Glitter in the Dark has an intriguing premise, but ultimately struggled to hold my attention. Olesya Lyuznas novel starts promisingly, yet the plot quickly becomes disjointed, making it difficult to follow or feel invested. The character development was minimal, leaving me detached from the story. Though the author clearly has imaginative ideas, the execution felt underwhelming.

Ginny wants to be more than just a gossip column writer. So she convinces her boss to let her write a story. Only Ginny ran into a few problems. She now had to agree to work with Jack to help solve this mystery. The more they look into the story the more they uncover and set themselves up for trouble.

When Dotty goes missing Ginny is more determined to find her sister and to uncover what is really going on.

Set during the Prohibition era, the story follows Ginny; a bold and determined woman who dives into a mysterious world, uncovering hidden truths about a dangerous Harlem. The plot was fast-paced and kept me hooked from start to finish, and I found the protagonist’s courage and resourcefulness truly inspiring.

The narration was excellent—easy to listen to and perfectly capturing the mood and tension of the story. It really kept my attention throughout. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a mix of mystery and adventure.

Ginny is an ambitious young woman trying to make it as a reporter, but her boss has her on the advice column and providing makeup tips. It’s the roaring 20s and Ginny is partying heavily, but remembers what she saw that one night when a singer was taken off the stage and hasn’t been seen since. This novel takes us behind the velvet curtains where showgirls and wealthy patrons cross paths and new “patent” medicines are all the rage. It’s hot in the dance halls, and young people are dropping dead. Ginny joins forces with a detective and they pursue the missing singer together, relying on their opposite skill sets to navigate this underworld. Does Ginny have the hots for him or for another showgirl? Who cares? it’s the 1920s! Ginny just does what she wants, consequences be dammed!
The main story is interesting, but complicated by so many side stories and interactions with a broad cast of characters. The narration was good.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #GlitterintheDark for review purposes. Published 1 April 2025.

Glitter in the Dark had some strong points—I really appreciated the historical references to the Prohibition era, which added depth and atmosphere to the story. There were definitely elements of intrigue that kept me curious, but overall, it just wasn’t a favorite for me. While it had potential, I didn’t fully connect with the characters or the pacing. Still, it’s worth a read if you enjoy historical fiction with a bit of mystery woven in.

First off, major applause for this cleverly curated promo box and the absolutely breathtaking cover—it’s a total showstopper!

This was a dazzling debut! The premise pulled me in right away, and I’ve always found the Prohibition Era and Jazz Age to be incredibly captivating backdrops. I mean, who can resist a world brimming with secrets, speakeasies, and intrigue?

I especially loved Ginny—sharp, bold, and such a compelling heroine.

This historical mystery delivered on all fronts: fast-paced action, gripping suspense, and even a touch of romance. There’s truly something here for every kind of reader!

It took me a bit to get into this book, but I enjoyed it once I did! The pacing is good, and the story is entertaining. Ginny’s character is likable, and I found myself rooting her on even when she was making questionable decisions. I did find this book to be a bit predictable. However, I stayed engaged through to the end. If you’re interested in historical fiction with elements of mystery, I’d recommend checking this book out! Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

This was a really good historic drug boss type story. It honestly surprised me so much. I liked the pieces falling together and finding out the web that everyone was involved in. I definitely didnt see the top person being who it was. I was actually betting it to be someone else.

I think anyone who enjoys historic crime mob type things would love this.

Glitter in the Dark is a prohibition era, heart throbbing whodunnit and which "it" did they do!? There's the main plot, and several off shoots that keeps you tangled up in a web of jazz, liquor, pretty things and a multitude of sins. Ginny is a hard nut to crack, and she hangs tough with the guys, even with a bullet hole in her body. She's got a conscious that pushes her to find the truth, and chip on her shoulder the size of Kansas. This book has me clutched from the beginning. There's so much going on, you really don't know who to trust, and falling in love (or lust) could be the nail in the coffin. It's good, and I can't wait for the next instalment. Slight spice, but not overly descriptive, you get to use your imagination.

I’ve been loving the recent wave of historical fiction set during the Harlem Renaissance—it’s one of my favorite time periods to read about. Glitter in the Dark is a standout in that regard, plunging readers into a world of sex, secrets, and speakeasies.

The story kicks off with a bang: Ginny, our sharp and ambitious main character, is kidnapped after witnessing a murder. What follows is a fast-paced mystery as Ginny investigates the death of famed musician Josephine Hurston. As a beauty reporter turned amateur sleuth, Ginny navigates not just a dangerous investigation, but also the complexities of budding romances, toxic past entanglements, and the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Harlem.

I flew through this one—it was a quick, engaging read. While I thought some parts could’ve been a bit more developed, overall, it was an enjoyable experience. I’m guessing this is the start of a series, and I’m definitely looking forward to more of Ginny’s adventures.

Pick this one up if you’re in the mood for a historical mystery filled with glamour, grit, and a fearless heroine.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book has such a noir feel to it. I absolutely love the Art Deco style cover. The book gives the speakeasy feel and I felt like the author did a great job in setting that scene. The main character was likable and I enjoyed the narrator. This was a fast paced and fun read!

A sufficiently entertaining read, though entirely predictable. While the writing is competent and the pacing keeps things moving, the story offers few surprises and lacks lasting impact. Enjoyable in the moment, but ultimately forgettable.