Whispers of the Bayou

by Mindy Starns Clark

From the author of the popular Million Dollar Mysteries and Smart Chick Mysteries comes a new stand-alone novel full of hidden staircases, buried secrets, and the promise of hope found in knowing God.

Miranda Miller wasn't looking for the news the day the letter came. But, trying to survive in troubled circumstances, she welcomes the chance to change her location for a period of time. The letter informs her that her grandparents' estate is finally about to become hers. She immediately heads down to Louisiana and the old house by the bayou. There Miranda finds secrets that lead to life-changing revelations.

This suspenseful story reminiscent of old Gothic tales has a complex mystery and a vivid sense of the Deep South. It shows how God can take the darkest circumstances and use them to light a bright path leading to the future.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Christian, Book Club, Southern

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has received numerous literary honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Review Magazine’s 2012 Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed MOST of the story. The mysteries that Miranda had to find out were fascinating, riveting. Coming to around the last quarter of book, everything came crashing down. There were a few problems... The biggest one, for me, was the feeling that the author wanted the story finished and the conclusion came out rushed and the easiest way possible. I didn't find this satisfying at all.

Most of the story 4.5 stars.
The last part of the story 1.5 stars.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the cover of this book with the cool mansion in the background and the swamp, too...however, that is not what inspired me to read Whispers of the Bayou...actually, a couple of ladies in my neighborhood had read it and passed it along to me with good recommendations. The basic story here was that a woman with a husband and young child up in New York find out she has an extended family down in Louisiana. Also, she has an inheritance...a huge mansion (maybe the one on the cover) and property that has been willed to her. She talks to the caretaker of the mansion before he dies and he tells her some pretty disturbing stuff about her family. The problem is, he dies before he can get to all the good stuff. So the woman in the story tries to figure out the dirt on her family and comes up with some pretty messy stuff, plus some death threats. I tell you what, I read this in a day and that is remarkable for me because I am chasing around 2 toddlers all day. I really couldn't put it down! It all ended pretty neatly and was highly unbelievable, but that's what makes a pretty good fiction story, right?

[pink (not just another shade of red) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I turned to take it all in...the incredible beauty of the green earth, the moss-laden trees, and the black, life-giving water of the bayou. The water that flowed through my veins."
-page 337

Miranda Fairmont Miller goes back for the first time to her birth place, Louisiana Bayou country, to grant the wish of a dying man and to claim her rightful inheritance. By doing so, questions- question that she tried to bury for 27 years- resurfaced: the tattoo on her scalp, the tragedy that had sent her away from home, the first five years of her life that were completely erased from her memory, and the mysterious symbol that had been stalking her all her life.

Not only that. The book also promised buried secrets, priceless treasure, unknown enemies and ancient myths all lurking in the dark, hidden rooms of an antebellum mansion and lying in wait beside the dark water of the bayou.



"Chucotement du Bayou". A myth that gets passed along among Cajuns, person to person, is a whisper of the Bayou.

"The gentle breezes that rustled through the reeds along the waterway, a sound that was similar to hundreds of whispering voices"
-page 263, Whispers of the Bayou

I give the book 3 stars for its well-researched history, treasure-hunting, and page-turner twists and surprises.

The book also made me curious about Cajun history, especially about their fascinating myths. I did some research and was awed with their rich history.







I would have given it more if I hadn't feel the ending was too abrupt. I felt that the tension had been built up to almost unbearable, that my curiosity had been stroked at length, that I've been following the cleverly scattered breadcrumbs of clues for too long and when I finally reached the big reveal I found a rushed ending crammed into a few pages.

The aptly used epigraphs introduced me to Evangeline: A tale of Acadie by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The few lines I've read are simply lovely that the book had been added immediately to my to-read pile and I'd be reading it really soon.

Before then, here's one of my favorite:



"Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven
Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of angels"

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of the Bayou
By Mindy Starns Clark
Era: Present Day
Location(s): NYC in the beginning, but mostly in a small Cajun town in the bayous of Louisiana
Type of story: Christian Mystery
Main character: Miranda Fairmont Miller, art restorer and now heir to the Fairmont estate in Louisiana

Well, this was a fascinating book. It started off with a family disconnect. Miranda had no idea why she wasn’t able to connect with anyone on a normal level, including her own husband and daughter. Well...there were reasons which came out as the story progressed, and it's all about the mystery of her childhood which, prior to age 5, was a total blank.

Slight spoiler ahead for the sake of my own memory later...

A mystifying tattoo (of which she was not aware) came to light. A suspicious man tried to jog her memory, two men attacked her, then her aunt told her of mysterious letters to Miranda from a dying man in Louisiana who needed her to come see him immediately. All this had to do with her mother's death, a huge secret about a Cajun family she doesn’t remember, and a mysterious house on a bayou in which she apparently spent her early childhood, and now owns.

Off she flew to meet someone she didn't know even though she was warned about dangers there. She needed to know about this tattoo and what the big secrets were; and perhaps why she was the way she was.

Unexplainable panic gripped her many times as she came close to Louisiana and near this home, but she had no idea why. It got even weirder with the dying man telling her of a fantastic story which she swore on an oath to never reveal — the story of her Cajun history and the secret of "Angelus" (a bell).

The creepy setting, the creepy happenings, and the creepy people made all this a really good what-on-earth-is-going-on story. More and more buried secrets were revealed changing everything previously supposed.

Christian element: Perfection. I love the way the author weaves influential characters into the lives of others, giving them a realistic non-preachy Christian perspective, and helping to make all things new. Absolutely no unsavory language.

Some reviewers were bothered by several Cajun phrases, but they weren't excessive. Google Translate could help with a few French phrases as well. I rather enjoy that

So, it was a change in genre for me, but it just worked! This was a "Huh! I-didn't-expect-that!” sort of story that I have no problem recommending this to anyone.

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Super intriguing! I don't usually like suspense/thrillers, but Whispers of the Bayou was such a rich, emotional blend of mystery, family ties, faith, and history that I couldn't help but be swept away by it! It got a little dark at times, but ended with such hope. And now I long to visit the bayou and the "deep south". *smiles*

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right away I realized this was not what I thought it was going to be. It was more in-depth and gave me a glimpse into the life and history of Miranda Miller and the Cajun descendants from the Nova Scotian village of Colline d'Or. It was very interesting. I loved the setting which is one of the reasons I decided to read it.

There was some French dialogue used a few times that I think would have been nice to actually hear spoken, not that that changes how I feel about the book. I struggled with the whole 5 yr old thing and how everyone expected her to remember what happened when she was that age. Overall it was a good read, I'm glad that I picked it up and I can see reading more books by this author.

Some of my favorite quotes:
"Truly loving someone required not just selflessness and generosity, but also bravery."
"It was the music itself, the universal language of a delightful art form, regardless of heritage."
"I was filled with a surge of love, deep and strong, the kind of love that filled me up and made me more than whole."


Rating: PG-13 -some intense adult situations, some violence, mystery, suspense
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's an exciting Gothic vibe to this compelling mystery. Love the 'exotic' (to me) setting of the Louisiana Bayou and the Cajun culture. And there's something so spine tingling about a neglected antebellum estate -- a house full of family secrets and Miranda is plunked down in the middle of it all.

Danger lurks in unexpected corners as she struggles to put the pieces of a fractured puzzle together -- and in the process come to grips with a family history she knew nothing about. In fact, Miranda has no recollection of the first five years of her life...until she arrives at Twin Oaks. Chilling and edgy and lots of over-the-shoulder checking as emotions are laid bare when Miranda asks too many questions. I was gasp-out-loud shocked more than once.

A compulsive read from start to finish.

[TIFFANY · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first couple chapters really grabbed me and I was in great suspense that I just wanted to keep on reading...then about half way through the suspense part of it kinda died for me...I just couldn't finish it.

[Carmussel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nancy Drew meets Da Vinci Code meets Guideposts. While the premise was okay, the religious conversions at the end seemed rather forced. Did enjoy the Acadien history.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had this on my TBR shelf for awhile because every time I picked it up and read the back, I was turned off by what seemed like another canned, melodramatic chick lit story. I finally decided to read it a couple days ago and I was right. However, from the very beginning it was obvious there was a mystery and I was sucked in. It also helped that, as a French-Canadian descendant, I've always been intrigued by the Cajun people, even though my own people migrated to New England and not Louisiana.

The book is full of annoying and ridiculous stereotypes. Miranda is detached from her husband and daughter for all the "acceptable" reasons---a very unlikable character. Plus, we get the not-as-common stereotypical "helmet-haired" and ditzy Southern woman, and blanket statements/assumptions about thugs, Cajun people, handicapped people, and more.

The book is not at all fantastically written, but it does contain plenty of surprises at the end. Too bad it all wraps up so neatly. It's definitely a tell not show when it comes to emotions.

Biggest eye roll: Miranda complains that the press attended the final event of the story but she didn't have to tell anyone it was happening. Everything that was done in the last chapter
could have been done quietly and privately and the secret would have been safe forever in the PRIVATE family cemetery. Also, there's no way I would have made the decision about the property that she made in the end.

Redeeming bits: The Christian message, though trite and tropey at the end of the book, is a meaty gospel message earlier in the story through the character of uncle Holt.

Overall, I'm not super impressed but it was a nice, fluffy read to add to my longer-than-normal list of books read this month.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda Miller wasn’t looking for the news the day the letter came. But, trying to survive in troubled circumstances, she welcomes the chance to change her location for a period of time. The letter informs her that her grandparents’ estate is finally about to become hers. She immediately heads down to Louisiana and the old house by the bayou. There Miranda finds secrets that lead to life–changing revelations.

This suspense-filled novel is steeped in Cajun folklore, legend, and mystery. I thought Clark's explanation very interesting since I knew about Acadians of Nova Scotia as well as the Cajuns of Louisiana, but never made the connection that the Acadians forced exile to Louisiana change the name of the group to "Cajun." The plot is filled with twists, turns, and totally "out of the blue" surprises from start to finish. This was one that I couldn't put down. I loved the new friendships that Miranda developed, the growth of her faith, and her understanding of herself and her place in relationships. Having visited Louisiana several times, it was so easy to picture Clark's vivid descriptions of the scenery and Twin Oaks plantation.

This would be a perfect read for a suspense-filled October!

FAVORITE QUOTE: "The Bible. Either it's the true Word of God or it isn't. You can't pick and choose just the warm and fuzzy parts, or just the parts that make sense, and then use them to create your own version of who you wish God were. I realized that I had two choices: embrace the whole thing or rejct the whole thing. Period."

[Ane Mulligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers of the Bayou has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Filled with murder, buried secrets, hidden rooms, and obscure messages, it's one of the best mysteries I've read. From Manhattan to a mist-shrouded bayou with Spanish moss hanging from the trees, the setting couldn't be more diametrical. I love a book when the setting becomes a character in itself.

Miranda's catapulted into her journey by an attack. When she tells her aunt, who raised her, about it, she reveals some of Miranda's past and shaves a portion of her hair off, uncovering a strange tattoo on her scalp. What kind of parent would tattoo her child's scalp?

That's what Miranda wants to know. Her aunt reluctantly reveals Willy's request for her to come to Louisiana. Determined to know more about her past, Miranda goes, but when she gets there, Willy confuses her more with tales of her being the keeper of the secret. Then he dies before she knows what it's all about. Left to uncover the mystery without even knowing what it's about is daunting enough, but what she discovers about her own past is chilling.

And there I'll leave it. No spoilers here but forget what I said about more twists than a rollercoaster. This has more twists than rigatoni. Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed Whispers of the Bayou. Novel Reviews and I give it a high recommendation.

[Shary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first mystery. I loved it. It wasn't nail bitting or scary. It was well written and had alot of religion in it. The end was very unpredicidable. There were alot of twists in the book that you never saw comming. I always had my thoughts of who it could of been but I was thrown every time. The story line is a simple one. It is about a women who at the age of five her mother died and she moved to New York to live with her Aunt. She dosen't remember anything from the age of six and under and has no contact with her family for Louisiana. She is 32 now and she is about to inheriate the family plantation. The caretaker who lives there is about to die and has a secret he has to tell her before he dies. She flies out there and learns somethings about her family she never knew, but dies before he discloses the secret. That is when the fun begins. You should read it to find out more. Very clean book. No language or anything else in the book. Good book for any age. I grab this book to read because I grew up in the bayous but even if you didn't you will still enjoy it. There is some french in the book but they translate for you. It is Cajan French anyways. Good history on Cajans and where they come from.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely FANTASTIC book!! This was the first book I had read by this author and could not put it down. Yesterday I searched Borders for more books by Mindy Starns Clark, unfortunately to no avail (although I'm certain they must be there). I cannot wait to buy and read her Smart Chick Mystery Series. Had six stars been available, I'd have given this book SIX stars! Great read, intriguing from the word go.

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a library sale and it was a great buy. The author was a new one for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It was set near the bayous of Louisiana. There is an antebellum mansion that Miranda is due to inherit and relatives she's never met. There is a dying caretaker with a precious secret and people who are being very aggressive. Lots of action, and even a lovely Christian experience for two people. You will want to experience this novel.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent gothic mystery. Miranda returns to family home in Louisiana for first time since age 5.

[Deevena Jemima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The story is one plot twist after another. Miranda Miller is living her normal life in New York, and one day everything changes when she comes to know that there is some hidden history to her life. She goes on a journey to discover her heritage and understand why she kept getting caught in unexpected and mysterious situations.The plot takes you through ups and downs, and just when you think the lines are falling in place, another twist comes up. The ending seemed a bit abrupt though.This is the first book I'm reading of this Author and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - Read for my in-person book group. Quite a good little mystery. Several scenarios possible for the ending. I was propelled along by my own curiosity. Somewhat stock characters, twisting plot and a dash of evangelism thrown in on the side. Yes you read that correctly. Took me by surprise. I was surprised there wasn't more. There was SO little it felt out of place and disingenuous. Commit to it if you're gonna go there and prepare me as a reader that this is part of your intent with the book.

[Ann's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow the mystery in this book is amazing! Not very suspenseful but the search of finding herself and her past. Why was she branded? Where did she come from and why doesn't she remember anyone, not even the ones she loved most?

This was a powerful book and shows how just shoving emotions down and blocking our feelings make us islands that no one can reach💔

The only downside I had with this book is at the end once she became a Christian her life was fixed. I believe that you will still have issues no matter if you are a believer or not.

[Rachel Weiandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started off a little predictable at first or had foreshadowing that was too easy to see through, but the further into the story I got the bigger the revelations were.

I just so happened to read Evangeline by Longfellow before reading this book and it made reading this book even more enjoyable. Highly recommend reading that poem before starting this one.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Compelling mystery that kept me spellbound throughout. Several surprises along the way and a satisfying ending. One for my keeper shelf!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great suspense/mystery! Kept me guessing until the last page. :)

[Morgan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible novel! I’m just sorry I hadn’t read it sooner especially since it’s set in my home state of Louisiana. This kept me guessing until the very end!

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Mindy Starns Clark!!! I can absolutely recommend this one! Christian fiction, but not shoving gospel down anyone's throat. I love it!

[Joyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very busy plot with woman who has no memory of her early years, having been taken from Louisiana after her mother died (in fact, killed herself) and raised by her aunt, her mother’s sister. She’s called back to the family estate when the caretaker is on his death bed and demands to speak with her. There she discovers a host of family secrets and a more dangerous, carefully kept secret related to Acadians’ deportation from Canada and resettlement in Louisiana. The story moves at an easy pace; large cast of characters; overstuffed story line with too many threads, not all well-developed; easy storytelling style. I did appreciate the lines from Longfellow’s “Evangeline” that head each chapter. I liked less the Christian message that was layered atop the story rather than made an integral part of it. It sounded a false note.

[Cassie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hysterical, I spent every few minutes pausing to cackle at its quirky humor. Didn't love that I share a name with one of the surprises.
It was a wild, unexpectedly fun and intriguing ride. So full of twists and turns. I adored the faith aspects, really very moving. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so much to keep a reader interested: an ancient symbol and a mysterious oath, a forgotten past, murder, betrayal, and newly discovered, life-changing faith. It had some plot twists and surprises, too.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved Whispers of the Bayou! Mindy Starns Clark has written a brilliant story, complete with suspense, mystery, emotion, plot twists and a dash of historical fiction thrown in. I definitely didn't see some of the twists in the plot coming!

The main character, Miranda, has a dark past. So dark in fact that she herself has erased it from her memory. Although her memories are forgotten, you can see the effect her past has had on her current emotionally detached state. As she faces her past, her present state is also challenged.

I really enjoyed the different characters protrayed in this book, and how the relationships changed throughout (without giving too much away here!). I was constantly wondering while reading... who was it, who did that, who was who???

The only negative thing I would mention is that end seemed rushed in regards to the decisions made and the future of people in the story once the mystery had been solved.

All in all a great read. If you love mysteries with suspense, this is a book I am sure you would enjoy!

[Summer McGarity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book in the library one day. Just happened to find it when casually browsing through the aisles and aisles of books. The word "Bayou" stood out at me so that's what made me pick up the book. I love books set in the South so I thought I'd give this one a try. Boy, am I glad I did. I must say, it was one of the best books I have read in a while! There are so many twists in the story so it always had me on my toes. It's a book that you'll read and never want it to end!

In my opinion, the only drawback in this book is how it really harps on religion (Christianity). I do not personally have anything against religion, but I just would rather not read a suspense or mystery book that involves so much said about it. But overall, it was a great mystery, one I could not put down, and that I never wanted to end. I highly recommend it.