Garden of Mystery and Intrigue

Vampires of New Orleans #2

by Madalyn Rae

Amelia’s life was saved, but at what cost? Turned a vampire by an immortal child, her newfound life may be in danger and out of her control.

At the same time, a human cult has made it their mission to rid New Orleans of the monstrous atrocities of vampires and werewolves by any means possible. Drawing their recruits from a local university, Amelia goes undercover to infiltrate the group. While there, she discovers there’s more to the evil group than meets the eye and encounters someone no one expected.

Amelia, Celeste, and Viktor are forced to make decisions that could change the course of their lives forever as they battle an unseen opponent, not to mention their own egos.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2023

About the author

Madalyn Rae is the pen name for someone who can’t show the people in her life that she writes about werewolves, vampires, penises (I still don’t know the correct plural for that word) and heaven forbid—sex.

In her everyday life, she is a teacher of tiny humans and an avid music lover. She is the mother of two adult children and one adult husband. (That wasn’t a typo)
She lives in the best climate in America and enjoys the Gulf Coast whenever she’s not too lazy to fight with the tourists for a seat on the sand.

Madalyn’s stories stem from her overactive imagination and dreams. She writes what her characters tell her to write, and she hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them!

Reviews

[Jessica James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow it gets better and better the more books I read from the amazing author. I read Garden of Mystery & Intrigue and I couldn't put it down I started and finished it in less than a day. You have Vampires, lycans, Witches, found family, love, and secrets what more could you ask for. This book will have you on your toes the whole time this book is pure magic and I for one can't wait to see what happens next!!! If you haven't read The Vampires of New Orleans series please go read it I promise you won't regret it and if you have it on your TBR bump it up pronto.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, an amazing read. Amelia's journey just keeps getting more and more adventurous. Just when you think one thing it happening, something new comes into play. I read through this book so quickly because I just needed to know what was going to happen next. Now I'm excited to see what happens in the next adventure!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of Mystery and Intrigue by Madalyn Rae is book two in the Vampires of New Orleans Series. Oh my gosh after reading the first book, I was so excited to get my hands on this one. Needless to say you must read book one before digging into this as it continues where it ended. This book was incredible and I couldn’t put it down, before I knew it hours had passed and I didn’t even notice because of how this book had me in its grip. Amelia’s journey is continued and just when you think you have an idea of what’s coming… bam! Something else rears it’s head. Madalyn Rae has done an amazing job writing this story the plot twists are great and really can keep you on the edge of your seat. The action and suspense are so well done, it really draws you into the story. The descriptions are so on point you feel as if you’re there in the midst of everything. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to wait. The author really is out doing herself with this books, phenomenal.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I think this is one of the only times I liked the second book in a series more than the first. I also usually don’t like stories with children, but I loved the ancient immortal vampire child Celeste and her more adult tendencies. This sequel features a slowly developing romance between Viktor and Amelia that I loved. Viktor and Amelia are a great match, and I liked that the author did not push them together immediately after the traumatizing events of the first book. The events of this book take place about one year after the first, so Amelia has time to adjust to her new situation, heal mentally, and get to know the real Viktor and not his bad-guy persona. The romance develops slowly, but they don't dance around their feelings for long, and their relationship does not feel forced or rushed. I find it funny how Celeste considers herself Amelia’s vampire mother and can't wait to see how all three characters' relationship dynamics develop after the events of this book.

While in this second book, the characters were more complex, there was a more solid plot, and surprising but not overly complicated twists, the pacing was way too fast. Everything happened back to back and many deus ex machina events propelled the story forward. While not unbelievable in the fictional world, the plot felt more like a series of coincidences that resolved what might have been extremely time-consuming problems for the main characters. But once I realized the pattern, I decided to enjoy the story and not overthink it, and “Garden of Mystery and Intrigue” became a quick and fun read. Compared to the first book, the author has developed a lot with her writing, and I am excited to see what the third book in this series holds and how the author continues to improve.

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an arc for this book.

The continuation of Amelia's Journey, and it just keeps getting better.
This book was fast-paced and action-packed. This book definitely keeps your attention throughout.
The writing was perfection. It was very easy to visualize the world and surroundings.

Vampires, werewolves, lycan, witches, found family, and secrets.
And plenty of plot twists. I'm excited about the next instalment.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book one and so was super excited to read book two and OMG it was so good! We carry on with Amelia's journey and it’s fast paced and action packed from start to finish. The author has done an incredible job drawing us in and holding on tight as we jump back on this exciting and thrilling rollercoaster ride. Gripping, suspenseful, twists and turns, this had me on the edge of my seat and blushed to the pages. Witches, vampires, werewolves, secrets, I am loving this series and am excited to read more!

[Alisha Kuliak · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank Madalyn Rae for choosing me as one of her ARC readers.

Wow, what can I say? This author really knows how to keep the readers' attention. This is the 2nd book of the vampires of New Orleans series. This book had me laughing, crying, and yelling out loud!
If you want a fast-paced book that you will be thinking about throughout the day, add this series to your TBR.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garden of Mystery and Intrigue is the second installment of the Vampires of New Orleans series. This fun book containing vampires and werewolves is a fun, easy, short and very entertaining read. I started it thinking I’d have it done by release date, and ended up finishing it in less than a day.

I actually liked book two better than book one, though I did like them both. The story is a little more complex and now I’m excited to see where the story leads next.

If you enjoy quick fantasy reads with great plots that are very enjoyable, this book is for you!

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc. What an amazing second chapter. This book is so well written about vampires and the trouble they endure. I can’t wait to read the next chapter in this series! Wow!

[Laura Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 This book follows Amelia as she navigates her life as a new vampire, fighting an anti-paranormal cult and falling in love. As with the first one, the pacing of this story is all over the place. So much happens page to page, it's like watching a move on fast forward. I wish there was less content and more world building and suspense. Every character seems to always have the solution right away, and the all agree immediately. Amelia is kidnapped, locked in a cell, and immediately trusts her half dead cell mate. Viktor shows up magically, and they escape. No one is even there to make them fight their way out. There are heavy twilight references throughout. All in all, ok. Hoping in the next book, we get to slow down a little.

[Siera Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this book in 48 hours. It was great and kept me enthralled!

[Shawna Reichert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of Mystery and Intrigue by Madalyn Rae completely drew me in—an absolute five-star read. I thought the first book was good, but this one raised the bar even higher. The atmosphere, the pacing, and the character development were all spot on.

If you love New Orleans, vampires, and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages late into the night, this series is for you. Rae captures the dark magic of the city and wraps it in mystery, romance, and just the right amount of danger. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

See more ramblings in my review for book 1.

In this installment, most of the notable, quotable, glaring WTH moments surrounded Celeste.

Similar to Interview with the Vampire and others, turning a child is forbidden in this world. But, Celeste was turned at five years of age.

Explain this to me, please.
2%:

"... you try having a thousand-year-old vampire, trapped in the body of a five-year-old for all eternity, be your maker."

Ok. Got it. Celeste is a 5-year-old who has been a vampire for 1,000 years.

In book 1, Garden of Secret and Shadow, Celeste says to Amelia, “I thought we could build a farm.” She motions toward a box full of wooden blocks and carved farm animals. I rolled with it, thinking this fits with a 5-year-old vampire, assuming that vampire stayed in the mindset of a 5-year-old, never "aging", just living 1,000 years b/c she's a vampire.

Then, in this book (13%), Celeste is more like, “I can decipher the encryption,” Celeste says from another room. I turn, spying my maker peeking around the doorframe. “I took several classes on encryption. I should be able to figure it out.”

When, (34%) Celeste says, “It’s hard being a thousand years old and trapped in a five-year-old body. My brain isn’t five years old.” I'm thinking ... but, weren't you playing with blocks and farm animals? I'm always up for some childlike play time with my niece and nephew, but would a 1,000 vampire, whose "brain isn't five years old" want to? I mean (34%), she has "... three doctoral degrees. One from Harvard, one from Oxford, and one from Tulane.” So, you tell me.

Now, remember how Celeste has been 1,000 years old, up until 81% of this installment, at least. Because at that point, Celeste says, (bigger spoiler ahead, so double blocking, you're welcome) “That’s where you’re wrong, Mother. An immortal child, especially one that’s seven hundred years old, is stronger than you’ll ever be.” So, how old is this girl? 5, 700, 1000????


There are more WTH moments, but I think you get my gist. What's even more frustrating, Celeste is my favorite part of this whole disaster series so far. *mumbles to self* Stop now. Don't continue. Shelve it and move on. *mumbles to self*

[KimMacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of Mystery and Intrigue is the second installment in the Vampires of New Orleans series by Madalyn Rae. In this story, we get to see many of the characters we fell in love with during the first book, Garden of Secret and Shadow.

This is the continuation of Amelia's story. If you read book one, you know that she was turned into a vampire by Celeste. She is still discovering and honing her abilities as a vampire in New Orleans. As she is settling in to her new life, she gets thrust into an investigation to find out why a cult is targeting vampires and werewolves and who their leader is.

This book is action packed with many twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I actually think I enjoyed this one more than the first book. I really enjoyed the growth of Amelia and Viktor as friends throughout this book. There are also so many elements of humor thrown in here that just make you fall even more in love with Celeste and all of the other vampires living in New Orleans. It does end on a mild cliffhanger, but at least the wait for book 3 isn't terribly long!

[Aneka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters staying true to who they are from book 1. Some of the dialogue moved the story along well enough to make me visualize what was happening, however, it didn't completely pull me in like I had hoped. There were moments where I wish something didn't work out for Amelia and there were also times where Amelia came across full of herself. The scene with her teacher (not Ollie) and her thesis. Especially since before and after that moment, the teacher didn't pose a threat. (Maybe he will in book 3).

I did like the investigation, but I felt like something was missing in those moments too. I wanted to be invested with figuring out why certain clues were important and I just didn't get that in this book because it was either discussed in passing, left alone, or resolved entirely too quickly.

The details building the world was good, but I felt like the scenes could use some more ominous layers that add tension for readers to root for those answers we know they're going to get.

[Katie Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

SO much better than the first book. The story is really picking up. I do feel like there’s not a lot of drama, the bad one gets defeated too easily, and everything fits too Perfectly.

I wish we got more back story from Victor. Was Penelope always a monster? Or was it being a vampire that made her lose herself? When V meets up with Amelia he gives a quick rundown of how P told him he was weak and why he left him for Harrison…but I wish that was a convo the audience was privy to because it felt too glossed over when it’s a major plot point. Like why didn’t she just leave Victor? Why fake her own death so dramatically not once but twice? And Harrison knew she was still alive? I just feel like it was so rushed and it created more questions than answers.

I think I’m also confused about the real story of the boys and Penelope. I thought Victor revealed that the true story is Harrison was turned first, he stole Penelope and Celeste and turned them into vamps. But in this book P’s maker is the OG vamp from their village???

[Nicoleta Deca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este o lectură rapidă și distractivă dar deja cam prevedeam ce avea sa se intample. Este interesanta si iti capteaza atentia micuta vampirica Celeste. Desi o copila ca fizic are o maturitate conforma cu anii pe care ii are. Este amuzant cum o copila da sfaturi mult mai bune decat orice alta persona din anturajul Ameliei. Această continuare prezintă povestea de dragoste între Viktor și Amelia. Poveste lor se misca foarte incet din motive de siguranta dar si de neincredere, insa in final este o atractie pe care ei nu o mai pot evita. La un an de cand Amelia afla despre trecutul ei inca are dubii cu cine sa fie prietenoasa si pe cine sa ucida ca sa isi apere viata. Viktor o va ajuta sa isi defineasca cel mai bine sentimentele si situatia in clanul vampirilor. Pentru ca se infiintase un grup care ucidea vampirii Amelia este nevoita sa se infiltreze in acest grup pentru a descoperii cine il finanta si cine dorea sa le faca rau. Lucrurile se complica cand cea mai veche creatoare de vampiri apare in scena si se aliaza cu Lyncani pentru razbunare.

[Nathalie Olofsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored to be an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.

Similar to book one this is a fast-paced read, that takes you from one end to the other in minutes. There are ups and downs and then everything you know is turned on his head. But, I have to say I enjoyed this one better than the first. Especially the banter between Amelia and Victor. 😊

The only downside I feel from a personal perspective is that sometimes it feels like we are jumping a little too fast between things. Which makes the story sometimes feel a little rushed and leaves one wishing for more details. It is a small detail and as I said I do enjoy the story and can’t wait to see what will happen and how the story will be concluded.

[beautiful A Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

High expectations
Garden of Mystery and Intrigue by Madalyn Rae is book two in the Vampires of New Orleans Series. after reading the first book, I was so excited to get my hands on this one. Needless to say you must read book one before digging into this book
This book started of well but I felt like I was transported back into the twilight world , the plot felt rushed I didn’t think this book took a breath and I was waiting for it. Hopefully book 3 redeems itself

[Karis A Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not quite enough

I read the first book. It and the second were a quick read. I liked the setting of New Orleans. But I don’t think I will continue to book 3 and 4. There’s just not enough depth or development of either the plot or the characters. It’s more like reading a conversation between a handful of characters.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

more to come…

The mystery, the mayhem, and the characters are fantastic. I can’t get over how everything just wounds up being suspenseful and I can’t wait to read what happens next. Penelope is a wonderful villain throughout this whole storyline. It is like this puzzle you think you have figured out but then there is more.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was so excited to get Garden of Mystery and Intrigue after reading book 1 of The Vampires of New Orleans. I couldn't put this book down. There were parts that I felt were a little rushed, but it didn't take away from the story. I am so excited to see where book 3 goes from here!

[Juanita Mullens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so unexpected

I'm so mad about Harrison. I love all of the vampires interactions. This is a great book. It's funny, sad, has a lot of action. A little heat.
Great characters. Amelia, Celeste, Viktor, and several more just well worth reading about.

[Brooke Marcel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the addition of Celeste’s character and I liked the growth between Viktor and Amelia. But this one left some unanswered questions with the vigilante group. And, now that Celeste is missing, there is another plot twist to close in the next book.

[Kelsey Smalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sequel

Good sequel although I was annoyed with how abruptly it ended. I'm looking forward to the next books. Thank you

[Stephanie Reicen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read the series, it will not disappoint!

[shannon stratton]

I really enjoyed this book

[Lyndsy Tulppo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Courtney Chappelear · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75- good second book, onto book 3

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is adjusting to her new life as a baby vamp. Her growth from book 1 was well worth the read. Her new life with Viktor and Celeste has helped her to grow into a well discipled newbie vampire.

It seems no matter Amelia's good intentions she always find herself in a sticky situation. Luckily she has Celeste and Viktor to watch her back. As much as I enjoyed this book; Celeste has quickly become my favorite character. Yes, she is an immortal child but she is a force to be reckoned with. When push comes to shove she doesn't hesitate to protect the ones she love and she makes no apology for it. The bond between her, Viktor and Amelia is solid as a rock built upon a strong foundation of respect, loyalty, friendship and love.

When our trio is faced with trauma and heartache from the past as well as trying to figure out who is behind the deadly cult working to rid the world of vampires and werewolves alike they find themselves faced with decisions that may strengthen or tear their little dysfunctional family unit apart.