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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Fatal Cajun Festival in Books
Sep 13, 2019
Murder Isn’t Music to Maggie’s Ears
Maggie Crozat’s grand-mere has come up with the idea of Pelican, Louisiana, holding a musical festival in the days leading up to New Orleans’s famous Jazz Fest. Tammy Barker, a native who has gained fame as the winner of the TV singing competition, has agreed to return to headline the event. This isn’t good news for Maggie’s friend, Gaynell, however. Gaynell and Tammy went to high school together, and Tammy seems to have it out for her, even sabotaging Gaynell’s shot at auditioning for Jazz Fest. So when a murder takes place after Tammy’s set opening night of the festival, all eyes are on Gaynell. Can Maggie clear her friend?
This is the fifth book in the series, and it was wonderful to get to visit our friends in Pelican again. Maggie leads a strong cast. While there are quite a few regulars plus the suspects, I didn’t have any trouble keeping the characters straight while I was reading. However, there is a handy character guide in the front of the book if you do need it. The plot is strong with a couple of equally as strong sub-plots to keep the pages turning. I especially enjoyed a sub-plot involving Grand-mere. The twists and turns lead us to a logical climax. My only complaint is how Maggie works with the police, but it was a minor issue overall. We get five recipes and some fun background on things we learn in the story at the end of the book. I always feel like I’ve visited Louisiana when I read one of these books, and this one is no expectation. Fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
This is the fifth book in the series, and it was wonderful to get to visit our friends in Pelican again. Maggie leads a strong cast. While there are quite a few regulars plus the suspects, I didn’t have any trouble keeping the characters straight while I was reading. However, there is a handy character guide in the front of the book if you do need it. The plot is strong with a couple of equally as strong sub-plots to keep the pages turning. I especially enjoyed a sub-plot involving Grand-mere. The twists and turns lead us to a logical climax. My only complaint is how Maggie works with the police, but it was a minor issue overall. We get five recipes and some fun background on things we learn in the story at the end of the book. I always feel like I’ve visited Louisiana when I read one of these books, and this one is no expectation. Fans old and new will be glad they picked it up.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Plantation Shudders (Cajun Country Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Maggie and her family are delighted to have a full house at their bed and breakfast as summer is coming to an end. However, the elderly couple is a real pain, so no one is too upset when they both die within minutes of each other. The sheriff is sure that one of them was murdered, and since he has a vendetta against Maggie’s family, she’s going to have to find the killer. Can she do it?
This is a fun mystery with a great setting in Louisiana Cajun country. Maggie a great main character, and her Gran makes a fantastic sidekick. I did feel the mystery slowed down a time or two, but the clues were all there and it reached a great climax.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-plantation-shudders-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a fun mystery with a great setting in Louisiana Cajun country. Maggie a great main character, and her Gran makes a fantastic sidekick. I did feel the mystery slowed down a time or two, but the clues were all there and it reached a great climax.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/03/book-review-plantation-shudders-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Black Heart Loa in Books
Sep 8, 2017
A rolicking fun ride through Louisiana
Black Heart Loa is actually the second in Phoenix’s Hoodoo series, the first being Black Dust Mambo. Even without reading the first one, Black Heart Loa is easy to follow, and the events of Black Dust Mambo are easily understood, without really having them rehashed to the reader. Part of that, I expect, is because Black Heart Loa is dealing with the fallout of the events of Black Dust Mambo, so things get explained in a natural progression in the book.
BHL was a rolicking fun ride through the swamps of Louisiana. I can’t speak for the accuracy of how the hoodoo belief system is represented, but most religious beliefs in urban fantasy get a vigorous twisting from the author, as miracles and magic become real in the fictional world. So I’m not terribly worried about the accuracy, as long as they’re not portrayed solely in a good or bad light. And in BHL there are both good and bad practitioners of hoodoo, illustrating the point that it’s not the religion that is inherently good or bad, but the person practicing it. So that moral quandary aside, I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Kallie is a fun, ass-kicking, smart-talking protagonist, though I found myself wanting to know more about her best friend, a mambo-in-training.
I especially want to know more about a character who was introduced late in the book, but the ending of the book implies more books to come, and more focus on the character I’m intrigued by, so I’ll have to see if I can dig up more of this series. Amazon says this book is 2 of 2 in the series, but it was published in 2011 and I don't see any more in the series, which is sad. Goodreads mentions a third book, Black Moon Mojo, but I can't find any news about a release date.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
BHL was a rolicking fun ride through the swamps of Louisiana. I can’t speak for the accuracy of how the hoodoo belief system is represented, but most religious beliefs in urban fantasy get a vigorous twisting from the author, as miracles and magic become real in the fictional world. So I’m not terribly worried about the accuracy, as long as they’re not portrayed solely in a good or bad light. And in BHL there are both good and bad practitioners of hoodoo, illustrating the point that it’s not the religion that is inherently good or bad, but the person practicing it. So that moral quandary aside, I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. Kallie is a fun, ass-kicking, smart-talking protagonist, though I found myself wanting to know more about her best friend, a mambo-in-training.
I especially want to know more about a character who was introduced late in the book, but the ending of the book implies more books to come, and more focus on the character I’m intrigued by, so I’ll have to see if I can dig up more of this series. Amazon says this book is 2 of 2 in the series, but it was published in 2011 and I don't see any more in the series, which is sad. Goodreads mentions a third book, Black Moon Mojo, but I can't find any news about a release date.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Queen Sugar in Books
May 10, 2018
Charley Bordelon has just inherited 800 acres of a sugar cane farm from her father. So she uproots herself and her daughter from their life in California to Saint Josephine, Louisiana. She moves in with her grandmother, Miss Honey and tries her best to raise a successful cane farm. With other family members stepping in her way, this can prove to be difficult at times. Charley is doing the best she can, but will it be enough to keep the farm or will she be forced to sell it and head back to California.
I watched the series for this book on <a href="http://www.oprah.com/app/queen-sugar.html">OWN</a>; and I loved it. If I would have known about the book, I definitely would have read that first. They always say, the book is better than the movie, but in this case, I will say that the book was not as good as the series. The characterization is a little different and the TV series definitely added a lot more drama to the situation. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and look forward to other books by <a href="http://nataliebaszile.com/">Natalie Baszile</a>.
Charley Bordelon has a lot on her plate. She has an adolescent daughter who hates the idea of leaving her home in California to live in a remote area of Louisiana. She has a sugar cane farm she has just inherited and she knows nothing about sugar cane. Her older brother Ralph Angel feels as though he is entitled to something, but he feels that way about everything in his life. Dealing with hurricanes, quitting farm hands, no money, and flooding back lots, there is a lot to learn and most people in the area, don't think she can do it.
The book takes you on a journey through Charley's first season of Cane Farming and all the trials and tribulations she endures during this time. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to the new season of the show coming this summer!
I watched the series for this book on <a href="http://www.oprah.com/app/queen-sugar.html">OWN</a>; and I loved it. If I would have known about the book, I definitely would have read that first. They always say, the book is better than the movie, but in this case, I will say that the book was not as good as the series. The characterization is a little different and the TV series definitely added a lot more drama to the situation. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and look forward to other books by <a href="http://nataliebaszile.com/">Natalie Baszile</a>.
Charley Bordelon has a lot on her plate. She has an adolescent daughter who hates the idea of leaving her home in California to live in a remote area of Louisiana. She has a sugar cane farm she has just inherited and she knows nothing about sugar cane. Her older brother Ralph Angel feels as though he is entitled to something, but he feels that way about everything in his life. Dealing with hurricanes, quitting farm hands, no money, and flooding back lots, there is a lot to learn and most people in the area, don't think she can do it.
The book takes you on a journey through Charley's first season of Cane Farming and all the trials and tribulations she endures during this time. I enjoyed the book and I look forward to the new season of the show coming this summer!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Voodoo River (Elvis Cole, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Actress Jodie Taylor wants to find out about her birth parents, so she hires Elvis Cole to go to Louisiana and track them down. She just wants medical history, so she is trying to keep the search quiet. Cole is trying to keep his inquiries a secret, but he’s hardly started when someone starts following him. What has he stumbled into?
Unfortunately, what he has stumbled into is a rather weak entry in the series. The plot rambles all over the place before finally introducing us to a crime that Cole seems to care about. By the time that happens, the book just has time for a rush to climax, and the climax is yet another weak dues ex machina. The characters are interesting and save the book, although I can’t help but roll my eyes at the way women fall all over Cole.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-voodoo-river-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Unfortunately, what he has stumbled into is a rather weak entry in the series. The plot rambles all over the place before finally introducing us to a crime that Cole seems to care about. By the time that happens, the book just has time for a rush to climax, and the climax is yet another weak dues ex machina. The characters are interesting and save the book, although I can’t help but roll my eyes at the way women fall all over Cole.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-voodoo-river-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated A Cajun Christmas Killing (Cajun Country Mystery #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
With a couple of weeks to go before Christmas, Maggie should be focusing on getting into the Christmas spirit. However, she’s just learned that a businessman is trying to take over her family’s bed and breakfast built on their family’s plantation. When he turns up dead, naturally, they are all suspects, and Maggie begins to try to figure out what really happened. With a list of suspects that only grows, can Maggie find the killer?
We are getting quite a nice community in this series, and I was glad to revisit Maggie and her friends and family. The characters only grow stronger here and some relationships take surprising turns. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, and sub-plots compliment the mystery and enhance the characters. Throw in some Louisiana recipes and Christmas traditions and you’ve got a holiday winner.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-cajun-christmas-killing-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
We are getting quite a nice community in this series, and I was glad to revisit Maggie and her friends and family. The characters only grow stronger here and some relationships take surprising turns. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, and sub-plots compliment the mystery and enhance the characters. Throw in some Louisiana recipes and Christmas traditions and you’ve got a holiday winner.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/10/book-review-cajun-christmas-killing-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2097 KP) rated Dead with the Wind (Southern Ladies Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Elderly sisters An’gel and Dickce Ducote travel to Louisiana for their cousin’s granddaughter’s wedding. But what promises to be a fun time catching up with family turns into tragedy when the tension between the various members of the cousin’s family builds to the breaking point. Then a storm comes in and leaves someone dead. But An’gel and Dickce don’t think the death was because of the storm. Can they figure out what is happening?
This book is a wonderful read. The tension is strong from start to finish, and I wasn’t sure what has really happening until the end. The characters are strong as well, and I love spending time with the series regulars. If Agatha Christie were writing books set in the modern day South, this is what she would write.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-dead-with-wind-by-miranda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This book is a wonderful read. The tension is strong from start to finish, and I wasn’t sure what has really happening until the end. The characters are strong as well, and I love spending time with the series regulars. If Agatha Christie were writing books set in the modern day South, this is what she would write.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-dead-with-wind-by-miranda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Billy Gibbons recommended The Chess Box by Muddy Waters in Music (curated)
[Last Days of Last Island] by [Bill Dixon] shows that being rich doesn't always come with common sense. In the mid 1800 in America the rich were looking for new ways to enjoy their wealth. In Louisiana the plantation owners found a beautiful island off the coast. It had great views and fishing. Also the breezes were a nice change from the temperatures inland in the South.
The catch is this "island" was little more than a large sandbar. What we know as barrier islands. This did not deter them from building it up as a resort for the well to do. What could go wrong?
There was no weather forecasting as their is today and the Gulf Coast was as prone to hurricanes then as it is now. There also was no easy escape since the only way to the island was by boat.
[Dixon] tell the tragic story of life and death on Last Island during the Hurricane of 1856. The research is well done and the narrative makes the saga of the inhabitants real in this pre Civil War natural disaster. Although he does get quite repetitive with details it was still a very informative read.
The catch is this "island" was little more than a large sandbar. What we know as barrier islands. This did not deter them from building it up as a resort for the well to do. What could go wrong?
There was no weather forecasting as their is today and the Gulf Coast was as prone to hurricanes then as it is now. There also was no easy escape since the only way to the island was by boat.
[Dixon] tell the tragic story of life and death on Last Island during the Hurricane of 1856. The research is well done and the narrative makes the saga of the inhabitants real in this pre Civil War natural disaster. Although he does get quite repetitive with details it was still a very informative read.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Phone Ringing - Single by Young Gurf in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Young Gurf is a 30-year-old rapper from a small town in Abbeville, Louisiana. Not too long ago, he released a harmonious rap tune, entitled, “Phone Ringing”.
“Phone ringing they calling me. Why they keep bothering me? All night in the studio, ni^^a can’t even fall asleep. I be like, ‘What? What?’ Answer like, ‘What? What?’ They be like, ‘Yup, yup’. I be done hung up.” – lyrics
‘Phone Ringing’ tells an interesting tale of a young street hustler who has his eyes on the prize. Apparently, he’s busy and all about his business.
Therefore, when he works in the studio at nighttime, he doesn’t like to be bothered by people who call him with nothing prosperous to say.
‘Phone Ringing’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious rap vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with hip-hop and trap elements.
“I just want everybody to know my music and to show the world that it doesn’t matter where you are from, success comes from the depths of the earth. But everybody sleeps on us small-town boys and they put us as the underdog. My goal is to let everybody know where I’m from, rep my city, and let ‘em all know what it is.” – Young Gurf
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/young-gurf-phone-ringing/
“Phone ringing they calling me. Why they keep bothering me? All night in the studio, ni^^a can’t even fall asleep. I be like, ‘What? What?’ Answer like, ‘What? What?’ They be like, ‘Yup, yup’. I be done hung up.” – lyrics
‘Phone Ringing’ tells an interesting tale of a young street hustler who has his eyes on the prize. Apparently, he’s busy and all about his business.
Therefore, when he works in the studio at nighttime, he doesn’t like to be bothered by people who call him with nothing prosperous to say.
‘Phone Ringing’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious rap vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with hip-hop and trap elements.
“I just want everybody to know my music and to show the world that it doesn’t matter where you are from, success comes from the depths of the earth. But everybody sleeps on us small-town boys and they put us as the underdog. My goal is to let everybody know where I’m from, rep my city, and let ‘em all know what it is.” – Young Gurf
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/young-gurf-phone-ringing/