Here’s our spoiler-free review of Death Came to Dinner by Dahlia Rose. Get your copy by becoming a member today and then join us in the member portal to get your questions answered by Dahlia!
Where to begin? To put it simply: Death Came to Dinner is our latest BOM because I had such a good time reading it. Aurora Cosme is a woman who takes no flack. Lovie is powerful, no-nonsense, but still loving. The additional characters, including love interest Agent Andrew Garrett, were funny and charming by turns. I knew this book had to be our September/October selection for the spooky nature (it is set in New Orleans, after all), but also because it is a romp you want to spend a fall weekend reading. Here’s our full review:
Not offensive to women = 1/1 pt, Features a woman as the main protagonist and/or supporting character = 2/2 pts, Passes the Bechdel-Wallace test = 3/3 pts
Main character Aurora is a medium. Hit by lightning at a young age, she cannot lead a normal life because she cannot go out in daylight. Despite some sadness that she can’t flaunt her awesome fashion sense in public, Aurora is happy with her life and comfortable with herself. That’s probably because she has her best friend Lovie with her–Madame Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Lovie is, technically, dead, but her spirit remains, protecting her city. Aurora’s psychic abilities allow her to talk to and see Lovie. Lovie is Aurora’s closest friend, but also her mentor in all things spirit world. Aurora and Lovie will need each other when a darkness comes to New Orleans.
Artistic and/or Entertaining = 4/4 pts
Romance and action converge on Aurora when a young woman is found dead in her home. The FBI arrives, and with them Agent Andrew Garrett. The chemistry is immediate, but Aurora has misgivings. Can he accept her way of life? Not only that, Lovie sees the death for what it is–dangerous beings are converging on New Orleans. She needs Aurora’s help to keep the city safe. Andy can’t help here: the powers needed are beyond this plane.
Above and Beyond General Media = 5/5 pts
I enjoyed the romance thoroughly. Though Andy and Aurora are attracted to each other, it doesn’t mean the course of their love runs smooth. Each must overcome their reservations and trust in each other.
I was also happy with the portrayal of Aurora’s disability. There was no cure narrative, but she was happy and confident in herself despite some insecurities– basically a normal, well-rounded person.
Score: 15/15
Watch the Death Came to Dinner book trailer:
Her Story Arc 