One foreign policy question five years ago sent Destinee Faith Miller’s dreams of being Miss American Universe up in flames and landed her back in her hometown of Phenix City, Alabama, with her tail between her legs. But like the mythological bird that her hometown is misspelled after, she rose from the ashes to create Destinee’s Dolls, a thriving pageant consulting business knee-deep in pink, prints and glitz. A death at the local level of a national pageant lands her the job of pageant emcee, and Destinee dares to dream of bigger things—maybe even a reality TV show! But when judges start dropping like flies, she has her hands full just keeping herself alive long enough to see those dreams come true. Contending with catfights, car bombs, and the camouflage-colored funeral of a redneck’s dream, Destinee gets a little help from her friends, family, and a pit bull named Clarabelle, to track down the killer and, more important, produce a simply magnificent pageant.
About the Author:
Lane Buckman is a former beauty queen from Phenix City, Alabama. Growing up, she wanted to be Miss America, a criminal lawyer, a super model, the President, a Bond girl, a brain surgeon, a journalist, a back-up singer for Duran Duran, and a college professor of Medieval Literature. In order to fulfill those dreams, she became a writer. She lives in Texas with her family, and enjoys every miserably hot second of it.
Her solo debut novel, TIARA TROUBLE, is available from Cozy Cat Press on October 28, 2013, with a sneak peek launch the week prior at the BOSTON BOOK FESTIVAL. TIARA TROUBLE, a light-hearted cozy mystery, marks a departure from Lane’s earlier works in the darker horror/fantasy genre.
The well-received THE ORDER OF THE BLOOD (Black Bed Sheets Books, April 09, 2011), co-authored with Nicole Vlachos, was Lane’s first novel. She has ghost written and consulted on two others. Follow Lane on Facebook and Twitter, and keep up with her world on her blog.
My Review (4 Stars):
Tiara Trouble was a very cute mystery set inside the fascinating world of pageants. I was very surprised at how much preparation and work was actually involved in becoming a pageant contestant. Destinee was a fun character who was a past pageant contestant herself and now runs a school to coach future young ladies. I liked her humor and her straight-forward attitude while dealing with the never-ending obstacles that happened over the course of this story. I also liked the supporting cast of characters involved in Destinee’s life that helped to make this an enjoyable read with a mystery that will keep you guessing.
Giveaway
I’m excited to give away a signed copy of Tiara Trouble and a swag bag from the author. This giveaway is for US Residents only.
To be entered in the drawing by November 6th, answer me this question in the comments:
What do you think about pageants?
I’m not a fan – I stopped watching the pageants on TV in the 90’s – I’ve never thought about entering our daughter in one.
They are good for women wanting to better their education. I would never recommend them for little girls.
I really think they are no longer needed i our lives. That begs the question: were they ever?
Vey much opposed to presenting any role to young girls & women that promotes a female’s worth based on physical attributes as defined by society (men). Before women can be truly free, powerful, and accepted as equal gender–all aspects of life must be cleared of concepts that objectify women. If beauty pageants for women are okay, where,indeed the ones for boys and men.
VERY in previous comment. Darn auto-correct
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Don’t watch them
I don’t have a problem when the young ladies are older, because they win scholarships and money for education. I am against it for smaller children. There is too much emphasis put on looks and your body. I believe that’s wrong.
Thank you so much for the review! I really appreciate the time you took to read and write about the book.
I don’t have the temperment
too impatient
but live in Columbus Ga- across the rive from PC ALA
so would LOVE to win & READ!!