Wilds of the Bayou, Book 1
Synopsis: The bones said death was comin’, and the bones never lied.
While on an early morning patrol in the swamps of Whiskey Bayou, Louisiana wildlife agent Gentry Broussard spots a man leaving the home of voodoo priestess Eva Savoie—a man who bears a startling resemblance to his brother, whom Gentry thought he had killed during a drug raid three years earlier. Shaken, the agent enters Eva’s cabin and makes a bloody discovery: the old woman has been brutally murdered.
With no jurisdiction over the case, he’s forced to leave the investigation to the local sheriff, until Eva’s beautiful heir, Celestine, receives a series of gruesome threats. As Gentry’s involvement deepens and more victims turn up, can he untangle the secrets behind Eva’s murder and protect Celestine from the same fate? Or will an old family curse finally have its way?
Review: This series seemed to offer everything I can appreciate: Bayou, Louisiana, voodoo and murder investigation. Yes a lot of things that make you want to discover more and while the author is none other than Susannah Sandlin here clears all other doubts that we might have. Indeed, I always have a great time with her stories and this is still the case this time and I’m curious to see how far this new series will make us go.
Eva Savoie is known by all to be a Voodoo Queen, although she does not really considers herself as such. But when the bones teach her that death is coming, she hopes that the curse that followed her family until then will disappear with her. Murdered, her niece Ceelie, inherits the small cabin she called home but upon arriving, she found herself at the heart of a story completely beyond her. It appears that the murderer wants something he did not get by Eva and he is determined that the young woman provides him what he wants. Launched in a hunt, all will try to understand who the culprit is. And if he was the dead brother of the charming agent who remains present for her?
I really had a good time with this story. I was curious to see how the investigation was going to be solved, who would be eventually convicted and especially his motives as we do not really understand them. Ceelie is a strong young woman and yet she will have to pass through many trials here and finally also to learn a bit more regarding her family. I loved to see her trying to find her “home” and see if it could finally be here. Her romance with Gentry was pretty cute and it was nice to see the man opening to her, despite his early preconceptions. It was also touching to see the man understanding that the person he thought he had killed, was possibly alive and could be capable of such actions… a rather difficult time. It was a truly fascinating history with this kind of background, with this place and all these references. And how not to be overwhelmed to see a bit of French in the text! It’s still very funny even if we see some differences with ours.
In any case you will understand that I had a great time with this first volume and I’m really curious to see what Susannah will present to the rest of the series!
Roger Simmons
I read an ARC of Wild Man’s Curse. I really enjoy the book. Highly recommend
it whenever I can. A wonderful introduction to the Wilds of the Bayou series. Susannah did a great job. Thanks for your review.
Melliane
yes I’m curious for more now
kindlemom1
I already love this author and the theme, this will be one that I need to buy for sure!
Melliane
right?
kimbacaffeinate
I had a really good time with this one from the mystery to the romance 🙂 I am glad you did as well!
Melliane
yes thanks!
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I haven’t read many books that deal with Voodoo Melliane, so that aspect really interests me! And this is a first book in a series so I can dive right in without having to catch up on anything. Win:)
Melliane
I love the theme, always so interestig.
Lekeisha
I am adding this one to my TBR. I love the setting and it looks really mysterious.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it as well
miki
i LOVE it but i’m curious about who the next main characters will be
Joy // Joyousreads
I don’t think I’ve read a book by hers in the past, but it’s great that you’re always entertained when you read them. I love the voodoo, the Bayou, and the murder investigation combined in one novel.
Melliane
I love her work, so much fun each time.
Heidi
Oh gosh. I need this book now. I love Suzanne, and I love the sound of the setting and voodoo and all of that. Must get.
Melliane
yes!!!
Brandi Breathes Books
Great to hear about Ceelie being a strong main character
blodeuedd
I meant to read her…something series
Melliane
lol
LilyElement
Oooh thank you!! This one sounds like I’d love it!
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Interesting looking series, looks sultry and mysterious!
Melliane
yes
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Well I think I’m going to need to give this one a try. I liked the one I read of hers a while back. Hadn’t seen this one yet so thank ya!
Melliane
yes I think you should try
Carole Rae
Huh I have heard some good things about this series….thanks for sharing!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Woohoo for the Bayou! This sounds good.
Lorna
I have been seeing this around other blogs as well as here. It sounds interesting with the voodoo aspects and the investigation. I am glad you enjoyed!