Death of a Dancing Queen
A Billie Levine Mystery
Kimberly G. Giarratano’s Death of a Dancing Queen is a gripping mystery novel in which a novice private investigator quests to solve her biggest case yet.
In June of 1991, Starla, an exotic dancer, was stabbed to death; her diamond necklace was stolen. Thirty years later, Billie Levine, a twenty-four-year-old private investigator, juggles working for her grandfather’s firm with taking care of her mother, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Billie’s first big case comes from Tommy, a troubled young man from a wealthy family who wants to find his missing girlfriend, Jasmine, a college student and the host of a true crime podcast.
When Jasmine is found dead, Billie discovers that she was no mere college co-ed with an interest in murder cases. Jasmine had immersed herself in a world of organized crime, drugs, and violence, all in the pursuit of learning more about Starla’s cold case. As Billie connects the stories of those who knew Jasmine and investigates what happened to Starla, she finds herself getting deeper into a mystery that raises more questions with every discovery.
Alongside the mysteries of Jasmine and Starla, the novel follows Billie’s struggle to reconcile her career ambitions with wanting to be a better caretaker for her mother. This struggle is further examined through Billie’s own ties to people connected to the case. How her personal challenges prevent her from extracting herself from increasing danger is a source of tension.
Death of a Dancing Queen is an exciting mystery novel that connects the past and present of organized crime, all while showcasing the challenges of caring for a struggling family member.
Reviewed by
Gail Hoffer-Loibl
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