Do What Godmother Says
In this gripping dual-timeline gothic thriller, a modern-day writer and a Harlem Renaissance artist are connected by a painting with a deadly secret. Shanice Pierce knows better than to heed bad omens. But she has a hard time ignoring the signs when she finds herself newly single and out of a job on the same seemingly cursed day. Then, while cleaning out her grandmother's house, Shanice comes across a painting she hasn't seen in years. Drawn to the haunting portrait in a way she can't explain, Shanice accepts her grandmother's offer to keep the family heirloom. She soon uncovers the story of the artist, a Harlem Renaissance painter named Estelle Johnson. The young woman was taken under wing by the wealthy art patron Maude Bachmann--or "Godmother" as she insisted her artists call her--and vanished shortly after Bachmann's brutal murder a century ago. As Shanice digs deeper, a paranoia that's haunted her for years returns. She becomes convinced she's being stalked, and that the deaths happening around her are connected to the staggering offer she turned down for the painting. But the truth hiding in plain sight is even more shocking--and deadly--than Shanice could possibly have imagined ... An Elle Best Mystery and Thriller Book of 2024
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This is already off to a wonky start. I don't like how it started and I am not liking the main character. Her life is wracked with superstitions and she keeps spotting bad omens. They have not been proven to be always reliable but she can't seem to let the "signs" she sees go. She pessimistic and plays the victim when it it clear to me that she basically admitted that her husband has been carrying the relationship financially and it doesn't seem like she was into him that much in the beginning and yet she expects his passion and devotion to her to never fade??
Shanice Pierce....is having a hellava time in her life right now. Her boyfriend dumped her, she quit her job, for good reason, she's being stalked for a painting that her grandmother gave her that's been passed down for generations.
When I read the synopsis for this book I was intrigued. I've read L.S. Stratton's other book. But babe, this one fell flat for me.
I LOVED the Gothic, past-present references and even the back story about the painting. However, the thrills we're missing for me. Everything was so predictable, no excitement really for me. The audiobook voice for Shanice did not do her just at all. I would give this author another go in rhe future.
When I read the synopsis for this book I was intrigued. I've read L.S. Stratton's other book. But babe, this one fell flat for me.
I LOVED the Gothic, past-present references and even the back story about the painting. However, the thrills we're missing for me. Everything was so predictable, no excitement really for me. The audiobook voice for Shanice did not do her just at all. I would give this author another go in rhe future.
"Do What Godmother Says" is a captivating dual-timeline mystery with gothic elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. The narrator really drew me in, although I did find the story a bit unbalanced at times.
Shanice is facing challenges in her life and struggling with her mental health. However, when she discovers a mysterious painting of a woman at her grandmother's house, she embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the story of Estelle Johnson, a Harlem Renaissance artist. As Shanice delves deeper, she learns about Estelle's connection with Maud, a wealthy white woman who exploited young Black artists.
I was intrigued by the gothic elements in the novel and fascinated by the story of the Harlem Renaissance artist. The alternating timelines helped to provide a well-rounded perspective. While some of the plot twists were predictable, the ending took me by surprise - what a twist! Overall, I had a great time reading this book and would definitely read more from this author. The atmospheric gothic elements were expertly woven into the story. I highly recommend it! The audio narration was also top-notch.
I received an ARC audio copy from NetGalley for review, but all opinions expressed are my own.
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