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Royal Street #3
The Lady on Esplanade
People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans in the third novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White.
Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. . . .
Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. . . .
416 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
517 people are currently reading
10909 people want to read
About the author
Karen White
42 books7,574 followersWith more than 2 million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 34 novels, including the popular Charleston-set Tradd Street mystery series.
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
Raised in a house full of brothers, Karen’s love of books and strong female characters first began in the third grade when the local librarian issued her a library card and placed The Secret of the Old Clock, a Nancy Drew Mystery, in her hands.
Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance.
Not entirely convinced she wanted to be a writer, Karen first pursued a career in business and graduated cum laude with a BS in Management from Tulane University. Ten years later, in a weak moment, she wrote her first book. In the Shadow of the Moon was published in August, 2000. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have since been nominated for numerous national contests including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year.
Karen’s next book, THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER, will be published by Park Row Books in July, 2025.
When not writing, Karen spends her time reading, scrapbooking, playing piano, and avoiding cooking. Karen and her husband have two grown children and currently live near Atlanta, Georgia with two spoiled Havanese dogs.
- See more at: http://www.karen-white.com/bio.cfm#st...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
February 4, 2026
"People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans in the third novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White."
Who doesn't enjoy a good ghostly story with the setting in New Orleans? NOLA is one of our favorite cities to travel, taste the culture and sway with the music vibes. The main character's name is Nola, which is eccentric in itself, but I had no idea this was going to be a third in the series. It works well without the other books being read, but I think it would have given me more background knowledge. Nola has moved from Charleston to work with her friend Beau in remodeling a shotgun house on Esplanade Avenue. Entering the scene is Nola's first heartthrob Cooper, who brings a friend to accompany him. There are a lot of psychics within the group including Nola's mother, sister, Beau and her friend Jolene. They are going to be able to use their skills as Beau's mother's house is the one they are remodeling. The only thing is Beau's mother is dead after Hurricane Katrina. When she returns to haunt them into solving her mysterious disappearance there are a lot of secrets to be revealed.
This brings what only NOLA can create...intriguing, creepy and mysterious. Splash it with some romance and the scenic historical town you must enjoy the dark secrets revealed.
Thank you NetGalley Publishing Group | Berkley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Who doesn't enjoy a good ghostly story with the setting in New Orleans? NOLA is one of our favorite cities to travel, taste the culture and sway with the music vibes. The main character's name is Nola, which is eccentric in itself, but I had no idea this was going to be a third in the series. It works well without the other books being read, but I think it would have given me more background knowledge. Nola has moved from Charleston to work with her friend Beau in remodeling a shotgun house on Esplanade Avenue. Entering the scene is Nola's first heartthrob Cooper, who brings a friend to accompany him. There are a lot of psychics within the group including Nola's mother, sister, Beau and her friend Jolene. They are going to be able to use their skills as Beau's mother's house is the one they are remodeling. The only thing is Beau's mother is dead after Hurricane Katrina. When she returns to haunt them into solving her mysterious disappearance there are a lot of secrets to be revealed.
This brings what only NOLA can create...intriguing, creepy and mysterious. Splash it with some romance and the scenic historical town you must enjoy the dark secrets revealed.
Thank you NetGalley Publishing Group | Berkley for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 19, 2025
"People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans in the third novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White."
Nola returns to the Big Easy for a fresh start. She teams up with Beau to start a business renovating and selling murder houses. Nola can sense spirits and Beau communicates with them. They also meet a fortune teller. But things get complicated when the ghost of Beau's mother communicated with him and some ghosts in the house seem to be trying to prevent them from getting answers. Further, her ex-boyfriend from high school, Cooper, has brought an angry ghost of his own.
This book is the third in a series but I read it as a stand-alone. It is an engaging gothic mystery set in the supernatural environment of the Big Easy with fortune tellers and ghosts helping Nola and Beau figure out who killed his mother. There is also plenty of romance including a love triangle. Female empowerment, found family, and more are woven into the New Orleans tapestry.
Many thanks to NetGalley, UpLit Reads, Berkley, and Karen White for an advance reader's copy and #gifted finished copy. Thank you so much to PRH Audio as well for an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review. The audiobook narration by Sophie Amoss is well done and was a great companion to my finished physical copy. 📚🎧
Nola returns to the Big Easy for a fresh start. She teams up with Beau to start a business renovating and selling murder houses. Nola can sense spirits and Beau communicates with them. They also meet a fortune teller. But things get complicated when the ghost of Beau's mother communicated with him and some ghosts in the house seem to be trying to prevent them from getting answers. Further, her ex-boyfriend from high school, Cooper, has brought an angry ghost of his own.
This book is the third in a series but I read it as a stand-alone. It is an engaging gothic mystery set in the supernatural environment of the Big Easy with fortune tellers and ghosts helping Nola and Beau figure out who killed his mother. There is also plenty of romance including a love triangle. Female empowerment, found family, and more are woven into the New Orleans tapestry.
Many thanks to NetGalley, UpLit Reads, Berkley, and Karen White for an advance reader's copy and #gifted finished copy. Thank you so much to PRH Audio as well for an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review. The audiobook narration by Sophie Amoss is well done and was a great companion to my finished physical copy. 📚🎧
October 27, 2025
I am a sucker for any book set in New Orleans or Louisiana. The bayou is my absolute favorite setting for any book. This one is set in New Orleans and has creepy, haunted houses as its' setting. Good enough. For a person who claims not to be psychic, Nola attracts a lot of spirits and old boyfriends too. I am not normally a paranormal reader, but I do enjoy an occasional trip to the spirit side of things. As I tend to be an action loving reader and there is little action here, except at the end, that was a big disappointment for me. I did enjoy the creepy doll that kept popping up, that was fun in a very disturbing way. The book is full of ghosts, endless descriptions, repetition, dialogue narrative where author tells you most of the action rather than letting you experience it and a so-so mystery that I had no trouble figuring out.
Neither of the two besties, Nola and Jolene, seem able to get the guy. This situation is an arc from the beginning of the series and now the clueless guys, Beau and Jaxson, are involved with other women. Not at all what I want in the books I read. I can understand the love-hate dynamic of Nola and Beau, and her newfound sobriety is a fragile thing, but these two are definitely two sides of the same coin. When Cooper, Nola first heartbreak, hits town I had high hopes that it would shock Beau into action, but no. All together it was a disappointing read.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Neither of the two besties, Nola and Jolene, seem able to get the guy. This situation is an arc from the beginning of the series and now the clueless guys, Beau and Jaxson, are involved with other women. Not at all what I want in the books I read. I can understand the love-hate dynamic of Nola and Beau, and her newfound sobriety is a fragile thing, but these two are definitely two sides of the same coin. When Cooper, Nola first heartbreak, hits town I had high hopes that it would shock Beau into action, but no. All together it was a disappointing read.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
August 30, 2025
I have read a few books by Karen White and I enjoy her writing. I was excited to get to this one. I did not read the first two in the series but will definitely go back to them now. This was so entertaining. The ghosts, the love triangle, the characters, it was all such fun. A definite winner!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own..
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own..
November 17, 2025
I have absolutely loved every story in this series and this absolutely no exception! In fact, this may be my favorite one! Anything set in New Orleans holds a special place in my heart, but this one played on one of my bigger fears (no spoiler!) and kept me nervous the whole time!
October 21, 2025
I adore this series with Nola and her relationship with Beau and their connection to all things from the past.
The perfect amount of intrigue, mystery, romance and a ghostly presence. All the characters are well written and adds depth to the story.
The family dynamics and the mysteries of what has happened in older houses is intriguing. The creepy doll was icing on the cake.
The perfect amount of intrigue, mystery, romance and a ghostly presence. All the characters are well written and adds depth to the story.
The family dynamics and the mysteries of what has happened in older houses is intriguing. The creepy doll was icing on the cake.
January 12, 2026
Oh how I love Karen White! This series has been every bit as good as Tradd Street and I can’t wait for book 4. I saved this one for a while waiting for a couple days that I really needed to disappear. This past weekend was the time and I’m glad I did have this saved. I think it’s time to revisit the original series.
Karen, if you ever happen to see this review please know you continue to be in my thoughts. I think of you often. 💕🙏
Karen, if you ever happen to see this review please know you continue to be in my thoughts. I think of you often. 💕🙏
January 4, 2026
4.5 stars. Another good entry in this series. These are fun characters and lots of questions remain for the next book.
November 9, 2025
Book 3 in the Royal Street series.
5 stars. Nola Trenholm and Beau Ryan have paired up to renovate New Orleans’ past architectural gems, each unique in being “murder-houses” - - but with a twist.. they are haunted by restless spirits. AND what makes this duo so fun and offbeat; -Nola Trenholm holds a degree in historic preservation + can sense spirits... and Beau Ryan is a licensed contractor that has the ability to see + communicate with spirits.
Their first renovation is on Esplanade Ave. at the home of the unsolved murder of an elderly woman that also includes her missing son’s family. Nola’s ex-boyfriend Cooper is willing to purchase the home but is not without a ghost of his own.. that of an angry woman. Who is she + why is she haunting him? And what unfinished business does Beau’s mother have for continuing to haunt the pair? Is it about Beaus dad who is still missing (along with his mother) after hurricane Katrina?
These mysteries will keep your mind spinning, along with shocking revelations throughout that doesn’t let up until the final chapter.. + White also gives readers a juicy snippet of book 4.
Perfect for mystery readers and those who enjoy a heavy atmospheric setting! Pub. 11/4/25
Thanks to Berkley via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars. Nola Trenholm and Beau Ryan have paired up to renovate New Orleans’ past architectural gems, each unique in being “murder-houses” - - but with a twist.. they are haunted by restless spirits. AND what makes this duo so fun and offbeat; -Nola Trenholm holds a degree in historic preservation + can sense spirits... and Beau Ryan is a licensed contractor that has the ability to see + communicate with spirits.
Their first renovation is on Esplanade Ave. at the home of the unsolved murder of an elderly woman that also includes her missing son’s family. Nola’s ex-boyfriend Cooper is willing to purchase the home but is not without a ghost of his own.. that of an angry woman. Who is she + why is she haunting him? And what unfinished business does Beau’s mother have for continuing to haunt the pair? Is it about Beaus dad who is still missing (along with his mother) after hurricane Katrina?
These mysteries will keep your mind spinning, along with shocking revelations throughout that doesn’t let up until the final chapter.. + White also gives readers a juicy snippet of book 4.
Perfect for mystery readers and those who enjoy a heavy atmospheric setting! Pub. 11/4/25
Thanks to Berkley via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
"The Lady on Esplanade (Royal Street #3)" by Karen White is fairly standalone. However, I did occasionally wish I had read the previous books first. If anything, just to more quickly pick up on some details that would make more sense right away by reading the first two books. Mostly for relationship dynamics and a bit of the origin set up for Nola.
I would best describe this particular story as Ghost Busters meets DIY home repair cozy mystery. Nola has an old run down house that she's been working on that is exceptionally haunted. With her business partner, that's a reluctant psychic, they work to clear the house. They're also still trying to figure put why his mom's spirit is still hanging around.
This all takes place in the couple weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and a few days after. There's wedding a marriage proposal, visiting relatives, sassy southern best friends (it is Louisiana), lots of ghost activity and a creepy doll. For those that need to know, the main character is a recovering alcoholic and talks about her struggles staying sober occasionally.
I would best describe this particular story as Ghost Busters meets DIY home repair cozy mystery. Nola has an old run down house that she's been working on that is exceptionally haunted. With her business partner, that's a reluctant psychic, they work to clear the house. They're also still trying to figure put why his mom's spirit is still hanging around.
This all takes place in the couple weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and a few days after. There's wedding a marriage proposal, visiting relatives, sassy southern best friends (it is Louisiana), lots of ghost activity and a creepy doll. For those that need to know, the main character is a recovering alcoholic and talks about her struggles staying sober occasionally.
Read
December 4, 2025No rating as I might feel like trying this one another day. It just fell flat this time.
November 21, 2025
As always, I love the setting and the home renovation projects highlighted in the book. The ghost stories blended in with the flips add a nice, spooky layer to the story. However, it all is continuing to sound the same as the others in this series as well as the ones with previous series, with all the drama that I used to love but now seems too familiar. This also seemed to drag on more than needed and could have been significantly shorter. I may need to take a break from this series. This is not a standalone. Readers should start with the first in the series to fully understand this novel.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BerkleyPub for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BerkleyPub for an honest review.
November 17, 2025
I have read Reading Karen White for so many years and absolutely loved the Tradd Street series. Unfortunately it’s time to bring it all to a close. Nothing remotely interesting happened in this book until 50% and then ever so slowly climbed to whisper of a conclusion.
November 23, 2025
Back to the Big Easy and ghouls galore!
My heart broke for Jolene and Nola both with some new developments In the men department.
I may have given a short wail when certain paragraphs were read.
I also had to continually fight the urge to use a certain scooter and run over two of the men in the story who need common sense rammed into their skulls.
I also kept thinking Sarah would be a great second spin off from the Tradd series!
The ‘67 Mustang and Bubba also are great characters!!
Thanks NetGalley Berkley Publishing and Uplitreads for the digital and physical copies.
My heart broke for Jolene and Nola both with some new developments In the men department.
I may have given a short wail when certain paragraphs were read.
I also had to continually fight the urge to use a certain scooter and run over two of the men in the story who need common sense rammed into their skulls.
I also kept thinking Sarah would be a great second spin off from the Tradd series!
The ‘67 Mustang and Bubba also are great characters!!
Thanks NetGalley Berkley Publishing and Uplitreads for the digital and physical copies.
November 30, 2025
Oh Ms. Karen, you’ve done it again. I’m an emotional mess. Please tell me there is another book or 5!!
November 8, 2025
One of my absolute favorite series is Karen White’s Tradd Street series. When it came to an end, I was not ready to let the characters go. Thankfully White created a new spinoff series, Royal Street, and I’m still getting all the characters I love and new cast characters that are just so fun! Of course, I could not get enough of the mystery, ghosts, and more in book three, The Lady on Esplanade.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
Just getting to dive into more mystery, suspense and the lives of each of the characters was the best! However, the characters are what make this story so alive…Including the dead ones! I’ve already fallen in love with Nola’s close friends and the humor and levity they bring to the story. Seriously, Jolene is the absolute best friend any girl could ask for, and her one-liners are perfect for some laugh out loud moments. I cannot get enough of her, and hope that she gets her own book in the near future of this series. Then, add in some more characters that you will love, and you have the makings for an excellent support system to help Nola continue to tackle the ghosts that keep circling.
How was the setting?
Karen White is the master of pulling you into a story and making you feel like you are standing right there with the characters in lush and detailed atmosphere. I loved getting to explore the streets (potholes), restaurants, customs, cemeteries and Parishes in New Orleans through Nola’s eyes.
Do I need to have read The Tradd Street series in order to understand this new spinoff series?
No! You can start this series and begin a whole new adventure and life with Nola and not feel like you have missed a thing. Now I do have to say that the Tradd Street series is one of my favorites and I’ve reread it several times, so if you haven’t read it yet I HIGHLY recommend you dive into it now!
How was the pace?
This story held a steady pace
Do you recommend this book?
Heck yes, I do!! This book is both funny, sad, and suspenseful at times; the multiple mysteries are all interesting; and the ghosts run the gamut from being heartwarming to exceedingly creepy and dangerous. It is truly a great book and series. Now to attempt to patiently wait for book four!
Thank you Berkley Publishing and PRHAudio for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
Just getting to dive into more mystery, suspense and the lives of each of the characters was the best! However, the characters are what make this story so alive…Including the dead ones! I’ve already fallen in love with Nola’s close friends and the humor and levity they bring to the story. Seriously, Jolene is the absolute best friend any girl could ask for, and her one-liners are perfect for some laugh out loud moments. I cannot get enough of her, and hope that she gets her own book in the near future of this series. Then, add in some more characters that you will love, and you have the makings for an excellent support system to help Nola continue to tackle the ghosts that keep circling.
How was the setting?
Karen White is the master of pulling you into a story and making you feel like you are standing right there with the characters in lush and detailed atmosphere. I loved getting to explore the streets (potholes), restaurants, customs, cemeteries and Parishes in New Orleans through Nola’s eyes.
Do I need to have read The Tradd Street series in order to understand this new spinoff series?
No! You can start this series and begin a whole new adventure and life with Nola and not feel like you have missed a thing. Now I do have to say that the Tradd Street series is one of my favorites and I’ve reread it several times, so if you haven’t read it yet I HIGHLY recommend you dive into it now!
How was the pace?
This story held a steady pace
Do you recommend this book?
Heck yes, I do!! This book is both funny, sad, and suspenseful at times; the multiple mysteries are all interesting; and the ghosts run the gamut from being heartwarming to exceedingly creepy and dangerous. It is truly a great book and series. Now to attempt to patiently wait for book four!
Thank you Berkley Publishing and PRHAudio for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
This isn’t my first Karen White book and it certainly won’t be my last. I loved the Tradd Street series and getting to spend more time in that world with Nola as the FMC and New Orleans as the backdrop has been a lot of fun.
When ghosts from the past are determined to get the attention of the living, it’s up to Beau and Nola to solve the mystery, together- whether they want to or not.
I loved getting the ARC- the only downside is having to wait even longer to find out what happens next.
What does Madame Zoe have to tell Beau and Felicity about their missing father? Will Melanie make an appearance and help Felicity hone her newly discovered psychic abilities? What’s going on with Jolene and Jaxson and could she be expecting? What will happen with Cooper and Nola and will Beau propose to Sam? So many questions! I hope we find out in the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
This isn’t my first Karen White book and it certainly won’t be my last. I loved the Tradd Street series and getting to spend more time in that world with Nola as the FMC and New Orleans as the backdrop has been a lot of fun.
When ghosts from the past are determined to get the attention of the living, it’s up to Beau and Nola to solve the mystery, together- whether they want to or not.
I loved getting the ARC- the only downside is having to wait even longer to find out what happens next.
What does Madame Zoe have to tell Beau and Felicity about their missing father? Will Melanie make an appearance and help Felicity hone her newly discovered psychic abilities? What’s going on with Jolene and Jaxson and could she be expecting? What will happen with Cooper and Nola and will Beau propose to Sam? So many questions! I hope we find out in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.
Another entry in Nola’s series. I do love the New Orleans setting but could stand to not have to deal with the WWMD? What would Melanie do? This is definitely a comfort series!
Another entry in Nola’s series. I do love the New Orleans setting but could stand to not have to deal with the WWMD? What would Melanie do? This is definitely a comfort series!
October 19, 2025
Back on track with this book.
January 3, 2026
I enjoy these books and the characters, but there’s a lot of unnecessary sloppiness and dumb decision making. I get that Beau doesn’t want to talk to his mom, but at a certain point, it just seemed like an excuse for the story to keep him in the dark. And the relationship between Jolene and Jaxson/Carly seems cruel, which doesn’t fit with how good they are supposed to be. The constant reappearance of the doll annoyed me, especially after the mention the doll’s “added weight.” So we’re not going to pop that doll’s head off? The key bit didn’t make sense to me either. Also, Nola’s parents might have flown to NO immediately if their daughter was unresponsive in the hospital, but once she’s out and only needs to keep her leg elevated, why can’t she just say that to them?
The biggest misstep was the fact that Camille said it hadn’t occurred to her that Adele and Buddy were still missing. Camille and Henry left because of the storm, and she never reached back out to her best friend, Adele? I get not coming back to the city, but not even a phone call to see how she was doing in the search for her missing daughter? It just didn’t make sense.
BUT…I still like these books, and will continue to read them, despite the nonsense. That smell thing at the end, with the hot chocolate smelling funny; Jolene is pregnant, right?!
The biggest misstep was the fact that Camille said it hadn’t occurred to her that Adele and Buddy were still missing. Camille and Henry left because of the storm, and she never reached back out to her best friend, Adele? I get not coming back to the city, but not even a phone call to see how she was doing in the search for her missing daughter? It just didn’t make sense.
BUT…I still like these books, and will continue to read them, despite the nonsense. That smell thing at the end, with the hot chocolate smelling funny; Jolene is pregnant, right?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2025
So, I made the error of entering a giveaway for this book, and not knowing that it was the 3rd book in a series. I decided to just go for it and read it anyway, and I'm so glad I did! I LOVED the characters in this book! Even though I obviously missed out on some of the backstory and things like that, since I hadn't read the first 2 books, I didn't find it difficult to follow at all. The author did a great job of giving a little bit of backstory, so that it flowed seamlessly. The banter between some of the characters, the complicated relationships, the slow burn (with NO spice, which makes me love this book even more), the creepy things that were happening, the twists...it was all so good! The whole idea for this series is just way too fun. I loved how multi-faceted the story was. There was never a dull moment. I received an ARC from this giveaway from Goodreads and Berkley Publishing Group. There were a couple of things that didn't line up in the story, so I'm hoping those are fixed before the final copies come out, but other than that, it was such a fun, creepy read that kept my attention the whole way through. I would absolutely read future books in this series! I rated this book 4.5 stars!
November 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lady on Esplanade carries a dash of ghostly whispers, old-house secrets, and the slow-unraveling tension that comes with haunted history and personal restoration. It follows Nola Trenholm as she continues her journey from Charleston to New Orleans, stepping deeper into adulthood, identity, and the lingering shadows of her past.
For me, the pacing is where I wrestled a bit. There were chapters that stretched on—not unbearable, but slower than I wanted and left me wishing the storyline would cut to the heart instead of wandering in circles.
Final thoughts:
It’s definitely a slow read, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I personally enjoyed the Charleston series mostly because I adore Charleston itself — the familiar streets, layered history, and hints of local lore and hauntings felt like home to me. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but this book carries that same atmospheric thread into a new city, weaving in its own mystique while gently pulling pieces of Charleston along for the ride. That familiarity nudged my rating up, but if this had been my first time meeting her character, I probably would’ve settled closer to a 3-star read
Lady on Esplanade carries a dash of ghostly whispers, old-house secrets, and the slow-unraveling tension that comes with haunted history and personal restoration. It follows Nola Trenholm as she continues her journey from Charleston to New Orleans, stepping deeper into adulthood, identity, and the lingering shadows of her past.
For me, the pacing is where I wrestled a bit. There were chapters that stretched on—not unbearable, but slower than I wanted and left me wishing the storyline would cut to the heart instead of wandering in circles.
Final thoughts:
It’s definitely a slow read, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I personally enjoyed the Charleston series mostly because I adore Charleston itself — the familiar streets, layered history, and hints of local lore and hauntings felt like home to me. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but this book carries that same atmospheric thread into a new city, weaving in its own mystique while gently pulling pieces of Charleston along for the ride. That familiarity nudged my rating up, but if this had been my first time meeting her character, I probably would’ve settled closer to a 3-star read
December 3, 2025
I was so excited for this third one in the series. It has good interweaving mysteries and I still enjoy the cast of characters. However, it seemed unnecessarily long AND you could tell who murdered Adele in the first third of the book. No surprise there - I just rolled my eyes the other two thirds of the book as none of the "reveals" were a surprise. The storyline with Cooper was entirely extraneous and tedious. Finally, the "will they-won't they" tension beween Beau and Nora in all 3 Royal Street books is getting tired. Just get them together already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
I wasn't sure what to rate it. The book is good but frustrating in that even though it is supposed to be able to be read as a standalone, there was no real catch up for the many relationships and subplots. And this book isn't just the third in one series; it's backstory starts in a different series.
But it was a book about ghosts. And New Orleans. And ghosts in New Orleans -- three things I love.
But it was a book about ghosts. And New Orleans. And ghosts in New Orleans -- three things I love.
October 18, 2025
3.5 stars.
January 19, 2026
I was really disappointed with this book. I’m a huge fan of the Tradd Street series so I thought the spin off to Nola’s series was going to be great, but it just continues to get worse. This book was hyping up the miscommunication trope from beginning to end. For 200 pages nothing was going on. It’s like the main characters just wanted to ignore and avoid everything whether it has to do with the haunting or their personal lives. It takes Nola literally like 40 working business days to figure out a clue that a ghost is literally telling her. Beau was doing the same thing avoiding and ignoring the obvious. I thought Sarah was going to come in and save the day at the last 40% of the book but everyone just wanted to not listen to her too. It also seems like the author was focusing on also building all these side stories with the side characters that she never went into depth with the personal issues occurring there. Like with Conner and his fiancé (Beau you could of just talk to the fiancée and asked what she wanted instead of hiring an investigator), Jolene and Jackson (I wish there was more girl time between Nola and Jolene since they were experiencing the same problem), Beau and Felicity/Sunny barely got to read what was going with them, and Trevor i wish he was involved more with the story especially when thing were occurring at the family business and everyone was just brushing him off. It was a struggle getting through this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
This review may contain SPOILERS…
As Nola continues to work on her cottage and renovating other house in New Orleans she finds herself entangled more than ever with Beau. The boy now man who saved herself from a fire when they were in college. They both claim there are no feelings beyond friendship but the spirits and others disagree. Beau is still running from his mother’s spirit.
The house on Esplanade is filled with a deep dark secret that one spirit in particular is not wanting solved. It is a dangerous spirit and other spirits are sending warnings but neither Nola nor Beau are happy to listen.
This is book three in the series and we continue to follow the Jaxson, his fiancée, and Jolene love triangle. I do believe there is something big. Coming in the next book regarding this secondary storyline. Maybe some pitter patter of little feet.
Could you read this as a standalone? Yes. Should you? I say no. There is backstory and background that makes the book more interesting that you get from the other books. I haven’t read the Tradd Street series and I think I will while waiting for the next book in the series.
As Nola continues to work on her cottage and renovating other house in New Orleans she finds herself entangled more than ever with Beau. The boy now man who saved herself from a fire when they were in college. They both claim there are no feelings beyond friendship but the spirits and others disagree. Beau is still running from his mother’s spirit.
The house on Esplanade is filled with a deep dark secret that one spirit in particular is not wanting solved. It is a dangerous spirit and other spirits are sending warnings but neither Nola nor Beau are happy to listen.
This is book three in the series and we continue to follow the Jaxson, his fiancée, and Jolene love triangle. I do believe there is something big. Coming in the next book regarding this secondary storyline. Maybe some pitter patter of little feet.
Could you read this as a standalone? Yes. Should you? I say no. There is backstory and background that makes the book more interesting that you get from the other books. I haven’t read the Tradd Street series and I think I will while waiting for the next book in the series.
January 17, 2026
Sounds like we need a fourth book. I would never have found or picked up this book had it not been part of Brenda Novak's monthly book club. Immediately I enjoyed the author's flow with all the detail. I was concerned the paranormal aspect would frighten me but it did not; instead, I am intrigued.
I did not read books one and two; fully believe this can be read standalone.
The characters are believable; appreciated the history of Hurricane Katrina ... I visited New Orleans in 2019 and witnessed it first hand.
Thanks @BrendaNovak for introducing this book that I will continue to recommend to others.
I did not read books one and two; fully believe this can be read standalone.
The characters are believable; appreciated the history of Hurricane Katrina ... I visited New Orleans in 2019 and witnessed it first hand.
Thanks @BrendaNovak for introducing this book that I will continue to recommend to others.
January 16, 2026
I would give it a 4.5. Loved this next book in her series. It was so nice to revisit with all my “old friends” from her past books. It had been a while since I read the last one and I was worried I might not remember details, but the author did a great job of subtly reminding the reader what had previously happened. This was a great storyline and I am happy that the ending was left in a way that she could possibly write another in this series. Fingers crossed that another one will follow in the not-too-distant future. Definitely recommend this book as well as the series.
February 2, 2026
Karen White books will always be a favorite of mine. I’ve read all of her books and I have loved every single one of them. These are the books I go back and read again and again.
I thought the Tradd Street series was my favorite but now the Royal Street series is getting even better if that’s possible. I am only disappointed in that now I have to wait for the next book.
I thought the Tradd Street series was my favorite but now the Royal Street series is getting even better if that’s possible. I am only disappointed in that now I have to wait for the next book.
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