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