'1929 & Bleeding' Chapter Review

CHAPTER ONE

‘1929 & BLEEDING’
BY BETHANY JOY GALEOTTI

Alluring, ingenious, and thought provoking are just some of the words that came to mind after I finished Chapter One of “Diamond Gothic”. In less than 500 words, Bethany Joy Galeotti sets the stage for "Diamond Gothic" – a compelling murder mystery set in Savannah, Georgia that is enriched with the drama and style of one of the most captivating eras in history – the roaring twenties.

In the distance there is a delicious murmur of some gay affair– 
music, chatter and the occasional, irritating laughter of that one
inevitable party guest who is three sheets to the wind and
 determined to capture the attention of the crowd.

The novel opens with vivid imagery of a charming annual celebration at the Mason’s summer home. Although the Southern festivity is ostensibly ordinary in its events, the interactions between Annabell Hayworth and an unidentified admirer demonstrate otherwise. The subtle exchange of a note and the heated glances seem to go unnoticed by everyone – but one.

And as she tucks the note into the strap of her gown, a new hand, attached to a Mr. Hayworth, slides around her waist. She breaks her gaze with our vain young man, and her eyes shift into a new personality all together; she is now the doting bride, demure and gracious, innocent in all her charms, and wholly focused on the man who is pulling her close to his side and saying to a stout and gawking couple, “I’d like to introduce you to my wife…”

Almost instantaneously her demeanor shifts and Mr. Hayworth’s possessive assertion suggests to readers an underlying tension between the couple. “Diamond Gothic” gains the propulsive energy of a thriller as the intriguing happenings at the party are punctuated by the imminent death of the story’s protagonist, Annabell.

#WhoShotAnnabellHayworth

Now, readers are left asking a plethora of questions: What was in that note? Who is the young man that interacts with Annabell? And ultimately, who shoots Annabell Hayworth - and why?

Furthermore, this mystery employs all the witty jargon you’d expect from an in-vogue 1920s novel (however, I’m sure it’ll be difficult to follow for some so be sure to keep an extra tab open for quick google searches). Ultimately, the novel works perfectly as a glimpse in the 1920s lifestyle as it does an actual novel.

Chapter One of “Diamond Gothic” is extremely clever and Galeotti writes with such fluidity and loveliness it’ll be a challenge waiting for next week’s installment. The drama is enthralling and I’m curious to learn more about the characters and their worlds.

Albeit too short, it was a wonderful read.

Congratulations on the premiere of Diamond Gothic ladies! My curiosity is definitely piqued. And I look forward to the iTunes audio release.

& I should also mention that #DIAMONDGOTHIC was the #3 trending topic on Twitter earlier today. To say fans are excited about this would be an understatement.