Lawyers of Louisiana

Whispers of the Bayou

Description

From the author of the popular Million Dollar Mysteries and Smart Chick Mysteries comes a new stand–alone novel full of hidden staircases, buried secrets, and the promise of hope found in knowing God.

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.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-12-21
Summary: "Mindy has done it again."

Excellent reading. I couldn't put it down. I had no idea of the outcome. Mindy's characters seem real, and her books would be "G" rated, appropriate for anyone to read.

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2009-09-29
Summary: "Lies of the Past"

Mindy Starns Clark has written quite a few mysteries. This was my first taste of her history-laced mystery style, but certainly not my last. In fact, I've already ordered her latest, "Under the Cajun Moon."

The story builds around an engaging, yet atypical female protagonist--at least within the CBA market. Miranda is married, yet struggling to relate emotionally to her husband. She's beautiful, yet standoffish, and not necessarily witty or cutesy in her dialogue. She's a serious woman trying to wade through the lies of her past, the whispers of the bayou, and the hurts buried deep within her heart.

All of this character development is brought out nicely through a plot that starts off in New York, with a mysterious symbol on a painting, and ends up in the bayous of Louisiana. This is not the richly evocative style of a James Lee Burke, or the tightly paced style of a Brandilyn Collins, but a nice mix of the two, with atmosphere and character that continue to grow around the layers of a historical mystery. Miranda's own family heritage and inheritance are at stake, with riches and secrets to be uncovered--so long as she can survive the schemes of those who wish her ill.

The story's conclusion does resort a few "killer tells all" scenes, and the final pages add some preachier elements that fit but had already been touched upon in subtler and richer ways. Nevertheless, with multiple levels to be enjoyed, and with continuing twists along the way, "Whispers of the Bayou" is a great addition to any CBA readers' library. I'm looking forward to the next.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-09-02
Summary: "Suspense filled story"

Wow- I read some of the smart chick books so I knew I liked this author, but this book exceeded my expectations. A masterfully written suspense/mystery novel that has the main character uncovering the secrets of her past. Full of rich imagery of the Louisiana bayou and its inhabitants, I read this book straight through and didn't want it to end. Definitely recommended.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-07-30
Summary: "Quick, fun read"

I read this book in a few hours. I couldn't put it down until I finished. If you like Southern settings and old houses, you'll enjoy this book. I have since read her Million Dollar Mystery Series and have really enjoyed them as well.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-05-31
Summary: "One of the best I've read in a long time"

I bought this book for two reasons ... okay, three.
1. I know Mindy. I've never read her work before but I've heard she's a pretty good writer, so I thought I'd find out for myself.
2. I am a writer of Southern Fiction and therefore I like to immerse myself in good southern fiction. (See Reason #1)
3. I was about to get on a plane and wanted something to read to make the time passed quickly.

Here's the verdict:
1. It's true. Mindy is a VERY good writer. (As opposed to a pretty good writer...)
2. I was totally immersed in this book. So much so that when my daughter walked into my bedroom and found me lying flat on my back with my legs draped over pillows (back pain) and my arms straight up in the air reading and she declared, "Isn't that uncomfortable?" I answered, "This book is so good I hadn't noticed ..."
3. The plane ride (ahem) flew by! So did the rest of the time I was reading. I got up in the morning and I read. I took a lunch break and I read. I read before I went to bed at night. I just read and read and read!

Yeah, it's that good...

Eva Marie Everson
Things Left Unspoken: A Novel