Reviews

The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G. Henry

whatchareadingheather's review

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I think if Roman was completely erased (or at least severely reduced) and replaced with the high stakes mystery that made this book end on a cliffhanger then I would be giving this a higher rating. I loved the first book, and I'm really hoping that a conclusion is coming soon because my God I need to know how everything is going to end.

whiskeywoman79's review

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Fiction / Fantasy / Mystery / Paranormal / Thriller / Dark Fantasy / Magic / Magical Realism 

Disappointing and not as good as the first book.  I am not a fan of Raimon and Reina's relationship, I was a much bigger fan of him being an ex in the last book. 

br1ckh0use's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 Not a bad story, but I hoped for more.  

briggamooz's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a fantastic trip back to New Orleans to visit Mambo Reina. A standout sequel that tests both the reader and the main character's perceptions, biases both conscious and un-, and prejudices. Henry knocked it out of the park with a book that surpasses it's predecessor, which was no easy feat. Where Quarter Storm shines as a peek into the lives of New Orleanians a decade after the storm, The Foreign Exchange both broadens the scope to the global level, while taking on an exacting study of the survivors and the citizens, and how perception can absolutely skew interpretation.

Mambo Reina delights as a stubborn detective, representing the people and issues the NOPD would rather ignore. From the children and youths she works with, to the relationships forged among long-standing citizens of the city and the street, she is a clear voice in the great, the good, the bad, and the worse in a city that survives.

I highly recommend this series for lovers of the Crescent City, magical realism, and plucky detectives.

Knowing which players have now entered the field, I am Super Excited for the third novel.

pillywiggin's review

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4.0

This is another fun excursion into New Orleans, mystery, and magic. I enjoy these characters and this style of writing.

mreidreads's review

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3.0

3/5 stars,

This is the second book in the series and although I didn't love the first book it was nice to be familiar with all the characters going into the book. I found it significantly more engaging than the first one and better written. I would be interested in reading another book in the series if it comes out.

applegeorge's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

novelistdienne's review

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adventurous dark informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition

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4.0

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Veronica G. Henry’s “The Foreign Exchange” is a thrilling and captivating mystery novel set in the enchanting city of New Orleans. The story follows Reina Dumond, a Vodou priestess turned amateur detective, as she tries to uncover the truth behind her friend Evangeline Stiles’ marital problems. However, her investigation leads her to something much more sinister - a conspiracy that involves exploiting vulnerable youth and ritual magic of the vodouisant kind.

The writing in this book is excellent, and the world-building is impeccable. The author has done an outstanding job of creating an immersive setting that makes you feel like you are right there in New Orleans. The plot is well-crafted and highly entertaining, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.

What sets this book apart from other mysteries is its unique blend of Vodou/occult themes and elements. The author seamlessly weaves these into the story, giving it a fascinating depth that will leave readers thoroughly engaged.

The characters are well-developed and intriguing, particularly Reina Dumond, who is a strong and capable protagonist. Her evolving skills as a healer and sleuth make her a compelling character to follow. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of characters, including Darryl and Tyka.

Overall, “The Foreign Exchange” was an enjoyable read that held up well as a standalone novel. As someone who loves books set in New Orleans with occult themes, I found this book to be right up my alley. If you’re looking for an engrossing mystery with supernatural elements, then I would highly recommend giving this book a read!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

jlb74605's review

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mysterious

3.75