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Murder in Dark Waters
Angelique Santori has vowed that she'll find her mother's murderer. When chief of police Daniel LeCroix asks her to let the police handle things, they reach an agreement: she'll go back to her life if he gives her updates on the case. But Daniel isn't the only one who wants Angelique to stop digging...
After she barely escapes a vicious attack, he's even more insistent that she stay out of his case. She can't deny that she's attracted to him, but once her own life is on the line, she asks herself if she's finally found a man she can trust.
After she barely escapes a vicious attack, he's even more insistent that she stay out of his case. She can't deny that she's attracted to him, but once her own life is on the line, she asks herself if she's finally found a man she can trust.
- GenresHarlequin
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
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February 21, 2026I received a gifted audiobook copy of MURDER IN DARK WATERS by Carla Cassidy from Harlequin Audio.
Pub Date: 2/24/2026
MURDER IN DARK WATERS is the first book in the A Bayou Investigations series. Angelique's mother was recently murdered. She's stepping in to try to keep her mother's business afloat, but she's also wanting answers about what happened to her mother. Daniel is the chief of police and he assures Angelique that he's on the case. Though she reluctantly agrees to leave the investigating to him, she keeps getting dragged back in, especially when someone breaks into her home intent on doing her harm.
I went into this book expecting a romantic suspense and it does deliver some of both. There are essentially two mysteries going on: the murder of Angelique's mother and the attack on Angelique herself. While this book answers some of the questions, it does leave some things open ended which makes sense for the first book in a series.
This is a pretty short novella at only about 225 pages, so things do happen pretty quickly. The relationship especially goes from police/victim to sex to feelings a bit more rapidly than I would generally prefer. I did enjoy the isolated bayou setting and the relationship that Angelique has with her sisters which I would guess may factor in even more in future books.
MURDER IN DARK WATERS just came out on Tuesday!
Pub Date: 2/24/2026
MURDER IN DARK WATERS is the first book in the A Bayou Investigations series. Angelique's mother was recently murdered. She's stepping in to try to keep her mother's business afloat, but she's also wanting answers about what happened to her mother. Daniel is the chief of police and he assures Angelique that he's on the case. Though she reluctantly agrees to leave the investigating to him, she keeps getting dragged back in, especially when someone breaks into her home intent on doing her harm.
I went into this book expecting a romantic suspense and it does deliver some of both. There are essentially two mysteries going on: the murder of Angelique's mother and the attack on Angelique herself. While this book answers some of the questions, it does leave some things open ended which makes sense for the first book in a series.
This is a pretty short novella at only about 225 pages, so things do happen pretty quickly. The relationship especially goes from police/victim to sex to feelings a bit more rapidly than I would generally prefer. I did enjoy the isolated bayou setting and the relationship that Angelique has with her sisters which I would guess may factor in even more in future books.
MURDER IN DARK WATERS just came out on Tuesday!
February 24, 2026
2.5/5 stars
Too short for depth or resolution
Thank you to NetGalley, Carla Cassidy, and Harlequin Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Murder, violence, attack/attempted murder, death of parent, grief, sexual content
Carla Cassidy's Murder in Dark Waters is the first book in A Bayou Investigation series. Angelique Santori's mother has been murdered. She's determined to find who did it. Daniel LeCroix is the chief of police. He asks her to let the police handle things. They reach an agreement. She'll back off if he gives her updates on the case. But someone else wants Angelique to stop digging. After she barely escapes an attack, Daniel insists she stay out of the investigation. She's attracted to him but has to figure out if she can trust him.
Annalee Scott narrates the audiobook. She has a pleasant voice overall. Great tone and pacing. The narration works well.
The plot concept is interesting. The mystery has potential. The bayou and swamp setting is different and adds something unique. The tension stays constant throughout. You're kept on edge wondering what will happen. Daniel's protectiveness and Angelique's independence create a dynamic that could work. The relationship between Angelique and her sisters is good.
The book is too short. It's a novella at about 225 pages. That length creates major problems. The story is missing depth. It feels told rather than shown. You don't get the little details that would make you feel connected to what's happening. Things happen too quickly without time to develop properly.
The romance doesn't work. It's insta-love. It feels cheesy. The relationship goes from police officer and victim to sex to deep feelings way too rapidly. There's no buildup. One moment they're keeping things professional, the next they're in bed, then suddenly they're talking about having a life together. It's jarring.
The plot has issues. Some things resolve too quickly. Other things don't resolve at all. The attack on Angelique gets solved. But the murder of her mother, which is the main mystery, doesn't get solved. You finish the book without knowing who killed her mother. That's frustrating. The description says books in this series are standalones. That's not accurate. You absolutely need the next book to get resolution on the central mystery.
I couldn't connect to the characters. They lack depth. You don't spend enough time with them to understand who they are beyond surface level traits. Character development is minimal.
Some of the logic bothers me. The police chief giving a family member detailed nightly reports on an active investigation is not realistic. That's not how investigations work. That compromise they reach doesn't make sense in the real world.
The writing style felt more told than experienced. You're being informed about events and emotions rather than living through them with the characters.
This works for readers who enjoy very quick romantic suspense reads, people who don't mind cliffhangers and open endings, fans of bayou settings, anyone okay with insta-love romance, readers who plan to continue the series and don't need standalone closure, and those looking for light suspense they can finish in one sitting. If you need character depth, slow burn romance, complete mystery resolution, realistic police procedures, or actual standalone stories, this won't work for you.
Interesting premise hindered by length constraints and lack of resolution.
Too short for depth or resolution
Thank you to NetGalley, Carla Cassidy, and Harlequin Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Murder, violence, attack/attempted murder, death of parent, grief, sexual content
Carla Cassidy's Murder in Dark Waters is the first book in A Bayou Investigation series. Angelique Santori's mother has been murdered. She's determined to find who did it. Daniel LeCroix is the chief of police. He asks her to let the police handle things. They reach an agreement. She'll back off if he gives her updates on the case. But someone else wants Angelique to stop digging. After she barely escapes an attack, Daniel insists she stay out of the investigation. She's attracted to him but has to figure out if she can trust him.
Annalee Scott narrates the audiobook. She has a pleasant voice overall. Great tone and pacing. The narration works well.
The plot concept is interesting. The mystery has potential. The bayou and swamp setting is different and adds something unique. The tension stays constant throughout. You're kept on edge wondering what will happen. Daniel's protectiveness and Angelique's independence create a dynamic that could work. The relationship between Angelique and her sisters is good.
The book is too short. It's a novella at about 225 pages. That length creates major problems. The story is missing depth. It feels told rather than shown. You don't get the little details that would make you feel connected to what's happening. Things happen too quickly without time to develop properly.
The romance doesn't work. It's insta-love. It feels cheesy. The relationship goes from police officer and victim to sex to deep feelings way too rapidly. There's no buildup. One moment they're keeping things professional, the next they're in bed, then suddenly they're talking about having a life together. It's jarring.
The plot has issues. Some things resolve too quickly. Other things don't resolve at all. The attack on Angelique gets solved. But the murder of her mother, which is the main mystery, doesn't get solved. You finish the book without knowing who killed her mother. That's frustrating. The description says books in this series are standalones. That's not accurate. You absolutely need the next book to get resolution on the central mystery.
I couldn't connect to the characters. They lack depth. You don't spend enough time with them to understand who they are beyond surface level traits. Character development is minimal.
Some of the logic bothers me. The police chief giving a family member detailed nightly reports on an active investigation is not realistic. That's not how investigations work. That compromise they reach doesn't make sense in the real world.
The writing style felt more told than experienced. You're being informed about events and emotions rather than living through them with the characters.
This works for readers who enjoy very quick romantic suspense reads, people who don't mind cliffhangers and open endings, fans of bayou settings, anyone okay with insta-love romance, readers who plan to continue the series and don't need standalone closure, and those looking for light suspense they can finish in one sitting. If you need character depth, slow burn romance, complete mystery resolution, realistic police procedures, or actual standalone stories, this won't work for you.
Interesting premise hindered by length constraints and lack of resolution.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This first story takes the listeners to the Bayou , introduces them to the Santori sisters and the murder of their mother.
A woman that many thought she could put spells on people.
Angelique Santori , determined to find out who her mother’s killer is, demands the police chief , Daniel LeCroix, keep her posted on his discoveries. He promises so long as she goes back home.
But things get complicated and dangerous when Angelique is attacked.
In the midst of it all, Daniel develops feelings for Angelique, something that scares her , as she’s determined never to fall in love.
Will she finally realize to take a chance with Daniel? What happens when someone else continues to be a danger to Angelique?
Who is that someone and why?
In the end we are left with an unsolved murder and two sisters who have yet to find love. Surely more to come in the next stories of the seires.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley, Harlequin Intrigue and Harper Collins.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
A woman that many thought she could put spells on people.
Angelique Santori , determined to find out who her mother’s killer is, demands the police chief , Daniel LeCroix, keep her posted on his discoveries. He promises so long as she goes back home.
But things get complicated and dangerous when Angelique is attacked.
In the midst of it all, Daniel develops feelings for Angelique, something that scares her , as she’s determined never to fall in love.
Will she finally realize to take a chance with Daniel? What happens when someone else continues to be a danger to Angelique?
Who is that someone and why?
In the end we are left with an unsolved murder and two sisters who have yet to find love. Surely more to come in the next stories of the seires.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley, Harlequin Intrigue and Harper Collins.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.
March 1, 2026
3.25 - The story follows Angelique Santori, who’s determined to uncover who murdered her mother in their bayou home, and Chief of Police Daniel LeCroix, who’s trying to convince her to let the police handle the investigation while keeping her safe. Their uneasy alliance (to mutual attraction) was interesting, but I wish the book had taken more time to dive into what motivates them and how the tragedy has shaped Angelique’s and Daniel’s inner worlds. The mystery itself was engaging and kept me curious, but the character development felt a bit thin at times, leaving me wanting more depth and emotional resonance. I listened to the audiobook, and unfortunately the narration didn’t quite pull me into the story the way I hoped, which made it harder to connect with the characters. Overall though, it was a decent, fast-paced romantic suspense with a compelling premise.
And of course, thanks again to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the early access! @htpbooks
And of course, thanks again to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the early access! @htpbooks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
This is a mystery with lots of romance. There are actually 2 mysteries in this story. Angelique’s mother is murdered and then there’s an attack on Angelique.
This book moves so quickly through the story that only two characters matter, in my opinion. Angelique has sisters, who we meet but fleetingly. There’s not much in the way of character development. I was interested in learning more about the background since I don’t read many books that take place in the swamp but I don’t feel like I got.
The romance felt rushed. They barely start talking and they’re fighting their feelings. Then they’re in bed and she doesn’t want a relationship. Then she does.
It wasn’t a bad book. If you want a quick story, this is great. To me, it just feels like it needed to be longer to do the story justice. Also, the description states the books in this series are standalone yet the main mystery did not get solved.
I received this as a free audiobook and am leaving my review voluntarily.
This book moves so quickly through the story that only two characters matter, in my opinion. Angelique has sisters, who we meet but fleetingly. There’s not much in the way of character development. I was interested in learning more about the background since I don’t read many books that take place in the swamp but I don’t feel like I got.
The romance felt rushed. They barely start talking and they’re fighting their feelings. Then they’re in bed and she doesn’t want a relationship. Then she does.
It wasn’t a bad book. If you want a quick story, this is great. To me, it just feels like it needed to be longer to do the story justice. Also, the description states the books in this series are standalone yet the main mystery did not get solved.
I received this as a free audiobook and am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 14, 2026
Rating: 3.5 ☆
Pub: February 24, 2026
Thank you to the hive, net galley and harlequin audio for the ARC!
“She trusted in him, more than anything, she trusted in them. Together they were going to have a marvelous life…”
Angelique’s determination to find her mother’s killer makes the tension feel constant, and the danger surrounding her kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the balance between suspense and romance—Daniel’s protectiveness and Angelique’s stubborn independence create a bond that feels real, especially as trust slowly builds between them. The mystery throughout this story was interesting to follow. I listened to this audiobook and enjoyed the characters, the plot and the narrator.
Pub: February 24, 2026
Thank you to the hive, net galley and harlequin audio for the ARC!
“She trusted in him, more than anything, she trusted in them. Together they were going to have a marvelous life…”
Angelique’s determination to find her mother’s killer makes the tension feel constant, and the danger surrounding her kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the balance between suspense and romance—Daniel’s protectiveness and Angelique’s stubborn independence create a bond that feels real, especially as trust slowly builds between them. The mystery throughout this story was interesting to follow. I listened to this audiobook and enjoyed the characters, the plot and the narrator.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was given the opportunity to listen to this audiobook as an ARC. Annalee Scott is such an amazing voice actress. Her voice is so soothing and she can really pull the listener into the story.
From the very start I was hooked into this story. I love how the author, Carla Cassidy, paints the scene...from sights, sounds, even the smells. I greatly appreciate authors who can make you feel like you are experiencing it. The book itself is a very quick read (listen in my case) and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book is left on a cliffhanger which I often HATE but this has me excited for the next book. I really look forward to seeing who murdered Angelique's mother and where her and Daniels love story goes.
From the very start I was hooked into this story. I love how the author, Carla Cassidy, paints the scene...from sights, sounds, even the smells. I greatly appreciate authors who can make you feel like you are experiencing it. The book itself is a very quick read (listen in my case) and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book is left on a cliffhanger which I often HATE but this has me excited for the next book. I really look forward to seeing who murdered Angelique's mother and where her and Daniels love story goes.
February 26, 2026
Received an audiobook copy from NetGalley and Harlequin audio.
I should’ve DNF’d at the beginning when my gut told me to, but I finished out of sheer spite.
10 minutes in and both the MCs were having thoughts of ‘they’re the most handsome/beautiful person I’ve ever seen’. Okay…..but WHAT ABOUT THE MURDER?!
This was more romance and less mystery thriller. If you’re hoping to finish this and have all your questions answered you will be left feeling very unfulfilled.
There was zero actual deducing of who committed the murder and it seemed like they didn’t actually care in the end.
“They were going to have a marvelous life together and she couldn’t wait for it to begin”
End.
WHAT….WHAT ABOUT YOUR DEAD MOTHER?!
The narrator did a very good job though.
I should’ve DNF’d at the beginning when my gut told me to, but I finished out of sheer spite.
10 minutes in and both the MCs were having thoughts of ‘they’re the most handsome/beautiful person I’ve ever seen’. Okay…..but WHAT ABOUT THE MURDER?!
This was more romance and less mystery thriller. If you’re hoping to finish this and have all your questions answered you will be left feeling very unfulfilled.
There was zero actual deducing of who committed the murder and it seemed like they didn’t actually care in the end.
“They were going to have a marvelous life together and she couldn’t wait for it to begin”
End.
WHAT….WHAT ABOUT YOUR DEAD MOTHER?!
The narrator did a very good job though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5. I'm always happy to discover new romantic suspense. However, as much as I really wanted to enjoy it, I think it was missing some depth for me. Probably due to the fact that it is quite short. It felt like I was told the story, without having all the little details that would have made me feel things. The plot was interesting, but it was resolve quite quickly (again a short book, so I can see why), and the love story felt very insta-love, which I'm not a fan of. The writing style wasn't really for me, but some might really enjoy those kind of short read.
February 20, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from Harper Collins and NetGalley here is my honest and voluntarily review.
This books is a fast paced mystery that will keep you hooked I did the Audio and it was so good . Angelique finds her mother’s body in her house and she is determined to find her mother’s killer and her chemistry with Daniel the Chief of Police adds a nice romantic edge to the investigation. The end got me because I thought it was one person and nope I was so wrong but loved every minute of it will recommend this romantic mystery story .
This books is a fast paced mystery that will keep you hooked I did the Audio and it was so good . Angelique finds her mother’s body in her house and she is determined to find her mother’s killer and her chemistry with Daniel the Chief of Police adds a nice romantic edge to the investigation. The end got me because I thought it was one person and nope I was so wrong but loved every minute of it will recommend this romantic mystery story .
February 27, 2026
I read this book as I love romance that is intertwined with mystery. The romance did feel very rushed. The author could have let it build as the storyline would’ve greatly lent itself to this.
The narrator was great and added so much to the story and made it come alive.
I found the main character Angelique to be likeable and relatable with so many layers. The main conflict remained unsolved. This book was too short and I think I would’ve liked it if it was longer, but I look forward to the sequel.
****Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC program!
The narrator was great and added so much to the story and made it come alive.
I found the main character Angelique to be likeable and relatable with so many layers. The main conflict remained unsolved. This book was too short and I think I would’ve liked it if it was longer, but I look forward to the sequel.
****Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC program!
February 27, 2026
Murder in Dark Waters by Carla Cassidy
A little mystery and some love! Can't go wrong!!
A fast paced suspense that kept my attention the entire time! A perfect quick read/listen!
Angelique Santori is determined to find out who the killer of her mother is. Police Chief, Daniel LeCroix, gives her updates daily as she wishes and find himself falling for her. And she's determined to not fall in love with him.
Who could have wanted her mother dead?
Thank you Carla Cassidy, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC!
A little mystery and some love! Can't go wrong!!
A fast paced suspense that kept my attention the entire time! A perfect quick read/listen!
Angelique Santori is determined to find out who the killer of her mother is. Police Chief, Daniel LeCroix, gives her updates daily as she wishes and find himself falling for her. And she's determined to not fall in love with him.
Who could have wanted her mother dead?
Thank you Carla Cassidy, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC!
February 24, 2026
After her mother's death, Angelique is determined to find the killer. Daniel the handsome local detective steps in, trying to protect her and there is an instant attraction.
This was a romantic thriller novella that packed the story with drama and tension. I was pulled in at the very beginning where they try and solve the murder but felt the story started to lean more into Angelique and Daniel's romance. It was a short fun read full of romantic suspense.
This was a romantic thriller novella that packed the story with drama and tension. I was pulled in at the very beginning where they try and solve the murder but felt the story started to lean more into Angelique and Daniel's romance. It was a short fun read full of romantic suspense.
March 2, 2026
This was an easy, pleasant romance with a dose of mystery. There isn't much negative to say about it, but neither anything that particularly stands out. It is steeped in the Bayou, which is a fitting context for a mystery like this, with the intrigue of voodoo. It is a fast, easy romance read!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this free audiobook to review; these opinions are purely my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this free audiobook to review; these opinions are purely my own.
February 28, 2026
This was a shorter book which is a shame because it had a really cool plot and setting. It just felt so rushed. The romantic relationship was on fast forward. That was such a missed opportunity because there really could’ve been a nice amount of tension and yearning. Daniel is the chief of police investigating the murder of Angelique’s mother. She and her mother live in a Shante in the bayou of Louisiana. There’s gator hunters, parts of the plot are driven by the swamp, the author describes how the fmc has to start and stop her generator as well as walk a ways to her car, and it’s clearly described how dangerous it can be in the bayou. The setting was really quite interesting and well described.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Annalee Scott. She did a fantastic job. 4/5 for the narration itself.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Annalee Scott. She did a fantastic job. 4/5 for the narration itself.
February 27, 2026
This book had a really great start, but to me it kinda got slow right after, but did pick up again around just after half. I loved the ending and it had a very good twist! It did go through the motions of what I think a real investigation would look like! The narrator was good, no true emotion was shown throughout but had a very melodic voice to listen to!
February 24, 2026
to Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for this eARC in Audio format
Not to much taste, it became a quick DNF (Did Not Finish) for me in the first chapter as it is far too "romance" heavy.
Your mileage may vary, and if you are a fan of romance novels more than mysteries, give it a read / listen.
Not to much taste, it became a quick DNF (Did Not Finish) for me in the first chapter as it is far too "romance" heavy.
Your mileage may vary, and if you are a fan of romance novels more than mysteries, give it a read / listen.
February 25, 2026
A fast paced suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life! Excited to see what comes next in this series!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
February 27, 2026
I devoured this in one sitting and spent the entire time trying to figure out who the villain was. I can't wait for the next books in the series to come out so I can find out who the biggest villain is. This definitely draws you into the small community and leaves you invested in their lives.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in A Bayou Investigation series. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I loved the audiobook for this book. I got totally 100% pulled into this book from the first page, and I loved this so much. There was one thing I did not love that is one of the cases going on in this book that does not get solved, but I know that is because it will be worked throughout this series. I loved getting to know the characters in this book. I loved the romance in this book. I think there was the right mix of romance and suspense and mystery throughout this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
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