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Saint Mysteries #1
To Murder a Saint
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller - “The ground is too wet… If you bury the dead here, they can come back.” Her father always warned her that the bayou was a mysterious and dangerous place. She never suspected that the greatest danger of her life was lurking in New York City. Before their bags are unpacked one of two Creole girls in fresh from Louisiana is found savagely murdered in New York. All the clues point to a wild animal, a perplexing development for a third floor apartment. Lacking a suspect the police accompany the murdered girl’s French speaking roommate back to her reclusive Southern Louisiana town in search of a lead. They are met with a warning that the killer is not finished yet and learn that this is not the first mysterious death in the family.
78 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2013
427 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Loughan
10 books72 followersWhen Nicole is not heading off a tantrum or finding the best public bathroom to use with young children she is writing her column "The Starter Mom" or working on one of her books. She also writes about restaurants for two greater Philadelphia newspapers, not that she ever finds time to eat in restaurants anymore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 9, 2013
I picked up “To Murder A Saint” as a ‘freebie’ from one of my e-mails of “free and discount books” that I receive on a daily basis. I always appreciate these, as it often leads me to a new author I may not have otherwise discovered. Sometimes I am happy I found the particular book. Sometimes? Not so much.
In this case, what caught my eye was the cover. It is beautiful, as you can see. Well, that and the fact that the book was set in Louisiana, a total weakness for me. I can say that the potential is definitely there, hopefully to be fulfilled later. The author, Nicole Loughan, is a recognized journalist and syndicated humour columnist, which offers potential as a writer of fiction. In this first installment of her series, Nicole is writing about my home area, the bayous of southern Louisiana. She does a fairly good job of setting up the novel. My three-star review is based on several issues I had.
Nicole’s writing tries very hard to speak the language of the Bayou. However, with no experience with the area (she went to school in Michigan and lives in Philadelphia) her attempts at Cajun fall flat. She starts ‘Cajun-Speak’ but then falls back into ‘journalism-speak’ within two sentences. Cajun is an extremely unique language, a mixture of French, English, a bit of African and bits of Native American tribal languages (Choctaw, Quapaw, Caddo, etc.). It is also difficult for a northerner to comprehend the cadence and flow of southern speech patterns. Her precise use of language as a journalist makes it difficult, without doubt, to fall into the patois of the south, where ‘can not’ comes out ‘kaint’ and bonjour is much more common than hello, “How’s it going?” is
Comment ça va?” and the best response to that is “Ça va. Et vous-autres?” i.e., “It’s going OK. And ya’ll?” Or, in my case, “Ca va. Ah dah’tse?” i.e., “It’s good. How are you?” (A mix of Cajun with a soupcon of Quapaw.)
Overall, this reads as a first attempt at a novel, somewhat stilted and rough, but with good bones. I have put the next book on my to-read list to see if the roughness inherent in the first novel smoothes out. I would have appreciated more development of the storyline. I felt it was somewhat choppy and not filled out well enough for my tastes. Again, that ‘journalist’ feeling – “Just the facts!” that was sort of off-putting for me, but others seemed to like in their reviews. In my opinion, if I am going to read a novel, I wish to fall into the book and be able to see it in my mind – the characters, the background, the world around the players. Humans are defined by their surroundings, and limiting those surroundings limits the movie that is developed in my mind. If I did not have such a strong connection with bayou country, it would have been very hard for me to feel any connection with the story or its characters.I will check out the second in the series when I get a moment and make a decision from there whether to leave the author on my ‘TBR’ list. I hope I can come back with a great review on that one!
In this case, what caught my eye was the cover. It is beautiful, as you can see. Well, that and the fact that the book was set in Louisiana, a total weakness for me. I can say that the potential is definitely there, hopefully to be fulfilled later. The author, Nicole Loughan, is a recognized journalist and syndicated humour columnist, which offers potential as a writer of fiction. In this first installment of her series, Nicole is writing about my home area, the bayous of southern Louisiana. She does a fairly good job of setting up the novel. My three-star review is based on several issues I had.
Nicole’s writing tries very hard to speak the language of the Bayou. However, with no experience with the area (she went to school in Michigan and lives in Philadelphia) her attempts at Cajun fall flat. She starts ‘Cajun-Speak’ but then falls back into ‘journalism-speak’ within two sentences. Cajun is an extremely unique language, a mixture of French, English, a bit of African and bits of Native American tribal languages (Choctaw, Quapaw, Caddo, etc.). It is also difficult for a northerner to comprehend the cadence and flow of southern speech patterns. Her precise use of language as a journalist makes it difficult, without doubt, to fall into the patois of the south, where ‘can not’ comes out ‘kaint’ and bonjour is much more common than hello, “How’s it going?” is
Comment ça va?” and the best response to that is “Ça va. Et vous-autres?” i.e., “It’s going OK. And ya’ll?” Or, in my case, “Ca va. Ah dah’tse?” i.e., “It’s good. How are you?” (A mix of Cajun with a soupcon of Quapaw.)
Overall, this reads as a first attempt at a novel, somewhat stilted and rough, but with good bones. I have put the next book on my to-read list to see if the roughness inherent in the first novel smoothes out. I would have appreciated more development of the storyline. I felt it was somewhat choppy and not filled out well enough for my tastes. Again, that ‘journalist’ feeling – “Just the facts!” that was sort of off-putting for me, but others seemed to like in their reviews. In my opinion, if I am going to read a novel, I wish to fall into the book and be able to see it in my mind – the characters, the background, the world around the players. Humans are defined by their surroundings, and limiting those surroundings limits the movie that is developed in my mind. If I did not have such a strong connection with bayou country, it would have been very hard for me to feel any connection with the story or its characters.I will check out the second in the series when I get a moment and make a decision from there whether to leave the author on my ‘TBR’ list. I hope I can come back with a great review on that one!
October 26, 2014
I wanted to read this book because I like books about New Orleans, though the book is actually set in New York, and New Orleans is only an incidental setting. The book seems to have gotten good reviews, but I didn't care for it and won't read any more of the series. The story line has potential, but the book is so short that there's no time for any real development. The Cajun and New Orleans settings are accurate enough, but they're stereotypes. The writing is sloppy, and the spelling and grammar are awful (though I realize that people don't seem to care about that kind of thing any more). I know - give the girl a break. She does have potential, and if she would work on her writing skills, she'd be good. Though actually, she has enough of a fan club to suggest that for a lot of people, she's good enough now.
December 29, 2018
The writing needs some work, but the story kept my interest. Granted, it's a novella.
February 19, 2015
To Murder a Saint: Saints, Volume 1
Publisher's Summary
"The ground is too wet...If you bury the dead here, they can come back." Her father always warned her that the bayou was a mysterious and dangerous place. She never suspected that the greatest danger of her life was lurking in New York City. Before their bags are unpacked one of two Cajun girls in fresh from Louisiana is found savagely murdered in New York. All the clues point to a wild animal, a perplexing development for a third floor apartment. Lacking a suspect the police accompany the murdered girl's French speaking roommate back to her reclusive Southern Louisiana town in search of a lead. They are met with a warning that the killer is not finished yet and learn that this is not the first mysterious death in the family.
©2013 Nicole Utter (P)2014 Nicole Utter
My Review
One of my "not quite a cozy" picks, but a 5 star listen!
This is a short, but very intense listen where every word counts, it's action filled from the slightly disconcerting beginning to the wonderfully imaginative (and scary) ending.
Must admit, listening to Fanchons' creepy thoughts about her date at the start of the story had me thinking that she could be a top class psychopath!
Fanchon and Josephine, two bright young girls from the Bayou who grew up together almost as sisters, have moved to New York to pursue their careers.
Fanchon returns home from her date and opens her door to sheer horror, there, in the blood splattered room she is faced with the ghastly scene, the butchered remains of her beloved friend Josephine.
Everything suggests the culprit is an alligator! Therefore, the police decide they must make further investigations back in Josephines' home. Fanchon accompanies Detective Banyon, a hard core New Yorker, to the Bayou. Fanchon finds herself explaining the mysteries of her home to Banyon, and acting as a buffer between this outsider and the family and friends of Josephine.
The author provides the listener with some wonderful descriptions of places and customs, she also wrote in a heartbreakingly beautiful way of how Josephines murder affected the family and Fanchon, especially in the light of a previous family tragedy.
Once Josephine has been returned home, Fanchon makes her way back to New York, against the wishes of everyone, and the advice of Madame DuPont - who sees all!
The police give up on Josephine, they create a crazy scenario to explain away her macabre death, make a public announcement, and that is that.
Except of course it's not!
The difficult part of reviewing a shorter story is the fear of revealing spoilers! All I will say is, the mystery unravels in a most unexpected and very entertaining way. Despite it being a slightly gory murder mystery it does contain some wonderfully humorous gems. I found it to be a truly creative, entertaining and beautifully written story. I loved this and I'm eager for the next in series.
Narrator
I can't fault the narration of Suzy Lexington, she is a wonderful story teller, she created all the characters so well for me, I could just picture them in my head. This is a short story, and within are moments of horror, fear, deep sadness and humour, yet Suzy portrays all the emotions so seamlessly.
The accents? Well, I don't know, I'm British/ Australian, but they all sounded good to me.
This is a well produced audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed listening.
I received this audiobook as a gift from the author in return for this, my honest opinion
http://audiothing.blogspot.com.au/
July 24, 2016
In many places, murder is a BIG thing. New York, the Big Apple, has its fair share of murders, but when Fanchon found her roommate and lifelong friend nude and brutally murdered in their apartment, even New York found this a big thing. Fanchon and Josephine migrated north from their hometown, in Bayou country, near New Orleans, Louisiana, to follow a childhood dream to make it in the biggest city in the country. Pocketing their mutual life savings, they made the move a couple of months earlier. Josephine, a beautiful, outgoing, happy, silly, girl, always looking for a bit of trouble. Her dream was to be swept up in the world of high fashion; be at the hub of style. Fanchon wanted to make her mark in music as a performing pianist, on or off Broadway.
When Fanchon ditches her internet date at a nearby restaurant and walked home barefoot, she was ill-prepared for the sight of a headless roommate, missing an arm.
This is a short but fast-paced mystery that both revolts and intrigues you. The characters are diverse, well constructed, and vivid. The story keeps you guessing and literally on the edge of your seat to the last. I must admit that if the author would have supplied the main characters with surnames, I would have rated this book higher. This omission takes something away from them.
When Fanchon ditches her internet date at a nearby restaurant and walked home barefoot, she was ill-prepared for the sight of a headless roommate, missing an arm.
This is a short but fast-paced mystery that both revolts and intrigues you. The characters are diverse, well constructed, and vivid. The story keeps you guessing and literally on the edge of your seat to the last. I must admit that if the author would have supplied the main characters with surnames, I would have rated this book higher. This omission takes something away from them.
September 8, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
To Murder a Saint by Nicole Loughan is a fast-paced mystery that I only put down one time (to go to sleep) and picked up again first thing in the morning. This is the kind of mystery I enjoy: no filler, just the meat.
Two girls from the Louisiana Bayou move to New York City, and two months into their stay, one of the girls, Josephine, is brutally murdered. Fanchon, her roommate and best friend, helps the local police try to solve this case.
Fanchon and Banyan, the policeman in charge, travel back to the bayou for answers.
For the full review, visit Love at First Book
To Murder a Saint by Nicole Loughan is a fast-paced mystery that I only put down one time (to go to sleep) and picked up again first thing in the morning. This is the kind of mystery I enjoy: no filler, just the meat.
Two girls from the Louisiana Bayou move to New York City, and two months into their stay, one of the girls, Josephine, is brutally murdered. Fanchon, her roommate and best friend, helps the local police try to solve this case.
Fanchon and Banyan, the policeman in charge, travel back to the bayou for answers.
For the full review, visit Love at First Book
July 5, 2018
So-so
It was okay enough that I got through to the end but I wouldn't read any more of the series.
It was okay enough that I got through to the end but I wouldn't read any more of the series.
September 21, 2024
Positives: it is a short, quick read.
Otherwise, this is a worst-case scenario for a Tinder date result. Between the bayou folksy-ness, the tenuous New York/New Orleans connection, and the underwhelming people populating this story, there is little to hang on to.
We spend more time with a dead girl, in a reverie of better times (not a zombie thing, unfortunately) than we do with our leads... both without clues. The story never really found solid ground for me. The reveal at the end/final act, hinging on obscure geographical knowledge and awareness was a str-e-e-e-tch that was clearly beyond our gator girl lead, pun intended.
Even knowing the NFL team for New Orleans, there must be a better representation for the bayou culture and its people than a mediocre ball club, as there were no saints here.
For a first entry, it was just in the middle. Nothing really felt real as if it might have happened in actuality, nothing new, or freshly original. Grammar needs some work, and an additional editor-not family related, to give the script its due.
Could be a cozy-romance type of mystery novella, just not my thing.
Thanks for reading.
Otherwise, this is a worst-case scenario for a Tinder date result. Between the bayou folksy-ness, the tenuous New York/New Orleans connection, and the underwhelming people populating this story, there is little to hang on to.
We spend more time with a dead girl, in a reverie of better times (not a zombie thing, unfortunately) than we do with our leads... both without clues. The story never really found solid ground for me. The reveal at the end/final act, hinging on obscure geographical knowledge and awareness was a str-e-e-e-tch that was clearly beyond our gator girl lead, pun intended.
Even knowing the NFL team for New Orleans, there must be a better representation for the bayou culture and its people than a mediocre ball club, as there were no saints here.
For a first entry, it was just in the middle. Nothing really felt real as if it might have happened in actuality, nothing new, or freshly original. Grammar needs some work, and an additional editor-not family related, to give the script its due.
Could be a cozy-romance type of mystery novella, just not my thing.
Thanks for reading.
November 3, 2018
Two and a half stars is the best I can manage for this. Ridiculously short, totally far-fetched and just not very well written. Add in poor editing - far too high a proportion of typos in 77 pages, not to mention some very dodgy punctuation - and a writing style which is somewhat juvenile in places. Really surprised to see the writer described as an award-winning journalist. I didn't get any hint of that from the writing. And humour was mentioned - it seems I slept through that.
Perhaps it's just a case of a first story not finding its stride, so maybe subsequent ones will show a greater maturity in style. More flowing dialogue. More show than tell. The price is ridiculous for what it is. It's a 99p job at best.
It may appeal to some. Bon jou, cher.
Perhaps it's just a case of a first story not finding its stride, so maybe subsequent ones will show a greater maturity in style. More flowing dialogue. More show than tell. The price is ridiculous for what it is. It's a 99p job at best.
It may appeal to some. Bon jou, cher.
August 20, 2017
The first book in the Saints Mystery series. Fanchon and Josephine are best friends from the Louisiana bayou. They moved to New York City because Fanchon wants to play in a symphony orchestra and Josephine wants to be a writer. They have only been in New York several months when Fanchon comes home and discovers Josephine has literally been butchered in their apartment. The rest of this very short story is the search for Josephine's killer. I was surprised the book was so short, but I did enjoy the story.
December 4, 2017
This was a good short story!! I personally love reading all books that has parts of Louisiana in it. That state fascinates me!!
This story had a good mystery to it and I was curious of what happened.. My only issue was that some of the talking with the characters , especially the ones from Louisiana , were a little off. As for example, Beau would talk southern but then the slang changed to regular so that kind of puzzled me. But not enough for me to change my rating..
I have the second book and will be continuing on!!!
This story had a good mystery to it and I was curious of what happened.. My only issue was that some of the talking with the characters , especially the ones from Louisiana , were a little off. As for example, Beau would talk southern but then the slang changed to regular so that kind of puzzled me. But not enough for me to change my rating..
I have the second book and will be continuing on!!!
March 27, 2023
This book, as the title states, is a murder mystery. After a bad date, Fanchon (yes, that is a name) finds her best friend and room-mate Josephine murdered and the hunt for the perpetrator starts.
The plot is well thought and written, very quick-paced and not a single page was boring. The only reasons I took two stars off, is on one hand the extremely short resolution and on the other, the extreme jumps into Fanchon's past, where it takes quite some time to realize that it's a memory we're reading and not some abrupt change of scene.
Will I read the next one? I might.
The plot is well thought and written, very quick-paced and not a single page was boring. The only reasons I took two stars off, is on one hand the extremely short resolution and on the other, the extreme jumps into Fanchon's past, where it takes quite some time to realize that it's a memory we're reading and not some abrupt change of scene.
Will I read the next one? I might.
April 19, 2023
Franshon and her friend Josephine lived in New Orleans. When they got out of school they decided to move to New York. Franshon heard a ambulance and it looked like they were going to where she lived. They took a man away . She runs upstair to her friends apartment and finds her dead. She ended up getting blood on her so when the cops got there she was names as a suspect. Your ever read a Louisiana story it usually involved
alligators at some point.The ending was wild but I did learn a few things from Franshon about them Whoa!
alligators at some point.The ending was wild but I did learn a few things from Franshon about them Whoa!
February 23, 2019
A short story seasoned with a dash of New Orleans flavor
A quick rad and short story that takes us from the high rises of New York City to the bayous around New Orleans.
Two young ladies determined to conquer the big Apple. One has a failure of a date and returns home to find an even worse thing has occurred.
I like the characters of Fanchon and detective Banyon. The Who dun it was fairly straight forward - however, I did enjoy the journey.
A quick rad and short story that takes us from the high rises of New York City to the bayous around New Orleans.
Two young ladies determined to conquer the big Apple. One has a failure of a date and returns home to find an even worse thing has occurred.
I like the characters of Fanchon and detective Banyon. The Who dun it was fairly straight forward - however, I did enjoy the journey.
June 4, 2019
A surprise
I got this on kindle unlimited because I got the 2nd book free from a promotion. I’m a bit funny about not reading a series in order so had to start at 1. I enjoyed it , it wasn’t super exciting but entertaining . I laughed several times at the end so that’s a plus for me . I would have been ok if it was bit longer as I enjoyed the story line . I’m heading in for book 2 to see if it’s a series for me .
I got this on kindle unlimited because I got the 2nd book free from a promotion. I’m a bit funny about not reading a series in order so had to start at 1. I enjoyed it , it wasn’t super exciting but entertaining . I laughed several times at the end so that’s a plus for me . I would have been ok if it was bit longer as I enjoyed the story line . I’m heading in for book 2 to see if it’s a series for me .
Read
February 17, 2023I'm so happy to find a new author for me to follow. I love to read of New Orleans and Louisiana. I'm a Yankee transplant; although I wouldn't dare say it outloud now-after 20 yr. Can't say about all Nicole Loughan's novels; but it was short enough to read in one nite and interesting enough to keep you wanting to keep going to the end. More novels for me to devour is the icing on the cake!
Ann
Ann
May 26, 2017
Unique plot
I enjoyed this story from the first page. It was an interesting peek into life on the bayou. Good characters. I will definitely give her other books a try. Still another book with editing issues. This book did not have enough issues to distract me enough to stop reading. Mystery with a twist.
I enjoyed this story from the first page. It was an interesting peek into life on the bayou. Good characters. I will definitely give her other books a try. Still another book with editing issues. This book did not have enough issues to distract me enough to stop reading. Mystery with a twist.
August 3, 2023
Quite different. Kept me guessing. Not everything was explained. My heart rate was very rapid. NOT A COZY by even a glimmer. Those who would best enjoy it would probably be teenagers. The main character is a young woman. Otherwise, i would limit that to teenage boys. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you
December 29, 2016
Great Short Mystery
I know some reviewers thought the story was too short but I thought it was the right length and told an interesting story. I enjoyed the mystery and wasn't able to predict the ending. I would definitely recommend this mystery.
I know some reviewers thought the story was too short but I thought it was the right length and told an interesting story. I enjoyed the mystery and wasn't able to predict the ending. I would definitely recommend this mystery.
May 5, 2017
Quick read
This was a good, quick read. Interesting in it's twists. The one thing I didn't care for was the way the characters spoke so formally....it is rather than it's, and I am rather than I'm, for example...not a big thing but it irritates me.
This was a good, quick read. Interesting in it's twists. The one thing I didn't care for was the way the characters spoke so formally....it is rather than it's, and I am rather than I'm, for example...not a big thing but it irritates me.
August 28, 2017
I love anything New Orleans and look forward to the next book in this series. This book was short but action packed. That being said the alligator wrestling at the end was initially felt as a little far fetched but I found myself okay with it by the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
Fun and quick
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and quite the adventure. Fun and quirky and a bit odd. I loce alligators and really liked granddaddy at the end. Looking forward to reading book 2
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and quite the adventure. Fun and quirky and a bit odd. I loce alligators and really liked granddaddy at the end. Looking forward to reading book 2
December 12, 2017
I ALWAYS LOVE A STORYLINE SET IN THE SOUTH, FOR SOME REASON AND I LOVED THIS ONE TOO. IT IS A PRETTY QUICK READ, WITH A SURPRISE AT THE CLIMAX, WHICH SNUCK UP ON ME. DAMN, I WANTED HER TO BE WITH BANYON, OH WELL ON TO THE NEXT BOOK. ‘D
November 30, 2018
This is a short book that has been on my shelf for a long time. The author was from PA, so I decided to read it. For a short book, it was a mystery and a thriller all in one - set both in New Orleans and NYC. I enjoyed it and will read the next book in the series.
February 5, 2019
You will fall in love with the Characters and the details of the Bayou. Recommend to those who love thrillers/suspense/mystery all in one the Plot was awesome and on the 2 book can't stop reading. Short and addicting books... Gina Clabo
December 25, 2019
Josephine and Fanchon, two Creole girls from Louisiana have recently moved to a third floor apartment in New York. Unfortunately one of them will soon be dead. Can Detective Banyon find the guilty party even though it seems she was attacked by a wild animal.
An enjoyable mystery
An enjoyable mystery
September 9, 2021
Decent Novella length
Interesting characters and a good mystery make this a solid outing. I loved the supporting characters possibly more than the main heroine. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
Interesting characters and a good mystery make this a solid outing. I loved the supporting characters possibly more than the main heroine. I will definitely be reading the next in the series.
December 16, 2022
Louisiana good girls hit NYC
This is a charming mystery of 2 Cajun girls caught up in a new York mystery. Evidence shows Josephine was killed by an alligator in a 3rd floor Silk up in NYC. What the hell.?
This is a charming mystery of 2 Cajun girls caught up in a new York mystery. Evidence shows Josephine was killed by an alligator in a 3rd floor Silk up in NYC. What the hell.?
April 25, 2023
So good!!!!!
This book had a soft touch of romance,mystery , friendship , family, and New Orleans culture. It had such a unique turn at the end and I just adored this book. I'm rushing to get the next in the series.
This book had a soft touch of romance,mystery , friendship , family, and New Orleans culture. It had such a unique turn at the end and I just adored this book. I'm rushing to get the next in the series.
July 17, 2023
First off, the editing left a lot to be desired in such a short book and the plot was highly implausible. That being said, it did suck me in and I finished it in a day. Will try again with the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews