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Smoke in the Cypress: A Napoleonic Officer in New Orleans
A veteran of the Napoleonic Wars must travel from France to Louisiana to rescue a young noblewoman, but he is quickly ensnared in a complex web of intrigue and violence.
As the War of 1812 rages, Marcel Moreau, wounded in service with Napoleon’s Grand Armée, must journey to New Orleans to find Celeste de Beaumais, a young aristocrat who has fled her family and has settled herself on a sprawling Louisiana plantation. Standing in Moreau's way are various factions in and around the city—soldiers, slave hunters, marooned slaves, and Baratarian pirates—all of whom have their own interests, and enemies. As he ventures deeper into the city and the vast cypress swamps beyond, Moreau will find that circumstances are much more complex—and dangerous—than he could have imagined.
Meanwhile, a massive English fleet looms on the horizon, causing panic in New Orleans and desperation from the outgunned and outnumbered Louisiana militia. Hoping to benefit from his years of experience with Napoleon’s Grande Armée, these French-speaking creole farmers and townsfolk, and their American allies, enlist Moreau to help train them for the coming fight. As he does what he can to help this motley fighting force—led by General Andrew Jackson and bolstered by Jean Lafitte's Baratarian pirates—Moreau soon comes up against another enemy. With the city's eyes on the battlefield, a ruthless plantation master plots his own designs. But those who've escaped his clutches have no plans to return to a life in chains, and Moreau must decide where his experience and instincts must be put to the best use.
As the War of 1812 rages, Marcel Moreau, wounded in service with Napoleon’s Grand Armée, must journey to New Orleans to find Celeste de Beaumais, a young aristocrat who has fled her family and has settled herself on a sprawling Louisiana plantation. Standing in Moreau's way are various factions in and around the city—soldiers, slave hunters, marooned slaves, and Baratarian pirates—all of whom have their own interests, and enemies. As he ventures deeper into the city and the vast cypress swamps beyond, Moreau will find that circumstances are much more complex—and dangerous—than he could have imagined.
Meanwhile, a massive English fleet looms on the horizon, causing panic in New Orleans and desperation from the outgunned and outnumbered Louisiana militia. Hoping to benefit from his years of experience with Napoleon’s Grande Armée, these French-speaking creole farmers and townsfolk, and their American allies, enlist Moreau to help train them for the coming fight. As he does what he can to help this motley fighting force—led by General Andrew Jackson and bolstered by Jean Lafitte's Baratarian pirates—Moreau soon comes up against another enemy. With the city's eyes on the battlefield, a ruthless plantation master plots his own designs. But those who've escaped his clutches have no plans to return to a life in chains, and Moreau must decide where his experience and instincts must be put to the best use.
448 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
11 people are currently reading
5143 people want to read
About the author
Owen Pataki
3 books41 followersOwen Pataki graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a degree in history. In 2011, Owen joined the Army and in 2014 was deployed to Afghanistan, serving with the 10th Mountain Division. Following his military service, he attended the MetFilm School in London. His first novel, 'Where the Light Falls', was published in 2017. 'Searchers in Winter' was published in 2021. 'Smoke in the Cypress' is his third novel. Owen now lives in New York where he is working as a screenwriter and filmmaker.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 5, 2025
SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS: A Napoleonic Officer in New Orleans is a well-written historical novel – ending with a surprising and suspenseful plot twist – about New Orleans, during the two months leading up to the War of 1812’s decisive Battle of New Orleans. I imagine many readers with more interest in military history, who better tolerate brutality and murder will inhale this novel. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t a good match for me. Awarded four stars on Goodreads because of the author’s execution, but my personal rating reflecting my own experience would more likely be three stars.
The story centers around the fictional character of Marcel Moreau (NOT the Belgian writer), a Frenchman wounded during the Napoleonic Wars who now finds himself headed to New Orleans on a time-sensitive mission. A aristocratic French family has hired Moreau to find their missing daughter, Celeste de Beaumais, who wanted to escape the violent aftermath of the French Revolution for a new life across the ocean. The time sensitive pressure comes from the fact that Moreau owes a former employer a lot of money and finding Celeste will earn him enough to pay off those debts. Otherwise, he’ll be murdered.
When Moreau reaches New Orleans he finds a world of uncertainty and drama. Soldiers representing different factions struggle to work cooperatively to win a war. Brutalized enslaved people are terrified by slave masters and slave hunters. There are lawless pirates based in nearby Barataria Bay, under the leadership of the famous Jean Lafitte (1780-1823). Not to mention alligator-infested swamps, strange fevers, stolen jewels, women held hostage, angry plantation owners, mysterious Creole culture and, of course, voodoo. And all of these people are facing the imminent arrival of a much larger English fleet.
Many of the characters are taken from history, most notably General Andrew Jackson (the future president on the 20-dollar bill) who’s running the military show. You may find you’ll want to read up on the Battle of New Orleans after finishing this book, to learn more about who did what to whom.
So then how come, with a promising plot and a reader who’s a lifelong fan of historical fiction, was I not enthralled? I think it was too MALE for me! Soldiers and officers threatening one another and posturing to prove their worth. Men choosing violence and murder to solve every problem. And way too much military-related information about way too many knives, guns and skirmishes. And, while I readily admit I have a keen interest in both world wars, I confess I do not have much in the War of 1812.
I hope I’ve provided enough information so that you can decide whether you’re one who’s likely to enjoy SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS. Or, like me, one who will now happily move on.
The story centers around the fictional character of Marcel Moreau (NOT the Belgian writer), a Frenchman wounded during the Napoleonic Wars who now finds himself headed to New Orleans on a time-sensitive mission. A aristocratic French family has hired Moreau to find their missing daughter, Celeste de Beaumais, who wanted to escape the violent aftermath of the French Revolution for a new life across the ocean. The time sensitive pressure comes from the fact that Moreau owes a former employer a lot of money and finding Celeste will earn him enough to pay off those debts. Otherwise, he’ll be murdered.
When Moreau reaches New Orleans he finds a world of uncertainty and drama. Soldiers representing different factions struggle to work cooperatively to win a war. Brutalized enslaved people are terrified by slave masters and slave hunters. There are lawless pirates based in nearby Barataria Bay, under the leadership of the famous Jean Lafitte (1780-1823). Not to mention alligator-infested swamps, strange fevers, stolen jewels, women held hostage, angry plantation owners, mysterious Creole culture and, of course, voodoo. And all of these people are facing the imminent arrival of a much larger English fleet.
Many of the characters are taken from history, most notably General Andrew Jackson (the future president on the 20-dollar bill) who’s running the military show. You may find you’ll want to read up on the Battle of New Orleans after finishing this book, to learn more about who did what to whom.
So then how come, with a promising plot and a reader who’s a lifelong fan of historical fiction, was I not enthralled? I think it was too MALE for me! Soldiers and officers threatening one another and posturing to prove their worth. Men choosing violence and murder to solve every problem. And way too much military-related information about way too many knives, guns and skirmishes. And, while I readily admit I have a keen interest in both world wars, I confess I do not have much in the War of 1812.
I hope I’ve provided enough information so that you can decide whether you’re one who’s likely to enjoy SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS. Or, like me, one who will now happily move on.
August 6, 2025
Having won this book through the goodreads giveaway (I never win anything!) and being a history buff from Louisiana, I was very excited for what this book may hold - and I have to say, Pataki delivered on the potential the book's premise held.
This book plunges you into early 1800s New Orleans with great detail and a well rounded cast of characters through the eyes of an unlikely hero. Moreau is complex character bound by duty and weighed down by the guilt of his past. With the heart of a soldier and the deep desire to do right by those he reluctantly becomes bound to, Moreau grapples with his growing obligations and the mission he sailed to New Orleans to accomplish in the first place. Moreau's cocky attitude, ingrained honor and lust for battle makes for a unique perspective to view the captivating landscape that is New Orleans in the midst of the war of 1812.
Although the inclusion of some historical figures can at times feel a bit hamfisted, this novel does a great job at providing insight into the great gumbo pot that New Orleans is and the amount of turmoil and uncertainty that it was under during the infancy of the United States. The balance of our character's personal conflict, the story's historical accuracy and it's well-researched/fleshed out environments culminate in a widely entertaining (at times sobering) adventure. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history (especially Louisiana and American) or just loves a good adventure story of redemption.
This book plunges you into early 1800s New Orleans with great detail and a well rounded cast of characters through the eyes of an unlikely hero. Moreau is complex character bound by duty and weighed down by the guilt of his past. With the heart of a soldier and the deep desire to do right by those he reluctantly becomes bound to, Moreau grapples with his growing obligations and the mission he sailed to New Orleans to accomplish in the first place. Moreau's cocky attitude, ingrained honor and lust for battle makes for a unique perspective to view the captivating landscape that is New Orleans in the midst of the war of 1812.
Although the inclusion of some historical figures can at times feel a bit hamfisted, this novel does a great job at providing insight into the great gumbo pot that New Orleans is and the amount of turmoil and uncertainty that it was under during the infancy of the United States. The balance of our character's personal conflict, the story's historical accuracy and it's well-researched/fleshed out environments culminate in a widely entertaining (at times sobering) adventure. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history (especially Louisiana and American) or just loves a good adventure story of redemption.
August 4, 2025
I’ve always loved history.📘
One part I’ve never known much about is Louisiana’s history. I visited once many years ago, and I knew about the Louisiana purchase and the French infusion, but as someone that visits Paris often and likes reading about Napoleon, I’ve always meant to read more about it, but never did. Until now when I found the perfect book!
Smoke in the Cypress is just everything you want in historical fiction. This feels like you’re watching a movie while reading a book. Set during the war of 1812, it dives deeply into the daily lives of the people truly affected at this time. The characters are alive and emotional and you are right there with them the entire time.
I highly recommend this book, even if you’re not a fan of historical fiction, you will find this is a page turner!
One part I’ve never known much about is Louisiana’s history. I visited once many years ago, and I knew about the Louisiana purchase and the French infusion, but as someone that visits Paris often and likes reading about Napoleon, I’ve always meant to read more about it, but never did. Until now when I found the perfect book!
Smoke in the Cypress is just everything you want in historical fiction. This feels like you’re watching a movie while reading a book. Set during the war of 1812, it dives deeply into the daily lives of the people truly affected at this time. The characters are alive and emotional and you are right there with them the entire time.
I highly recommend this book, even if you’re not a fan of historical fiction, you will find this is a page turner!
July 21, 2025
What little I know about war history comes from the Hamilton play:-p but I was excited to win this book. The cover is gorgeous. The story really drew me in. Great characters, heroes and villains. Felt like I was actually there in New Orleans in 1812:-) I'll be looking out for more books by Owen. Thanks for the free print copy of the book! 4.5 stars
June 20, 2025
SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS, I found very interesting. At first when reading the first two chapters, I was not interested and I felt like it was going to be more about history and no action or romance. The setting is in New Orleans during the time of slavery. As I kept reading, I found the main character Marcel/Lenoir Moreau very intriguing. He kept putting himself in very life threatening positions just to find Celeste who he does not even know just because her parents want her back. At first, I saw him as a fool, but as I kept reading I found his determination and his love for Will truly amazing. When Will died it truly broke my heart, the brotherhood and love that transpired towards the end was great and they both needed each other to truly survive the many horrors they encountered. Truly amazing book, full of action and heart break. I definitely recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2025
Smoke in the Cypress is a well-researched, immersive historical novel set in the months leading up to the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. It follows Marcel Moreau, a wounded veteran of Napoleon’s Grand Armée, who travels to the Louisiana Territory to locate a missing French noblewoman. What begins as a mission driven by desperation—Moreau needs the reward money to pay off a dangerous debt—quickly becomes entangled in a volatile mix of politics, warfare, cultural collision, and moral complexity.
The author excels at setting the scene. You can almost feel the heat and humidity of New Orleans, the tension in the air, and the weight of history pressing in from every side. The backdrop of early 19th-century Louisiana is richly rendered: the Creole elite, enslaved communities on the brink of rebellion, Barataria pirates under Jean Lafitte, and the looming threat of a British invasion. It’s all woven together with careful detail and a clear command of the era.
Historical figures like General Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte play significant roles, but the heart of the novel remains fictional—Moreau’s journey through the city’s treacherous political and physical terrain. As a former soldier, he’s quickly recruited to help train the city’s militia in preparation for the battle to come, adding another layer of tension and urgency.
What works especially well here is the blend of history and suspense. The author builds momentum steadily, and a final twist adds a punch of intrigue at just the right moment. The novel balances multiple subplots—hidden agendas, resistance movements, stolen jewels, voodoo rituals—with confidence. It’s the kind of book that might leave you googling the Battle of New Orleans just to see how much of it was real.
So why wasn’t this a perfect fit for me? It comes down to emphasis. While I admire the storytelling and execution, the book leans heavily into military detail—tactical maneuvering, weaponry, combat scenes, and strategic positioning. For readers fascinated by military history, this is a major plus. For someone like me, who prefers historical fiction that’s more character-driven or emotionally layered, the military emphasis occasionally overwhelmed the narrative. At times, I felt distanced from the story by the sheer volume of battlefield logistics and soldier interactions.
That’s not to say the book lacks humanity. There are powerful scenes of fear, loyalty, sacrifice, and injustice. But the pacing and energy often return to military matters, which pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in. It’s a stylistic preference, not a flaw—this is a book that knows exactly what it’s doing, even if I wasn’t always the ideal audience for it.
In the end, Smoke in the Cypress is a strong, thoughtful, and well-executed historical novel. I gave it four stars on Goodreads for its craft and historical accuracy. My personal takeaway, though, leans closer to three stars—not because it’s poorly done, but because its strengths didn’t fully align with what I look for in historical fiction. Still, I’m glad I read it, and I suspect readers with a stronger interest in military history or early American warfare will find it deeply rewarding.
The author excels at setting the scene. You can almost feel the heat and humidity of New Orleans, the tension in the air, and the weight of history pressing in from every side. The backdrop of early 19th-century Louisiana is richly rendered: the Creole elite, enslaved communities on the brink of rebellion, Barataria pirates under Jean Lafitte, and the looming threat of a British invasion. It’s all woven together with careful detail and a clear command of the era.
Historical figures like General Andrew Jackson and Jean Lafitte play significant roles, but the heart of the novel remains fictional—Moreau’s journey through the city’s treacherous political and physical terrain. As a former soldier, he’s quickly recruited to help train the city’s militia in preparation for the battle to come, adding another layer of tension and urgency.
What works especially well here is the blend of history and suspense. The author builds momentum steadily, and a final twist adds a punch of intrigue at just the right moment. The novel balances multiple subplots—hidden agendas, resistance movements, stolen jewels, voodoo rituals—with confidence. It’s the kind of book that might leave you googling the Battle of New Orleans just to see how much of it was real.
So why wasn’t this a perfect fit for me? It comes down to emphasis. While I admire the storytelling and execution, the book leans heavily into military detail—tactical maneuvering, weaponry, combat scenes, and strategic positioning. For readers fascinated by military history, this is a major plus. For someone like me, who prefers historical fiction that’s more character-driven or emotionally layered, the military emphasis occasionally overwhelmed the narrative. At times, I felt distanced from the story by the sheer volume of battlefield logistics and soldier interactions.
That’s not to say the book lacks humanity. There are powerful scenes of fear, loyalty, sacrifice, and injustice. But the pacing and energy often return to military matters, which pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in. It’s a stylistic preference, not a flaw—this is a book that knows exactly what it’s doing, even if I wasn’t always the ideal audience for it.
In the end, Smoke in the Cypress is a strong, thoughtful, and well-executed historical novel. I gave it four stars on Goodreads for its craft and historical accuracy. My personal takeaway, though, leans closer to three stars—not because it’s poorly done, but because its strengths didn’t fully align with what I look for in historical fiction. Still, I’m glad I read it, and I suspect readers with a stronger interest in military history or early American warfare will find it deeply rewarding.
May 17, 2025
Book Review: Smoke in the Cypress: A Napoleonic Officer in New Orleans by Owen Pataki
A Swashbuckling Odyssey Through War-Torn Bayous
Owen Pataki’s Smoke in the Cypress is a gripping historical adventure that marries the grandeur of Napoleonic-era warfare with the gothic mystique of 19th-century Louisiana. The novel follows a battle-hardened French officer, Moreau, as he journeys from the ashes of revolution-torn Europe to the treacherous swamps of New Orleans on a perilous rescue mission. Pataki’s prose is lush and atmospheric, evoking the oppressive heat of cypress groves, the intrigue of Creole society, and the eerie allure of Louisiana Voodoo. Moreau’s transformation from a disciplined soldier to a man entangled in the moral ambiguities of a foreign land is rendered with psychological depth, making this far more than a simple adventure tale.
Key Strengths
-Historical Immersion: The novel’s depiction of post-Napoleonic Europe and antebellum Louisiana is meticulously researched, offering a visceral sense of time and place.
-Protagonist Complexity: Moreau is a compelling lead—world-weary yet honorable, his internal conflicts mirror the external chaos of his journey.
-Cultural Nuance: The clash of European and Creole cultures, alongside themes of colonialism and survival, adds rich thematic layers.
Potential Considerations
-Pacing: The deliberate world-building, while immersive, may slow the narrative for readers seeking relentless action.
-Niche Appeal: Those unfamiliar with Napoleonic history might need patience with military details.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Historical Authenticity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A time capsule of sword steel and Spanish moss.
-Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Moreau’s scars run deeper than his uniform.
-Plot Momentum: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5) – A simmering cauldron of tension, not a boil.
-Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Swamp mist and gunpowder haunt every page.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like aged rum—dark, intoxicating, and spiked with rebellion.
Ideal Audience
-Fans of Patrick O’Brian or Bernard Cornwell, craving historical grit and naval lore.
-Readers drawn to The Crimson Petal and the White’s blend of social drama and adventure.
-Anyone who savors protagonists who wrestle with duty and morality in exotic locales.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Owen Pataki for the advance copy. Smoke in the Cypress is a testament to Pataki’s skill—a tale where history’s ghosts walk alongside the living, and every shadow hides a story.
Note: Review based on an ARC; minor refinements may appear in the final edition.
A Swashbuckling Odyssey Through War-Torn Bayous
Owen Pataki’s Smoke in the Cypress is a gripping historical adventure that marries the grandeur of Napoleonic-era warfare with the gothic mystique of 19th-century Louisiana. The novel follows a battle-hardened French officer, Moreau, as he journeys from the ashes of revolution-torn Europe to the treacherous swamps of New Orleans on a perilous rescue mission. Pataki’s prose is lush and atmospheric, evoking the oppressive heat of cypress groves, the intrigue of Creole society, and the eerie allure of Louisiana Voodoo. Moreau’s transformation from a disciplined soldier to a man entangled in the moral ambiguities of a foreign land is rendered with psychological depth, making this far more than a simple adventure tale.
Key Strengths
-Historical Immersion: The novel’s depiction of post-Napoleonic Europe and antebellum Louisiana is meticulously researched, offering a visceral sense of time and place.
-Protagonist Complexity: Moreau is a compelling lead—world-weary yet honorable, his internal conflicts mirror the external chaos of his journey.
-Cultural Nuance: The clash of European and Creole cultures, alongside themes of colonialism and survival, adds rich thematic layers.
Potential Considerations
-Pacing: The deliberate world-building, while immersive, may slow the narrative for readers seeking relentless action.
-Niche Appeal: Those unfamiliar with Napoleonic history might need patience with military details.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Historical Authenticity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A time capsule of sword steel and Spanish moss.
-Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Moreau’s scars run deeper than his uniform.
-Plot Momentum: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5) – A simmering cauldron of tension, not a boil.
-Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Swamp mist and gunpowder haunt every page.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like aged rum—dark, intoxicating, and spiked with rebellion.
Ideal Audience
-Fans of Patrick O’Brian or Bernard Cornwell, craving historical grit and naval lore.
-Readers drawn to The Crimson Petal and the White’s blend of social drama and adventure.
-Anyone who savors protagonists who wrestle with duty and morality in exotic locales.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Owen Pataki for the advance copy. Smoke in the Cypress is a testament to Pataki’s skill—a tale where history’s ghosts walk alongside the living, and every shadow hides a story.
Note: Review based on an ARC; minor refinements may appear in the final edition.
June 20, 2025
Smoke in the Cypress is a richly atmospheric, impressively researched historical novel set in the tense months leading up to the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. At its heart is Marcel Moreau, a wounded veteran of Napoleon’s Grand Armée, whose journey to Louisiana to locate a missing French noblewoman quickly spirals into something much more dangerous and politically fraught.
From the moment Moreau arrives, the story immerses you in the vibrant, complex world of early 19th-century New Orleans. You can practically feel the sticky heat and sense the tension crackling in the streets.
The city is a character in its own right! Populated by Creole elites, enslaved communities on the verge of uprising, pirate factions loyal to Jean Lafitte, and the looming threat of British invasion. The stakes are high, and the writing captures every layer of political, cultural, and personal conflict with clarity and precision.
The novel shines in its ability to weave real historical figures—like Andrew Jackson and Lafitte—into the narrative without overshadowing the fictional core. Moreau’s story is compelling in its own right: a man haunted by war, bound by debt, and thrust into a volatile new frontier. As he’s drawn deeper into New Orleans' preparations for war and its shadowy undercurrents, the tension builds steadily, culminating in a final twist that truly delivers.
One thing to note: this is a book that leans heavily into military detail—and does it exceptionally well. The tactical descriptions, weaponry, militia training, and battlefield maneuvers are all historically accurate and gripping. For readers like my husband and me, who love exploring forts and battlefields on vacation, this was a major plus. It’s immersive and satisfying for anyone fascinated by military history, but may be a slower burn for readers looking for lighter historical fiction or romance.
That said, the story balances action with emotional depth. There are powerful, well-written moments of fear, loyalty, sacrifice, and injustice, and it never shies away from the moral complexities of the era.
If you’re looking for a historical novel that goes beyond the usual tropes—one that dives into early American warfare, cultural conflict, and high-stakes espionage, Smoke in the Cypress is absolutely worth your time. It’s a thoughtful, suspenseful, and intelligent read, best suited for history buffs and lovers of richly layered storytelling.
Thank you Post Hill Press for sending me a copy of Smoke in the Cypress. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the moment Moreau arrives, the story immerses you in the vibrant, complex world of early 19th-century New Orleans. You can practically feel the sticky heat and sense the tension crackling in the streets.
The city is a character in its own right! Populated by Creole elites, enslaved communities on the verge of uprising, pirate factions loyal to Jean Lafitte, and the looming threat of British invasion. The stakes are high, and the writing captures every layer of political, cultural, and personal conflict with clarity and precision.
The novel shines in its ability to weave real historical figures—like Andrew Jackson and Lafitte—into the narrative without overshadowing the fictional core. Moreau’s story is compelling in its own right: a man haunted by war, bound by debt, and thrust into a volatile new frontier. As he’s drawn deeper into New Orleans' preparations for war and its shadowy undercurrents, the tension builds steadily, culminating in a final twist that truly delivers.
One thing to note: this is a book that leans heavily into military detail—and does it exceptionally well. The tactical descriptions, weaponry, militia training, and battlefield maneuvers are all historically accurate and gripping. For readers like my husband and me, who love exploring forts and battlefields on vacation, this was a major plus. It’s immersive and satisfying for anyone fascinated by military history, but may be a slower burn for readers looking for lighter historical fiction or romance.
That said, the story balances action with emotional depth. There are powerful, well-written moments of fear, loyalty, sacrifice, and injustice, and it never shies away from the moral complexities of the era.
If you’re looking for a historical novel that goes beyond the usual tropes—one that dives into early American warfare, cultural conflict, and high-stakes espionage, Smoke in the Cypress is absolutely worth your time. It’s a thoughtful, suspenseful, and intelligent read, best suited for history buffs and lovers of richly layered storytelling.
Thank you Post Hill Press for sending me a copy of Smoke in the Cypress. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 20, 2025
Smoke in the Cypress takes the reader deep into the complex environment that was New Orleans at the end of 1814. Both the human/political complexities and the compleixty of the swamps that surround the city are brought to life. The toils and ambitions of the French, the British, and the Americans are brought to life through a complex group of characters. Enslaved people, Creoles, native Americans, and especially pirates take the stage along with soldiers and officers from all sides. The conflict is linked to the struggles on the European stage through the main figure of Marcel Moreau, a French veteran of Napoelon's wars. The depiction of the cruelties of plantation life and the few choices open to people of color are real strengths of the book. The women characters are strong and independent; romance is there but very understated. The book is a great way to grasp the history of the time and place and a battle that shaped our country.
August 21, 2025
A testosterone fueled, meandering saga with a protagonist who's expressions vacillate between sneering and cold stares, this "historical fiction" was more fiction than history. It featured one-dimensional characters in an overly long telling of the defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812. The editor must have been sleeping on the job as there were innumerable errors (e.g. the one-armed protagonist's "hands" were cuffed behind him. What?!!! How do you cuff a one-armed man' handS?!) A drag of a book.
June 4, 2025
I love visiting New Orleans—so different from my home in New England! Reading this novel, rich with adventure and history, adds even more depth and enjoyment to any visit to this vibrant, multicultural city and the untamed beauty of its surrounding bayous. Set during the War of 1812, the story brings to life the diverse factions of the conflict through a cast of colorful, memorable characters. Dive into another unforgettable historical escapade from the talented Owen Pataki.
June 22, 2025
Outstanding novel! It is a historical war time story of unimaginable violence and yet untold kindness and compassion. A man in search of a young woman to return to her family and in turn is recruited to assist in leading the fight in the war. The descriptions of the environment and atmosphere added much to the telling. Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Permuted Press for copy of this great read.
November 24, 2025
Another great Pataki historical novel. Interesting angle on New Orleans where the crucial battle takes place after the treaty of Ghent has been signed. Insight into the NOLA polyglot(cajuns, slaves, French, American, pirates) is entertaining. Unfortunately the books takes liberty with the crucial battle of Chalmette, slightly diluting Andrew Jackson's historic victory.
June 17, 2025
Interesting story taking place just before the Battle of New Orleans. We get to meet both Andrew Jackson and Jean LeFitte, although the main character is a bit unbelievable. I wish the female characters had been more developed.
July 2, 2025
Cyprus in the Woods is a must-read for any history buff looking for a historical fiction twist on the War of 1812. Pataki's personal military experience shines through in this prose and proves that a soldier's code to uphold loyalty and honor will always prevail, regardless of war.
September 22, 2025
Another book I should like content wise but couldn’t get into.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews