Night of a Thousand Darlas

A Novel

De: Brooke Abrams

Narrado por: Eva Kaminsky

From the author of Penelope in Retrograde comes the sparkling story of three generations of women, each trying to live out their own dreams without breaking a leg in the process.

Liza Day’s mother isn’t dead, but leave it to Darla Day to throw herself a funeral anyway. It’s the kind of attention grab Liza left behind to build a quiet life for herself and her rebellious teenage daughter, Avery. But between her students discovering her old daytime TV show—putting her teaching job at risk—and her mother’s unexpected funeral invitation, Liza’s life feels truly like a soap opera.

When Liza returns to her family’s historic Day Ranch for her mother’s premature farewell, she’s not sure what to expect. Darla’s always been known for eccentricities, both on- and off-screen. Thankfully, Liza has her siblings to help navigate Mom’s antics, which include everyone dressing as one of Darla’s many iconic film characters, a harem of white rabbits, and one surprise guest: Liza’s former costar and Avery’s father, Scotty.

The more time Liza and Avery spend on the ranch, the more Liza realizes that it might be time to trade in the scripted life she thought she wanted, for a leading role in the family she’s always needed.

©2025 by Brooke Abrams. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“With calibrated humor and a knack for sparkling dialogue, Abrams will delight readers.”—Booklist

Kudos to Brooke Abrams

I loved Penelope in Retrograde and was so excited for her next novel! She hit out of the park. I laughed - “he maced me” - and I cried with joy for all of the members of this delightful family.

CHAOS, CAMP AND CLOSURE

Night of a Thousand Darlas was a light, chaotic, and emotionally satisfying read that delivered camp and catharsis. It followed Liza, who returned to her eccentric mother’s estate only to find herself in the middle of family drama, a fake funeral, and a second-chance romance she wasn’t ready to admit she wanted.

Loved the humor and banter, it kept the pace quick and easy.

Liza and Scotty’s past was a little murky as to why it didn’t work out. Maybe I missed something.

Darla, though? She stole the whole show. She gave Norma Desmond theatrical energy. So over the top, Hollywood turned soap opera diva. Her decision to stage her own funeral and have every one attend dressed as one of her iconic movie characters was pure camp. Loved it.

The sprinkling of millennial pop culture references warmed my nostalgic heart.

The overall tone was light so I didn’t expect the book to go too deep into the emotional dynamics between Liza and Darla but it still hit emotional beats well and had me a little misty eyed.

I’m going to read Abrams’ debut next. It has an astrology element and I’m all about that. If that book hits for me too, this author will be a new auto-buy for me.

Narrator did an amazing job. I’m glad to see that the same narrator narrates Abrams other book.

Best Balance

Well read. At times it is a farce. At times it is touching. The story grows as chapters continue. Allow it to unfold. I didn't want it to end.

Family says it's all

This was such a pleasure to listen to. I enjoy listening to Penelope in Retrograde and figured this would be equally fun. It did not disappoint. Hope she'll write a 3rd.