I don’t have to tell you that nothing is normal right now! Events are cancelled left and right, including 2021 Mardi Gras! Although Mardi Gras is celebrated across the Gulf Coast, New Orleans is famous for it. I went a few years ago to some family-friendly Mardi Gras events (yes, that’s a thing) and had a great time. New Orleans is one of my favorite places to visit. Despite the dirty streets and less than savory areas, the city is a great gumbo mix of culture, art, food, and fun.
This week’s Top 10 Tuesday is all about books with covers of purple, green, and yellow — the colors of Mardi Gras. Of course I am tweaking the topic yet again, this time with books set in New Orleans. Ranging from colonial times to present day and historical to suspense to women’s fiction, the books capture the New Orleans vibe. There’s even one that has a green/purple/yellow cover š .
Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senatorās life ā a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed. But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her sonās life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.
I always love a suspense witten by Robin Caroll. She consistently produces unique page turning plots with twists and turns that keep a reader up way past their bedtime. š Dead Silenceis no exception. The fast-paced action starts right at the beginning and never lets off the gas. I liked main character Elise Carmichael, a single mom with a special needs child who is a mama bear when it comes to the safety of her son. Elise is involved in solving the case early on, even though she has constant run-ins with the FBI. She and her family and new-found friend follow the leads wherever they go. This kept the main character in the thick of things even when there is a lapse in cooperation between her and the authorities. Elise’s role probably does not meet standard operating procedures. Elise is tough, but her heart has become hard towards God as well. I liked her struggle — it felt very realistic. As the book goes on she learns a lot about herself and the nature of God. I thought the spiritual thread was handled very well. Dead Silence is pure suspense, no romantic threads at all. So if you want all suspense, all the time, this book is for you.Ā Dead Silence is definitely a recommended read!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and Shiloh Run Press for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
About The Author
āI love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, Iāve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.ā Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robinās passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey ā aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isnāt writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewerās Choice Award, Booksellerās Best, and Book of the Year. You can find out more about Robin by visitinghttp://www.robincaroll.com.
More from Robin
Hi, there . . . Robin here. Iām getting so excited for the release of my thirty-fourth novel, DEAD SILENCE. I have to say, I love this book. The heroine is strong, yet flawed. Her love for her son ā willing to do anything to protect him is a motherās instinct I relate to so well, having three daughters and two grandsons. The love of a mother for her child is so ingrained in me that I wanted to share that in a story.
Iāve been asked why I opted for a heroine who is an ASL translator and who has a deaf son. Many years ago, I became friends with someone who is deaf. She shared with me some of her frustrations, but also how her way of life is in comparison to mine. It got me to thinking that being deaf could be thought of as a disability but could also be used as an advantageā¦it was all in how you looked at it. My friend shared many stories of how she āeavesdroppedā by reading lips and learned much about people and how they reacted to issues, enough that it led her into her career field todayāa counselor, specializing in providing therapy for the hearing impaired as they live in a hearing world. I hope that I portrayed my characters in this positive light.
While Iām a Louisiana girl at heart, I reside in Little Rock, the capitol city for Arkansas. Since Bill and Hilary Clinton lived here and claimed it home before Bill was President, we have many political plans and posturing here. I saw it as a perfect backdrop for this particular story with the political undercurrents running rampant throughout the story.
I hope that you enjoy reading DEAD SILENCE as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Book titles are very important in attracting a potential reader’s interest. Catchy, funny, and punny titles often catch my eye. But there is something about those one word titles — succinct, decisive, powerful. My list consists of the last 10 books I read with one word titles (just one word; no defining articles). They cover a variety of genres — mystery, historical, suspense, speculative, romance — something for everyone!
The next stop on my reading road trip is Louisiana. I love to visit this state. It is a big gumbo of people seasoned with history, mystery, and romance. Louisiana is unique from the rest of the 50 states. Its local government is organized by parishes rather than counties, a throwback to when the French owned this part of the US. Louisiana’s beginnings spice up their language, culture, and cuisine. And don’t forget Mardi Gras, celebrated not just in New Orleans.
I’ve chosen a variety of books set in Louisiana. They include historicals, romances, women’s fiction, and mystery/suspense. It was hard to keep my list under control, so look for a future road trip back to the Pelican State. Enjoy the reading road trip!
Can a former privateer and a determined heiress find lost treasure in 1725?āØĀ A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.āØāØ
Pasts Collide in New Orleans when a Treasure Goes MissingāØ. The last time New Orleans attorney Jean-Luc Valmont saw Maribel Cordoba, a Spanish noblemanās daughter, she was an eleven-year-old orphan perched in the riggings of his privateering vessel proving herself as the best lookout on his crew.Ā Until the day his infamy caught up with them allĀ and innocent lives were lost. Unsure why he survived but vowing to make something of the chance he was given, Jean-Luc has buried his past life so deep that no living person will ever find itāuntil a very much alive and very grown up Maribel Cordoba arrives on his doorstep andĀ threatens all he now holds dear.Ā āØāØ
The past canāt stay buried forever Rising author Patti Lacyās second novel exposes the life of Sally, set amid the shadows of prejudice in Louisiana. Since leaving her home in the South, Sally Stevens has held the secrets of her past at bay, smothering them in a sunny disposition and sugar-coated lies. No one, not even her husband, has heard the truth about her childhood. But when one of her students is violently raped, Sallyās memories quickly bubble to the surface unbidden, like a dead body in a bayou. As Sallyās story comes to light, the lies sheās told begin to catch up with her. And as her web of deceit unravels, she resolves to face the truth at last, whatever the consequences.
Kat Varland has had enough of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
At twenty-six years old, Kat is still living in the shadows of her family in Bayou Bend, Louisiana. Still working shifts at her Aunt Maggieās bakery. Still wondering what to do with her passion for baking and her business degree. And still single.But when Lucas Brannen, Katās best friend, signs her up for a reality TV bake-off on Cupcake Combat, everything Kat ever wanted is suddenly dangled in front of her: creative license as a baker, recognition as a visionary . . . and a job at a famous bakery in New York.
As the competition heats up, Lucas realizes he might have made a huge mistake. As much as he wants the best for Kat, the only thing he wants for himself ā her ā is suddenly in danger of slipping away.
The bright lights of reality cooking wars and the chance at a successful career dazzle Katās senses and Lucas is faced with a difficult choice: help his friend achieve her dreams . . . or sabotage her chances to keep her in Louisiana.
Elle Butler has managed to hold on to her politically-driven husband and her secrets until the unexpected happens. When one phone call rips her world apart, Elle will have to decide if the truth is worth the consequences. Especially when it threatens to destroy the world sheās so carefully built around her life and her marriage.
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaideās childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victimās past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friendāthe woman heās quietly loved for yearsākept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau canāt press Adelaide too hard . . . heās keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
Whispers of The Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark
Miranda Miller wasn’t looking for the news the day the letter came. But, trying to survive in troubled circumstances, she welcomes the chance to change her location for a period of time. The letter informs her that her grandparents’ estate is finally about to become hers. She immediately heads down to Louisiana and the old house by the bayou. There Miranda finds secrets that lead to life-changing revelations.
This suspenseful story reminiscent of old Gothic tales has a complex mystery and a vivid sense of the Deep South. It shows how God can take the darkest circumstances and use them to light a bright path leading to the future.
I am a sucker for a series! And when I get into one, I am very impatient to know what happens next. Unfortunately, most authors actually take their time in writing good books, making my waiting time especially long. š Coming Soon is never soon enough. This year there are a number of next books due out, hence my Top 10 List: Anticipated Reads of 2019(the first half). It’s just a matter of a few days or weeks. Ā I. Cannot. Wait!
A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her companyās corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wifeās company hires Graysonās to create an elaborate game, he doesnāt see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he createdā¦making him the prime suspect for murder.
āI love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, Iāve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.ā Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robinās passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journeyāaspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isnāt writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewerās Choice Award, Booksellerās Best, and Book of the Year.
Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss āhome.ā I hope youāll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.
Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. Thereās just something grabbing about messing with a personās mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game masterās life. The end result is quite the ride!
As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and Iām honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Graysonās faith journey as well.
Until next time. . .
-Robin
My Impressions:
Stratagem, the newest suspense novel by Robin Caroll, has been described as mind-bending. I’m here to tell you it is! I loved this book with its interesting premise, complex plotting, and a puzzling whodunit that keeps the reader guessing to the end. This one is recommended for readers who want a fully-engaged reading ride.
The main character of Stratagem, Grayson Thibodeaux, is a New Orleans-bassed psychologist who designs team-building, interactive games for companies and organizations. Designed to push buttons and reveal both strengths and weaknesses, his games appear mean on the surface, but he asserts that they help the participants improve their lives and relationships. That is, until a game he designed turns bad and very personal when his ex-wife Anna Belle is murdered. Suddenly, Grayson is the prime suspect. I really liked Grayson’s character. He is a committed Christian and truly concerned for his clients and friends. His knowledge of what makes people tick helps him to analyze the crime and stay out of jail. Detectives on the case are also interesting characters — personal feelings and the evidence often clash as they seek the truth. There are plenty of suspects as corporate politics and personal animosity are revealed. And the victim, Anna Belle, well, the reader gets insight into her actions and motives through the other character’s assessmentsĀ and the flashbacks from her point of view. The use of these beyond the grave scenes is an effective and clever device. Forgiveness as a theme gets the reader thinking — it is both very hard and very necessary.
Stratagem is sure to appeal to all fans of suspense. Engaging, entertaining, and fast-paced, this novel is a fun read!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Shiloh Run Press for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
My first line comes from the book I will be reading this weekend — Stratagem by Robin Caroll. I am so looking forward to digging into this suspense novel that features game simulations. It should be a twisting, psychological, rollercoaster reading ride! How about you? Leave a comment with the first line of your current read.
Be sure to head over to Hoarding Books for more fabulous first lines.
A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect . . . for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her companyās corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wifeās company hires Graysonās to create an elaborate game, he doesnāt see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created . . . making him the prime suspect for murder.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage–two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home–in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, “I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.”
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at http://www.robincaroll.com.
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaideās childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victimās past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friendāthe woman heās quietly loved for yearsākept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau canāt press Adelaide too hard . . . heās keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robinās mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage ā two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isnāt writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home ā in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewerās Choice Award, Booksellerās Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, āI love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.ā
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, sheāll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robinās website athttp://www.robincaroll.com.
My Impressions:
New Orleans is one of my favorite cities to visit. Nothing beats the sultry atmosphere of the city that has seen its share of colorful citizens, historic events, and renewed hope after tragedy. Robin Caroll has set her newest series right in the heart of the French Quarter, and the first book, Darkwater Secrets, captures all the sights, smells, and tastes of New Orleans. The novel is a wonderful combo of mystery and suspense, romance and drama as good as a seafood gumbo. I give this book a recommended rating.
While the setting is so very satisfying — carnival season with scenes at the St. Louis cemetery, Cafe du Monde, and St. Louis Cathedral — I really, really liked the characters. At the center of the novel is Adelaide Fountaine, general manager of the historic (but fictional) Darkwater Inn. She along with junior hotel owner Dimitri Pampalon and Detective Beau Savoie fuel the story. Along with a murder, there are secrets galore — everyone seems to be hiding something. Add to the mix some voodoo and real life struggles, and you have an intriguing plot. The novel has a definite Christian worldview, yet only one character really lives out his faith. I found this very realistic. Within the faith thread is the complex issues of justice and revenge. At the heart is the question of whether real justice can be achieved and whether people can take that into their own hands when the system fails. I thought the author handled the argument expertly. The story certainly made me think.
Darkwater Secrets was a page turner. Don’t be surprised if you look at the clock to discover you’ve stayed up way too late! š I think for those groups who enjoy intrigue and mystery, it is an excellent choice for a book club. Twisting and turning with plenty to discuss. The mystery is solved at the end of the novel, but there is plenty more to come. I am eagerly awaiting book 2. And for those of you who find themselves wishing for some of Dimitri’s delicious dishes, there isĀ Recipes from The Darkwater Inn — free for Kindle. Yum!
Happy Friday! My first line today comes from the novel I am reading this weekend,Darkwater Secretsby Robin Caroll, the first book in the Christian suspenseĀ Darkwater Inn series. Intriguing isn’t it?
What’s your first line? Leave a comment, then head over to Hoarding Books to find more fabulous first lines.
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaideās childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victimās past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friendāthe woman heās quietly loved for yearsākept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau canāt press Adelaide too hard . . . heās keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage — two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home — in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, “I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.”
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website athttp://www.robincaroll.com.
Welcome to the Darkwater Secrets by Robin Caroll blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title:Darkwater Secrets Author: Robin Caroll Publisher: Gilead Publishing Release Date: July 17, 2018 Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaideās childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victimās past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friendāthe woman heās quietly loved for yearsākept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau canāt press Adelaide too hard . . . heās keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
āI love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.ā ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others.
When she isnāt writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-five-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at homeāin the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW. Her twenty-five books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 21, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 28, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
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A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robinās mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage ā two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
Title: Darkwater Secrets
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