Do What Godmother Says ✨

Delving deeper into 'DO WHAT GODMOTHER SAYS' by L.S. STRATTON, I found myself completely immersed in the unfolding mystery. The initial slow burn mentioned in my quick review was truly just the calm before the storm. Once Shanice inherits that pivotal painting, the narrative truly takes off, and you realize just how much is at stake. The way the past intertwines with the present is masterful, pulling you into a world where art and secrets are deadly. One of the most intriguing aspects for me was trying to pin down the narrative point of view. It felt like walking through a maze, never quite knowing whose eyes I was looking through or if I was getting the full picture. While the story primarily follows Shanice, a modern-day writer, as she unravels the painting's secrets, there are moments where you get glimpses into the past, hinting at a multi-layered perspective that truly elevates the suspense. This approach kept me constantly questioning motives and allegiances, making it impossible to put down. For those wondering about a 'single POV' or 'first-person narrator,' I'd say the author masterfully uses perspective to build tension rather than just tell a linear story from one person's mind. It's not always a straightforward first-person account, which I personally found added to the thriller's depth, keeping me guessing the entire time about who knew what and when. Shanice, our protagonist, feels like a vibrant woman in her late twenties or early thirties, an emerging talent whose life is upended by this unexpected inheritance. Her journey from a seemingly ordinary writer to someone embroiled in a potentially deadly conspiracy is captivating. You truly root for her as she navigates the dangerous legacy tied to the Harlem Renaissance artist, constantly wondering about her 'protagonist age' and how it shapes her reactions to the unfolding horrors. The core of 'DO WHAT GODMOTHER SAYS' revolves around this painting, which isn't just a beautiful piece of art but a silent witness to a dark past. The connection between Shanice and the Harlem Renaissance artist is woven with threads of betrayal, ambition, and a secret so profound it could shatter lives, even decades later. L.S. Stratton incredibly crafts a story where every turn reveals another layer of the 'deadly secret.' What starts as a simple inheritance quickly spirals into a race against time, with Shanice trying to uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim. The author does an excellent job of dropping subtle clues, making you feel like a detective alongside Shanice, piecing together fragments of history and deciphering cryptic messages. It’s the kind of book where you think you have it all figured out, only for the rug to be pulled out from under you. If you're searching for a thriller that keeps you guessing, this is definitely one to add to your list before it's officially available in June!