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Canal Street Bed and Breakfast
Olivia Peterson was keeping a big secret. Her mysterious disappearance ten years ago has left everyone who knew her scratching their heads. Only one person has ever been suspected of being involved. But with no evidence or a clear motive, the case has remained unsolved.
Camryn Alexander, a chronically single thirty-four-year-old true crime enthusiast, just wants to spend a weekend in New Orleans with her mom and sister before her sister gets married. But the discovery of a secret journal at the century-old Canal Street Bed and Breakfast promises to turn their weekend getaway into an experience they will never forget.
Does it hold clues about Olivia’s disappearance?
How is the handsome stranger staying at the bed and breakfast connected to the case?
Come along with the Alexander girls on their adventures in the Big Easy that include beignets, Cajun cuisine, streetcars, drag queens, cemeteries… and unexpected romance and mystery.
***
This book is a women's fiction novel, with a mix of cozy mystery and romance. Experience the French Quarter through the eyes of the Alexander family by tagging along with them on tours, excursions and enjoying the local cuisine at famous restaurants. Will they solve the ten-year-old mystery or will it continue to be a part of the New Orleans unsolved true crime lore?
Camryn Alexander, a chronically single thirty-four-year-old true crime enthusiast, just wants to spend a weekend in New Orleans with her mom and sister before her sister gets married. But the discovery of a secret journal at the century-old Canal Street Bed and Breakfast promises to turn their weekend getaway into an experience they will never forget.
Does it hold clues about Olivia’s disappearance?
How is the handsome stranger staying at the bed and breakfast connected to the case?
Come along with the Alexander girls on their adventures in the Big Easy that include beignets, Cajun cuisine, streetcars, drag queens, cemeteries… and unexpected romance and mystery.
***
This book is a women's fiction novel, with a mix of cozy mystery and romance. Experience the French Quarter through the eyes of the Alexander family by tagging along with them on tours, excursions and enjoying the local cuisine at famous restaurants. Will they solve the ten-year-old mystery or will it continue to be a part of the New Orleans unsolved true crime lore?
- GenresCozy Mystery
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 9, 2025
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast is a solid debut cozy mystery. I really loved the setting of NOLA, it was so atmospheric. The amazing city came to life in this book, and the MCs love for the city was obvious.
The cozy mystery was made even better with a dash of romance, which makes everything better in my opinion.
The cozy mystery was made even better with a dash of romance, which makes everything better in my opinion.
December 17, 2024
So excited to be the first to review Canal Street Bed and Breakfast. This was such a fun little number!
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast releases in February 2025, and I highly recommend reading it IMMEDIATELY, because it’s the perfect, cozy little mystery for the dead of winter. I read most of this in front of a fire, looking out on the ocean, and with a glass of barrel aged gin (and after that … red wine). And it was *chef’s kiss*.
Right out of the gate this book checks a lot of boxes for me. Cozy mystery with a little romance with strong female characters. 300ish pages - totally bingeable in 48 hours. And written by a debut, indie, female writer of color. Check, check, check.
But what surprised me about the book was how it made New Orleans come to life. You truly feel like you’re walking around New Orleans with the FMC. And solving a long-dead cold case with her and her BA mom and sister. Smith absolutely makes New Orleans come to life in this book.
Was it the twistiest of mysteries or grippiest romance? No, but that’s not what it set out to do. It sets out to give you a fun little mystery set in a vibrant city, with equally vibrant characters. And it definitely does that. I will never give you a review with spoilers; but I’ll also tell you it’s abundantly clever, even if it’s not the twistiest of mysteries. If you grew up with Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Harriet the Spy, Scooby Doo (🤭), and the Boxcar children will find a mystery here that tugs at their mystery-loving heart strings. If you’ve since grown up to love a cozy, uncomplicated romance, you’ll love it all the more. So go for it, (and maybe add in a fire and some wine to enhance your experience). 🥰
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast releases in February 2025, and I highly recommend reading it IMMEDIATELY, because it’s the perfect, cozy little mystery for the dead of winter. I read most of this in front of a fire, looking out on the ocean, and with a glass of barrel aged gin (and after that … red wine). And it was *chef’s kiss*.
Right out of the gate this book checks a lot of boxes for me. Cozy mystery with a little romance with strong female characters. 300ish pages - totally bingeable in 48 hours. And written by a debut, indie, female writer of color. Check, check, check.
But what surprised me about the book was how it made New Orleans come to life. You truly feel like you’re walking around New Orleans with the FMC. And solving a long-dead cold case with her and her BA mom and sister. Smith absolutely makes New Orleans come to life in this book.
Was it the twistiest of mysteries or grippiest romance? No, but that’s not what it set out to do. It sets out to give you a fun little mystery set in a vibrant city, with equally vibrant characters. And it definitely does that. I will never give you a review with spoilers; but I’ll also tell you it’s abundantly clever, even if it’s not the twistiest of mysteries. If you grew up with Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Harriet the Spy, Scooby Doo (🤭), and the Boxcar children will find a mystery here that tugs at their mystery-loving heart strings. If you’ve since grown up to love a cozy, uncomplicated romance, you’ll love it all the more. So go for it, (and maybe add in a fire and some wine to enhance your experience). 🥰
December 22, 2024
I won't lie. This book had me worried for a second. I read mostly fantasy books, so reading a book set in a real place? Unheard of for me.
The beginning of the book proved to be slow going for me, but once the story really gets going and you start connecting dots, it is hard to put down. The descriptive language and casual conversations, it really feels like you're not just observing but like you're experiencing it. And who doesn't love a good mystery?
I adore the way New Orleans was depicted with such love and care. It's inspiring, and you can feel the love the author feels for the city.
Overall, this book has helped open my eyes to maybe reading some more fiction like it in the future.
Thank you, Keri Smith, for taking a chance on people who haven't done ARC reading before. It was a pleasure!
The beginning of the book proved to be slow going for me, but once the story really gets going and you start connecting dots, it is hard to put down. The descriptive language and casual conversations, it really feels like you're not just observing but like you're experiencing it. And who doesn't love a good mystery?
I adore the way New Orleans was depicted with such love and care. It's inspiring, and you can feel the love the author feels for the city.
Overall, this book has helped open my eyes to maybe reading some more fiction like it in the future.
Thank you, Keri Smith, for taking a chance on people who haven't done ARC reading before. It was a pleasure!
February 25, 2025
Are you in need of a good palate cleanser? Something that’ll give you a break between books of a series or a nice transition from one genre to another? What about the kind of book you can safely recommend to just about ANYONE?
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast by indie author Keri Smith is the book you didn’t know you needed. This debut novel is a perfect cozy mystery with a splash of romance, and descriptions of the French Quarter in New Orleans that will have you either reminiscing, or wishing you could be on the next flight out!
But what IS a “cozy mystery” you may ask, and what does that look like? In Canal Street Bed and Breakfast we follow FMC Camryn, her sister Camille, and their mother Ann Marie on a girls weekend getaway to New Orleans before her sister walks down the aisle. As the women explore and enjoy all the wonders the French Quarter has to offer, they also stumble across clues and evidence to a mysterious disappearance that occurred ten years prior. Add to that a love interest with a special connection to the cold case and voilà… you’ve got yourself a captivating well rounded Cozy mystery!
This book was really a great combination of many things. The authors love and familiarity with the setting shines through in her writing. Writing that was so descriptive I really felt like I was experiencing New Orleans along with the characters. The evidence and clues are sprinkled throughout the book at perfect intervals keeping the reader captivated and invested in the mystery. The romantic interest that is introduced is not overbearing and doesn’t take away from, but enhances the storyline. Overall a well rounded cozy story that you can devour in one sitting. And as an added bonus the author includes pictures at the end of the book of all the real life places that inspired the descriptions of the French Quarter in the story!
Side note:
Because I strive to be completely transparent with my reviews I would like to mention one thing that I noticed in the book because it did affect my reading experience. The book is told primarily in first person point of view, with the exception of a couple of short sections that switch to third person omniscient point of view. (For anyone that may not be familiar with what I mean, the story switches from being told through the FMC point of view to the story being told through the point of view of another character, with the FMC as the narrator.)These switches occur in the middle of chapters with no chapter break and nothing to separate the point of views. The instances when this happened were very noticeable to me and pulled me out of the narrative to wonder, “how does Camryn know that this is happening when she isn’t present to see it?” I know this is something very minor, and most readers may not even notice it, but as I am sharing my honest experience I wanted to make sure I mentioned it.
After messaging with the author I learned that this was indeed intentional and necessary for the way she wanted the story to unfold.
Keri Smith is an indie author that strives to include diverse multicultural characters in her stories, and this captivating debut novel beautifully demonstrated exactly that. Be sure to check out Canal Street Bed and Breakfast when it releases February 1, 2025!
A very special THANK YOU to author Keri Smith for the opportunity to read the ARC and provide feedback. Wishing you all of the success on your wonderful debut novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast by indie author Keri Smith is the book you didn’t know you needed. This debut novel is a perfect cozy mystery with a splash of romance, and descriptions of the French Quarter in New Orleans that will have you either reminiscing, or wishing you could be on the next flight out!
But what IS a “cozy mystery” you may ask, and what does that look like? In Canal Street Bed and Breakfast we follow FMC Camryn, her sister Camille, and their mother Ann Marie on a girls weekend getaway to New Orleans before her sister walks down the aisle. As the women explore and enjoy all the wonders the French Quarter has to offer, they also stumble across clues and evidence to a mysterious disappearance that occurred ten years prior. Add to that a love interest with a special connection to the cold case and voilà… you’ve got yourself a captivating well rounded Cozy mystery!
This book was really a great combination of many things. The authors love and familiarity with the setting shines through in her writing. Writing that was so descriptive I really felt like I was experiencing New Orleans along with the characters. The evidence and clues are sprinkled throughout the book at perfect intervals keeping the reader captivated and invested in the mystery. The romantic interest that is introduced is not overbearing and doesn’t take away from, but enhances the storyline. Overall a well rounded cozy story that you can devour in one sitting. And as an added bonus the author includes pictures at the end of the book of all the real life places that inspired the descriptions of the French Quarter in the story!
Side note:
Because I strive to be completely transparent with my reviews I would like to mention one thing that I noticed in the book because it did affect my reading experience. The book is told primarily in first person point of view, with the exception of a couple of short sections that switch to third person omniscient point of view. (For anyone that may not be familiar with what I mean, the story switches from being told through the FMC point of view to the story being told through the point of view of another character, with the FMC as the narrator.)These switches occur in the middle of chapters with no chapter break and nothing to separate the point of views. The instances when this happened were very noticeable to me and pulled me out of the narrative to wonder, “how does Camryn know that this is happening when she isn’t present to see it?” I know this is something very minor, and most readers may not even notice it, but as I am sharing my honest experience I wanted to make sure I mentioned it.
After messaging with the author I learned that this was indeed intentional and necessary for the way she wanted the story to unfold.
Keri Smith is an indie author that strives to include diverse multicultural characters in her stories, and this captivating debut novel beautifully demonstrated exactly that. Be sure to check out Canal Street Bed and Breakfast when it releases February 1, 2025!
A very special THANK YOU to author Keri Smith for the opportunity to read the ARC and provide feedback. Wishing you all of the success on your wonderful debut novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
December 20, 2024
Have you ever read a book where the writer paints such a vivid picture you can watch it play out like a movie? Keri Smith did just that with Canal Street Bed & Breakfast.
She wrote this book like a movie script.... First 48 meets A Liftetime Cozy Slow Burn. Equal parts Mystery and Thriller, I couldn't put it down. With audible gasps, a few tears and tons of smiles this is one of my favorite reads of 2024. Fantastic job.
She wrote this book like a movie script.... First 48 meets A Liftetime Cozy Slow Burn. Equal parts Mystery and Thriller, I couldn't put it down. With audible gasps, a few tears and tons of smiles this is one of my favorite reads of 2024. Fantastic job.
December 23, 2024
I absolutely loved the mystery Keri created for us. We have 3 women who are visiting NOLA (New Orleans) for a mom & daughters weekend before a wedding. One sister is a true crime junkie and the other loves reality TV and learning strangers secrets. The 2 sisters obsessions come together in an unexpected way as a decade old crime grabs their attention. We are immersed in everything N’awlins and even though I’ve never visited the city, I reminiscing my Cajun roots with familiar foods and accents. I could hear my daddy calling me “mi Cher” and “bay-beh” every time the Bed & Breakfast owner talked with the characters. I look forward to more adventures with this incredibly talented up & coming author!
December 23, 2024
This is my first ARC review! This story was mix of mystery, cozy family vacation, and New Orleans guide book all in one. I enjoyed reading this book and gathering new bucket list spots. The mystery aspect of the story really picks up towards the end of the book and I could not put it down.
This isn’t the type of mystery that keeps you up at night but rather a cozy mystery that has some romance and rather sweet family moments. I could just picture myself staying at the cozy bed and breakfast and walking around New Orleans.
Congratulations Kerri on your debut novel!!
This isn’t the type of mystery that keeps you up at night but rather a cozy mystery that has some romance and rather sweet family moments. I could just picture myself staying at the cozy bed and breakfast and walking around New Orleans.
Congratulations Kerri on your debut novel!!
January 30, 2025
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Adored this cozy mystery (with romaaaaaance).
The setting was everything to me. You can imagine everything happening right in front of you. Keri did such a great job at picking you up and setting you right beside her characters in this incredible story.
Adored this cozy mystery (with romaaaaaance).
The setting was everything to me. You can imagine everything happening right in front of you. Keri did such a great job at picking you up and setting you right beside her characters in this incredible story.
December 25, 2024
The book was an amazing read. The ending was everything, when it ended with a “ I miss you” AHHHH, it made me Google and turn ✨
It’s very cozy in a mysterious way, which I enjoyed ~
The plot twistttt, kept me on my toes for sure
It’s very cozy in a mysterious way, which I enjoyed ~
The plot twistttt, kept me on my toes for sure
December 23, 2024
Let me start by saying I truly loved this book!!!!
For me to give a 5 star rating the book needs to be captivating; something truly special or unique. For me Canal Street Bed and Breakfast was a completely immersive experience. I felt like I was there experiencing everything right along with the characters.
Mystery/murder mystery, true crime, thriller, romance…I feel like this is a book that anyone would like.
For me to give a 5 star rating the book needs to be captivating; something truly special or unique. For me Canal Street Bed and Breakfast was a completely immersive experience. I felt like I was there experiencing everything right along with the characters.
Mystery/murder mystery, true crime, thriller, romance…I feel like this is a book that anyone would like.
December 25, 2024
“Canal Street Bed and Breakfast” by Keri Smith Review:
This is a cozy mystery set in New Orleans where the main character, Camryn, participates in a girls weekend with her mom and sister for her sister’s upcoming wedding. While staying in the bed and breakfast Camryn comes across a the disappearance of a young girl who stayed there years prior. Will Camryn’s fascination with true crime help her solve this mystery?
The touch of a genuine romance between Camryn and her love interest was a perfect added touch. The romance happens organically which doesn’t take away from the main mystery plot.
Throughout the book, the authors writing has you feeling like you are roaming the streets of NOLA, even if you haven’t been. The way Keri Smith set up the mystery was very engaging and had me excited to uncover the truth!
This was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and I can’t wait to see how other people love it when it comes out in February of 2025! This is my first ARC review and I’m so glad for the opportunity!
This is a cozy mystery set in New Orleans where the main character, Camryn, participates in a girls weekend with her mom and sister for her sister’s upcoming wedding. While staying in the bed and breakfast Camryn comes across a the disappearance of a young girl who stayed there years prior. Will Camryn’s fascination with true crime help her solve this mystery?
The touch of a genuine romance between Camryn and her love interest was a perfect added touch. The romance happens organically which doesn’t take away from the main mystery plot.
Throughout the book, the authors writing has you feeling like you are roaming the streets of NOLA, even if you haven’t been. The way Keri Smith set up the mystery was very engaging and had me excited to uncover the truth!
This was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and I can’t wait to see how other people love it when it comes out in February of 2025! This is my first ARC review and I’m so glad for the opportunity!
February 23, 2025
Found the book on the “I Think Not” podcast discussion Facebook group and knew I needed to support a fellow listener! The book started slow but loved experiencing New Orleans through each page of the books. Loved the ending and looking forward to reading more from this author (and planning a visit to the Canal Street Inn)
January 6, 2025
Absolute perfection!
Keri Smiths debut novel is absolutely perfection in every way possible! Way to just knock this first book out of the park! Had I not know this was her first novel I would have thought for sure she had a stack of previous books that I could go back an devour! I will be waiting (not patiently at all) for her next book to arrive on the reading scene.
I could not put this book down once I started. Keri’s writing is so beautiful descriptive. I felt as though I was there in New Orleans and staying at the Canal Street Bed and Breakfast with the Alexander woman! I have never wanted to travel to New Orleans but after finishing this book not only do I feel like I have been there already but have such a longing to go back! That my readers is truly talented writing! Then there is the mysterious side to this book. I was on the edge of my seat and read as fast as I could to see what happened next! It wasn’t until almost the end that the twists went twisty and I ate it up! I stayed up well past when I should have been asleep so that I could finish the book and find out what happened to the missing woman.
Keri does an amazing job setting the stage at the beginning for what is a seamless transition of back and fourth between the past and current day. As the Alexander sisters, Camryn and Camille, and their mom, Ann Marie, celebrate Camilles upcoming wedding, they discover a possible connection to a missing woman who stayed at the B&B exactly 10 years before them. Blending together a mysterious secret from the past and the modern day love of true crime and curiosity of the sisters, brings this book to an explosive end! Add in the missing woman’s brother coming to town for the 10 year vigil but finds much more then he originally bargained for, love and possible answers, you have yourself a perfect cozy mystery!
My absolute favorite moment is when; Ann Marie and B&B owner, Maggie, chat one night on the porch. I felt as I was there sitting at their feet while I listened them talk about the times they met their husbands, the struggles of being interracial couples and the treatment they received. Though I could tell Keri put her heart and soul into this entire book, this chapter I could feel the love pouring out of the pages. Such a truly beautiful scene that I feel so blessed to have been allowed to be apart of witnessing the conversation unfold.
Thank you again Keri for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for my honest opinion. I am absolutely blown away by your talent and kindness! This is going to be a Best Seller I am certain of it!
Keri Smiths debut novel is absolutely perfection in every way possible! Way to just knock this first book out of the park! Had I not know this was her first novel I would have thought for sure she had a stack of previous books that I could go back an devour! I will be waiting (not patiently at all) for her next book to arrive on the reading scene.
I could not put this book down once I started. Keri’s writing is so beautiful descriptive. I felt as though I was there in New Orleans and staying at the Canal Street Bed and Breakfast with the Alexander woman! I have never wanted to travel to New Orleans but after finishing this book not only do I feel like I have been there already but have such a longing to go back! That my readers is truly talented writing! Then there is the mysterious side to this book. I was on the edge of my seat and read as fast as I could to see what happened next! It wasn’t until almost the end that the twists went twisty and I ate it up! I stayed up well past when I should have been asleep so that I could finish the book and find out what happened to the missing woman.
Keri does an amazing job setting the stage at the beginning for what is a seamless transition of back and fourth between the past and current day. As the Alexander sisters, Camryn and Camille, and their mom, Ann Marie, celebrate Camilles upcoming wedding, they discover a possible connection to a missing woman who stayed at the B&B exactly 10 years before them. Blending together a mysterious secret from the past and the modern day love of true crime and curiosity of the sisters, brings this book to an explosive end! Add in the missing woman’s brother coming to town for the 10 year vigil but finds much more then he originally bargained for, love and possible answers, you have yourself a perfect cozy mystery!
My absolute favorite moment is when; Ann Marie and B&B owner, Maggie, chat one night on the porch. I felt as I was there sitting at their feet while I listened them talk about the times they met their husbands, the struggles of being interracial couples and the treatment they received. Though I could tell Keri put her heart and soul into this entire book, this chapter I could feel the love pouring out of the pages. Such a truly beautiful scene that I feel so blessed to have been allowed to be apart of witnessing the conversation unfold.
Thank you again Keri for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for my honest opinion. I am absolutely blown away by your talent and kindness! This is going to be a Best Seller I am certain of it!
January 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! One of the first things that stood out to me was the positive interactions between the main characters and secondary characters, which is often rare in many books I’ve read. It was refreshing to see such wholesome dynamics that made the characters feel even more real.
The setting was another highlight. Though I’ve never been to New Orleans, the author’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there, experiencing it all firsthand. I could picture the streets, the atmosphere, and the culture—everything came to life on the page.
This book weaves together several themes, but what impressed me the most was how the author managed to make it all come together into a cohesive story. The plot was clear and easy to follow, making it a smooth and enjoyable read.
I also really appreciated the positive mother/daughter and sister relationships featured throughout the book. It added an extra layer of depth to the characters and made the story even more heartwarming.
I’m excited to see how this author continues to grow, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about the characters I’ve come to enjoy so much!
The setting was another highlight. Though I’ve never been to New Orleans, the author’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was there, experiencing it all firsthand. I could picture the streets, the atmosphere, and the culture—everything came to life on the page.
This book weaves together several themes, but what impressed me the most was how the author managed to make it all come together into a cohesive story. The plot was clear and easy to follow, making it a smooth and enjoyable read.
I also really appreciated the positive mother/daughter and sister relationships featured throughout the book. It added an extra layer of depth to the characters and made the story even more heartwarming.
I’m excited to see how this author continues to grow, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about the characters I’ve come to enjoy so much!
January 1, 2025
First off, thank you Keri Smith for allowing me to read and review your book.
I enjoyed this Cozy. It's in a little different style than your normal starter books and I really appreciate that.
Camryn, and her sister Camille and mother, all meet in NOLA at Camryn's favorite bed and breakfast. As they're there, they hear of a tragedy of a woman named Olivia who disappeared 10 years ago. They discover they are staying in the room she stayed in all those years ago. Both sisters have an appreciation for Drama and True Crime, so of course Camryn begins to look deeper into videos and interviews from this tragic past while Camille finds a diary in her bed (btw, I too, always check for bed bugs!).
I really like books set in New Orleans.
My only complaint would be the random occasional changes in POV. If they had their own chapters like she does later in the book, then I think it wouldn't be so difficult.
I enjoyed this Cozy. It's in a little different style than your normal starter books and I really appreciate that.
Camryn, and her sister Camille and mother, all meet in NOLA at Camryn's favorite bed and breakfast. As they're there, they hear of a tragedy of a woman named Olivia who disappeared 10 years ago. They discover they are staying in the room she stayed in all those years ago. Both sisters have an appreciation for Drama and True Crime, so of course Camryn begins to look deeper into videos and interviews from this tragic past while Camille finds a diary in her bed (btw, I too, always check for bed bugs!).
I really like books set in New Orleans.
My only complaint would be the random occasional changes in POV. If they had their own chapters like she does later in the book, then I think it wouldn't be so difficult.
January 8, 2025
Canal Street Bed & Breakfast by Keri Smith has me wanting to plan my first trip to New Orleans! Her love of this city is beyond evident throughout this book. The way she takes us on these tours of the city makes you fall in love with a place you have never been while feeling like you are already there. I am confident that I now have an itinerary ready for my trip when it is time to go and I cannot wait!
Throughout the story, Keri keeps the reader engaged through vivid scene setting and incredible character development. As the mother of a bi-racial adult daughter, I appreciated the diversity of the characters and loved the relationship the girls had with their mom. There can be a great deal of harm within multiracial families and it is so beautiful to see healthy relationships where each person is seen and respected and so deeply loved.
This was not the ending I anticipated and I was delightfully surprised. I am hoping for book 2 to see where things go from here.
Throughout the story, Keri keeps the reader engaged through vivid scene setting and incredible character development. As the mother of a bi-racial adult daughter, I appreciated the diversity of the characters and loved the relationship the girls had with their mom. There can be a great deal of harm within multiracial families and it is so beautiful to see healthy relationships where each person is seen and respected and so deeply loved.
This was not the ending I anticipated and I was delightfully surprised. I am hoping for book 2 to see where things go from here.
February 1, 2025
**Review: A Perfect Summer Read Full of Charm**
If you're on the hunt for a perfect summer read, *Canal Street Bed and Breakfast* has all the ingredients to keep you hooked! This delightful debut introduces readers to a cozy mystery filled with New Orleans flair. The atmospheric setting makes you feel like you're right there, savoring every detail of this vibrant city. The author's love for NOLA is evident and adds a rich, immersive backdrop to the story.
It's always exciting to see a new author grow, and Keri Smith shows great promise here. The mystery kept me engaged, and the light touch of romance added that extra bit of charm. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series evolves in future installments. If you love cozy mysteries with a side of Southern hospitality, this one's worth a weekend read!
If you're on the hunt for a perfect summer read, *Canal Street Bed and Breakfast* has all the ingredients to keep you hooked! This delightful debut introduces readers to a cozy mystery filled with New Orleans flair. The atmospheric setting makes you feel like you're right there, savoring every detail of this vibrant city. The author's love for NOLA is evident and adds a rich, immersive backdrop to the story.
It's always exciting to see a new author grow, and Keri Smith shows great promise here. The mystery kept me engaged, and the light touch of romance added that extra bit of charm. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series evolves in future installments. If you love cozy mysteries with a side of Southern hospitality, this one's worth a weekend read!
January 4, 2025
Canal Street Bed & Breakfast was a cute, cozy and exciting read. I loved the historical journey of New Orleans that you receive throughout this book as well. The girls trip with mom and daughters turns into a true crime investigation. Keri Smith did a great job of diving deep into Camille and Camryn and their different personalities and preferences which provided depth to the story line. The journey you are on as they explore the city and Camryn discovers more about a local true crime cold case made this a page turner as I just had to know how it would end. I loved the relationship between mom and her daughters, it was beautiful! While this story has a mystery component, I really enjoyed the romance that occurs and I found myself devastated at the end because it was over! The Epilogue made me feel slightly better, but I am ready for the next book!
So excited to be a part of the ARC team for Canal Street Bed & Breakfast. If you are looking for a cozy mystery/true crime with a hint of romance, I would highly recommend.
So excited to be a part of the ARC team for Canal Street Bed & Breakfast. If you are looking for a cozy mystery/true crime with a hint of romance, I would highly recommend.
April 4, 2025
True Crime junky Camryn loves New Orleans. Everything about the city makes her feel at home. Naturally when her, her sister and mom want a girl's trip before her sister gets married, Camryn takes them to her favorite place.
With the stories of a decade old disappearance and the discovery of an old journal, the Alexander ladies find themselves in the middle of their own true crime novel. Doesn't hurt it comes with it's own brooding, handsome stranger.
This read was a lot of fun. A little mystery mixed with a little romance topped with an emersive trip to New Orleans. I could make a travel itinerary from this read. So many interesting facts without bogging down the storyline. The characters are great and the story intriguing. Highly recommended.
With the stories of a decade old disappearance and the discovery of an old journal, the Alexander ladies find themselves in the middle of their own true crime novel. Doesn't hurt it comes with it's own brooding, handsome stranger.
This read was a lot of fun. A little mystery mixed with a little romance topped with an emersive trip to New Orleans. I could make a travel itinerary from this read. So many interesting facts without bogging down the storyline. The characters are great and the story intriguing. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2025
Canal Street Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful journey through New Orleans following Camryn, her sister and mother on a fun filled mother daughter weekend with a twist. The disappearance of Olivia Peterson.
Camryn is a true crime enthusiast and her sister is a reality show/romance loving bride-to be who finds a mysterious journal. Is the journal connected to Olivia? The way Keri Smith ties this story together is absolutely captivating. You just can't put the book down!
The details of New Orleans and the suspense of finding out what happened to Olivia keeps you on your toes. #CannalStreetBedandBreakfast, #KeriSmith-Writer, #Romance, #Suspense, #Self-publishing, #series,
Camryn is a true crime enthusiast and her sister is a reality show/romance loving bride-to be who finds a mysterious journal. Is the journal connected to Olivia? The way Keri Smith ties this story together is absolutely captivating. You just can't put the book down!
The details of New Orleans and the suspense of finding out what happened to Olivia keeps you on your toes. #CannalStreetBedandBreakfast, #KeriSmith-Writer, #Romance, #Suspense, #Self-publishing, #series,
January 8, 2025
A fun rom com mystery where a current day trip leads to new discoveries about a 10 year old disappearance. Two sisters and their mother explore New Orleans during a bachelorette weekend. They learn of a true crime that took place 10 years ago. I'll leave you hanging there to go explore it with them.
Keri immersed you in details that make you like you are in New Orleans, even if you've never been. The fun pop culture references for all age groups were great.
A great first read for the year!
Keri immersed you in details that make you like you are in New Orleans, even if you've never been. The fun pop culture references for all age groups were great.
A great first read for the year!
February 14, 2025
⚜️ARC REVIEW⚜️
This is my first time reading a women’s fiction novel and I’m so glad it was this one in particular! You get so much from this book, including romance, cozy mystery, and a dive into art, pop culture, and the joys of New Orleans!
Keri definitely has me wanting to go to New Orleans and visit the beautifully described places that are mentioned in this book. The way she describes everything makes it feel like you’re apart of the story. It definitely makes it hard to believe that this is her debut novel, she has written a novel that I believe will go far!!
The story follows a woman who has traveled to New Orleans many times, and is bringing her Mom and soon to be married, younger sister along this time! She has plans to show them her favorite parts of New Orleans, including the artwork, food and drink places, and historical sites, as well as taking them on the tours she has them signed up for. What she wasn’t expecting, is to get caught up in a mystery about the disappearance of a woman who was visiting New Orleans 10 years ago, after being informed about it on one of the tours they endeavored. She definitely wasn’t expecting to find romance in her favorite city, especially at the Bed and Breakfast she’s staying at. The man she is falling for just happens to be connected in some way to the woman that disappeared! As a true crime junkie, she has a hard time staying out of this mystery, especially after finding a notebook in the room they’re staying in, that could be evidence to the disappearance.
The settings and mystery of this book were absolutely captivating. The characters were all so well written and the female main character’s development was perfect through the book. Like I said the vivid details were so engaging that I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
The story will leave you wondering how, why, what, when, who, right up until the very end! I really enjoyed the whole story and myself getting more intrigued after the first 20% of the book. If you’re a mystery romance lover, you’ll love this book!! I’m so glad I took a chance on this and went outside of my usual reading genres! I look forward to reading more from Keri in the future, and I wonder if there will be a sequel considering the ending, although it was wrapped up very well!
Thank you Keri for allowing me to read your amazing debut, and share my honest thoughts.
This is my first time reading a women’s fiction novel and I’m so glad it was this one in particular! You get so much from this book, including romance, cozy mystery, and a dive into art, pop culture, and the joys of New Orleans!
Keri definitely has me wanting to go to New Orleans and visit the beautifully described places that are mentioned in this book. The way she describes everything makes it feel like you’re apart of the story. It definitely makes it hard to believe that this is her debut novel, she has written a novel that I believe will go far!!
The story follows a woman who has traveled to New Orleans many times, and is bringing her Mom and soon to be married, younger sister along this time! She has plans to show them her favorite parts of New Orleans, including the artwork, food and drink places, and historical sites, as well as taking them on the tours she has them signed up for. What she wasn’t expecting, is to get caught up in a mystery about the disappearance of a woman who was visiting New Orleans 10 years ago, after being informed about it on one of the tours they endeavored. She definitely wasn’t expecting to find romance in her favorite city, especially at the Bed and Breakfast she’s staying at. The man she is falling for just happens to be connected in some way to the woman that disappeared! As a true crime junkie, she has a hard time staying out of this mystery, especially after finding a notebook in the room they’re staying in, that could be evidence to the disappearance.
The settings and mystery of this book were absolutely captivating. The characters were all so well written and the female main character’s development was perfect through the book. Like I said the vivid details were so engaging that I just couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
The story will leave you wondering how, why, what, when, who, right up until the very end! I really enjoyed the whole story and myself getting more intrigued after the first 20% of the book. If you’re a mystery romance lover, you’ll love this book!! I’m so glad I took a chance on this and went outside of my usual reading genres! I look forward to reading more from Keri in the future, and I wonder if there will be a sequel considering the ending, although it was wrapped up very well!
Thank you Keri for allowing me to read your amazing debut, and share my honest thoughts.
December 20, 2024
This was an easy 4.5 stars
This book captivated me from the beginning and I was so invested in the plot and characters.
Although there was a heavy storyline, it was handled with finesse and compassion and fit seamlessly.
The main characters were likable and the relationship between the sisters and their mother was so special I could feel their genuine love for each other right through the pages.
The story had a good pace and a good plot.
Truly a clear depiction of New Orleans that I felt like I was there with them in every location and now I want to visit with them if they ever go back. 😉
It’s a fun mystery in a city the Author brings to life along with strong female characters and a little bit of romance. One of my favorite types of storyline.
This book releases February 2025 as a Debut Novel by an Indie Author and should be an immediate add to your tbr.
This book captivated me from the beginning and I was so invested in the plot and characters.
Although there was a heavy storyline, it was handled with finesse and compassion and fit seamlessly.
The main characters were likable and the relationship between the sisters and their mother was so special I could feel their genuine love for each other right through the pages.
The story had a good pace and a good plot.
Truly a clear depiction of New Orleans that I felt like I was there with them in every location and now I want to visit with them if they ever go back. 😉
It’s a fun mystery in a city the Author brings to life along with strong female characters and a little bit of romance. One of my favorite types of storyline.
This book releases February 2025 as a Debut Novel by an Indie Author and should be an immediate add to your tbr.
December 28, 2024
This was my first ARC read and this book was incredibly descriptive. It was like a movie playing in your head. There was mystery, some romance, and now I know what fun things there is to do in New Orleans!
It started off a tad slower, but she does a great job building up the characters. After you get past the 33% mark, it’s very hard to put down.
Overall great read 🥰.
It started off a tad slower, but she does a great job building up the characters. After you get past the 33% mark, it’s very hard to put down.
Overall great read 🥰.
February 16, 2025
part mystery, part romance, part new orleans travel guide, this is a simple and quick read with characters you quickly relate to and care about. despite the mystery being rather obvious, this was a fully enjoyable and well written book! i hope there will be more camryn alexander mysteries to follow!
December 11, 2025
This is an excellent mystery with a perfectly included setting and a gun cast of characters. I enjoyed Camryn and her sister & mom and their dynamic. I liked the mixed media with journal entries and podcast snippets. I appreciated a tasteful yet not all-consuming love interest. The mystery solving was not so much sleuthing as happy accidents, and the cozy mystery lover in me felt that was a great was to include it without making these three take a family weekend away into a detective moment. This is a really we-balanced book and I’d definitely read from this author again.
February 9, 2025
It started a bit slow for my taste but I got into the story and characters after a few chapters. The author really captured the city of New Orleans and its history. The story is unique and I love the family dynamics with the main characters. I'm also happy that the author didn't make the main character perfect, so many types of these mysteries make the main character too sweet or never makes a mistake or so beautiful that everyone wants to be with her etc but the character has faults and insecurities. I also like the shout outs to "I Think Not" because that is my favorite podcast too (Hi, DBs!)I hope this will be a continued series, maybe one that includes a podcast fest that goes amiss 😉
December 30, 2024
I was selected as an ARC reader for a debut author named Keri Smith on her very first book, Canal Street Bed & Breakfast: A Camryn Alexander Mystery.
While this isn't my typical read, it did NOT disappoint. This book is incredibly descriptive, and Keri really sets the stage to put you right in the heart of the French Quarter. There's a lot of set-up in the beginning, which is what makes the rest of the book so great. I wasn't constantly flipping back to make sure I knew what was going on. That said, the start is a bit of a slow burn. Trust me, you want to stick with this one.
The mixing of true crime and romance(gentle romance, calm down) is perfect. Keri definitely put her heart and soul into this book and brought these characters to life.
If you love NOLA, good food, mysteries, and hot ginger men, watch for this one to drop. It comes out February 1, 2025. You don't want to miss it! (I promise you're not ready for the twists!)
While this isn't my typical read, it did NOT disappoint. This book is incredibly descriptive, and Keri really sets the stage to put you right in the heart of the French Quarter. There's a lot of set-up in the beginning, which is what makes the rest of the book so great. I wasn't constantly flipping back to make sure I knew what was going on. That said, the start is a bit of a slow burn. Trust me, you want to stick with this one.
The mixing of true crime and romance(gentle romance, calm down) is perfect. Keri definitely put her heart and soul into this book and brought these characters to life.
If you love NOLA, good food, mysteries, and hot ginger men, watch for this one to drop. It comes out February 1, 2025. You don't want to miss it! (I promise you're not ready for the twists!)
January 4, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much!!! I absolutely loved the writing and storyline. Also, really liked that it had so many real New Orleans places and things in here. Felt like I was back there! The only thing I will say is that a hand grenade on the rocks is superior to the frozen ones hehe. But foreal, this was such a good quick read! The story flowed so nicely and had some good twists in it as well!
February 1, 2025
This was my second ARC read and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have read this before it released! It’s a cozy mystery with some romance set in New Orleans. I love all the history/culture included about New Orleans, it made the read so much fun!
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