The Lafitte Affair: A Bruneau Abellard Novel

by Norman Woolworth

When burglars break into Hope Mausoleum and violate Crypt 1083-A, where the remains of the former Girod Street Cemetery are housed, New Orleans property crimes detective Thibodeaux “Bo” Duplessis is confronted with three confounding Who are the burglars? Why did they break into the crypt? What, if anything, did they take?

In need of expertise he does not possess, Bo turns to his childhood friend Bruneau Abellard, a cranky, overweight antiques dealer with exacting epicurean standards and a font of historical knowledge. Affecting annoyance, though privately intrigued, Bruneau agrees to assist with Bo’s case. Together, the friends uncover a secret love affair between a famous antebellum actress, whose remains are contained in the crypt, and the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. As their investigation deepens, they find themselves confronting two separate yet entwined mysteries, two hundred years apart. To solve the present-day crime, they come to realize they must first unravel a conundrum from the distant, murky past.

Set against the singular backdrop of contemporary New Orleans, with glimpses of the city during its “Belle Epoque” of the 1820s, The Lafitte Affair is populated with characters as eccentric as the city a grand dame of the Garden District; a competitive female puzzler; a slippery con man; a giant hermit with a shrouded past; a pugnacious French bulldog; and a phantom thief who seems always two steps ahead of his pursuers. Looming over them all is the ghostly presence of the pirate Lafitte, a larger-than-life figure of seemingly endless contradictions.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

The Bolden Cylinder is the second novel in author Norman Woolworth’s Bruneau Abellard series. His first book, The Lafitte Affair, was a Kirkus Reviews 2024 “Best of Indie” selection. Woolworth is a retired corporate executive who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife Lori and their dog Nola. A father of three grown children and now a grandfather, Woolworth is a graduate of Tulane University and holds a M.A. in English Literature from the University of Virginia.

Reviews

[Deirdre Megan Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was so good. A journey to discover truth, there are twists and turns and moments where you gasp. This was my first novel by this author and I can’t wait to read more. The intrigue was there and it gave me everything I needed in a historical thriller.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting historical mystery that takes place in New Orleans. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique characters, the setting, and the food (!). Woolworth spins an intriguing modern-day tale, interspersed with fictional letters and correspondence from the past. For me, the book did not flow well – seemed to be a sequence of scenes as if I was watching a TV show, rather than an engrossing story. And I really didn’t like the ending or feel it was true to the characters. Thank you to the BookClub Cookbook for the galley to review! I would be interested if Bru and Bo team up for more mysteries in the future. My guess is that Woolworth’s writings will continue to improve.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @getredprbooks, @levelbestbooks and the author, @uwoolnx56 for the gifted book.

I love historical fiction and this one was an absolute gem. Set in both present-day and 1820s New Orleans, it follows the efforts of a detective and his childhood friend, an antiques dealer, to unravel a puzzling crime involving a 19th-century actress's grave.

The narrative immerses readers into a riveting tale of grave robbing, romance, pirates, diamonds, and mystery. The character of Bruneau Abellard shines brightly, with his intriguing combination of stuffiness, intelligence, passion for history, love of food, and engaging personality. The supporting cast is equally captivating, each playing a role in solving the mystery. The letters exchanged between Jane and her sister provide a beautiful backdrop to the love story. The mix of history and fiction was just perfect.

If you're a fan of mystery novels, this one should be at the top of your reading list! This book is available now.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lafitte affair
Some mysteries are unique unto themselves as you’ll learn when you take many journeys back in time to the middle 1800’s and get introduced to the history of New Orleans and two two people an actress of great renown Jane Placide and an infamous pirate Jean LaFitte. The story takes us deep inside a mausoleum where a group of thieves broke into the Hope Mausoleum and violated a crypt where the thieves hoped to get some valuable remains if the Girod Street cemetery, New Orleans property detective who I think is amazing, Bo for short wants to find out more about who was buried there and turns to antique dealer Bruneau and his outstanding research ability uncovering information about Placide and LaFitte. Did Jane and Jean have a secret love affair? Would she stand a chance with him?


The story envelopes their past histories making readers delve along with our two main characters into the history of both Jane and Jean and their relationship plus that of who are bringing more information to light.
Jane and Jean’s lives are researched and the Chris is a great source as he uncovers three similar such thefts into a mosque, villa and private estate. To uncover what read chapter 6 you’ll be glued after that to learn more.


The research Bru does and the dangers he incurred bring him to the attention of Bo and his friend Salle who is able to create documents he needs to further the investigation. Plus a visit to someone named Prosper Fortune who creates a scene right out of a horror movie. When you see what happens to Bruneau and learn his take on whether there is a treasure map or treasure that is hidden somewhere and this man claims to be related to LaFitte.

Then we reflect on a mother daughter team and her friend Phillip and Bruneau reflects and tells Bo about the images taken that Salle located with LaFiitte’s signature. Lafitte they say changes his name to Lorenzo Ferrer moving around Mississippi speculating land and slaves. They even turned up primary source materials and a fractious meeting between Ferrer and Bonapartist. The rest of page 75!is enlightening. Pages 100-101 where Salle does he recounting of Bruneau and Prospers meeting.

Each scene brings both speakers into new territory and although Beau is hurt and now upgraded in his status you hear Bo and his wife argue and outline their thoughts. Then the source in the police department tells Bo his thoughts about how he thinks it all came about.

The author allows readers to help solve a 200 years apart mystery but not before unraveling the past.
The thief called Omar and a tenant of Charlotte and part one ends with much more to come since Omar has disappeared and updates are given just where will this wind up?
Jane, Jean and a grand dame, female puzzler and slippery con man and a cool dog named Hugo won’t times steals the show plus a thief and a man named Prosper who has a shady past and present.

Getting to know Prosper and an article about a gem that will create more speculations about what might have been stolen from the mausoleum.
Then watching the case or theft not classified as more than breaking and entering we wonder what Rodiger uncovers about how one of the French Crown Jewels shows up at the estate of Napoleon’s brother used to own in New Jersey: as the connections to Joseph Bonaparte are made did he have a treasure map and just how much was the gem worth?
In her journal calls her La Violette . He says she’s magique and much more.

The events turn back to La Violette and what really is and how Jane never wire it in public but how did a maintenance worker find the jeweller and where is it now and what about the huge amounts of money ?

What about the name of the shop where Omar worked the hidden gem?
It’s getting more intricate and just how will the past and present link to solve all the mysteries plus the painting stolen that has a definite place in this mystery and more about Omar.
Then we meet Caroline who is the sister of Jane through the letters

The entanglements the deceptions and the interwoven pasts and presents as the author keeps us in total suspense longer.
Then a visit to a jewelry store and and an interrogation or questioning of the man who found the diamond we get a whole other perspective and then who is Shirley Hunter and is she the sister of Charlotte Duval and what documents did she get?
When a hidden revelation comes to pass and they learn the names of the thieves and how the plot was orchestrated you won’t believe that the person or persons were right in front of them and that the truth behind one leads back to someone in the past. The author ties up who Lafitte was and how he came to be so close to Jane and the link to the diamond in her life and why the mausoleum was broken into and with the research done by Rodiger you won’t believe the truth until you hear it and see the final scenes evolve.
As the pieces unfold and just what is the truth behind the gem , Bo has a decision to make and the final scenes will make you wonder when the truth about the gem
is revealed will Bo and Bruneau stay friends or what is revealed in the final scenes change it all? An ending that makes you wonder if reporting the truth about the thief and what was returned or doing what would help Jane rest in peace.

Fran Lewis just reviews

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside Hope Mausoleum, in old New Orleans, burglars have broken into a crypt. Who were the violators, and what, if anything, did they steal? Detective “Bo,” Thibodeaux Duplessis is in charge of the investigation, but he needs help. He calls his long-time friend Bru (Bruneau Abellard). What a hilarious character—an obtuse and overweight antiques specialist with a wealth of historical knowledge.

The two uncover a secret love affair between a former famous actress and the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. The story is imaginative and highly entertaining. I loved the author’s writing style and quick wit. The narrative is tight and clean, and the story held me from the very first page. For mystery lovers, this book is the perfect read. This would make a great movie!

[Stacey Mckeogh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave robbing, diamonds, pirates, a love affair and a great 'whodunnit'. This is such a great book! Written over dual timelines, present day and 18th Century New Orleans, this is a clever detective story and a great historical fiction. Well researched with lots of historical information that is convincingly written into the story.
I really enjoyed learning about the main characters lives as well, this is not just a mystery story but a well rounded character driven fiction.

[Morgan McCord · Rating 4 out of 5]

*my reviews are for my personal record*

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway — thanks!!

A historical mystery set in New Orleans.

I enjoyed learning about the historical figure, Jean Lafitte (formerly unknown to me), and it seemed to me that the fictional mystery was well woven with actual historical elements

And I ESPECIALLY enjoyed the various meals described in the novel.. I would love to have Bruneau's diet.. 🤤🍽

[Shelly Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. I love a good Historical Fiction mystery novel. I recommend the book as it is a page turner.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and author Norman Woolworth for providing me with an advanced reader Kindle copy of this fictional account of the breaking and entering and possible taking of property from a casket within Crypt 1083-A of the Hope Mausoleum located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Because of the nature of the crime, Detective Thibodeaux Duplessis (referred to as Bo) of the New Orleans Police Department, Property Crimes Section is assigned the case. Bo enlists the assistance of his childhood friend and antiques store owner, Bruneau Abellard (referred to as Bru), to assist with the investigation as the casket that was breached belonged to Jane Placide, a leading stage actress of the antebellum south in the 1820s and early 1830s, so any items that may have been removed from the casket could have significant historical value. Who broke into Jane’s casket and why? Was anything of value taken from the casket?

The story alternates between (i) an investigation in present day New Orleans told alternatively by Bo and Bru in the first person and (ii) the recounting of interactions that Jane had with her contemporaries in 1820s and 1830s New Orleans told primarily through flashbacks and letters written by Jane to her sister Caroline. By following standard police procedure, by reviewing family trees, by researching the history of New Orleans at the time Jane was alive, and by focusing upon Jane’s relationships, Bo and Bru develop theories about what happened and who may be responsible for the crimes.

This is Woolworth’s debut novel, and there is much to like about it. First, this novel is character driven with most of the characters having eccentric personalities. Each of Bo and Bru has a good sense of humor that keeps the story light at times. The other characters that Bo and Bru associate with during the course of their investigation such as Prosper Fortune (an enigmatic character who lives alone on Grand Isle but is very knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans), Sallie Maguire (the somewhat reluctant girlfriend of Bru), Charlotte Duval (a wealthy but lonely widowed socialite of the city), Phillip Boyer (an acquittance of Charlotte, who may have an angle), Omar (hairdresser to Charlotte and Sallie), and Rene “Fancy” Rigard (an expert in the history of jewelry) are all colorful characters. Second, the city of New Orleans is depicted well in this novel. Movie lovers often say that the 1979 film “Manhattan” was director Woody Allen’s love letter to New York. This novel is Woolworth’s love letter to New Orleans with its vivid descriptions of the city and a recitation of the history of the city from the turn of the nineteenth century to the early 1830s. The characters in the historical storyline such as Jean Lafitte (a pirate, smuggler, slave trader, and participant in the Battle of New Orleans), James Caldwell (the person who brought English language theater to New Orleans and Jane’s “protector”), Edward Livingston (Andrew Jackson’s Secretary of State, senator from Louisiana, and a confidant of Jane near the end of her life), and Caroline (Jane’s sister) help to bring that period of New Orleans to life. Third, food lovers will enjoy this novel as there are ample descriptions of food and beverages throughout the novel. It may be tacky, but Woolworth may want to include recipes of the various food options in future novels so readers can enjoy the food along with the characters. Fourth, the descriptions of modern police investigative techniques, particularly the process of using technology and analytics by Bo and his team to decipher the words on eighteen seemingly blank pieces of paper found in Jane’s casket, were fascinating.

There were just a couple of weaknesses in the novel. First, there often were not smooth transitions from the present to the historical storyline. Rather, the transitions were often abrupt. Second, though the ending was well intentioned, it seemed contrived and unrealistic. In all, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to future works by Woolworth.

[Jeff Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lafitte Affair is a wonderful novel - a real page turner that is filled with colorful characters set in different time periods around New Orleans.
The author weaves these dual mysteries beautifully with the combination of fictional and historical characters. The plot is really captivating to the very end. I highly recommend this book!

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most New Orleans book I’ve ever read, and I do mean that in a good way. As a local reading this, it’s obvious that the author has lived here and enjoyed his time here as there are navigations and random locations that are not tourist go-to’s and really only someone who lives here would be aware of. I very much enjoyed this aspect, as it really helped me visualize “the scene”.
I also really enjoyed the history lesson; it’s probably blasphemy being from New Orleans and not knowing much about Jean Lafitte outside of the name, but hi, it’s me. I know some of the story is a fictional take, but it was still intriguing to learn. I found myself enraptured in the mystery and enjoyed the blend of modern time with 200 years ago through the letters and just unraveling the mystery. New Orleans is very much a city lost to time; here it doesn’t feel like the current age, and that really shined through in this book I think.

Thank you Get Red PR for the book!

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up reading modern detective fiction - well, all modern books actually - some time ago, and having read this one I remember why. The story was actually rather interesting and would have been quite good but for the characters. The main characters were, to a man, the quite unpleasant people to read about. None of their personalities made me want to read about them and know them more intimately, and this ultimately made for an uncomfortable read.

The worst of them was Sally Maguire. Was there ever a more unlikeable character? She was domineering, overbearing and self-righteous, and I found myself saying that Bruneau had had a narrow escape when their relationship fizzled out. Unfortunately for him, they got back together and no sooner than they do so, then she begins taking over his nicely solitary life, and begins telling him what to do, how to live and even what to think. I live the single - but by no means lonely - life that Bruneau enjoyed before Sally Maguire, and I know I would have hated that. Angie and Sally's almost histrionic over-reaction when Bruneau gets hurt while investigating is very stereotypical. Women do not behave that way in reality. We are more likely to shrug our shoulders and say ' well, you asked for it, a~#hole'. I found Duplesiss' constant attitude of cynical sarcasm difficult to stomach. I hate that kind of behaviour in anyone so it made reading his scenes very difficult since it seemed to be his regular manner, and he never seemed to switch it off. His unnecessary hectoring of rookie Rodgier was especially difficult to read, since this was borderline bullying behaviour, and was totally unwarranted.

Hearing the police chief's derogatory speech regarding various individuals, such as calling Sally Maguire a bimbo for absolutely no reason at all beyond the fact that she is a woman, not to mention the offensive way he referred to her relationship with Bruneau is something that I can't read and won't read. I will not read another of these books because I cannot bear this sort of thing. Such derogatory speech against women is something that, had this book been written 100 years ago - even 50 or 60 years ago - I would have accepted as being just how things were at the time and been comlacent in the knowledge that we are much more enlightened nowadays. However, this book is contemporary and to see that people are still speaking in such a way and it is not called out just goes to show that we are not so enlightend as we think. Many's the time I have seen apologies written in forewords of books written decades ago saying that the views expressed are not endorsed by the publisher and that readers should make allowances for the views and attititudes of the times. What is the excuse for this book, then? I thought that in this modern age we knew better. Apparently not.

Come to think of it, whe WAS this book written? When he uses the term 'serendipidous' Bo tells the enterprising Rodier that he would have to start speaking like a cop if he was to get anywhere around there. What a cliched and outdated attitude. This sort of thing is what I often see in the historical books I usually read, but to see it in such modern book just goes to show that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

All in all, I cannot say I enjoyed this book. The book was very long and the story moved along very slowly. I actutally spotted the villan very shortly after he entered the scene, and I was surprised that it took the others as long as it did to work it out for themselves. The characters were an awful group of people. They were supposed to be friends but all they seemed to do was snipe and carp at each other. There seemed to be very few friendly exchanges, even between the two central couples. They all seek to control each other and all they seem to do is baton on each other's negative points instead of just accepting each other for who they are, and getting on as friends. So much dischord is very uncomfortable to read. This group of characters seem to revel in scoring off the discomfort of others. Angie's behaviour towards her husband in forcing him - in front of others - to acknowledge what she thinks is his mishandling of the case. Who is the detective - him or her? I have seldom read a more selfish, self-opinionated, bombastic group of characters and they ruined what for me could have been an interesting book.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

362 pages

3 and 1 / 2 stars

Three mysterious persons break into a mausoleum. Did they take anything? Who were they? The case is assigned to the property crimes detective. He contacts his good friend, an antiques dealer, to get some background on the early 1820’s crypt.

The friends soon uncover an affair between the owner of the broken into crypt who was a very famous actress and the notorious New Orleans pirate, Jean Lafitte. Believing this to be an important clue as to why the actress’ crypt was robbed, the two friends have a two hundred year-old mystery on their hands.

I had heard the name of Jean Lafitte in passing, but did not know his real history, or even that he visited New Orleans. This book captures the city so well. I could envision myself there in the 1820’s as well as the present day. I have had friends visit the city and they describe it like no other place. I’d love to go.

This book has a slow start, but it does pick up. I enjoyed it. The descriptions are very good, of the people and the scenery.

I want to thank NetGalley and Level Best Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Caitlin Horst · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

Thank you @uwoolnx56 , @levelbestbooks and @getredprbooks for a copy of Lafitte Affair.

✨my thought;✨

Historical fiction books usually aren’t my forte but I wanted to give this book a chance and I’m glad I did! This was easily a five star read for me! The book takes you in a journey to discover truths, with twists and turns and oh shock moments. Also when I saw it was based in New Orleans it had me sold. It follows a detective who enlists his friends to solve a very old and very unique mystery. The author doesn’t fail on writing as much detail as possible that you feel as if you’re in the story with them. Bru, who is Bo’s childhood friend, is a huge foodie too, so not only do we get a mystery but so much detail you’ll want to go to New Orleans just to eat.

I’m blown away with how well Norman wrote the novel. It was to the point I couldn’t put this book down until the very end. It’s intriguing, passionate, and with the twists keeps you guessing and wanting more and more. I recommend this book if you love historical thrillers with mystery and crime solving. I can’t wait to read more from Norman.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lafitte Affair
A Bruneau Abellard Novel
Norman Woolworth
August 20, 2024
Level Best Books

The Lafitte Affair is engaging; full of details so clear you can see and smell the city of New Orleans steeped in history, grandeur and secrets. Detective Thibodeaux “Bo” Duplessis has come upon a crime that is a puzzle so difficult he calls upon his childhood friend Bruneau Abellard, an antiques dealer who loves history and the great city of New Orleans.

Bo and Bruneau, the fantastic amateur sleuth duo, are tasked with figuring out who broke into the Hope Mausoleum and disturbed the sanctity of Crypt 1083-A. The characters and the life that the characters bring into this book just kept me reading way past my bedtime. The banter between Sallie and Bruneau was quite hilarious. Let’s not forget to mention the ghost of pirate Jean Lafitte!

This book just has everything that I want in a historical mystery. Friends, foes, laughter, frustrations, diamonds, secrets and maybe a little voodoo. Sprinkle in some Moroccan mythology and a LOT of food and you have one of the most enjoyable reads of the year. The amount of research that our author, Norman Woolworth, did for this book that covers a 200 year time period blows my mind. One of my favorite things to do when getting into a historical mystery is go to those locations and dig a little myself and I cannot wait to get back The Crescent City and have another adventure.

[David Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m generally not a fan of books that jump around in time…this book was an exception. In a story that begins in New Orleans of the 1820s, the pirate Jean Lafitte has a romantic intrigue with a beautiful young actress. Following her early death in an era when there were no antibiotics available, the young woman was buried with a mysterious box given to her by the famous privateer. When her grave is broken into nearly 200-years later in the 21st century, Detective Bo Duplessis asks for help from his friend, antique dealer Bru Abellard. While the two men split much of the narration, the overweight, lumbering, reflective Bru is by far the more interesting of the two protagonists.

The novel is well written with dry humor and unexpected turns…including a romantic encounter for the shy, introspective Bru. All in all, it was an interesting story; however, as the author had a tendency to retell nearly every important observation completely over again in the following chapter, I knocked my review down to four stars. In this regard, as much as I enjoyed the book, its 374-pages would have been much even better if it had been edited down to a svelte 300-pages.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book engaged me from the start. New Orleans is the perfect setting for this modern day crime rooted to the past. The crime, the breaking in to a grave of an actress from the 1800's, could have been written off by the police as unimportant but the detective, Bo Duplessis consulted a friend, antiques dealer Bruneau (Bru) Abellard to learn about the actress. Ties between Jane Placide, the actress, and the pirate, Jean Lafitte are discovered and Bru is hooked on learning more. With every discovery by Bru and his friends the more questions there are. What secrets were hidden in the grave? The cast of characters are quirky and interesting and their relationships with each other add depth to the story. I loved the historical research and problem solving involved in figuring out this mystery. There was so much to love and I hope there are more books with these characters. I highly recommend this book to readers of mysteries or historical fiction.

[Mario Mirabelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical mystery story about an a one of its kind diamond and how it came to rest in some grass in NJ. The cast of characters in this book runs the gamut from "small" to giant men, the intelligensia of New Orleans, a pirate captain from the 1800's and two childhood friends just to name a few. Bo and Bru grew up next door to each other in New Orleans, their fathers worked together and mothers were friendly. Bo is african american, athletic and well liked by all. Bru is white, nerdy and a know it all. Bo has always been Bru's unofficial protector throughout their childhood and high school years. Fast forward twenty years, and Bo is a detective for NOPD and Bru is a classic furniture dealer in NO. On occasion, Bo has used Bru's expertise t o solve cases. Now, a above ground crypt is broken into and only one coffin is disturbed which has a famous actress from the 1820's in it. Bo looks to Bru for some background and hijinks ensue. Enjoy.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't stop flipping the pages while reading this historical mystery. Set in New Orleans in dual timelines(present and 1820s), a detective and his antiques dealer childhood friend look out to solve a crime. Who would break into a Mausoleum and why?⁣
⁣
This is a book that will keep you intrigued and on your toes. The author did a great job of making New Orleans come to life in different time periods. It's so cool to see the connection between a famous actress and an infamous pirate/con man and how Detective Bo and Bru have to figure out clues and secret messages to understand why that connection is paramount to understanding the why behind the crime.⁣
⁣
It was my first time reading author Norman Woolworth, and I want more!!⁣
⁣
If you enjoy a whodunnit mystery, then you should give this book a try!⁣

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Lafitte Affair" by Norman Woolworth is an exciting journey into the dark world of piracy, intrigue, and devotion in the early nineteenth century. The novel paints a vivid portrayal of Jean Lafitte straddling a fine line between crime and valor, prompting readers to reconsider their moral ideals. Woolworth's storytelling is sharp, and the historical research enhances the drama, bringing the era to life in astonishing detail. The characters are well developed, particularly Lafitte, who comes across as both attractive and intriguing. Woolworth's portrayal of Lafitte as both a legend and a man adds an intriguing layer to the plot, keeping it engaging throughout. Readers who appreciate adventure, history, and moral complexity will find "The Lafitte Affair" to be a compelling read.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! I loved following Bru’s journey as he solves a thrilling mystery. Norman Woolworth is a talented writer who develops a cast of interesting and fun characters. He takes the reader for a ride filled with imagery of New Orleans’ fine cuisine and antique furniture. It was a true joy to read such an intriguing historical romance. I’d recommend this book to anyone! Can’t wait for #2 to come out!!

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I really loved this book! It was so good and I was totally surprised by it all. It was such a fun and entertaining read. It’s a historical mystery with a dual timeline. The story line was so good it’s all about a New Orleans detective who enlists the help of his close friend who is an antiques dealer. Together they try to solve a very unique and very old mystery. The story was so full of rich history and details that really drew me in from start to finish.

Also, the food! This one also takes place in New Orleans and the main character is a bit of a foodie. The meals had in the book all sounded so good and delectable, this one really made me hungry. It also increased my desire to go to New Orleans! The author wrote the city so well into the book. I got such a good feel for it and I like it!

No spice or swears

Thank you to the author Norman Woolworth and Get Red PR for the advanced copy of the book!

[Amanda Huffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries & secret love affairs with dual timelines set in New Orleans in present day and the 1820s. Woolworth takes readers on a wild journey of two best friends who are determined to solve a crime. They uncover eccentric tales of lovers from the past and lead the way through historical New Orleans as the evidence unfolds. This historical fiction feels authentic and artistic with such a fun twist on mysterious love affairs.

[Riss 🫶🏻☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lafitte Affair is a historical mystery that takes place in New Orleans. I’m always in the mood for a mystery story, especially when it’s solved throughout the book. This one does not disappoint! There is grave robbing, pirates, romance, and more through the dual timelines. From the 18th century to present day, I enjoyed being brought back and forth. I can tell that this story was well researched with how much detail there is, I know others will appreciate it as well!

[Dawn (noladawnreads)]

While I found the concept interesting I think the writing was off. It felt very highbrow and even at 35% in most of the story was about the food the MC ate rather than the actual mystery. I’m a New Orleanian and was really looking forward to reading about this chapter in history but it just didn’t hold up.
DNF

[Eliese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical fiction/mystery. Makes me want to take a deeper dive into Lafitte and New Orleans history. It did take me a little time to get used to the shifting perspectives in the book. I will definitely be on the lookout for another book with these characters.

I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Karen Tripson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story!

I Loved all the characters, none you’ve ever met before. Bruneau Abellard is my new favorite sleuth dashing forward from his antique store in New Orleans to do right by people while not missing a good meal, glass of wine, or ever ignoring his dog Hugo’s intuition. The city is a good character too. Abellard has all the talents needed to helm a long series of books.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me a perfect read. Some great characters, some facts and history I didn't know, an insider's view at NOLA and a mystery that pulled me in and kept me guessing. A great first entry and I for one look forward to more.

[Magdalena Tosteson · Rating 5 out of 5]

vive laffite

very well written and studied book! definitely great fun to read and to learn. wonderfully described characters as well. for those of us inclined to historical novels…. so worth it!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and I flew through it. The amount of times I groaned at soooo many character descriptions and bits of dialog was overwhelming. This feels incredibly harsh, and maybe it is, but it read like a great story written by a HSer.