out all night dancing and drinking bootlegged gin. In shorter...yes. all of the yes. This book is beautifully written and you can tell that the author did a ton of research into 1920s slang and culture in order to properly set the scene, which is something that I will always, always give kudos to. I loved the smart, stubborn, brave Louise Lovie straight from chapter one, and she’s the type of main character who you don’t love DESPITE their flaws, but rather you love them BECAUSE of their flaws. I did my typical trawling of the author’s social media and I was super impressed to see that, A) this is her debut novel, and B) that this book started out as a NaNoWriMo project! Hell yeah! This is an author to keep your eye on; she’s going to do great things.

I absolutely loved this mystery. Lou is fierce but flawed, and just a joy to read about. The mystery kept me turning the pages, and the details about 1920s Harlem were every bit as exciting. Lou loves to dance, and that same kind of breathless energy really propelled this story. Looking forward to what Afia gets her into next!

What a debut novel! Louise Lovie Lloyd is now one of my favorite characters ever and I cannot wait for more. I loved that the author decided to set the story in the 1920's, especially after reading her Author's Note. The 1920's is romanticized greatly and to see it striped away down to the grittiness that it was, especially for Black people, was something that I have wanted to see for a long time. I loved all of the character. They were beautifully crafted with their strengths and flaws. The murder mystery was also thrilling to read and cry over the poor girls. I am super ready for book number two so I have another book that I can't put down!

This book is one of the most eloquently written mysteries I've read, with its clear, rhythmic prose and its effortless evocation of the 1920s. Louise Lloyd is forced into becoming an amateur detective, but brings an intelligence and heart to the work that she will need as the danger ramps up. Lou is a spunky hero with wit, charm, and effervescence. Even through heartbreaking moments, her strength offers a sense of hope. I defy any reader not to adore her.

Nekesa's writing was purposeful and as strong as the heroine, but also had an unexpected lyricism that sometimes made me catch my breath, such as in this line: "It was two in the morning and the world creaked as it spun." Dead Dead Girls is a powerful debut from a young talent, and I look forward to seeing what Nekesa brings next.