Scan barcode
A review by rchellelynn
Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton
4.0
“Do What Godmother Says” is the Thriller/Historical Fiction mashup I never knew I needed!
If a series of unfortunate events was a person, it would be Shanice, the FMC in the thrilling, historical fiction, “Do What Godmother Says.” After losing her job and relationship all in the same day she thinks life can’t get any worse but she’s in for a surprise when she accepts a mysterious painting from her grandmother that’s been passed down for generations.
Creeped out and intrigued by the painting Shanice makes it her mission to find out as much as she can about the artist. While there isn’t much information on Estelle “Essie” Johnson [the Harlem Renaissance painter] there’s plenty of information on Maude Bachman- Essie’s patron and benefactor. She soon uncovers a troubling business arrangement that may answer questions about the untimely demise of the once-budding artist.
While she’s putting all of the pieces together, and declining lucrative offers to sell the painting she realizes that she’s being stalked and her life is in danger. What’s so important about this painting, is how can she prove she’s not crazy, and who can she trust?
This was a thrilling read that I never wanted to walk away from. I loved the story development from the POV of Essie and Shanice shown in different timelines. There were lots of surprises and I must admit, I didn’t see that ending coming.
Additionally, L.S. Stratton forces the reader to consider several real and ongoing issues that impact Black Americans like gentrification, interracial relationships, and the erasure of Black Art.
Excellent read.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions and views expressed are my own.*
If a series of unfortunate events was a person, it would be Shanice, the FMC in the thrilling, historical fiction, “Do What Godmother Says.” After losing her job and relationship all in the same day she thinks life can’t get any worse but she’s in for a surprise when she accepts a mysterious painting from her grandmother that’s been passed down for generations.
Creeped out and intrigued by the painting Shanice makes it her mission to find out as much as she can about the artist. While there isn’t much information on Estelle “Essie” Johnson [the Harlem Renaissance painter] there’s plenty of information on Maude Bachman- Essie’s patron and benefactor. She soon uncovers a troubling business arrangement that may answer questions about the untimely demise of the once-budding artist.
While she’s putting all of the pieces together, and declining lucrative offers to sell the painting she realizes that she’s being stalked and her life is in danger. What’s so important about this painting, is how can she prove she’s not crazy, and who can she trust?
This was a thrilling read that I never wanted to walk away from. I loved the story development from the POV of Essie and Shanice shown in different timelines. There were lots of surprises and I must admit, I didn’t see that ending coming.
Additionally, L.S. Stratton forces the reader to consider several real and ongoing issues that impact Black Americans like gentrification, interracial relationships, and the erasure of Black Art.
Excellent read.
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. All opinions and views expressed are my own.*