In Jazz Age New York, a shocking murder shatters the privileged life of the city’s most elite family in a propulsive mystery-thriller debut from author K.M. Colley that spans from Harlem to Long Island’s Gold Coast and high society’s glittering world of deadly secrets.
“All-consuming and totally arresting, The Roaring Ridleys is a party of a read. Colley’s world-building will make you want to sit down with a bottle of champagne, and her edge-of-your-seat plotting will make you want to finish the book (and the bottle!) in one night. Colley loves the 1920s so much, and it’s clear in her writing. This debut author is one to watch!” ―Nekesa Afia, author of As Long as You’re Mine
“The Gilded Age” and “Gossip Girl” meet Alyssa Cole’s When No One is Watching and Sara DiVello’s Broadway Butterfly in THE ROARING RIDLEYS by debut author K.M. Colley (Thomas & Mercer; May 1, 2026). Set in 1920s New York, the story follows the adopted heirs of the city’s most elite family as they find themselves embroiled in a shocking murder when the body of a notorious gossip columnist is found during their family’s legendary soirée—thrusting the siblings into a twisted game of betrayal and revenge, even as the killer lurkers closer than they think.
While this is Colley’s debut as a novelist, she is also an established actress. Known to many as Keturah Maree, she has appeared in The Other Black Girl, Atlanta and Queen Sugar, and her acting background has inspired her cinematic approach to writing. Colley explains, “I’ve always loved the behind-the-scenes of making a show or a movie. As an actress, I don’t just read the lines; I explore why certain choices are made by a character. When I began writing, it came naturally to put myself in the mind of my characters in the same way I would prepare for a role.”
In the glittering world of 1920s New York, the seven Ridley heirs seem to have it all: wealth, status, and protection as the city’s most powerful family, but when notorious gossip columnist Dale Caimen is found dead during their family’s renowned summer soiree, their carefully constructed world begins to crack.
Behind the champagne and jazz, each adopted Ridley sibling harbors secrets that could destroy them. There’s Amelia, the responsible eldest trying to hold it all together; Adesua, whose artistic ambitions in the Harlem Renaissance threaten her family’s expectations; wild child Kavita, whose dangerous nights in speakeasies may have finally caught up with her; Wei, the eldest brother who takes the spotlight any chance he gets; Omar, the stoic and empathetic mediator; Diego, Columbia college student who secretly dreams of being a chef; and Henrik, musically inclined baby brother.
As the murder investigation intensifies, long-buried tensions surface for the diverse Ridley family, who were adopted from their native lands of France, Illinois, India, China, Egypt, Argentina, and United Kingdom family loyalties unravel. Someone knows the truth about the Ridleys―and they’re willing to kill to expose it. In a world where appearance is everything and power comes at a deadly price, the siblings must decide what matters more: protecting the family name or each other.
We think THE ROARING RIDLEYS is the bees knees, and to celebrate its release, we are hosting a virtual book tour throughout the month of May featuring these hotsy-totsy influencers who will share reviews, spotlights, and giveaways. We hope you’ll follow along, pals!
Friday, May 1 – @bookgirlbrown_reviews
Friday, May 1 – @ablueboxfullofbooks
Saturday, May 2 – @epicureanreads
Sunday, May 3 – @shellysbookcorner
Monday, May 4 – @welovebigbooksandwecannotlie
May, May 4 – @libraryofbookish
Monday, May 4 – @bookphile_belle
Tuesday, May 5 – @fishgirllovesbooks
Tuesday, May 5 – @sarahandherbookshelves
Tuesday, May 5 – @storeybookreviews
Wednesday, May 6 – @inspired.j.reads
Wednesday, May 6 – @thelittlibrarian
Thursday, May 7 – @webreakforbooks
Thursday, May 7 – @booknbikram
Friday, May 8 – @lovemybooks2020
Sunday, May 10 – @salliesays_
Monday, May 11 – @megsbookclub
Monday, May 11 – @bbecca_marie
Tuesday, May 12 – @plotspawspinot
Tuesday, May 12 – @candice_reads
Wednesday, May 13 – @rebekahdolmat
Wednesday, May 13 – @alicias.literary.life
Thursday, May 14 – @myburstingbookbag
Thursday, May 14 – @bookedinperpetuity
Friday, May 15 – @reading_is_my_remedy
Friday, May 15 – @teesbookjourney
Saturday, May 16 – @nissa_the.bookworm
Sunday, May 17 – @cassies_books_reviews
Monday, May 18 – @tammyreads62
Tuesday, May 19 – @lexijava
Wednesday, May 20 – @beeisforbooks
Wednesday, May 20 – @readingonthebrink
Thursday, May 21 – @danish_mustardreads
Thursday, May 21 – @sarahs.bookish.reviews
Friday, May 22 – @bookswritingandmore
Friday, May 22 – @rozierreadsandwine
Saturday, May 23 – @pages_and_pups
Sunday, May 24 – @bookdragon217
Tuesday, May 26 – @ames_chicreads
Wednesday, May 27 – @carol_doscher_reader
Thursday, May 28 – @just_another_mother_with_books
Friday, May 29 – @gloriana.wong
