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Sept Savoie & Keegan Blanchard #1
Calling the Dead
Detective Sept Savoie is a cop who thinks making a relationship work is harder than catching a serial killer, but her current case may prove her wrong.
Six months after Hurricane Katrina has devastated most of New Orleans, Detective Sept Savoie is battling the nightmare of everything the storm has taken from her when a brutalized body turns up behind one of New Orleans's most famous restaurants, run by Keegan Blanchard. The more Sept works through the clues, the more they point to Keegan, making the relationship growing between them anything but love at first sight. The first death is only the beginning, though, as the miles of deserted neighborhoods Katrina left behind provide the perfect stage for murder.
Six months after Hurricane Katrina has devastated most of New Orleans, Detective Sept Savoie is battling the nightmare of everything the storm has taken from her when a brutalized body turns up behind one of New Orleans's most famous restaurants, run by Keegan Blanchard. The more Sept works through the clues, the more they point to Keegan, making the relationship growing between them anything but love at first sight. The first death is only the beginning, though, as the miles of deserted neighborhoods Katrina left behind provide the perfect stage for murder.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
36 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Ali Vali
56 books456 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 12, 2018
Ms.Vali created an intriguing story by skilfully interweaving the thriller and romance plot.
Sept and Keegan's courtship progressed rather quickly but other than that, the hate turned yummylicious pairing was written beautifully. They had loads of page time filled with great old conversations, flirtings, banters, trust and faith in beginning / developing a relationship. I bookmarked almost every page and highlighted some of the hotter than jalapeno steamy acts for future reference.. ehem, ehem.
These two ladies were really lucky to have solid family roots where they received plenty of love and support from. Sept had some rather interesting sessions with the Blanchard's matriarch and I wished that Keegan had more page time with the Savoie clan especially with Sept's mum.
"Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it’s thriller
Thriller night
You’re fighting for your life
Inside a killer thriller tonight, yeah
Ahahahahahahahaha
I'm gonna bring it tonight"
Thank you MJ for the intro :D
Thankfully, the serial killer was present and a recurring character in this story. His thoughts and methods of killing were pretty tame at first but as the story progressed, they became more sinister and brutal. Unfortunately, I was not creeped out but I felt sad for the victims as most of them were victims of hardships and making their way to a better life only to be taken away by an asshole - Sept and Keegan called him that.
Book two is out and thankfully available on Scribd.
Saving it for Borneo trip along with 17 other books 😂
Sept and Keegan's courtship progressed rather quickly but other than that, the hate turned yummylicious pairing was written beautifully. They had loads of page time filled with great old conversations, flirtings, banters, trust and faith in beginning / developing a relationship. I bookmarked almost every page and highlighted some of the hotter than jalapeno steamy acts for future reference.. ehem, ehem.
These two ladies were really lucky to have solid family roots where they received plenty of love and support from. Sept had some rather interesting sessions with the Blanchard's matriarch and I wished that Keegan had more page time with the Savoie clan especially with Sept's mum.
"Cause this is thriller
Thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you
From the beast about to strike
You know it’s thriller
Thriller night
You’re fighting for your life
Inside a killer thriller tonight, yeah
Ahahahahahahahaha
I'm gonna bring it tonight"
Thank you MJ for the intro :D
Thankfully, the serial killer was present and a recurring character in this story. His thoughts and methods of killing were pretty tame at first but as the story progressed, they became more sinister and brutal. Unfortunately, I was not creeped out but I felt sad for the victims as most of them were victims of hardships and making their way to a better life only to be taken away by an asshole - Sept and Keegan called him that.
Book two is out and thankfully available on Scribd.
Saving it for Borneo trip along with 17 other books 😂
December 10, 2018
*Trigger Warning* Graphic violence portrayed
What an excellent read. The only Ali Vali I have read before this book was an unmemorable romance novel. Now I see why everyone loves her Cain Casey series if it is done as well as this crime thriller/police procedural.
I loved everything about this book. The two mains, Sept Savoie (seventh child in a French family) and Keegan Blanchard are women you want to meet and women you don't want to cross. The cop and the cook go from enemies (suspect) to lovers and it's a beautiful thing to watch. Since this is primarily a crime thriller there is no need for the makeout/breakup/makeup scenario necessary to flesh out a standard romance novel and that is refreshing. As a couple they sizzle.
The author knows her way around New Orleans and the post Katrina devastation is easy to visualize and add authenticity to a story with a serial killer able to hide in multiple abandoned buildings and commit his foul crimes. You can feel the lawlessness and challenges faced by local law enforcement many of whom are living in FEMA trailers.
Another kudo goes to the author who created a monster with a fascinating desire to please the gods of a religion brought to New Orleans by slaves from the Caribbean called Santeria. It made for a fascinating and difficult case and Vali did an excellent job of keeping the killer a mystery. Well done.
Plenty of tension, some great sex and even some families to love. Great book.
What an excellent read. The only Ali Vali I have read before this book was an unmemorable romance novel. Now I see why everyone loves her Cain Casey series if it is done as well as this crime thriller/police procedural.
I loved everything about this book. The two mains, Sept Savoie (seventh child in a French family) and Keegan Blanchard are women you want to meet and women you don't want to cross. The cop and the cook go from enemies (suspect) to lovers and it's a beautiful thing to watch. Since this is primarily a crime thriller there is no need for the makeout/breakup/makeup scenario necessary to flesh out a standard romance novel and that is refreshing. As a couple they sizzle.
The author knows her way around New Orleans and the post Katrina devastation is easy to visualize and add authenticity to a story with a serial killer able to hide in multiple abandoned buildings and commit his foul crimes. You can feel the lawlessness and challenges faced by local law enforcement many of whom are living in FEMA trailers.
Another kudo goes to the author who created a monster with a fascinating desire to please the gods of a religion brought to New Orleans by slaves from the Caribbean called Santeria. It made for a fascinating and difficult case and Vali did an excellent job of keeping the killer a mystery. Well done.
Plenty of tension, some great sex and even some families to love. Great book.
September 28, 2022
This is the first in a, so far, two book series starring a character readers of Ali Vali might have spotted in other books. Referring, of course, to Sept Savoie. Who happens to be one of the few people on the legal side of things who is not shown to be a complete moron - in Vali's Cain Casey series.
I'm trying to figure out how to word this . . . hmms. While there is mystery elements in the Casey series, the series is more about watching Cain Casey operate her criminal enterprise (and, when mysteries pop up - they are mysteries for the people in the book, not for the reader). While here, in this particular series, the emphasis is more on a 'whodunnit' kind of mystery, with the reader both kept in the dark, and given hints and clues here or there.
For those who care about such things: the mystery is/was quite well constructed, and I only knew I had things 'wrong' when revelations started to occur (though I think I realized I was wrong about three pages before the revelations occurred).
There's a good mix of watching a cop do their thing, police/investigation wise; watching a cop live their life - keeping up the mix of off-duty and on-duty life going; and watching a cop romance and be romanced.
Good solid book/mystery/romance.
Rating: 4.45
May 11 2019
I'm trying to figure out how to word this . . . hmms. While there is mystery elements in the Casey series, the series is more about watching Cain Casey operate her criminal enterprise (and, when mysteries pop up - they are mysteries for the people in the book, not for the reader). While here, in this particular series, the emphasis is more on a 'whodunnit' kind of mystery, with the reader both kept in the dark, and given hints and clues here or there.
For those who care about such things: the mystery is/was quite well constructed, and I only knew I had things 'wrong' when revelations started to occur (though I think I realized I was wrong about three pages before the revelations occurred).
There's a good mix of watching a cop do their thing, police/investigation wise; watching a cop live their life - keeping up the mix of off-duty and on-duty life going; and watching a cop romance and be romanced.
Good solid book/mystery/romance.
Rating: 4.45
May 11 2019
July 26, 2019
A book that grabs you on two levels - the romance that I loved and the "thriller / detective story" that had me hiding behind the sofa. Loved the "family" both MCs surrounded themselves with - highly recommended but I'll need some space before I start on book 2.
February 28, 2016
Another enjoyable Ali Vali book. I love her Devil series and it was nice to see Sept, a secondary character, get her own book. While this is a crime book, it had a romance throughout that went at a nice pace. And the mystery of the book had some twists which made it a great crime thriller also. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books of those categories.
Ali Vali really is a great author. When you read her books you know shes the author, even if she used a pen name. Just like someone who reads a lot of F/F books could probably pick out a Radclyffe or a Geri Hill book. Ali has an unique voice that makes her books great and this one is no exception!
Ali Vali really is a great author. When you read her books you know shes the author, even if she used a pen name. Just like someone who reads a lot of F/F books could probably pick out a Radclyffe or a Geri Hill book. Ali has an unique voice that makes her books great and this one is no exception!
February 4, 2019
4.5 stars.
A great book and an enjoyable read. Thank you Ali Vali.
A great book and an enjoyable read. Thank you Ali Vali.
December 14, 2018
If you are looking for an absolutely compelling and engrossing murder mystery/romance, you don’t have to look any further than Calling the Dead by Ali Vali. I was in awe at how skillfully Ms. Vali wove such an intricate and complex story together with the perfect setting for the story (early post Katrina in New Orleans) and characters that were so well-drawn that you could swear they were real people.
It has been a while since I have read a mystery where I couldn’t figure out ‘who done it’ by at least two thirds of the way through the book, but Calling the Dead kept me guessing almost until the very last page. There are so many twists and turns and so many characters with opportunity and motive, that it really keeps the reader guessing until the end.
The romance between the two main characters, Sept Savoie and Keegan Blanchard was incorporated perfectly into the murder mystery story line and was refreshingly sweet and hot. I also loved how the two very Southern New Orleans families were portrayed in the tale. Sept was so cute interacting with Keegan’s family. She was the perfect Southern gentlewoman. I just couldn’t help but ‘Awww’ at those moments in the story.
Get this book and read it. Just remember to clear a day or two for the reading because once you begin, you will not want to put it down until you finish.
It has been a while since I have read a mystery where I couldn’t figure out ‘who done it’ by at least two thirds of the way through the book, but Calling the Dead kept me guessing almost until the very last page. There are so many twists and turns and so many characters with opportunity and motive, that it really keeps the reader guessing until the end.
The romance between the two main characters, Sept Savoie and Keegan Blanchard was incorporated perfectly into the murder mystery story line and was refreshingly sweet and hot. I also loved how the two very Southern New Orleans families were portrayed in the tale. Sept was so cute interacting with Keegan’s family. She was the perfect Southern gentlewoman. I just couldn’t help but ‘Awww’ at those moments in the story.
Get this book and read it. Just remember to clear a day or two for the reading because once you begin, you will not want to put it down until you finish.
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February 8, 2025Well this is a book that someone published. Book barn mystery bag of mysteries continues to bring odd things into my life.
May 25, 2019
This was a decent thriller/romance, which I enjoyed reading. I really liked the developing relationship between Sept and Keegan, but although the investigation into the ritual murders started well, it seemed to drag towards the end. In fact the investigation didn’t really get anywhere and the case was finally solved more by ‘luck than good judgement’.
I also thought there were too many sessions with ‘Novice’ and the ‘Teacher’ and although I understand they do give an impression of Novice’s mental state they became quite tedious after while.
I also thought there were too many sessions with ‘Novice’ and the ‘Teacher’ and although I understand they do give an impression of Novice’s mental state they became quite tedious after while.
October 4, 2019
Great read! Love all of Vali’s books. This one was very exiting again. And off course I had my focus on the wrong man, she had me there. The setting after hurricane Katrina is very realistic, I’m not an American and have never had to encounter such violence of nature and its aftermath. But reading this book gave me a good insight. Well done.
Loved the way the love developed between Sept and Keegan. They really connected great together and the book made me feel excited and also swooning.
Great book and also a good narrating job by Paige McKinney.
Loved the way the love developed between Sept and Keegan. They really connected great together and the book made me feel excited and also swooning.
Great book and also a good narrating job by Paige McKinney.
December 12, 2018
I read this book last year. I loved it. Mystery and Police Procedurals are my first love. Lesbian fictional love stories snuck in when I wasn’t looking. Detective Sept Savoie, a character from Vali’s Cain Casey series, comes from a family of NOLA police officers. There is a horrific murder behind a famous restaurant, one of the chefs is carved up. This restaurant is owned by a New Orleans matriarch whose Granddaughter is head chef and Savoie’s first suspect. The story unfolds from there and pulls in many artifacts and superstitions special to NOLA. The characters are eccentric and grow on you. Ali Vali is a great crime/romance author, enjoy the read.
April 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this as I love a good thriller with a romance thrown in. The book is brutal and gory which made me cringe at times but the romance broke it up nicely. I really want to read the sequel Answering the call but as I read the first page it was quite graphic so think a break needs to be taken and not to be read one after the other.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoyed Sept Savoie and Keegan Blanchard. Loved the action and suspense. I would definitely read more books about them.
December 18, 2018
I read this based on a recommendation for the sequel. I'd actually got it quite a while ago but it had sat in my digital 'to read' for a very long time. The recommendation prompted me to read it because the sequel sounded interesting. It is relatively fast paced and well thought out. I didn't feel that it lagged anywhere. I did feel the romance parts sometimes took away from the story because they were quite frequent, but I suppose it depends on why you are reading the book. If you want lots of sexual interaction, that is certainly delivered here. The sensual scenes were a little cliched, but I think that is the style of lesfic, it seems every book must have certain phrases or situations.
I liked the main characters, they were three dimensional and interesting. The dialogue mostly flowed well. Overall I really enjoyed the book and can now look forward to reading the sequel.
I liked the main characters, they were three dimensional and interesting. The dialogue mostly flowed well. Overall I really enjoyed the book and can now look forward to reading the sequel.
April 6, 2020
I am a huge fan of Sept's white hair. Having said that (probably the weirdest way to start this), I love Sept even more now. I've already loved having her in the Casey series because her relationship with Cain was just amazing. And the hints at her and Keegan was awesome as well. There was no way to not start this series right after. The story itself was even cooler than I thought it would be, and I don't mean that in a bad way. I love how Sept and Keegan first met, their first interaction was priceless. I love how Keegan calls her Seven and how they live together. And even Keegan and Sept's relationship with Keegan's sister Jacqueline is really amazing to see. It reminds me a little of how they Caseys treat each other. I can't wait to start the next book and spend some more time with Sept and Keegan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2018
I love my (well not mine) Ali
First off when I started reading the book I was like what the heck. I kept waiting for Cain Casey to jump out somewhere. Lol. Finally I started getting I to the storyline and the characters and was like😮 Sept is like my Cain just on the other side of the law. I really loved the names in this book Sept and Keegan. I was shocked and the end because I thought I knew who the bad guy was. 😮 <<
First off when I started reading the book I was like what the heck. I kept waiting for Cain Casey to jump out somewhere. Lol. Finally I started getting I to the storyline and the characters and was like😮 Sept is like my Cain just on the other side of the law. I really loved the names in this book Sept and Keegan. I was shocked and the end because I thought I knew who the bad guy was. 😮 <<
October 20, 2013
Ali Vali does a great job making me fall in love with her characters. That's why she's my favorite author ever: underrated from the affect of the garbage we have now. Sitting alone in a mall waiting for my friends to finish up, I crack open a book and tell myself I have to read before it passes the due date. When I start, I can't seem to stop. In the bus. In the subway. Coming back home. My hands shake, my body bounces in excitement as I cannot wait to know what'll happen next.
Some scenes at first seemed mighty rushed, but then it began to soften. I love her descriptive style; although I could have done without the explanation of the murders.. Although I think it wouldn't have been the same without it. Vali sure likes to show off her talent, and she does it amazingly well.
The images will never get out of my head. That's for sure - but along with all those insane sacrifices also comes the heated steamy romance between Keegan and Sept. And that's really all I wait for.
Done with this book, onto the next. Her other book, 'The Devil Be Damned' calls out to me!
Some scenes at first seemed mighty rushed, but then it began to soften. I love her descriptive style; although I could have done without the explanation of the murders.. Although I think it wouldn't have been the same without it. Vali sure likes to show off her talent, and she does it amazingly well.
The images will never get out of my head. That's for sure - but along with all those insane sacrifices also comes the heated steamy romance between Keegan and Sept. And that's really all I wait for.
Done with this book, onto the next. Her other book, 'The Devil Be Damned' calls out to me!
July 27, 2020
I’m a big Ali Vali Fan!
This book only gets better every time I read it, and it was freaking excellent the first time I read it.
I love Sept and Keegan! The murders and mystery of the book was freaking fantastic. Only to be out shadowed by the developing romance between the two MCs Sept and Keegan. I couldn’t help, but to come to the same conclusions as Sept. The end was a shocker! The imagery and details of the book draw you right into a reawakening New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. So much loss and destruction.
This book only gets better every time I read it, and it was freaking excellent the first time I read it.
I love Sept and Keegan! The murders and mystery of the book was freaking fantastic. Only to be out shadowed by the developing romance between the two MCs Sept and Keegan. I couldn’t help, but to come to the same conclusions as Sept. The end was a shocker! The imagery and details of the book draw you right into a reawakening New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. So much loss and destruction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2011
I liked this book. I skipped the parts I thought were too weird, when the crazy killer talked to himself and I skimmed over some of the gore, but overall it wa a pretty good read with a fair amount of suspense. Some parts even made me laugh out loud.
September 21, 2018
This is for the audible version. This was really really good. Only negative I have is the instalove. There was plenty of time to develop a little more in depth relationship between the MCs. But otherwise...this was a very enjoyable book!!
January 4, 2019
I bought this book because I wanted to read the new Answering the Call. The case that the story revolves around was full of twists and turns and had me on the edge of my seat. And the chemistry between Sept and Keegan was off the charts.
December 29, 2018
What a compelling story!!!
I think I found a new fictional wife! I’ve got mad love for Cain Casey but I am head over heels in love with Sept now! I just wish it was possible for me to take Keegan’s place because I’m so green with envy right now. This author knows how to keep me hanging off of my seat, bed or office chair with her flawless writing, vivid descriptions of New Orleans and the witty characters she created. I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel to this story!
I think I found a new fictional wife! I’ve got mad love for Cain Casey but I am head over heels in love with Sept now! I just wish it was possible for me to take Keegan’s place because I’m so green with envy right now. This author knows how to keep me hanging off of my seat, bed or office chair with her flawless writing, vivid descriptions of New Orleans and the witty characters she created. I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel to this story!
November 16, 2021
Engaging and emotionally gripping!
The main character, Sept, is a thorough, tough, and empathetical detective who is deeply human in her thoughts and her actions.
The story is very well constructed and delivered in such a way as to incorporate a grizzly crime spree and investigation and falling in love into one very compelling and believable book. I was sad when it ended because I would miss the characters but then very happy to see that there is a sequel I can't wait to start.
The main character, Sept, is a thorough, tough, and empathetical detective who is deeply human in her thoughts and her actions.
The story is very well constructed and delivered in such a way as to incorporate a grizzly crime spree and investigation and falling in love into one very compelling and believable book. I was sad when it ended because I would miss the characters but then very happy to see that there is a sequel I can't wait to start.
December 9, 2020
Excellent!
This was an excellent story. Kept me glued to it from start to finish. Sept (seventh child) and Keegan were sexy and sweet. Their respective families were very cute! The serial killings were really suspenseful! The Santeria aspect was very intriguing. Overall, an excellent story!
This was an excellent story. Kept me glued to it from start to finish. Sept (seventh child) and Keegan were sexy and sweet. Their respective families were very cute! The serial killings were really suspenseful! The Santeria aspect was very intriguing. Overall, an excellent story!
July 5, 2021
This book had me captivated from the very beginning. It's one of those stories that you can't stop reading until you get the answers and at the same time you don't want the story to end. Ali Vali has a 'keeping you on the edge of your seat' way of telling a story. I totally enjoyed this book and would recommend it 100%.
February 1, 2025
A sapphic crime-romance in New Orleans after the devastating hurricane Katrina has destroyed most of the city. Ali Vali writes amazing crimes (Read The Devils series!!) and this one is definitely worth your time!
I listened to the audiobook version of this book greatly narrated by Paige McKinney 5⭐️
I listened to the audiobook version of this book greatly narrated by Paige McKinney 5⭐️
September 23, 2017
The plotting was excellent, but the author and editors needed to make sure to do a better job at editing. In one paragraph the main character says she is going one place and 2 lines later shes heading to a different location. ... Inconsistencies like that.
March 24, 2019
Intriguing as always. But i found it annoying/unrealistic for the girlfriend to be so involved with the investigation. I also understand we lesbians love to uhaul but don’t get to the family brunch until at least 3weeks into the relationship, not the second date lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
Sept Savoie gets her story
No longer relegated to law-abiding guest feature to Cain Casey, Detective Sept Savoie becomes her own character with her own story & her own love life. & in tracking down a serial killer that was barely noted in the main series, she does it in style.
No longer relegated to law-abiding guest feature to Cain Casey, Detective Sept Savoie becomes her own character with her own story & her own love life. & in tracking down a serial killer that was barely noted in the main series, she does it in style.
December 11, 2017
I am such an Ali Vali junkie! Another fantastic book!! Some familiar characters from the Casey Clan and of course more of fabulous New Orleans. Well done!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews