A review by shelfindulgent_
Dead in Long Beach, California by Venita Blackburn

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It has been some time since I read this book, but it was a RIDE! From the first chapter, I was hooked, by morbid curiosity, if by nothing else. I do feel a bit like it's a new and interesting genre for me because it's giving slightly sci-fi vibes, but I am enjoying it none the less. 

Pros:

• I really enjoy feeling as though I am reading this character's mind as she works things out. 
• The book makes me cringe, and I find this to be a pro because if a book can make me feel a tangible feeling, good or bad, it gets major brownie points. 

Cons:

• Somebody in the world please help me understand more of the aside in the book. There is a section (I believe it comes up every other chapter) where the main character of the book is writing a story about an LGBTQ+ detective (probably wasn't a detective... a hitman???). I felt mostly lost reading this section each time. 

Final thoughts: Ultimately, I did really enjoy this read, and would recommend it!