Ripped from the headlines, a born-again former beauty queen turned politico decides to use an anti-gay platform to promote her run for governor. She expects her very wealthy father to support her campaign financially, but he's dubious. He's also in the closet, sneaking off for nooners with his long-time lover. The characterizations here are really loaded. Dad is a real estate developer, but not a nasty Trump-type. Oh, no. Rather than tear down beautiful buildings, he renovates and repurposes them. Daughter is not only virulently homophobic, she is also a pill-popping, mentally unstable mother who physically abuses her kids.

Warren's novel following the success of The Front Runner. Beauty Queen falls short of the previous work's stength. It is neither compelling nor beautifully crafted. ( )