Boom Town

"I do this thing sometimes where my curiosity will get the best of me, and I'll either ask the wrong question or one question too many." ~ 67%

Gone Girl meets P-Valley? Sign me up for the ARC!

In Nic Stone's adult thriller debut, a woman is determined to find two missing exotic dancers from Atlanta's most notorious gentleman's club. When new daytime dancer "Charm" misses a shift, vet dancer Lyriq suspects more than a no call, no show. Her former headline partner, Lucky, disappeared under similar circumstances. This doesn't seem like a coincidence. Lyriq's search to find them leads to and through Atlanta's underworld, blurring the lines of safety.

I give Nic Stone kudos for venturing into a different genre. It takes focus and faith to try something new, hoping fans will follow. However, Boom Town may not be for everyone. It is a good premise but missing elements of a page-turning thriller. It was way too easy to put away at bedtime. I did not connect with any of the characters. The suspense didn't faze me. The story is a bit wordy; perhaps the writing style is purposefully verbose for the intended adult audience but it only made the story drag. As a Nic Stone repeat reader, I am disappointed.

Be warned this is for grown readers and much different from her previous books. This is not a light subject. Societal issues relevant to today are a main focus making this an ideal pick for book clubs. It will certainly spark conversation and bring awareness. Author's goal accomplished? Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if read in a group setting or with a buddy. I appreciate Nic Stone's effort but Boom Town fell flat this fall.

Happy Early Pub Day, Nic Stone! Boom Town will be available Tuesday, October 14.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Boom Town
Author: Nic Stone
Published: October 2025
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤