WoW: The Black Queen by Jumata Emill

This bookish meme tells the blogosphere what we’re waiting patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) for! It’s hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine!

Nova Albright was going to be the first Black homecoming queen at Lovett High–but now she’s dead. Murdered on coronation night. Fans of One of Us Is Lying and The Other Black Girl will love this unputdownable thriller.

Nova Albright, the first Black homecoming queen at Lovett High, is dead. Murdered the night of her coronation, her body found the next morning in the old slave cemetery she spent her weekends rehabilitating.

Tinsley McArthur was supposed to be queen. Not only is she beautiful, wealthy, and white, it’s her legacy–her grandmother, her mother, and even her sister wore the crown before her. Everyone in Lovett knows Tinsley would do anything to carry on the McArthur tradition.

No one is more certain of that than Duchess Simmons, Nova’s best friend. Duchess’s father is the first Black police captain in Lovett. For Duchess, Nova’s crown was more than just a win for Nova. It was a win for all the Black kids. Now her best friend is dead, and her father won’t fact the fact that the main suspect is right in front of him. Duchess is convinced that Tinsley killed Nova–and that Tinsley is privileged enough to think she can get away with it. But Duchess’s father seems to be doing what he always does: fall behind the blue line. Which means that the white girl is going to walk.

Duchess is determined to prove Tinsley’s guilt. And to do that, she’ll have to get close to her.

But Tinsley has an agenda, too.

Everyone loved Nova. And sometimes, love is exactly what gets you killed. 

Published by: Delacorte Press
Expected Publication: January 31, 2023

Why I’m Waiting: I don’t know what the deal is with Black prom/homecoming queens lately, but it doesn’t make a bit of difference to me. I’m going to read them ALL. Just take my freaking money. And do I really need to tell y’all this cover is beautiful? Like gah I just can’t wait to get my hands on it. The black and red is ominous and it makes her eyes super striking. Love it! I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait until next year……

What about you? Does this sound like something you’d like? Do you like thrillers? What about the books it’s being comped to? Let me know in the comments!