What do you think?
Rate this book
The Oubre Sisters #1
The Hands That Treat
Magic. Murder. And a friends-to-lovers romance that burns hotter than a New Orleans summer.
The Hands That Treat is a paranormal romance that feels like the cult movie, Practical Magic, but set in a spell-binding, hurricane drunk New Orleans. This spicy, slow burn follows Ophelia Oubre, a magical healer in her 30s, on a journey to identify the serial killer haunting her family and friends. Her search for answers is revealed when she learns how to trust herself and accepts the help of an unsuspecting friend.
Ophelia lives unaware of the mystical world that simmers beneath the cracked streets and soddened earth of the Crescent City. The mysteries and magical gifts of her community are unveiled by her grandmother when Ophelia assumes the role as her family’s next Traiteur. Derived from the French word traiter (“to treat”), Traiteurs are Cajun healers with the unique ability to heal ailments through magic.
Once she embraces her treating gift, an exciting and enchanting world opens to Ophelia, and she is quick to embrace it. But darkness lurks. Ophelia is shaken when a serial killer begins murdering citizens at random, leaving behind cryptic messages written in blood. She has the distinct feeling that she's somehow connected to the murders.
Ophelia must uncover her relation to the murders, but she’s faced with obstacles and dead ends at every turn. Her journey to truth leads her through painful heartache, mind-numbing lust and a love she’s never known before.
The Hands That Treat was inspired by the Author’s late relative who was a Traiteur in Oakdale, Louisiana. This book was written as part of a planned series that follows the three Oubre sisters through otherworldly adventures in a supernatural New Orleans.
The Hands That Treat is perfect for fans of Bride by Ali Hazelwood and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.
The Hands That Treat is a paranormal romance that feels like the cult movie, Practical Magic, but set in a spell-binding, hurricane drunk New Orleans. This spicy, slow burn follows Ophelia Oubre, a magical healer in her 30s, on a journey to identify the serial killer haunting her family and friends. Her search for answers is revealed when she learns how to trust herself and accepts the help of an unsuspecting friend.
Ophelia lives unaware of the mystical world that simmers beneath the cracked streets and soddened earth of the Crescent City. The mysteries and magical gifts of her community are unveiled by her grandmother when Ophelia assumes the role as her family’s next Traiteur. Derived from the French word traiter (“to treat”), Traiteurs are Cajun healers with the unique ability to heal ailments through magic.
Once she embraces her treating gift, an exciting and enchanting world opens to Ophelia, and she is quick to embrace it. But darkness lurks. Ophelia is shaken when a serial killer begins murdering citizens at random, leaving behind cryptic messages written in blood. She has the distinct feeling that she's somehow connected to the murders.
Ophelia must uncover her relation to the murders, but she’s faced with obstacles and dead ends at every turn. Her journey to truth leads her through painful heartache, mind-numbing lust and a love she’s never known before.
The Hands That Treat was inspired by the Author’s late relative who was a Traiteur in Oakdale, Louisiana. This book was written as part of a planned series that follows the three Oubre sisters through otherworldly adventures in a supernatural New Orleans.
The Hands That Treat is perfect for fans of Bride by Ali Hazelwood and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Kristen H. Casey
1 book36 followersKristen H. Casey, a debut author with a passion for romance, is a fifth-generation Cajun who has lived in Louisiana for most of her life and graduated from Louisiana State University in Mass Communication.
Her love and heartbreak for the swampy place are evident in her writing. To escape the onslaught of hurricanes and flooding, she moved her family in 2022 from New Orleans to the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kristen honed her writing skills through a decade and a half of creative marketing strategy at agencies, in-house marketing and classes at the New Orleans Writers Workshop.
She lives happily with her husband, daughter and corgi.
Her love and heartbreak for the swampy place are evident in her writing. To escape the onslaught of hurricanes and flooding, she moved her family in 2022 from New Orleans to the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Kristen honed her writing skills through a decade and a half of creative marketing strategy at agencies, in-house marketing and classes at the New Orleans Writers Workshop.
She lives happily with her husband, daughter and corgi.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hands That Treat completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. It had everything I love in a book—suspense, mystery, romance, and just the right amount of spice woven beautifully into the story. Every chapter left me wanting to know more, and I found myself constantly thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading.
Etienne absolutely stole the show for me. He was intriguing, protective, complex, and impossible not to fall for. The chemistry between Ophelia and Etienne was electric, and their relationship unfolded in a way that kept me fully invested from beginning to end.
What I loved most was how the mystery and suspense balanced perfectly with the romance. The twists kept me guessing, while the emotional connection between the characters kept me turning pages late into the night.
And that ending? I am not okay. It left me desperate for more of Ophelia and Etienne’s story. There are still so many things I want to know, and I would happily read several more books centered around these two characters.
If you’re looking for a novel that delivers intrigue, tension, romance, and spice without sacrificing a great story, The Hands That Treat is one I highly recommend. It was an easy five-star read for me, and I’m already hoping there will be more to come from Ophelia and Etienne.
The Hands That Treat completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. It had everything I love in a book—suspense, mystery, romance, and just the right amount of spice woven beautifully into the story. Every chapter left me wanting to know more, and I found myself constantly thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading.
Etienne absolutely stole the show for me. He was intriguing, protective, complex, and impossible not to fall for. The chemistry between Ophelia and Etienne was electric, and their relationship unfolded in a way that kept me fully invested from beginning to end.
What I loved most was how the mystery and suspense balanced perfectly with the romance. The twists kept me guessing, while the emotional connection between the characters kept me turning pages late into the night.
And that ending? I am not okay. It left me desperate for more of Ophelia and Etienne’s story. There are still so many things I want to know, and I would happily read several more books centered around these two characters.
If you’re looking for a novel that delivers intrigue, tension, romance, and spice without sacrificing a great story, The Hands That Treat is one I highly recommend. It was an easy five-star read for me, and I’m already hoping there will be more to come from Ophelia and Etienne.
June 26, 2026
I’ve never read this author before. So I was so excited to be able to read this as an ARC. I know, I’m posting a few days late. So sorry. But I absolutely loved this story so much. It was so intriguing. Right from the beginning I could already feel myself being pulled into this world. The description was amazing and I loved seeing this beautiful city in my mind. The magic and mystery was written so well. And I loved that there was a serial killer on the loose. The characters were developed so well and made them so believable. The spice, the romance. Everything was balanced perfectly. Loved loved loved this one.
tbr-arcs
April 24, 2026⋆⋅☆⋅⋆
The FMC is a healer. And there's mystery. Sign me up!
The FMC is a healer. And there's mystery. Sign me up!
April 9, 2026
Was able to read it through NetGalley and love it !!
The start of the book all I could think of is the importance of the tiger. Once the meaning of the tiger was revealed, I liked how it was Ophelia’s protector especially during the incident in NY. It was way of showing Ophelia her own strength during that moment and looking out for her or warning her.
Just like Ophelia wondered, I also wanted to know why the tiger reappeared and if her attack and the series of murders were related. As the story went on it was interesting to see how the tiger played a role in it.
Ew Ben, why??? that’s all I’m going to say. I have a bad feeling about Mateo, something is off about him.
The book brought me on a journey with Ophelia as she navigates this new part of her life as a traiteur. It had me trying to figure out how all the murders were connected and if her or her friends abilities could solve who the serial killer is and why. I liked how the book showed the power of family and friendship. Jo is a badass and so is E.
Overall I enjoyed this book! The ending does make me wonder if there is going to be a sequel since i need to know who the cutthroat killer is and what is going to happen next.
The start of the book all I could think of is the importance of the tiger. Once the meaning of the tiger was revealed, I liked how it was Ophelia’s protector especially during the incident in NY. It was way of showing Ophelia her own strength during that moment and looking out for her or warning her.
Just like Ophelia wondered, I also wanted to know why the tiger reappeared and if her attack and the series of murders were related. As the story went on it was interesting to see how the tiger played a role in it.
Ew Ben, why??? that’s all I’m going to say. I have a bad feeling about Mateo, something is off about him.
The book brought me on a journey with Ophelia as she navigates this new part of her life as a traiteur. It had me trying to figure out how all the murders were connected and if her or her friends abilities could solve who the serial killer is and why. I liked how the book showed the power of family and friendship. Jo is a badass and so is E.
Overall I enjoyed this book! The ending does make me wonder if there is going to be a sequel since i need to know who the cutthroat killer is and what is going to happen next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
Thanks to Kristen H Casey and Netgalley for the ARC!
The Hands That Treat is a wonderful debut novel with magic, mystery, thriller, romance and more. I really enjoyed stepping into this version of New Orleans and Louisiana, it was encompassing, fantastical and was clearly written from a place of love. I was fully engaged in this story and couldn't wait to read what came next.
I was pleased to be right about the "who done it" part but also felt like there were enough alternatives to keep me wondering.
I would really love to listen to an audiobook edition of this, to hear the accents and pronunciations of everything. I also think this would make a fantastic TV show.
I look forward to what comes next!
The Hands That Treat is a wonderful debut novel with magic, mystery, thriller, romance and more. I really enjoyed stepping into this version of New Orleans and Louisiana, it was encompassing, fantastical and was clearly written from a place of love. I was fully engaged in this story and couldn't wait to read what came next.
I was pleased to be right about the "who done it" part but also felt like there were enough alternatives to keep me wondering.
I would really love to listen to an audiobook edition of this, to hear the accents and pronunciations of everything. I also think this would make a fantastic TV show.
I look forward to what comes next!
July 14, 2026
The Hands That Treat is a murder mystery with spicy romance set in contemporary New Orleans. It follows Ophelia Oubre, a young woman who returns to Louisiana and discovers she has inherited the gift of traditional Cajun healing.
I really enjoyed the way the story blends the modern world with the magical in a way that feels natural and believable. The pacing builds steadily as the mystery unfolds, keeping the suspense growing chapter after chapter. Even at over 350 pages, the novel flew by because I became invested in the unique cast of characters eager to read what happened next.
The Cajun and Creole world-building is one of the book’s greatest strengths, creating a rich setting that feels both authentic and enchanting. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the follow-up novels and spending more time in the world the author has created.
I really enjoyed the way the story blends the modern world with the magical in a way that feels natural and believable. The pacing builds steadily as the mystery unfolds, keeping the suspense growing chapter after chapter. Even at over 350 pages, the novel flew by because I became invested in the unique cast of characters eager to read what happened next.
The Cajun and Creole world-building is one of the book’s greatest strengths, creating a rich setting that feels both authentic and enchanting. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the follow-up novels and spending more time in the world the author has created.
July 1, 2026
I really enjoyed the magic system in this book and absolutely loved the location setting of the book. It kept me on my toes, turning each page and staying up wat to late reading, I couldn't put it down, I loved the romance and the pacing of the book. I highly recommend
June 1, 2026
I couldn't put this book down. Kristen H. Casey did an incredible job of transporting me straight into the heart of New Orleans. The atmosphere was so vivid, I could practically feel it. It made me want to go!
Ophelia is such a beautifully written, relatable main character. She had me laughing out loud, crying, and cheering her on the entire way. The romance is top-tier; the sexy scenes are incredibly hot and filled with genuine emotion. What really sets this apart from other romances, though, is the creative and unique magical elements woven into an otherwise realistic world. It’s fresh, fun, and entirely original.
I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the sequel! Highly recommend!
Ophelia is such a beautifully written, relatable main character. She had me laughing out loud, crying, and cheering her on the entire way. The romance is top-tier; the sexy scenes are incredibly hot and filled with genuine emotion. What really sets this apart from other romances, though, is the creative and unique magical elements woven into an otherwise realistic world. It’s fresh, fun, and entirely original.
I’m officially hooked and cannot wait for the sequel! Highly recommend!
July 3, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! From the start I was hooked with all vibes and Cajun lore, I was like omg a book about traiteurs! I know what they are haha 😆 And the FMC Ophelia and MMC Etienne are both names I considered for my kids which is a crazy coincidence and I was just loving it from very early on!
For me, living in the south and being married to my sweet Cajun, I felt right at home in this story! And New Orleans is one of my fave cities to visit! 💜💛💚 I loved following Ophelia’s journey as she learned she was next in line to be a traiteur in her family and be able to help and heal her community and all of the chaos that ensues from there!
This is a multi layered story with something for everyone! Mystery, intrigue, great friends, and also strong family ties as we watch Ophelia’s interactions with her own family, which was at times heartfelt and very relatable. There’s just something about a story where you can visually imagine everything and easily get lost in it! I don’t want to get to in the details because beyond the blurb you need to know nothing else and just jump right in and enjoy!
This is a slow burn, but when it burns baaaaaaby…. It BURNS. The spice is spicing 😉 and I have zero complaints about that! But in this story Ophelia finds more than love, she finds herself to and comes into her own and it’s a beautiful awakening to follow!
This is gonna be for the paranormal romance girlies who love a good mystery and love shows like The Originals and The Vampire Diaries! Same vibes, not exactly the same content at all but if you love the vibes and pacing those shows bought to you, you will gobble this story up!
Also this was the author’s debut and my flabbers are gasted because what??? This was great!!
Thank you so much to The Author Agency and the author for the eARC!
I really enjoyed this book! From the start I was hooked with all vibes and Cajun lore, I was like omg a book about traiteurs! I know what they are haha 😆 And the FMC Ophelia and MMC Etienne are both names I considered for my kids which is a crazy coincidence and I was just loving it from very early on!
For me, living in the south and being married to my sweet Cajun, I felt right at home in this story! And New Orleans is one of my fave cities to visit! 💜💛💚 I loved following Ophelia’s journey as she learned she was next in line to be a traiteur in her family and be able to help and heal her community and all of the chaos that ensues from there!
This is a multi layered story with something for everyone! Mystery, intrigue, great friends, and also strong family ties as we watch Ophelia’s interactions with her own family, which was at times heartfelt and very relatable. There’s just something about a story where you can visually imagine everything and easily get lost in it! I don’t want to get to in the details because beyond the blurb you need to know nothing else and just jump right in and enjoy!
This is a slow burn, but when it burns baaaaaaby…. It BURNS. The spice is spicing 😉 and I have zero complaints about that! But in this story Ophelia finds more than love, she finds herself to and comes into her own and it’s a beautiful awakening to follow!
This is gonna be for the paranormal romance girlies who love a good mystery and love shows like The Originals and The Vampire Diaries! Same vibes, not exactly the same content at all but if you love the vibes and pacing those shows bought to you, you will gobble this story up!
Also this was the author’s debut and my flabbers are gasted because what??? This was great!!
Thank you so much to The Author Agency and the author for the eARC!
June 18, 2026
The Hands That Treat hooked me with its New Orleans gothic atmosphere, magical realism, and blend of romance and murder mystery.
I loved the Traiteur healing magic, the voodoo elements, the tiger spirit protector, and the way Ophelia’s magical awakening unfolded alongside the serial killer investigation. The setting was one of the strongest parts for me with botanicals, old mansions, costume parties, family magic, and that mysterious New Orleans undercurrent.
The romance also kept things interesting with the love triangle between the hot doctor and the bar bad boy. I liked how the mystery and romance were intertwined, even if some parts were very predictable. I guessed the killer pretty early, so there weren’t as many surprises as I wanted.
My main issue was the pacing. The book felt a little long-winded at times and could have moved faster, especially with three major plots happening at once: Ophelia finding her magic, the serial killer mystery, and the slow-burn romance. That said, I did enjoy that the slow burn paid off with some spicy chapters toward the end.
Still, I really enjoyed the world, the magic, and the ending setup. I’m interested to see where this series goes next. Thank you to The Author Agency for a review copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved the Traiteur healing magic, the voodoo elements, the tiger spirit protector, and the way Ophelia’s magical awakening unfolded alongside the serial killer investigation. The setting was one of the strongest parts for me with botanicals, old mansions, costume parties, family magic, and that mysterious New Orleans undercurrent.
The romance also kept things interesting with the love triangle between the hot doctor and the bar bad boy. I liked how the mystery and romance were intertwined, even if some parts were very predictable. I guessed the killer pretty early, so there weren’t as many surprises as I wanted.
My main issue was the pacing. The book felt a little long-winded at times and could have moved faster, especially with three major plots happening at once: Ophelia finding her magic, the serial killer mystery, and the slow-burn romance. That said, I did enjoy that the slow burn paid off with some spicy chapters toward the end.
Still, I really enjoyed the world, the magic, and the ending setup. I’m interested to see where this series goes next. Thank you to The Author Agency for a review copy. All opinions are my own.
June 27, 2026
I want to live in the stunning prose of this story. I highlighted well over 100 moments. Kristen had me yearning to be home in Louisiana. I still can’t believe how beautifully she captured the essence of New Orleans and the rich Cajun culture. I could even hear the accents while reading. I loved the slang and casual dialogue. It was refreshing and authentic. And the mystery? The romance?? I WANT TO YELL ABOUT THIS BOOK FROM THE ROOFTOPS.
Ophelia was so likeable and relatable. I too am an eldest daughter who strives for perfection, stresses about tropical storms, watches Gilmore Girls, has a tiger close to my heart, and loves solving puzzles. 👩🏻🐰👩🏼 All I want in life is to be an Oubre sister.
Etienne. I knew I was going to like him the moment he strolled onto the scene with flushed cheeks, a sweaty t-shirt, and basketball shorts. Kristen’s right—they do have the same effect as gray sweatpants. Then she put him in a sl*tty little deep-V halter dress for Red Dress Run—Kristen, you knew exactly what you were doing 👀 BARK.
𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓵. I couldn’t be more proud of Kristen for writing, finishing, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 publishing an outstanding debut novel. Do y’all realize how incredible that is??
What you can expect:
⚜️Paranormal romance
⚜️Healer x Doctor
⚜️Friends-to-lovers
⚜️Hidden magic
⚜️Slow burn
⚜️Murder mystery
Thank you, Kristen. Thanks for trusting me with your incredible work. Netgalley—thank you for providing me with an advanced copy!
Ophelia was so likeable and relatable. I too am an eldest daughter who strives for perfection, stresses about tropical storms, watches Gilmore Girls, has a tiger close to my heart, and loves solving puzzles. 👩🏻🐰👩🏼 All I want in life is to be an Oubre sister.
Etienne. I knew I was going to like him the moment he strolled onto the scene with flushed cheeks, a sweaty t-shirt, and basketball shorts. Kristen’s right—they do have the same effect as gray sweatpants. Then she put him in a sl*tty little deep-V halter dress for Red Dress Run—Kristen, you knew exactly what you were doing 👀 BARK.
𝓢𝓱𝓮’𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝓭𝓮𝓪𝓵. I couldn’t be more proud of Kristen for writing, finishing, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 publishing an outstanding debut novel. Do y’all realize how incredible that is??
What you can expect:
⚜️Paranormal romance
⚜️Healer x Doctor
⚜️Friends-to-lovers
⚜️Hidden magic
⚜️Slow burn
⚜️Murder mystery
Thank you, Kristen. Thanks for trusting me with your incredible work. Netgalley—thank you for providing me with an advanced copy!
June 26, 2026
Thanks to the author via NetGalley for gifted access to this book. All opinions below are my own.
Ophelia is a twenty something living back at home in New Orleans after being attacked in New York. She is concerned by a local serial killer who has just struck close to her inner circle. As the investigation languishes on, she tries to go on with her life. Her grandmother entrusts her with a secret, that she is from a long line of talented, faith based healers called Traiteurs. As she learns the craft, she realizes others with magic have been hiding in plain sight all along. The more she learns, the more danger she is in.
I liked a lot of elements of this book. I knew nothing about Traiteurs, so I loved learning about that and the blending with magic in the story. I also liked the blending of genres, murder mystery with magical cozy and romance. It kept the story moving. That said, it was far too open door with the sexual content for me, for the first half, I got it, it was a plot device. For the second half it felt unnecessary and gratuitous. Also the murder mystery was not mentioned for long stretches and while the reveal toward the end was a surprise, it wrapped up too quickly and a bit incompletely for me. It’s a solid debut from an indie author though!
Ophelia is a twenty something living back at home in New Orleans after being attacked in New York. She is concerned by a local serial killer who has just struck close to her inner circle. As the investigation languishes on, she tries to go on with her life. Her grandmother entrusts her with a secret, that she is from a long line of talented, faith based healers called Traiteurs. As she learns the craft, she realizes others with magic have been hiding in plain sight all along. The more she learns, the more danger she is in.
I liked a lot of elements of this book. I knew nothing about Traiteurs, so I loved learning about that and the blending with magic in the story. I also liked the blending of genres, murder mystery with magical cozy and romance. It kept the story moving. That said, it was far too open door with the sexual content for me, for the first half, I got it, it was a plot device. For the second half it felt unnecessary and gratuitous. Also the murder mystery was not mentioned for long stretches and while the reveal toward the end was a surprise, it wrapped up too quickly and a bit incompletely for me. It’s a solid debut from an indie author though!
June 23, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded to 4.
Thank you to The Author Agency and Kristen H. Casey for allowing me to advance read this title for an honest review.
I absolutely loved the ambiance and voodoo-esc magic system that the author created. The family and friend dynamic was sweet and I’m very intrigued to see where the story goes as to the magic within the rest of the family. I loved the Tiger, the symbolism (like an otherworldly internal instinct) that I felt within her presence and how she was a protector of Ophelia.
The romance was sweet but did feel a touch rushed for me when it came down to them coming together. I also felt the murder mystery of it all seemed a tad rushed to come to the conclusion it did come to, still with some unanswered questions to come back to in coming books. The spice was fun!
Perfect for those who love voodoo magic, New Orleans vibes, strong feminine rage, friends to lovers, spice and murder mysteries!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Kristen H. Casey for allowing me to advance read this title for an honest review.
I absolutely loved the ambiance and voodoo-esc magic system that the author created. The family and friend dynamic was sweet and I’m very intrigued to see where the story goes as to the magic within the rest of the family. I loved the Tiger, the symbolism (like an otherworldly internal instinct) that I felt within her presence and how she was a protector of Ophelia.
The romance was sweet but did feel a touch rushed for me when it came down to them coming together. I also felt the murder mystery of it all seemed a tad rushed to come to the conclusion it did come to, still with some unanswered questions to come back to in coming books. The spice was fun!
Perfect for those who love voodoo magic, New Orleans vibes, strong feminine rage, friends to lovers, spice and murder mysteries!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
This was a very good book. As a Cajun and Louisiana native, I connected with this story in so many ways. The portrayal of healers and magic felt authentic and closely reflected how these traditions are viewed within our culture. While we may not be able to heal stab wounds in real life, I was more than willing to suspend disbelief for E.
The character and story development were engaging and relatable throughout. I found Ophelia’s struggles with anxiety and depression easy to understand, and her friends’ reactions to her challenges felt realistic and genuine. The reveal of her sister’s gift completely caught me off guard—I wasn’t expecting that particular power at all—but the strong friendships in the story more than made up for my surprise.
The romance between Ophelia and E was spicy, to say the least, and their relationship developed in a way that kept me invested. The plot twist at the end was perfectly timed and genuinely unexpected, making for a satisfying conclusion. Overall, this was an enjoyable and memorable read that I would definitely recommend.
The character and story development were engaging and relatable throughout. I found Ophelia’s struggles with anxiety and depression easy to understand, and her friends’ reactions to her challenges felt realistic and genuine. The reveal of her sister’s gift completely caught me off guard—I wasn’t expecting that particular power at all—but the strong friendships in the story more than made up for my surprise.
The romance between Ophelia and E was spicy, to say the least, and their relationship developed in a way that kept me invested. The plot twist at the end was perfectly timed and genuinely unexpected, making for a satisfying conclusion. Overall, this was an enjoyable and memorable read that I would definitely recommend.
April 16, 2026
Being from the New Orleans area, I hesitate to read book set in the city because rarely do authors capture the essence of New Orleans. Casey did a great job at capturing the magic and mysticism of such a special place. If you like magic, mystery, and badass women, this book is for you. I wanted a little more spice, but other than that, it was a great read and I can’t wait for the sequel. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
July 4, 2026
The Hands that Treat by Kristen H Casey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really liked this book! I felt like it was a bit slow at first, though I appreciated the world/plot building and set up to get to where the author wanted us for the remainder of the story. I really liked the plot and magical aspect, and I thought the characters and interactions were great. The mental health awareness and trauma rep was also really nice, and the healing and spice after were phenomenal. I’m excited for the next one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really liked this book! I felt like it was a bit slow at first, though I appreciated the world/plot building and set up to get to where the author wanted us for the remainder of the story. I really liked the plot and magical aspect, and I thought the characters and interactions were great. The mental health awareness and trauma rep was also really nice, and the healing and spice after were phenomenal. I’m excited for the next one!
June 30, 2026
Devoured this book! This debut author brought in so many elements from mystery, to thrills, and romance. I loved the setting of New Orleans for this captivating story. It gave off The Originals tv series vibes and I loved it. Well done!
July 1, 2026
Loving the mystery, suspense and female character healer. What can I say .
May 8, 2026
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚; 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
I truly loved this book. It was so easy to fall in love with our main character, Ophelia, and the relationships around her.
Touched on some dark topics but it doesn’t feel like an overly heavy book. The trauma and pain was so well balanced with humour, magic, fun, mystery, romance and top tier spice. Etienne is out here proving that the best men are written by women!
I did figure out who the murderer was (or one of them I should say!), but the reveal was still glorious and had me on the edge of my seat. This was gripping from start to finish, and I’m already impatient for the sequel.
I truly loved this book. It was so easy to fall in love with our main character, Ophelia, and the relationships around her.
Touched on some dark topics but it doesn’t feel like an overly heavy book. The trauma and pain was so well balanced with humour, magic, fun, mystery, romance and top tier spice. Etienne is out here proving that the best men are written by women!
I did figure out who the murderer was (or one of them I should say!), but the reveal was still glorious and had me on the edge of my seat. This was gripping from start to finish, and I’m already impatient for the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to NetGally for an advance copy.
The Hands That Treat has a vivid sense of place, and is easily the greatest strength of the book. The swampy, sweaty New Olreans atmosphere is well rendered, that it almost becomes a character of its own. The author captures the city’s magic.
That said, there are several story choices that kept me from fully connecting with the characters or the romance.
1. The casualness around killing Mateo felt unsettling. Even though he was a piece of crap, and was undeniably awful, the lack of emotional fallout or consequence made the moment wrong! When Ophelia gets her magic she cries for days, sees her grandmother dead, can’t come out of it. Kills a man, goes on like she does it everyday and it’s no big deal. Panic attack for reading a police file, but killing a man with magic totally legit and doesn’t feel a thing. Neither Ophelia nor her sister ever truly grapples with what they did, and the story moves on as if it were a minor inconvenience. It unintentionally made them feel more like him.
2. Etinne’s (also, not a fan of his name), behaviour didn’t align with the story’s claims about him. If he truly loved Ophelia from the moment they met at LSU, and if he knew she was in peril being with Mateo, it’s so hard to believe he would have allowed and been okay with her going into the bathtub with Mateo. His inaction undermined the romance for me. Instead of feeling protective or devoted, he felt passive, and made their love story fall flat. He knew Mateo was dangerous, but all he said was talk to Jade. Dude, come on!
3. This leads me to point three, the friends-to-lovers arc wasn’t convincing. There wasn’t enough interaction between the two in the first part of the book to sell the emotional shift. The explanation, that Ben was in love with her didn’t feel strong enough to justify the distance. As a result, the transtition from friends to something more lacked the slow burn tension the book promised.
4. The unresolved killer plot line was a MAJOR lose end. Not revealing all the killers (only the cousin who killed his grandmother, and that he had alibis and wasn’t the killer of the others). Even if the series will continue with the other sisters, this book’s central mystery needed closure. The ending felt rushed, and leaving such a big thread dangling weakens the overall impact.
5. The romance scenes also didn’t feel believable. It was a little over the top, how many times are they going to talk about her squirting all over his face. Ok one time sure, but three times, and once was twice in one single sexual encounter. Also, the fact he made her orgasm 4 or 5 times in one sexual encounter was a lot. The eargasm, was kinda gross. Licking inside her ear cavity, was yuck. 🤮 all I could think of was how unsexy a wet Willy is.
6. Jade deserved more depth and was underdeveloped, serving mostly as a sounding board for Ophelia. Their friendship was one sided. Jade comes off as a plot device rather than a fully realized character.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend the book, and won’t read any follow up books based on this first book. There is A LOT that this book attempts to deal with, magic, SA, death, romance, murder mystery that the book couldn’t even solve! There was a lot, and it comes it shows in the book. I’m not sure how the book got so many good reviews.
The Hands That Treat has a vivid sense of place, and is easily the greatest strength of the book. The swampy, sweaty New Olreans atmosphere is well rendered, that it almost becomes a character of its own. The author captures the city’s magic.
That said, there are several story choices that kept me from fully connecting with the characters or the romance.
1. The casualness around killing Mateo felt unsettling. Even though he was a piece of crap, and was undeniably awful, the lack of emotional fallout or consequence made the moment wrong! When Ophelia gets her magic she cries for days, sees her grandmother dead, can’t come out of it. Kills a man, goes on like she does it everyday and it’s no big deal. Panic attack for reading a police file, but killing a man with magic totally legit and doesn’t feel a thing. Neither Ophelia nor her sister ever truly grapples with what they did, and the story moves on as if it were a minor inconvenience. It unintentionally made them feel more like him.
2. Etinne’s (also, not a fan of his name), behaviour didn’t align with the story’s claims about him. If he truly loved Ophelia from the moment they met at LSU, and if he knew she was in peril being with Mateo, it’s so hard to believe he would have allowed and been okay with her going into the bathtub with Mateo. His inaction undermined the romance for me. Instead of feeling protective or devoted, he felt passive, and made their love story fall flat. He knew Mateo was dangerous, but all he said was talk to Jade. Dude, come on!
3. This leads me to point three, the friends-to-lovers arc wasn’t convincing. There wasn’t enough interaction between the two in the first part of the book to sell the emotional shift. The explanation, that Ben was in love with her didn’t feel strong enough to justify the distance. As a result, the transtition from friends to something more lacked the slow burn tension the book promised.
4. The unresolved killer plot line was a MAJOR lose end. Not revealing all the killers (only the cousin who killed his grandmother, and that he had alibis and wasn’t the killer of the others). Even if the series will continue with the other sisters, this book’s central mystery needed closure. The ending felt rushed, and leaving such a big thread dangling weakens the overall impact.
5. The romance scenes also didn’t feel believable. It was a little over the top, how many times are they going to talk about her squirting all over his face. Ok one time sure, but three times, and once was twice in one single sexual encounter. Also, the fact he made her orgasm 4 or 5 times in one sexual encounter was a lot. The eargasm, was kinda gross. Licking inside her ear cavity, was yuck. 🤮 all I could think of was how unsexy a wet Willy is.
6. Jade deserved more depth and was underdeveloped, serving mostly as a sounding board for Ophelia. Their friendship was one sided. Jade comes off as a plot device rather than a fully realized character.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend the book, and won’t read any follow up books based on this first book. There is A LOT that this book attempts to deal with, magic, SA, death, romance, murder mystery that the book couldn’t even solve! There was a lot, and it comes it shows in the book. I’m not sure how the book got so many good reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency, and while I really wanted to like it, this one unfortunately was not for me.
The strongest part of the book, in my opinion, is the setting. The author clearly has a lot of passion for Louisiana and New Orleans, and that comes through in the atmosphere. The environment feels very realistic and lived-in, and there is a lot of detail put into the food, homes, rooms, clothing, and local culture. That sense of place was the part I appreciated the most.
However, the pacing and story development did not fully work for me. The beginning felt very slow, especially when it came to the magical elements. While I understand that magic is fictional by nature, some of the magical parts felt like they were being added into the story rather than naturally woven into it. Because of that, the magic did not feel as grounded or believable as I wanted it to.
I also felt like the book spent too much time explaining details that did not always feel important to the overall plot. There were long descriptions of clothing, rooms, houses, food, smells, tastes, and side characters who only appeared briefly. While those details helped build the setting, they also slowed the story down for me.
The romance was another part that did not fully land. The book has a friends-to-lovers element, but the main couple did not interact enough early on for me to feel that strong foundation between them. The love interest felt more on the sidelines for a while, while the FMC was focused on other parts of the story. Because of that, when the romance did start to develop, it felt quick and underdeveloped rather than like a slow burn. The romantic scenes also felt a little over the top to me and not as believable as I wanted them to be.
I also wish Jade, the best friend character, had been developed more. Their friendship is supposed to matter, but they did not feel close on page for much of the book, and I wanted more from that relationship.
The ending also left one major plot point unresolved, and I felt like that needed more closure.
Overall, I can see the care that went into the setting and atmosphere, and readers who love detailed descriptions of Louisiana/New Orleans may connect with that part more than I did. Unfortunately, the pacing, romance, magical elements, and unresolved ending kept this one from fully working for me.
The strongest part of the book, in my opinion, is the setting. The author clearly has a lot of passion for Louisiana and New Orleans, and that comes through in the atmosphere. The environment feels very realistic and lived-in, and there is a lot of detail put into the food, homes, rooms, clothing, and local culture. That sense of place was the part I appreciated the most.
However, the pacing and story development did not fully work for me. The beginning felt very slow, especially when it came to the magical elements. While I understand that magic is fictional by nature, some of the magical parts felt like they were being added into the story rather than naturally woven into it. Because of that, the magic did not feel as grounded or believable as I wanted it to.
I also felt like the book spent too much time explaining details that did not always feel important to the overall plot. There were long descriptions of clothing, rooms, houses, food, smells, tastes, and side characters who only appeared briefly. While those details helped build the setting, they also slowed the story down for me.
The romance was another part that did not fully land. The book has a friends-to-lovers element, but the main couple did not interact enough early on for me to feel that strong foundation between them. The love interest felt more on the sidelines for a while, while the FMC was focused on other parts of the story. Because of that, when the romance did start to develop, it felt quick and underdeveloped rather than like a slow burn. The romantic scenes also felt a little over the top to me and not as believable as I wanted them to be.
I also wish Jade, the best friend character, had been developed more. Their friendship is supposed to matter, but they did not feel close on page for much of the book, and I wanted more from that relationship.
The ending also left one major plot point unresolved, and I felt like that needed more closure.
Overall, I can see the care that went into the setting and atmosphere, and readers who love detailed descriptions of Louisiana/New Orleans may connect with that part more than I did. Unfortunately, the pacing, romance, magical elements, and unresolved ending kept this one from fully working for me.
June 23, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
The Hands That Treat is the first book in The Oubre Sisters series.
I feel like this book made a valiant attempt at blending paranormal fantasy, murder mystery, and romance, but ultimately struggled to balance its different storylines.
A large portion of the plot revolves around Ophelia discovering her magical abilities, learning about the hidden supernatural world around her, and growing into her role as a Traiteur. While that journey is clearly the heart of the story, it leaves the mystery and romance feeling far less central than the blurb suggests.
As a murder mystery, the story starts strong. We have a dead neighbor, religious intolerance, cryptic connections to Ophelia's past, and the threat of a serial killer. Unfortunately, that investigation takes a back seat for much of the book, only returning much later in the story. Since this is the first installment in a planned trilogy, it's understandable that not every question is answered, but readers looking for a mystery-focused plot may be disappointed by how little progress is actually made.
I had similar issues with the romance. I'm usually a fan of slow-burn relationships and friendships that gradually develop into something more. Here, however, the eventual love interest spends much of the book on the sidelines while Ophelia's attention is focused elsewhere. By the time the romantic relationship begins to take shape, it progresses fairly quickly, which made the "slow burn friends-to-lovers" label feel somewhat misleading.
That said, the world-building was easily my favorite part of the book. I enjoyed the New Orleans setting, the Cajun folklore, and the magical traditions woven throughout the story. The concept of Traiteurs was particularly interesting and gave the supernatural elements a unique foundation.
Overall, I think readers primarily interested in paranormal fantasy and magical self-discovery may enjoy this more than I did. Personally, I went into the book expecting a stronger mystery and a more developed romance, and neither aspect played as large a role as the marketing led me to believe. While the world-building kept me engaged, the pacing felt uneven, with some sections moving very slowly while others rushed through important developments.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
The Hands That Treat is the first book in The Oubre Sisters series.
I feel like this book made a valiant attempt at blending paranormal fantasy, murder mystery, and romance, but ultimately struggled to balance its different storylines.
A large portion of the plot revolves around Ophelia discovering her magical abilities, learning about the hidden supernatural world around her, and growing into her role as a Traiteur. While that journey is clearly the heart of the story, it leaves the mystery and romance feeling far less central than the blurb suggests.
As a murder mystery, the story starts strong. We have a dead neighbor, religious intolerance, cryptic connections to Ophelia's past, and the threat of a serial killer. Unfortunately, that investigation takes a back seat for much of the book, only returning much later in the story. Since this is the first installment in a planned trilogy, it's understandable that not every question is answered, but readers looking for a mystery-focused plot may be disappointed by how little progress is actually made.
I had similar issues with the romance. I'm usually a fan of slow-burn relationships and friendships that gradually develop into something more. Here, however, the eventual love interest spends much of the book on the sidelines while Ophelia's attention is focused elsewhere. By the time the romantic relationship begins to take shape, it progresses fairly quickly, which made the "slow burn friends-to-lovers" label feel somewhat misleading.
That said, the world-building was easily my favorite part of the book. I enjoyed the New Orleans setting, the Cajun folklore, and the magical traditions woven throughout the story. The concept of Traiteurs was particularly interesting and gave the supernatural elements a unique foundation.
Overall, I think readers primarily interested in paranormal fantasy and magical self-discovery may enjoy this more than I did. Personally, I went into the book expecting a stronger mystery and a more developed romance, and neither aspect played as large a role as the marketing led me to believe. While the world-building kept me engaged, the pacing felt uneven, with some sections moving very slowly while others rushed through important developments.
June 23, 2026
I really wanted to love this one :/ I mean, New Orleans, traiteurs, and a larger magical world – everything about this urban fantasy novel should have been right up my alley.
The idea for this story is such a strong, interesting concept. The novel starts with Ophelia moving back home to Louisiana after quitting her finance job in New York. Shortly after her return, her grandmother informs Ophelia that she shares the family's healing gift and begins training her as a Traiteur, a Creole faith healer who combines Catholic prayer and medicinal remedies. However, a larger threat looms over New Orleans, as the Cut-Throat Killer is attacking the magical folk of the city.
The narrative style/pace is what I didn't connect with in the novel. I feel a bit like Goldilocks, complaining that there were parts of the narrative that were just too long (large amounts of random details that didn't advance the narrative) or not enough (scenes that were key to the story were rushed through), and only a little that was "just right." Because we were often rushing from short scene to short scene, it felt like we were dropped off in unnecessary places, but then also moved on from things that really could have built out the lore, like her time with her grandmother, or built out the friends-to-lovers plot line, like her Wednesday nights with Étienne. I also think the entire Mateo storyline could have been left out.
That being said, there were a lot of things I loved about this novel. You can tell that Kristen H. Casey is not only from Louisiana but has Cajun roots. I mean, the fact that Étienne tells Ophelia he is falling for her by saying, "Your gumbo might be better than my mom's."
The larger magical world Casey introduces is also rather interesting, and I am curious to see how she builds it out. While the book was not a perfect read for me, it was strong enough that I will pick up book 2.
---
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The idea for this story is such a strong, interesting concept. The novel starts with Ophelia moving back home to Louisiana after quitting her finance job in New York. Shortly after her return, her grandmother informs Ophelia that she shares the family's healing gift and begins training her as a Traiteur, a Creole faith healer who combines Catholic prayer and medicinal remedies. However, a larger threat looms over New Orleans, as the Cut-Throat Killer is attacking the magical folk of the city.
The narrative style/pace is what I didn't connect with in the novel. I feel a bit like Goldilocks, complaining that there were parts of the narrative that were just too long (large amounts of random details that didn't advance the narrative) or not enough (scenes that were key to the story were rushed through), and only a little that was "just right." Because we were often rushing from short scene to short scene, it felt like we were dropped off in unnecessary places, but then also moved on from things that really could have built out the lore, like her time with her grandmother, or built out the friends-to-lovers plot line, like her Wednesday nights with Étienne. I also think the entire Mateo storyline could have been left out.
That being said, there were a lot of things I loved about this novel. You can tell that Kristen H. Casey is not only from Louisiana but has Cajun roots. I mean, the fact that Étienne tells Ophelia he is falling for her by saying, "Your gumbo might be better than my mom's."
The larger magical world Casey introduces is also rather interesting, and I am curious to see how she builds it out. While the book was not a perfect read for me, it was strong enough that I will pick up book 2.
---
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A serial killer, hidden magic paranormal spicy romance set in New Orleans? Give it to me! The detailed depictions of metro NOLA neighborhoods, weather, food, and parties made me feel at home and relive the time I lived in Louisiana as if those memories were my own!
At first the story felt slow, so focused on the setting with Ophelia almost as a side character to NOLA, but as she learns her magic, the city and characters around her come alive with so much vibrant color and emotion.
Once I got into Part II, I couldn’t put the book down! Reading before bed, speeding up, one more chapter! It’s been a while since a book has kept me up well past my bedtime and made me need to write my thoughts down immediately. The slow burn friends to lovers romance is well worth the wait.
Kristen Casey crafted such tension as Ophelia came into her own and learned to trust her instincts. Throughout, I’m just screaming at her to listen to herself!! And when she does, the outcome is so satisfying.
This is a story about power, trust, takers/givers, women/men, strong women family/friends, home, and generational gifts. Masterful storytelling, and I can’t wait for the sequel. This story made me feel so energized by the suspense, mystery, mystics, and buzz of the city.
Readers who like mystical settings, hidden magic, serial killer mystery, and strong sisters will like this authentically told story.
Great debut novel! Thanks to NetGalley and Kristen Casey for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy!
At first the story felt slow, so focused on the setting with Ophelia almost as a side character to NOLA, but as she learns her magic, the city and characters around her come alive with so much vibrant color and emotion.
Once I got into Part II, I couldn’t put the book down! Reading before bed, speeding up, one more chapter! It’s been a while since a book has kept me up well past my bedtime and made me need to write my thoughts down immediately. The slow burn friends to lovers romance is well worth the wait.
Kristen Casey crafted such tension as Ophelia came into her own and learned to trust her instincts. Throughout, I’m just screaming at her to listen to herself!! And when she does, the outcome is so satisfying.
This is a story about power, trust, takers/givers, women/men, strong women family/friends, home, and generational gifts. Masterful storytelling, and I can’t wait for the sequel. This story made me feel so energized by the suspense, mystery, mystics, and buzz of the city.
Readers who like mystical settings, hidden magic, serial killer mystery, and strong sisters will like this authentically told story.
Great debut novel! Thanks to NetGalley and Kristen Casey for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Magic. Murder. And a friends-to-lovers romance that burns hotter than a New Orleans summer."
Ya know? There was a content warning for this one mentioning explicit sexual content. And boy did it have my face feeling hot. So, if you're looking for a spicy friends-to-lovers... pick this one. Now, if you want that with some magic and a murder mystery, this is a 100% pick. It delivers exactly what it promises.
It was interesting reading something based in New Orleans. It's much more common to land something solely based in NYC.
And the murders kept me on my toes the whole time. I was surprised at the reveal. It honestly could have gone so many directions.
I really liked the characters, and how they all had their own personalities (even the more minor ones) and each uniquely added to the storyline.
The concept of this story, too, really stood out to me. I loved that Ophelia had her own protector that she could rely on and that she was embedded into the community. And I loved that she grew so much as a character, really coming into the Traiteur role.
My only qualm was that it felt kind of long at times, even if it wasn't necessarily. Good pacing, but sometimes I felt tired of reading it. Almost like it was endless, but it wrapped up perfectly. There is a lot of emotion packed into this book, and it feels like you're on a rollercoaster.
thank you to netgalley for the earc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Cajun Queen, Kristen Casey, has been crowned with her debut novel! From the very first page, this novel pulled me into a world where secrets linger in the shadows and love flickers like candlelight against the dark. Blending mystery, romance, and just the right touch of magic, it delivers a story that feels both enchanting and emotionally grounded.
The mystery at the heart of the plot is genuinely gripping—full of clever twists and slow-burning tension. Every clue feels intentional, every reveal satisfying.
At the same time, the romance is beautifully developed. It’s not rushed or overly idealized; instead, it unfolds naturally through shared danger, quiet vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry with a smattering of perfectly written smut.
And then there’s the magic—subtle, atmospheric, but as heavy and present as a humid New Orleans summer. It never overwhelms the story but instead enhances it, adding a layer of wonder and symbolism that elevates both the suspense and the romance.
The writing is immersive and evocative, painting vivid scenes without slowing the pace. By the final chapter, I was completely invested leaving me hungry for the next book in the series. The open ending left me wondering not just how the mystery will resolve, but in the fate of the characters themselves.
A perfect read for anyone who loves a twisted murder, a heartfelt love story, and a hint of the supernatural. Absolutely deserving of five stars.
The mystery at the heart of the plot is genuinely gripping—full of clever twists and slow-burning tension. Every clue feels intentional, every reveal satisfying.
At the same time, the romance is beautifully developed. It’s not rushed or overly idealized; instead, it unfolds naturally through shared danger, quiet vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry with a smattering of perfectly written smut.
And then there’s the magic—subtle, atmospheric, but as heavy and present as a humid New Orleans summer. It never overwhelms the story but instead enhances it, adding a layer of wonder and symbolism that elevates both the suspense and the romance.
The writing is immersive and evocative, painting vivid scenes without slowing the pace. By the final chapter, I was completely invested leaving me hungry for the next book in the series. The open ending left me wondering not just how the mystery will resolve, but in the fate of the characters themselves.
A perfect read for anyone who loves a twisted murder, a heartfelt love story, and a hint of the supernatural. Absolutely deserving of five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Hands That Treat, book one of the Oubre Sisters, written by Kristen H. Casey, is a paranormal romance that explores inherited cultural traditions and the burden of hidden supernatural gifts.
This slow-burn follows Ophelia Oubre, a fifth-generation Cajun woman who returns to New Orleans to lead a nonprofit organization. Her life is upended by the sudden murder of her neighbor, Delphine, which serves as a way to reconnect with her grandmother, a Traiteur - a traditional community healer. The book delves into the history of these healers and how they serve rural communities through prayer and folk medicine when modern healthcare is not available.
As Ophelia navigates her transition into the role of a Traiteur, she must confront the tension between her secular, modern life and the ancient, spiritual world she is inheriting. She also investigates mysterious deaths in her community. She struggles with the strength to move forward until she bridges the gap between her past trauma and her future potential.
I adored the rich, layered storytelling and the magical world steeped in culture. I love that the story serves as a reminder that the path toward healing often requires the bravery to look into the darkness and define one’s own light. I look forward to the next book and reading more by this author.
Thanks to Kristen H. Casey for gifting me an eARC of The Hands That Treat. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This slow-burn follows Ophelia Oubre, a fifth-generation Cajun woman who returns to New Orleans to lead a nonprofit organization. Her life is upended by the sudden murder of her neighbor, Delphine, which serves as a way to reconnect with her grandmother, a Traiteur - a traditional community healer. The book delves into the history of these healers and how they serve rural communities through prayer and folk medicine when modern healthcare is not available.
As Ophelia navigates her transition into the role of a Traiteur, she must confront the tension between her secular, modern life and the ancient, spiritual world she is inheriting. She also investigates mysterious deaths in her community. She struggles with the strength to move forward until she bridges the gap between her past trauma and her future potential.
I adored the rich, layered storytelling and the magical world steeped in culture. I love that the story serves as a reminder that the path toward healing often requires the bravery to look into the darkness and define one’s own light. I look forward to the next book and reading more by this author.
Thanks to Kristen H. Casey for gifting me an eARC of The Hands That Treat. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to love this one, the ideas were fantastic; the subtle magical abilities, gifts being passed on, the vibrant New Orleans setting and a friends to lovers romance? Sign me up!
There was just something a little fragmented in the storytelling. We pretty much opened with a murder and the news that this was the work of a serial killer, but this storyline along with others seemed to fall to the background, only to pop up dramatically at certain points with Ophelia temporarily determined to solve it…before she gets distracted. We get back to the murder around 90% in after some very spicy chapters (I love a bit of spice but these kind of felt a little shoehorned in?), the murderer is revealed in part and Ophelia gets some kind of closure and happy ending.
I also feel like I have more questions; was the significance of Mateo purely to allow Ophelia to make the link between the cross necklace and the murders? Is there more to her Tiger protector and her ancestor’s gifts?
This being said, I really enjoyed reading The Hands That Treat. The chapters where Ophelia was being taught her Traiteur skills by her Mawmaw made me think fondly of the relationship with my own grandma and I really loved them both as characters.
I would definitely read the next instalment of the Oubre sisters.
There was just something a little fragmented in the storytelling. We pretty much opened with a murder and the news that this was the work of a serial killer, but this storyline along with others seemed to fall to the background, only to pop up dramatically at certain points with Ophelia temporarily determined to solve it…before she gets distracted. We get back to the murder around 90% in after some very spicy chapters (I love a bit of spice but these kind of felt a little shoehorned in?), the murderer is revealed in part and Ophelia gets some kind of closure and happy ending.
I also feel like I have more questions; was the significance of Mateo purely to allow Ophelia to make the link between the cross necklace and the murders? Is there more to her Tiger protector and her ancestor’s gifts?
This being said, I really enjoyed reading The Hands That Treat. The chapters where Ophelia was being taught her Traiteur skills by her Mawmaw made me think fondly of the relationship with my own grandma and I really loved them both as characters.
I would definitely read the next instalment of the Oubre sisters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
I wanted to love this one because the premise had so much potential, magical family gifts, a moody New Orleans atmosphere, murder mystery elements, and a friends-to-lovers romance? That should’ve been an easy win for me.
Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t fully land. The writing leaned very heavy on exposition and detailed descriptions, to the point where it slowed the pacing down a lot. I felt like I learned every detail about objects, places, and backstory before I ever really connected to Ophelia as a person. Instead of feeling immersed, I found myself disconnected and struggling to stay engaged.
The story also felt a little fragmented at times. The serial killer plotline starts strong, but it fades into the background for large portions of the book before suddenly becoming important again near the end. There were several interesting ideas introduced that never felt fully explored, which left me with more questions than answers by the final chapter.
That said, there were parts I genuinely enjoyed. The New Orleans setting had a unique charm, the family/generational gift aspect was intriguing, and some of the quieter moments with Ophelia learning about her abilities were the strongest parts of the story for me. I can absolutely see why this book would work for other readers, it just ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.
Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t fully land. The writing leaned very heavy on exposition and detailed descriptions, to the point where it slowed the pacing down a lot. I felt like I learned every detail about objects, places, and backstory before I ever really connected to Ophelia as a person. Instead of feeling immersed, I found myself disconnected and struggling to stay engaged.
The story also felt a little fragmented at times. The serial killer plotline starts strong, but it fades into the background for large portions of the book before suddenly becoming important again near the end. There were several interesting ideas introduced that never felt fully explored, which left me with more questions than answers by the final chapter.
That said, there were parts I genuinely enjoyed. The New Orleans setting had a unique charm, the family/generational gift aspect was intriguing, and some of the quieter moments with Ophelia learning about her abilities were the strongest parts of the story for me. I can absolutely see why this book would work for other readers, it just ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC & ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I would rate this story 4⭐️
This story follows Ophelia as she navigates learning not only about magic but becoming the healer in the family. She is thrown into a number of traumatising situations throughout the story both past and present, which she dealt with in her own way. I liked the pacing of this story, there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary filler chapters, with the story spanning over the course of about 6months. There is some magical coercion of a se*ual nature, please read trigger warnings.
Ophelia was a very sassy and free spirit. While she was taken aback by the learning of magic being real, she truly did take it in stride. She was open to learning from her peers as well as her grandmother. She also was very intuitive, she trusted her gut instincts on let it guide her.
I’m thinking that because the story left us with with some major questions and we only got a glimpse of Ophelia and Etienne’s relationship, that perhaps this isn’t a stand alone book. I’m going to be honest, I struggle with books written in third person, most times it’s enough to make me DNF pretty quickly. However because this was an ARC I felt that I needed to put my dislike for third person writing aside to read the story. I’m glad I did, as I truly did like the concept and content!
I would rate this story 4⭐️
This story follows Ophelia as she navigates learning not only about magic but becoming the healer in the family. She is thrown into a number of traumatising situations throughout the story both past and present, which she dealt with in her own way. I liked the pacing of this story, there wasn’t a lot of unnecessary filler chapters, with the story spanning over the course of about 6months. There is some magical coercion of a se*ual nature, please read trigger warnings.
Ophelia was a very sassy and free spirit. While she was taken aback by the learning of magic being real, she truly did take it in stride. She was open to learning from her peers as well as her grandmother. She also was very intuitive, she trusted her gut instincts on let it guide her.
I’m thinking that because the story left us with with some major questions and we only got a glimpse of Ophelia and Etienne’s relationship, that perhaps this isn’t a stand alone book. I’m going to be honest, I struggle with books written in third person, most times it’s enough to make me DNF pretty quickly. However because this was an ARC I felt that I needed to put my dislike for third person writing aside to read the story. I’m glad I did, as I truly did like the concept and content!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews