Voices of the Elysian Fields: A Jonathan Gray, M.D. Mystery

by Michael Rigg

Two days before Christmas, Jonathan Gray, M. D., Chief Deputy Coroner for Orleans Parish, receives shocking news. Robby O’Malley—Jonathan’s mentor for nearly forty years—has died under mysterious circumstances. Within hours after Robby’s death, Gray takes the oath of office as Coroner and participates in autopsies of an elderly couple murdered in their Garden District home. After mass on Christmas morning, Archbishop Phillip Fontenot asks Gray to investigate the sexual assault of one of his parishioners, as well as the disappearance of her sister—without involving the police. As Jonathan winds his way through what appear to be separate incidents, he uncovers connections and secrets that members of the city’s power elite would just as soon remain hidden.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books set in New Orleans so I knew I was going to enjoy this one. I loved how integrated the city and its traditions are in this book (bonus points for giving the Saints a winning season with home field advantage in the playoffs). The characters are extremely well-developed and they come to life in this fast-paced, action-packed story. I had no idea how much more was involved in being a coroner and their reach in the community (more bonus points for the mentions of St. Tammany, though they weren’t necessarily good). The mystery was multi-faceted and kept me guessing the entire time. There was one loose end that wasn’t tied up for me but maybe it’ll be explored in a future book? Highly recommended and I hope there are more with these characters.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Crystal Wulff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices of the Elysian Fields was such a fun and engaging read. I loved the mix of mystery and medical drama-it was very well researched.

Jonathan Gray is smart, relatable, and easy to root for.
The setting was also a big highlight for me. The Southern vibe and the eerie feel of the Elysian Fields made everything really come together. The mystery itself kept me guessing, and I was genuinely surprised by how it all came together.

If you enjoy mysteries with a bit of a unique angle and strong storytelling, definitely read this one. I'll be looking for more books in this series for sure!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes place from December 23rd through January 5th in New Orleans involving the Deputy Coroner Jonathan Gray, soon to become Coroner because his mentor, the Coroner O’Malley, has been found dead of suspicious nature. Within hours a home in the Garden District where the aged parents of Court of Appeals Judge Ben Haldeman are pronounced deceased due to a double homicides are brought to the Coroner. After Mass on Christmas, Jonathan and his wife, Emma, are stopped and asked if Jonathan would meet with the Archbishop with a matter of sanctuary. Thus begins one of the most mysterious/thriller I have read. Every time you think something is solved another heart stopper is on the next page. Author Michael Rigg has the capacity of a great author invoking the thrill of the scenes of New Orleans be it the places, food, or crowds including a reference to a gaudy purple, green, and gold faux-leather couch. Fast forward we find the inner soul of this new Coroner when he is at Baton Rouge to the state Capitol at a committee meeting of the Judiciary Committee. Much thanks to #MichaelRiggs, #NetGalley, and ##LevelBestBooks for a digital ARC of this book; this is my honest review.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Johnathan Gray is one of the best developed characters I’ve seen in a while. I felt an instant connection to him and his cause. I loved his commitment and drive, not only to his work but also to his personal life.

The plot of this book was well thought out and executed. There certainly was enough plot twists to keep you interested and invested. There’s a lot of mystery and well as a desperate need to find out what happened to these characters.

I loved how the author brought all the loose ends together and the ending was tied in a nice bow.

[Babs Bagwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced!

The Voices of the Elysian Fields had me from page one! Great plot! Great read! As a native of New Orleans, I was able to easily slide into the story. Can’t wait for the next!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Voices of the Elysian Fields by Michael Rigg

A Gripping Medical Mystery Wrapped in Shadows
Michael Rigg’s Voices of the Elysian Fields delivers a masterclass in forensic suspense, blending the precision of a medical thriller with the dark allure of a psychological whodunit. Chief Deputy Coroner Jonathan Gray, M.D., returns in this installment to unravel a death shrouded in secrecy—his mentor’s mysterious demise—pulling readers into a labyrinth of professional rivalries, buried sins, and chilling revelations.

Key Strengths
-Atmospheric Tension: Rigg crafts a moody, immersive world where autopsy rooms feel as charged as crime scenes, and every clue carries the weight of personal stakes.
-Complex Protagonist: Gray is a compelling guide—sharp-witted yet vulnerable, with a forensic eye for detail and a haunted past that colors his investigation.
-Twist-Laden Plot: The narrative unfolds like a scalpel’s edge, revealing layers of deception with surgical precision. The mentor-student dynamic adds emotional heft to the procedural elements.

Potential Considerations
-Pacing: Some readers may find the early chapters methodical, though this groundwork pays off in a breakneck final act.
-Medical Jargon: While authentic, occasional terminology might require extra focus from non-medical audiences.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A meticulously constructed puzzle with satisfying payoff.
-Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) – Gray’s depth elevates the genre.
-Setting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The Elysian Fields’ gothic undertones linger.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Fresh twists on forensic tropes.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like an X-ray of the human soul—exposing fractures beneath the surface.

Ideal Audience
-Fans of Kay Scarpetta or Rizzoli & Isles seeking a darker, more introspective sleuth.
-Readers who relish medical accuracy paired with noirish storytelling.
-Anyone who enjoys mysteries where the dead speak through their wounds.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Rigg for the advance review copy. Voices of the Elysian Fields is a haunting reminder that some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Final Verdict
Rigg’s latest Jonathan Gray mystery is a standout in the genre—intelligent, emotionally resonant, and unflinchingly atmospheric. While its deliberate buildup demands patience, the finale delivers a knockout blow. A must-read for those who like their thrillers with both brains and bite.

Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.

[Heather Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend? Yes
Finished: April 10, 2025
Format: Advanced Digital; thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC
Read this if you like: political intrigue, off-beat heroes, strong relationships, military personnel representation, police representation
Triggers: sexual assault (referenced, off page), child death (off page), firearm use (explicit, on page)

Dr. Jonathan Gray is wildly happy in his marriage & fulfilled by his job as Chief Deputy Coroner for New Orleans; but with his mentor/boss’ mysterious death, he is plunged into a world of political corruption, murder, harassment and a full-on trafficking ring. Will Dr. Grey be able to exonerate his oldest friend & still fulfill his duty to uncovering the truth of the hidden files left behind?

This was an enjoyable read, well-written & structured, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Some of the most fun in a mystery is when you think you’ve figured out the twist long before the protagonist & you are waiting for them to catch up, yelling at the page as though they could hear your hunches. But in this “Jonathan Gray” novel, I have to admit I only got it 50% right & that makes me insanely happy. The ending was wrapped up nicely, but left little storylines unfinished that I hope to find out more about in the next installment.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written and thought out crime mystery follows Jonathan Gray, the Coroner of Orleans Parish. As a Louisiana native and frequent visitor to New Orleans, I love the setting and how familiar it is. The book delves into the procedural aspects of crimes, exploring the intricacies of Gray’s job as he conducts autopsies. However, it also takes a thrilling turn into a whodunit filled with prominent characters and politics. I really enjoyed the characters within this, and Jonathan Gray is an outstanding main character with a lot of integrity. If you’re a fan of crime mysteries or the procedural side of crimes, I recommend this!

Thank you NetGalley, Michael Rigg, and Level Best Books for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jeff Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If John D. McDonald's protagonist was monogamous, I imagine he'd be a lot like Dr. Gray. Serious, dedicated to his job and his wife, thoughtful in his actions. Rigg weaves a powerful tale of intrigue and corruption, one that is both complex and fair. This traditional mystery is one to enjoy.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Voices of the Elysian Fields is a gritty procedural featuring medical examiner Dr. Jonathan Gray written by Michael Rigg. Released 8th April 2025 by Level Best Books, it's 344 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

Moody with palpable tension and a shocking amount of action driven plot (especially considering the main character is a physician), Dr. Gray is engaging and sympathetic. He's intelligent and honest and fighting against a corrupt and powerful system. The book is set in New Orleans and the setting is as much a character as any of the living characters in the story. The author does an excellent job of bringing the city and its culture to life.

It's emphatically not a cozy book and there are vivid descriptions (including medical terminology) of violence and corruption in government agencies and employees. The plot is full of twists and manages to be genuinely surprising in places. The denouement and resolution are mostly satisfying and self-contained in this volume.

Three and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition. Recommended for fans of medical procedurals, and especially for fans of NOLA.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books ease their way into a story and your heart. This book seized me on page one and did not let go even when I finished the last page. I carried these characters in my head and heart for days after. They are so well developed I felt like I could head to New Orleans, meet them for dinner, walk through the Quarter with them, stroll St. Charles and head to mass at St. Louis Cathedral. Beyond the characters, the storyline grabbed my attention in paragraph one. 2:00 in the morning, two days before Christmas, deputy chief coroner called to the home of his mentor. Dr. Jonathan Gray becomes chief coroner the day his friend and mentor is found dead in his home. Mere hours later he is called back out to attend to the deaths of two senior members of a prominent and highly influential family, an apparent murder suicide. As the autopsy and subsequent investigation ensue, multiple complexities become evident, yet perhaps not clear to the increasingly exhausted coroner and detectives. Additionally, Jonathan finds himself on the receiving end of a special request from the new archbishop of New Orleans, to assist with a possible sexual assault of a woman who is now being sheltered in a local convent. As Jonathan and his team dig deeper, a spider web of crimes begin to be revealed, implicating Jonathan's mentor and other officials. Twists, red herrings, reaction, over-reaction, family dynamics, all come into play in the best ways.
This is one of those books that will stay with me for awhile, to the point that I ordered my own copy of the book, since this one must go back to the library! Anxiously awaiting Jonathan's next adventure!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

Voices of the Elysian Fields by Michael Rigg is a mystery-thriller following Jonathan Gray, M.D., the Chief Deputy Coroner of Orleans Parish. Just days before Christmas, he learns of the mysterious death of his longtime mentor, Robby O’Malley. Soon after, Gray steps into the role of Coroner and conducts autopsies of an elderly couple murdered in their home.

On Christmas morning, Archbishop Phillip Fontenot asks Gray to investigate the sexual assault of a parishioner and the disappearance of her sister—without involving the police. As Gray delves into these seemingly separate incidents, he uncovers secrets that the city's elite would prefer to remain buried.

The story is set in an atmospheric setting in New Orleans, weaving a tale of family, corruption, greed, and justice. Gray is portrayed as a determined protagonist haunted by personal tragedy, pushing past doubts to fight corruption despite the risks to his own life. Throughout the novel, Gray evolves from a man burdened by grief and doubt into a resolute force for justice. His journey is not just about solving crimes but about finding redemption and ensuring that past victims, including his daughter, are not forgotten.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to readers looking for a good read.

[Kateřina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was kindly provided an eARC of this book by Netgalley.

Voices of the Elysian Fields is a mystery-thriller following the Chief Deputy Coroner of Orleans Parish, Dr. Jonathan Gray. In the span of a few days before Christmas, he learns of the death of his mentor Dr. O'Malley, is thrown into an investigation of a double-murder of an elderly couple, and is asked by archbishop Phillip Fontenot to look into a sexual assault of a parishioner and the disappearance of her sister. While delving into these seemingly separate events, Jonathan uncovers the city's dark secrets and has to protect not only himself but also his co-workers and loved-ones while bringing justice to the victims.

The idea of this story is great, it's an absolute page-turner with some very clever twists. Jonathan is a well-developed character that I really rooted for and grown to like. I didn't love the writing style and certain dialogues felt a bit forced and mechanical, but the story itself made up for it. I wish some of the information given to the reader wasn't relayed through a dialogue between characters, as it felt a little unrealistic that the characters would talk to each other in this way. I felt a little underwhelmed by the ending, but nonetheless the plot was well thought-out and it was an overall enjoyable read, even if it wasn't my favourite.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in New Orleans, we move into a more rarefied atmosphere of people of importance and power in the city. Johnathan Grays mentor of forty years has died unexpectedly, and in somewhat suspicious circumstances. Following this the apparent murder suicide of an elderly rich, well established couple seems too much of a coincidence.

Coupled with his Coroner skills, Johnathan moves into the world of detection, working closely with detectives to uncover a web of unexplained disappearances of young women, coupled with murder of a young man within the same family and attempted murder of several other people connected to the enquiry.

Full of proper police procedural and step by step detecting, trying to bring differing stories and people together, set against a city that is vibrant and one which bounced back after Katrina. The story was well thought out and it all came together very nicely at the end.

[Bill Gormley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrills and Chills in New Orleans -- In New Orleans, people are hot-blooded enough to party hard, but they are also hot-blooded enough to kill. In this fast-paced thriller, Michael Rigg chronicles the adventures of Dr. Jonathan Gray, the new Coroner of Orleans Parish. Rigg juggles several plots like a pro, including police corruption, political corruption, and sexual violence. It is a sobering story, deftly told. Coroner Jonathan Gray is an admirable hero, with moral integrity and the critical thinking sills of a seasoned detective, in addition to his formidable medical skills. Patricia Cornwell paved the way for this kind of hero. Rigg's novel is an suspenseful and engrossing as Cornwell's pioneering books. Voices of the Elysian Fields features some strong action scenes and lots of surprises. An outstanding debut novel!

[CarolinaBookBliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Voices of Elysian Field" by Michael Rigg is a real page-turner.
The mystery is layered with some seriously clever twists that kept me guessing throughout.
The characters are well-developed, which added to the tension and suspense. The pacing is well-handled, and the payoff at the end was satisfying.

To be honest, the writing style wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but that's not to say it's not well-written - it is. Despite that, I found the book to be thoroughly entertaining and engaging. If you're a fan of crime fiction, I'd definitely recommend giving it a shot. The storytelling and plot more than make up for any stylistic differences you might have.

Thank you Michael Rigg, NetGalley and Level Best Books for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Release Copy.

[Sans Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of James Burke and D.J. Donaldson, i was excited to learn of Michael Rigg's new Jonathan Gray mystery series set in New Orleans. The story opens just before Christmas when Dr. Gray is called to the scene of his boss' death. Robby O'Malley, the much-loved coroner of Orleans Parish has died alone in his home under mysterious circumstances. Over just a few short days, Gray encounters a potential rape, human trafficking, patricide, bombings, etc. Can they all be connected? Maybe. It's up to Gray to help the overworked and exhausted NOPD solve these cases - all while improving the medicolegal system. This was a fast read with a satisfying ending. I cannot wait for Rigg to publish the next title in this series!

[Warren Whitmire, Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Rigg's novel makes you feel like a resident of New Orleans rather than a tourist. It also makes you feel like you're a part of the investigation rather than an observer. Those two things alone make the book worth reading, but he doesn't stop there. Michael Rigg jumps right into the action by opening the novel with an active crime scene. He then sets up a large cast of colorful and very human characters in a fascinating setting. The dialogue is detailed and accurate for the people involved and their professions. And, of course, there are a couple of plot twists that will change your understanding of the story.

I really enjoyed the behind-the-curtain-look at the politics, culture, and history of New Orleans. Now I'm looking forward to the next Jonathan Gray mystery.

[Visionary Impart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices of the Elysian Fields is a compelling and richly layered mystery that blends forensic intrigue, moral tension, and the unique atmosphere of New Orleans. Michael Rigg crafts a thoughtful, intelligent story where each case deepens the stakes and draws the reader further into a web of secrets and power. Jonathan Gray is a believable, steady protagonist whose sense of duty and integrity guide the narrative with quiet strength. The pacing is sharp, the mysteries interlock smoothly, and the setting adds depth and authenticity. A satisfying read for fans of smart, character-driven crime fiction.

[Sinéad Gilligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic story that follows Dr. Johnathan Gray, a deputy chief coroner in NOLA. I found him likable from the start. He has a strong work ethic, which we learn all about and we also learn about Ihis personal life.

There were plot twists throughout the book, which kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the setting of NOLA, and learning more about this city.

I particularly liked how all the loose ends together at the end. There wereno questions.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose Voices of the Elysian Fields to read because I seriously love medical/pathologist thrillers. I'm weird, I know. Sadly, this one wasn't as interesting as I had hoped it would be. I'm very familiar with New Orleans and so I adored the setting of the book. I just felt that the writing, the dialogue, even the description of the setting was forced, as though it was coming from a person who wasn't at all familiar with any of this. Perhaps this author isn't. Regardless, it wasn't a read I enjoyed.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Rigg’s medical/legal thriller, Voices of the Elysian Fields, is as twisty as the famous streets and seedy back alleys of New Orleans. Thrust into the role of Coroner when his predecessor dies mysteriously, Dr. Jonathan Gray is faced with an onslaught of murders and assaults that Rigg masterfully weaves into a deadly tale of betrayal and greed.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling read! Fast-paced from start to finish with a complex story to follow and try and solve along with Dr Gray, the main character. Well done!