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The Southern Spectral #2
The Irises
In 1979 New Orleans, detective Roy Agnew re-enters the world of the Supernatural. Thrown into another murder investigation, he realizes that he may be the only person able to stop a killer. In order to catch a paranormal murderer, Roy must rely on the one thing he struggles with the most: his faith.
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
About the author
Cynthia Lott
3 books37 followersCynthia Lott is a Writer and Researcher. She loves hiking, vegetarian cuisine, exploring new places and hearing life stories over a glass of good wine. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Inc. and International Thriller Writers, Inc.
Her debut novel, THE FEATHERS (The Southern Spectral Series Book 1), was published by Piscataqua Press, August 2014 in both trade paperback and ebook format. Her second novel, THE IRISES (The Southern Spectral Series Book 2) will be published in June, 2015. It is now available on Amazon.
Her debut novel, THE FEATHERS (The Southern Spectral Series Book 1), was published by Piscataqua Press, August 2014 in both trade paperback and ebook format. Her second novel, THE IRISES (The Southern Spectral Series Book 2) will be published in June, 2015. It is now available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 14, 2016
Acclaimed debut author of The Feathers, a dark paranormal thriller set in 1970s New Orleans, Cynthia Lott has once again exceeded all expectations with the second book of her Southern Spectral Series, THE IRISES.
Written from the point of view of New Orleans detective Roy Agnew, a tough, street-wise, and introspective character, the story delves into mindset of a man tormented by loss. He is coaxed out of an agreed leave of absence to lend his skills and intuitive prowess when police are unable to solve a series of murders. The perpetrator has left a calling card on the body of each victim, a carefully planted Iris. The flower signifies something, and Agnew is hell-bent to find out what. Adept at noticing details and meticulous in his preparation, he is daunted by unexpected developments throughout his quest, and yet he plods on, turning over every leaf and pedal of evidence left behind.
Agnew’s tenacity takes him where he is not welcome by a force that dwells in the dark edifices of Cynthia Lott’s paranormal world. There she feeds the reader with enough morsels of information and clues to foreshadow the presence of a something sinister and encompassing, yet saves the details for the very end.
Lott’s portrayal of Roy Agnew is a testament to her ability to craft a flawed, yet sympathetic character, a man who doubts himself, allows selfish concerns to influence his decisions, and grapples with a conflicted conscience and soul.
The Irises is mystical and laden with spirits. As in The Feathers, the dead intermingle with the living, and haunt their prey true to the form meticulously sculpted by the author.
A native of Louisiana, Cynthia is able to plant the reader firmly in the sights, sounds and smells of the story, whether it be in the back alleyways of New Orleans, the glittered and rambunctious tourist areas, the above ground crypts of the cemeteries, or an old funeral home. Her voice is strong, full of vigor, and yet gentle when appropriate. Her characters are vulnerable and deep, alive and dead. She unravels them, layer by layer, until they stand before us naked and exposed. Cynthia clearly possesses a healthy imagination, a curiosity of the unknown, and an appreciation of the elusive, yet ever-present connection between the living and the dead. Cynthia Lott shares those gifts and helps the reader ponder the impact of those who preceded us in our lives and, though physically gone, continue to interact with us in spirit.
Copyright, Gunter K. Kaesdorf, 2016
Written from the point of view of New Orleans detective Roy Agnew, a tough, street-wise, and introspective character, the story delves into mindset of a man tormented by loss. He is coaxed out of an agreed leave of absence to lend his skills and intuitive prowess when police are unable to solve a series of murders. The perpetrator has left a calling card on the body of each victim, a carefully planted Iris. The flower signifies something, and Agnew is hell-bent to find out what. Adept at noticing details and meticulous in his preparation, he is daunted by unexpected developments throughout his quest, and yet he plods on, turning over every leaf and pedal of evidence left behind.
Agnew’s tenacity takes him where he is not welcome by a force that dwells in the dark edifices of Cynthia Lott’s paranormal world. There she feeds the reader with enough morsels of information and clues to foreshadow the presence of a something sinister and encompassing, yet saves the details for the very end.
Lott’s portrayal of Roy Agnew is a testament to her ability to craft a flawed, yet sympathetic character, a man who doubts himself, allows selfish concerns to influence his decisions, and grapples with a conflicted conscience and soul.
The Irises is mystical and laden with spirits. As in The Feathers, the dead intermingle with the living, and haunt their prey true to the form meticulously sculpted by the author.
A native of Louisiana, Cynthia is able to plant the reader firmly in the sights, sounds and smells of the story, whether it be in the back alleyways of New Orleans, the glittered and rambunctious tourist areas, the above ground crypts of the cemeteries, or an old funeral home. Her voice is strong, full of vigor, and yet gentle when appropriate. Her characters are vulnerable and deep, alive and dead. She unravels them, layer by layer, until they stand before us naked and exposed. Cynthia clearly possesses a healthy imagination, a curiosity of the unknown, and an appreciation of the elusive, yet ever-present connection between the living and the dead. Cynthia Lott shares those gifts and helps the reader ponder the impact of those who preceded us in our lives and, though physically gone, continue to interact with us in spirit.
Copyright, Gunter K. Kaesdorf, 2016
June 3, 2015
In her sequel to The Feathers, where wicked winds and evil tear through New Orleans, Cynthia Lott gives us another bolt of literary lightening. The Irises is an electric tale of the supernatural, of murder at an old cemetery, of a demonic being who lays wait in a funeral parlor he calls home, and where the unsuspecting proprietors of a modern day business find that present day life is as much a part of history, as is each corpse they embroider with their craft.
Set in 1979 New Orleans, this is a brilliant and frightening return to yet another harbored vendetta unrequited; to a place where the living are not welcome, and where the dead are as much a part of life as the petals and the fireflies around them. Come with Roy as he struggles to create a life without Brenda, tries to find reason why she left him for the unknown, and where he must resolve his jealousy for a long dead suitor. Join him as he embarks on assignment with his flawed new partner, Jake LaRocca, and where he must face yet another series of bizarre and violent occurrences, where potions, spells and seances are the only weapons he has. This is a yarn about police work without convention, where good old fashioned investigation is done in a library, not an interrogation room, and where assistance comes from quite an unsuspected source. Betwixt the horror of evil and the corruption of decency, rests yet another love story, a glance to Roy's past with a nod to his future. Lott is a master of the juxtaposing life forces ~ of good versus evil, of death versus birth and renewal.
The Irises is the perfect sequel to a stunning first novel, rife with intrigue, suspense, and paranormal brutality, all cradled within elegant visions of love and hope, and adorned with the charms of humanity and the instruments of darkness. Brace yourselves, this is a quintessential beating pulse, a reminder that just when you snuggle into bed to read, there waits a monster.
Set in 1979 New Orleans, this is a brilliant and frightening return to yet another harbored vendetta unrequited; to a place where the living are not welcome, and where the dead are as much a part of life as the petals and the fireflies around them. Come with Roy as he struggles to create a life without Brenda, tries to find reason why she left him for the unknown, and where he must resolve his jealousy for a long dead suitor. Join him as he embarks on assignment with his flawed new partner, Jake LaRocca, and where he must face yet another series of bizarre and violent occurrences, where potions, spells and seances are the only weapons he has. This is a yarn about police work without convention, where good old fashioned investigation is done in a library, not an interrogation room, and where assistance comes from quite an unsuspected source. Betwixt the horror of evil and the corruption of decency, rests yet another love story, a glance to Roy's past with a nod to his future. Lott is a master of the juxtaposing life forces ~ of good versus evil, of death versus birth and renewal.
The Irises is the perfect sequel to a stunning first novel, rife with intrigue, suspense, and paranormal brutality, all cradled within elegant visions of love and hope, and adorned with the charms of humanity and the instruments of darkness. Brace yourselves, this is a quintessential beating pulse, a reminder that just when you snuggle into bed to read, there waits a monster.
June 4, 2015
I had the wonderful pleasure and privilege to read an advanced copy of the paranormal murder mystery novel, The Irises, written by the very talented and lovely Cynthia Lott . The Irises is the second book in her Southern Spectral Series. Set against a late 70s New Orleans backdrop, Ms. Lott takes us by the hand and seamlessly guides us from The Feathers, her debut novel (another must-read) and the first in the series, to The Irises, a page-turner that weaves love, loss, specters, murder, and the occult. If you love things that go bump in the night, don’t mind sleeping with the lights on, or experiencing spine-tingling chills, you’ll want to make The Irises the first in your summer reading lineup. Of course, if you wish to start with The Feathers, no one would argue. Order your copy of The Irises today; I’m sure there’s one with your name on it. Just remember, it’s only a story…..
July 1, 2017
Slow,but growing
The first book in the series was really hard to get into,second one is better. I'm looking forward to the third!
The first book in the series was really hard to get into,second one is better. I'm looking forward to the third!
July 29, 2015
A sultry and sexy New Orleans sets the scene for a sinister encounter with a malevolent ghost. Still reeling from his last spectral encounter, the appealing hero, Roy Agnew, must draw on all his resources to keep more people from dying. This book is a must for all lovers of ghosts, mysteries, and New Orleans.
July 22, 2017
Rate the book!
I love this series of books! I hope this isn't the end of this story line. I really hope for a relationship between Stella and Roy.
I love this series of books! I hope this isn't the end of this story line. I really hope for a relationship between Stella and Roy.
March 21, 2016
I loved this must read book. The story sucked me in from the very beginning. I had a hard time putting it down. The book is set in New Orleans during the late 1970s. No cell phones which makes the suspense even greater. And New Orleans ... come on, you can't ask for a better setting for a paranormal book. The characters are well-developed and believable. The story is engaging and fast-paced. This is a beautiful, suspenseful, paranormal mystery that will not disappoint you. It has everything, tension, masterful description, intrigue, ghosts, and phenomenal ending. I can't wait for the next book in the Southern Spectral series. Thank you, Cynthia Lott, for another breathtaking book!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews