I debated about even posting this review but since I post everything I review on Goodreads, that drove my decision.
Eve Renner receives a mysterious call from her friend Roy Kajak in the middle of the night, asking her to meet him at his uncle’s cabin. She leaves her boyfriend Cole Dennis behind and finds a gruesome scene at the cabin. She soon senses she’s in danger and in a flash, she’s shot but not before seeing Cole’s face in the window. Three months later, she returns to New Orleans following her recuperation and Cole is released from jail since the evidence against him is shaky and Eve’s memory of that night is faulty. However, it’s soon clear that whoever murdered Roy isn’t done and there’s a serial killer in their midst and the victims are all tied to the closed and abandoned Our Lady of Virtues Hospital.
Sound familiar? A serial killer in New Orleans with a descriptive name (The Reviver) who uses religious themes as part of his mission and is connected to that abandoned asylum…the same themes we’ve seen in the prior three books. And, the author continues to liberally use racial stereotyping throughout. Lastly, there are continuity errors that are inexcusable, making the resolution implausible.
My rating has very little to do with the story because I’m finding the repetition beyond tiresome. However, the relationship between Eve and Cole is interesting and the narrator, Joyce Bean, delivered an incredible performance. I listened at a faster speed level to get through it quicker. Otherwise, this would be a 2-star rated book. I’m only reading/listening because I’m participating in a group read of the series. Unfortunately, I think I’ll wave the red flag, signaling the end of my participation. This author is just not for me.
Book Info
- Release Date: October 16, 2008
- Series: New Orleans #4
- Narrator: Joyce Bean
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 11 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Listen to a Sample!
Sounds like someone ran out of ideas. How odd that the editor or publisher didn’t pick up on that.
Eva, we asked the same thing. There are three versions of this book so maybe there was a later attempt to fix it but the whole series is problematic. Our group decided to abandon reading the rest. I thought I was alone in my disgust but others were reluctant to speak up until I did. I’ll never read another book by the author. The racial stereotyping is disgusting.
Glad to hear you weren’t alone and you’ll be moving on to something else. Not enough time and too many books to spend hours on something that’s clearly not making you happy.
Exactly!
How sad that this one went for badly done stereotypes. Come on people why is this still happening? I can understand abandoning the series. Shame on them.
Yes, very much shame on them. I lost count of the times I cringed at the obvious references. I’m so happy the rest of the group quit, too.
It’s annoying that authors like this are still getting published. Anyway, there are so many more books out there, and so many more better authors too!
Her books have high ratings so I went to check them out. Lo and behold, lots of one-liner review with 5-star ratings. She’s got a posse but it’s now minus one.
Another of my pet peeves about publishing: author posses when they do this kind of crap.
They really do a disservice to themselves in the long run.
How disappointing! I can’t even fathom such a choice by a writer as it would bore me to tears to basically write the same story over and over again. Insightful review, Jo!
Thanks, Tessa💜 And, these books are 400+ pages!!! This last one had me raging.
As is evident because the author lost you and your group members.
So disheartening! Life’s too short to read bad books! Thanks for your honest review!
Thanks, Carol💜 It was maddening!
Excellent review! I’m glad you spoke up but it can be hard to do.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks, Anne💜 You won’t see my review over all the one-line 5-star reviews.
I will because I always look for yours, plus you are in my friends.
It’s amazing how highly rated this book is on Goodreads considering that it sounds like practically a copy/paste of prior books in the series. Between the repetitive formula and the racial stereotypes, that’s enough for me to pass on the series and on the author. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts on this one.
Thanks, Suzanne💜 She has a lot of one line, 5-star reviews. If you read this book as a standalone, it would still be lacking but not quite as tedious. The racial stereotyping, however, has been a constant turnoff for me.
I sincerely appreciate your thoughts on this author, Jonetta. I have not tried her books, and I can easily say I have every excuse not to now. ♥️
Thank you, Jennifer💜 We also read two books in her crossover series…same issues. I’ve removed all of her books from my shelf as I know she’s not for me.
How frustrating! Maybe a sign to just let this author be?
Exactly! I quit the group read (as did the others) and I removed her books from my shelf. She’s got plenty of fans and won’t miss me.
Sounds like what I would have done as well! Too many books out there to keep reading a series that just doesn’t work for you. 😉
That’s the truth!
oh no!! now you need new author and new series. I liked your dedication till this book in the series. I would have quit from book 1. Post the pandemic, I find myself pretty much on the face. Can’t seem to find my diplomacy gene.
Thank you, Shalini💜 We’ve already selected a new series (not hard to do!). I appreciate your input because I was reluctant to post this review.
What’s your new readathon
The Tracy Crosswhite series by Robert Dugoni!
Ah I read the first book then lost to follow up. Which group is this?
The name of the group is Tall, Dark & Deadly.
Not good Jo I’m not surprised you don’t want to carry on!
No, definitely not good!