The Mardi Gras Murders

Briana Song #2

by Jemma Stark

The secrets of New Orleans' underworld are about to be revealed...For years, a sadistic murderer has used the revelry of Mardi Gras to hide in plain sight, claiming vulnerable victims in the streets of New Orleans' French Quarter. Dubbed the "Mardi Gras Murderer" by the media, this shadowy figure has long eluded capture, taunting the FBI with each crime.

Special Agent Briana Song is new to tracking the killer. But her partner, James Buckley, has been haunted by this case for years - this monster is the one who got away. When the murders start again, Briana and Buck resolve to finally end the killer's gruesome game.

But this year, the stakes are higher. The killer sets his sights on Briana, dragging her into a twisted cat-and-mouse chase through the city of masked crowds. As the murder count rises and the celebrations climax, Briana must outwit her pursuer while unraveling the clues to his true identity.

With time running out as Mardi Gras draws to a close, Briana and Buck enter a final showdown with the madman who has terrorized New Orleans. But catching a serial killer is dangerous work, and Briana might discover some monsters don't like being hunted...

Can she stop this monster or will she end up one of his victims?

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Bri picking up coffee and pastries to celebrate Buck's birthday. Buck tells Bri that this time of the year is bad because of what has happened over the past several years. He starts telling her about the "Mardi Gras Killer" when they receive an alert and Buck tells her she is going to see the killer's work 1st hand.

For this period of time this is just the 1st killing that will happen and at each killing there is no evidence to help find the killer. Things get worse when it is discovered that someone has hacked into the FBI network and now has access to everyone involved. In addition, the killer has been leaving messages aimed at Bri.

Follow along as Bri, Buck and the task force pursue tracking the killer. Find out how Bri became important to the killer and what information was developed that finally exposed who was responsible. The description of how the task force worked through all the clues to discover the killer. The ending is one that is unexpected. This is a definite read for you.

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Purple, Green, and Gold murder mystery

Author Jemma Stark has done the Big Easy with a splendid created justice. She had captured the fast-paced FBI thriller that keeps the reader wanting more as they turn every page to keep up with the agents seeking justice for a cruel horrific serial killer who escalates his kill of women yearly every Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
I loved that the storyline was set in New Orleans as I have visited that bustling city many times.
The storyline was very realistic as we're the characters as the author must have done a lot of police procedural research as she melded fiction into real scenarios to make a great murder mystery.
I look forward to reading more of Starks books in the future.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the Briana Song series. She is smart, self reliant and has a never give up attitude no matter what the situation is! I loved all the characters, each individual is different but they all get along like a family. The killer is always one step ahead! Why? They soon learn as they sift through suspects. How is Briana the only one to spot him. This was a truly an original story. The twists and turns and red herrings were amazing! I highly recommend this book if u like stories of FBI agents, thrillers and serial killers being brought to Justice! I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Nichole Sells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always wanted to visit the French Quarter during Mardi Gras....that was until reading this book, lol. This 2nd book in the series follows Briana Song, Agent James Buckley, and the FBI on their quest to catch the illusive serial killer known as The Mardi Gras Murder. This killer has plagued Buckley for a long time. When Bri gets pulled in, the tide turns and it becomes her being stalked by the killer. Every time I thought I knew what was next, it turned completely around! I highly recommend!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year during Mardi Gras, a killer roamed the streets of New Orleans. Young girls are being brutally murdered. Buck has been through this before but this year Briana has joined the department. Bodies are mounting up at an alarming rate. Will Buck and Briana be able to find this demented killer before Mardi Gras is over and the killer goes back into hiding for another year? Very fast-paced thriller that hooks you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the very end! I definitely will be reading more by this author!

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briana is thrown straight into an ongoing investigation as a new victim is found. Buckley is high-strung as the case is becoming more difficult by the minute. Working alongside Buckley and Margo, the story follows Briana's perspective, so readers are privy to her thoughts and process during the investigation as she reads witness statements and clues. The story is descriptive and engaging, suspenseful and predominantly fast-paced.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book by Jemma Stark. I always look for serial killer books. In this one, the killer murders every year at Mardi Gras time in New Orleans. Agent Buckley has been on the case but never caught the killer. Agent Briana Song joins Agent Buckley in the case this year. The killer taunts them and leaves clues and starts to target Briana. She’s being stalked by him while they are still trying to catch him. I enjoyed the book. I love the cat and mouse game between the killer and the agents. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Cozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book!
There were red herrings all over this story. Firstly it took you down one avenue, then turned you round into another. At one point it could have been anyone! I enjoyed the twists and turns!!
When the real killer was revealed, I was relieved as I thought the murders would stop. Oh how wrong was I!!
Brianne is one tough cookie, and never feared about putting herself in the firing line! She and Buck, plus Margo of course, are a great team.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianna and crew are after the perpetrator of murders during Mardi Gras. This is not what I usually read; I'm so glad I chose this book, and hops to read more from the author. It's more than a cozy mystery, but not as hard to follow as some thrillers. There are lots of twists and surprises, keeping me on my toes as I read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this continuation of the Briana Song series, Briana and the rest of the team are working to catch a serial killer. One who always seems to be one step ahead of everything that they try and do to catch him. Buck and Briana will need to work extra hard to apprehend the killer before Mardi Gras ends and he goes until hiding until next year. Will they be able to figure it out before it's too late?

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I didn't read the paperback. I read an eBook. I don't know why the digital format isn't included in the editions.
That said, the story itself was well plotted, the characters were well-developed, and the book was a pleasant read. The descriptions of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, murder and mayhem notwithstanding, make it sound like somewhere I'd love to visit.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years the Mardi Gras murderer has been claiming victims during the celebrations in New Orleans. Now he is targeting one of the FBI's own among his victims. Can she save herself and stop the killings for good?
(I received an advance copy from Booksprout for my honest review)

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read. The characters were very well developed and the plot had several unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing who the murderer was. This book can be read independently of other Brian's Song books.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agents James Buckley and Briana Song and a whole team of people work long hours to find the Mardi Gras Murderer. Just when they think they are close, the murderer seems to get ahead of them again. But the real surprise is the who and the why. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Jemma Stark, and it will not be my last! The capturing of these great characters in a storyline with plot twists and getting to know them, I couldn't put this book down!

[Tom Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written story with action on every page. Great characters and descriptions of people and place that draw the imagination in.
I can't wait for book 3.
I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good well-paced murder mystery with defined MCs. There is action, danger, and suspense in this entertaining and engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent Buckley is busy trying to find the Mardi Gras killer. With all the festivities going on, this turns out to be a dangerous and difficult situation. Will the killer be found in time. Not to be missed.

[Diane Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Captivating Book!

A great storyline that grabbed my attention from beginning to end. It’s a who done it story with twists and turns that keep the pages flowing. The ending was shocking to find how who the murderer was. A great read!!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Stopping

Great setting in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Fantastic characters with flaws and heroics. Almost nonstop action with amazing twists and turns. A book that will keep you up all night reading.

[Melissa Gringo242424 · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI agents Bri and Buck must unravel the mystery to find the serial killer. Set in Mardi Gras festival times. the murders continue to stump the team as the killer takes aim at them ; attacking them from the inside. A great thriller that made me second guess myself throughout

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well laid out plot with plenty of twists, read in a day as it kept me totally engaged.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is killing all those women and why??? Briana will figure things out though - If she gets loose!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. Such a good book. Loved the characters and the pace of the story.

[Govno Nichevo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this was an okay and fast paced read.

[Jacquelyn Schingeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read and since I have been to Mardi Gras it was also fun to read about.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off with an explosion and just kept going. Every chapter was a disaster from this serial killer. You can't put the book down!!

[Rita Pierrottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

If you like suspense and drama, you'll enjoy this book. It's well written and definitely holds your attention. However, I like my mysteries a little more cozy.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though they knew who was doing it, they couldn't find him, could they??? But Briana will figure things out, won't she??? How did that IT guy miss??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.