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suzeclark's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
git_r_read's review
5.0
This was what turned out to be a wonderfully told mystery. It's my first book by this author and in this series and it took me a bit to get into. But once I did, it kept me listening in the parking lot or driving around the block one more time to listen longer.
Historical mysteries can be tricky if the research hasn't been done or the story isn't engaging. That's not the case here. I liken this to my beloved Brother Cadfael mystery series. Atmosphere is an important character in the series. Not even just an aspect, but an actual character that must be included to make the story.
Starting a series in the middle can be problematic in some series, but not here. I was caught up throughout the book of some of what happened in the previous two books [which are now in my Audible library]. And this book can stand on its own, in my opinion. The mystery is intricate and dark.
I liked that Benjamin was compelled to investigate even at the danger to himself. He has many things against him, but he has people in his corner. Somewhat to his dismay but he respects the different spiritual beliefs in New Orleans. Some help and others hinder as do the people who have their selfish and selfless requisites depending on who and how they are.
A highly excellent mystery all the way around.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
Historical mysteries can be tricky if the research hasn't been done or the story isn't engaging. That's not the case here. I liken this to my beloved Brother Cadfael mystery series. Atmosphere is an important character in the series. Not even just an aspect, but an actual character that must be included to make the story.
Starting a series in the middle can be problematic in some series, but not here. I was caught up throughout the book of some of what happened in the previous two books [which are now in my Audible library]. And this book can stand on its own, in my opinion. The mystery is intricate and dark.
I liked that Benjamin was compelled to investigate even at the danger to himself. He has many things against him, but he has people in his corner. Somewhat to his dismay but he respects the different spiritual beliefs in New Orleans. Some help and others hinder as do the people who have their selfish and selfless requisites depending on who and how they are.
A highly excellent mystery all the way around.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
smemmott's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Violence, Rape, Racial slurs, and Murder
kentcryptid's review
4.0
I'm knocking this down to four stars this time around because, although the characters are as great as ever, the plot is as confusing as all heck.
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Original review:
I'm enjoying this series so much that I currently don't want to read anything else.
I am terrible at mystery novels as I find the actual mystery parts of them impossible to follow. I thought I was doing quite well with this one, but the Dr Yellowjack and the Coughlins part of the plot completely lost me until the end. Still, I'm very happy to read this series for the characters, the writing and the setting, and just be a bit baffled about who's doing what to who and why.
............................................................
Original review:
I'm enjoying this series so much that I currently don't want to read anything else.
Spoiler
I was so pleased that Augustus Meyerling and his wife turned up again, well and happy, as positive trans characters aren't ten a penny, and even less so at the time this book was written. And I continue to have a lot of feelings about Ben and Rose and Hannibal as a found family. I will be devastated when Hannibal finally succumbs to TB, as it seems he must.I am terrible at mystery novels as I find the actual mystery parts of them impossible to follow. I thought I was doing quite well with this one, but the Dr Yellowjack and the Coughlins part of the plot completely lost me until the end. Still, I'm very happy to read this series for the characters, the writing and the setting, and just be a bit baffled about who's doing what to who and why.
cmbohn's review
4.0
Benjamin Janvier's sister Olympe has been arrested for murder. She's been accused of using voodoo to kill the husband of a young woman who stands to inherit a nice estate, if she's not hung first. Benjamin knows that no one else will bother to help a voodoo woman, so if he doesn't try to save his sister from hanging, her case is hopeless. But while he's investigating the darker corners of pre-Civil War New Orleans, someone has marked him for his own voodoo curse. And if that doesn't work, a knife in the back will do the trick just as well.
I really like this one. Creepy stuff going on here! Benjamin is a great character. Can't wait for the next one.
I really like this one. Creepy stuff going on here! Benjamin is a great character. Can't wait for the next one.
yetanothersusan's review
4.0
as always, the author presents the time period in a stark realistic manner....making me constantly wonder how the main character can continue to survive.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
4.0
If you like Star Wars, you need to read the afterword of this mystery. If Fever Season was a weakfish follow up, this book brings the series back. Loved characters return, and there is a remark about a marriage. It’s nice to see the return of Rose and the slow development of a relationship.
What is particularly enjoyable and outstanding about this book is January’s family. He and his sister Olympe represent what their mother was as opposed to his half sister who represents at least to his mother’s eyes, what she currently is. Tied up into this family are the effects of racism and slavery as well as being what people do not think you should be. January a doctor who really cannot practice and reverts back to piano playing, his sister who is free or is she, his mother who might be more human than she lets on.
Additionally, there is finer detail here, more sure touches than in the second one.
What is particularly enjoyable and outstanding about this book is January’s family. He and his sister Olympe represent what their mother was as opposed to his half sister who represents at least to his mother’s eyes, what she currently is. Tied up into this family are the effects of racism and slavery as well as being what people do not think you should be. January a doctor who really cannot practice and reverts back to piano playing, his sister who is free or is she, his mother who might be more human than she lets on.
Additionally, there is finer detail here, more sure touches than in the second one.
threerings's review
4.0
Another excellent Benjamin January book. Perhaps the best fictional use of voodoo I've come across either. And I don't mean zombies and voodoo dolls, but ritual and worship of the loas. (Is that the plural, or is it loa?) Anyway, another delightful, suspenseful, mysterious, and atmospheric novel. Need more...
julieputty's review
4.0
You wouldn't think a book series that makes my flesh crawl would be as enjoyable as this is, but it is. It makes New Orleans sound like a bug-infested, plague-ridden hellhole filled with murderers, procurers, slavers, and whores, and apparently I like that.