Review of Voodoo on Bayou LaFonte

[Barbara Ann RS]

Voodoo on Bayou LaFonte is an engaging read from start to finish. Muller takes readers deep into the alligator infested swampland of bayou country, where Remy and his ex-wife desperately search for their teenage daughter who has mysteriously disappeared. Set in a rural Louisiana parish richly steeped in culture, heritage, and superstition, the locale itself is filled with conflict and described in such rich multisensory detail that it becomes a complex character in and of itself, welcoming in some ways and antagonistic in others.

Houston Homicide Detective Remy Steinberg loathes returning to Louisiana, the home he left behind years ago that holds nothing for him now but memories of bitterness and regret. Although the bayou will still prove to be a hindrance in his quest to find his daughter, Remy will also discover that this place still has a strong hold over him as well. During his stay with his ex-wife Gabby, he is reminded of all the good times he and Gabby shared, and he realizes that although he physically left the bayou behind, his heart has always remained here with Gabby and his daughter, Adrienne.

The contention between Gabby and Remy is thick when they reunite, and it becomes clear very quickly why their marriage failed –the lack of clear communication combined with Remy’s stubborn pride and Gabby’s quick-temperedness. Once they begin their joint search, they realize they must work through their issues if they are to make  any significant progress in finding Adrienne. Both behave in some pretty frustrating ways at times, so that I can understand why they couldn’t always get along. However, unlike before, this time, they cannot just go their separate ways, not until they get Adrienne back.  Despite their communication problems, the love between Remy and Gabby still lingers, and as their partnership becomes stronger, so does the intimacy between them. Their rekindled romance is mildly sensual, and the details of their love scenes are not graphically depicted. The emphasis is more on Remy’s and Gabby’s feelings and emotions rather than the physical connection.

Gabby and Remy’s relationship never overshadows or detracts from the novel’s main plot focus: to find Adrienne. In fact, all of the story threads – dark voodoo practices, illegal drug running, corrupt police officials, and swampland predators are smoothly entwined to create a well-executed plot filled with danger and suspense. The story has a clear and satisfying resolution that I must admit also left me with a craving for a big bowl of spicy Jambalaya!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Link to Review:

http://sunmountainreviews.wordpress.com/2014/04/07/book-tour-review...