Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds, An

When Dakota Green returns home for her high school reunion, she expects awkward small talk and warm beer – not a dead body on the dance floor. But at the historic Rose Palace, old flames and fresh murders are always in fashion.

In Dakota’s small-town of Aubergine, Virginia, family fortunes hide deadly secrets and diamonds aren't always a girl's best friend.

Still adjusting to veterinary school, a long-distance relationship with the town's handsome sheriff, and the bombshell revelation of her true parentage, Dakota's hoping for a drama-free weekend. But when former classmate and reality TV star Brett Brinkley drops dead at the Class of 2015’s reunion party, all eyes turn to Dakota’s childhood best friend as the prime suspect.

Now Dakota must race against time to catch a killer, uncover the truth about a missing diamond, untangle a web of secrets and somehow decide whether to accept an unexpected inheritance – all before midnight strikes. Between a fake séance, a blackmail scheme, and more suspects than she can count, Dakota's about to learn that some family jewels come at a deadly price.

Sharp-witted and charming, An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds is a delightful small-town mystery packed with twists. If you love the humor of Janet Evanovich and Elle Cosimano, it’s time to get hooked on the Dakota Green mystery series.

Readers are loving the Dakota Green Mystery series:

"One of the best cozy mysteries I've ever read!" Bestselling author Ashley Winstead

"Dakota, a spunky, modern sleuth, doesn’t let high heels or outdated gender roles get in the way of her relentless pursuit of the truth and her quest to build a new life... a charming romp, featuring a quirky cast of characters with big hearts and witty humor, all set against the unforgettable backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grab your sequins and tiara—this one’s a sparkling good read!” Bestselling author Ellie Alexander

"THIS WAS PERFECTION... Totally recommend on your TBR!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Should be on every reader's to-read list, because it is simply brilliant. A mix of the wittiness of Miss. Congeniality paired with a truly engaging mystery… The smart writing of Ms. Bird also refuses to fall for beauty queen stereotypes…The twist at the end almost had me screaming because I absolutely NEED the next book now." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Had me laughing one moment and gripping the edge of my seat the next! Dakota Green stands out as a refreshingly down-to-earth and empowered protagonist—an unexpected beauty queen-turned-detective who quickly wins readers' hearts." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This was the exact shot of uplifting, hilarious dopamine I needed... !" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I loved this book, simple as that! As a southern gal, and growing up in a pageant town, I could totally relate to the characters. Hard to put this one down!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"...shifts you to a place where heels under 4 inches are a sin and anything bedazzled with less than 50% sequin coverage will have you running home to your mama... The female relationships in this book are strong and beautifully done." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"With a compelling mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes drama, the story channels Miss Congeniality vibes in the best way... A must-read for fans of murder mysteries with a side of sass and sequins!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"If you love a contemporary murder mystery that is more Only Murders in the Building than Broadchurch, with a smidge of romance, I think you'll love this!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© 2025 Storm Publishing (Audiobook): 9781805089032

Release date

Audiobook: 10 June 2025