A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and general manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. But she is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide's childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim's past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend--the woman he's quietly loved for years--kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can't press Adelaide too hard . . . because he's keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her published novels.
Best-selling author of more than twenty-seven novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of twenty-eight-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home.
Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
This is the first book that I've read by Robin Caroll and I look forward to reading more. This is also the first book in a series about the Darkwater Inn, in New Orleans. General Manager Adelaide Fountaine is dealing with a full hotel when a murder is found to have taken place in one of the rooms.
Adelaide has a dark secret that is only known by her best friend and her secret is on the verge of being discovered due to the murder. Her childhood friend Beau Savoie is the lead detective on the case and he has a secret of his own. Plus, Beau, and Adelaide's coworker, Dimitri, are both harboring feelings for Adelaide, while Adelaide won't be able to entertain the idea of a romance with anyone, until she comes to terms with what happened in her past.
This is mostly a mystery story with the hint of a romantic triangle in future books. I liked the three main characters and side characters and look forward to reading more about them. Adelaide is almost a little too perfect, with two men falling at her feet and willing to wait a very long time for her to be ready to date (or not date). Still, she, Beau, and Dimitri are likable and intriguing and I want to see where their paths lead.
Darkwater Secrets is the exciting first book in a new series that looks to be a winner by Robin Caroll. There is an intense mystery surrounding the murder of a guest in the Darkwater Inn in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. When the guest doesn't check out when he is supposed to, his room has to be opened by an instrument to open the night latch. Adelaide Fontaine, General Manager, Dimitri Pampalon, owner, and Security Officer Geoff Aubois found the body in the room bathroom. So, how did the murderer get into the room since the night latch was on? The guest was not a nice person; that was witnessed by hotel personnel but the question is who could get to him and kill him? There are probably lots of people who would like to kill him but things are a little complicated to figure out. Beau Savoie and his partner Marcel Taton are the detectives on the case and that is a question that they have to answer. Beau and Addy grew up together and have been close friends for a long time. Things get a little sticky as the investigation surrounds the hotel and its personnel. The mystery is great and kept me guessing for most of the book. The characters are all likable and well developed with a cast of secondary characters that give support to the story. The descriptions of NOLA and landmarks were easy for me to envision, especially Jackson Square and Cafe du Monde and added a lot of atmosphere to the story. Both Beau and Dimitri admire and have feelings for Addy that she is not aware of right away. This is a story with a great mystery and complicated relationships that takes place just before Mardi Gras. Faith is something that is important to Dimitri and something that Addy is struggling with. While the murder is solved, the story ends in a way that you know will be continued and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I was given a complimentary copy to read and review by Gilead Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are mine only.
Take a trip to New Orleans in Robin Caroll’s Darkwater Secrets! With a historic inn, a murder, a whole lot of secrets, and three main characters to tell it all, it’s an intriguing read from beginning to end. I quite enjoyed seeing all the pieces of the mystery slowly and cleverly come together for the grand and satisfying revelation—it did happen earlier than expected though, a quarter of the book left to read, and thus, felt slightly anticlimactic—and Adelaide, Beau, and Dimitri proved to be wonderful characters with great development, despite their romantic complications—I hope to see the three of them again soon in a second book. I had fun reading Darkwater Secrets, so if you like mystery and suspense, I’m sure you will, too.
Thanks to JustRead Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Darkwater Secrets and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Darkwater Secrets is a very appropriate name for this murder mystery. There are secrets to be uncovered and mysteries to be solved in this page turning novel by Robin Caroll. The setting is in an old historic hotel in New Orleans where a murder takes place. The main characters are well developed and there is a romantic love triangle between the heroine , Addy, and the two men who seem to care for her deeply. One is her childhood friend, Beau who is also the detective on the murder case, and the other is Dimitri whose father owns the hotel. I am leaning towards #teambeau. This is a series and will be continued. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next installment. *I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and was not required to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.
Robin Caroll has long been one of my favorite Christian suspense authors, and this first novel in the Darkwater Inn series demonstrates that her writing simply gets better that I could have imagined. Her love of and knowledge about New Orleans is evident throughout, as I have seen in her earlier mysteries. Descriptions bring to life the Darkwater Inn, a majestic, luxury hotel that has been in the Pampalon family for generations. Characters come to life through their realistic dialog, actions, and emotions. The mystery is intricately woven with surprises throughout. Adelaide “Addy” Fountaine loves her job as the general manager of the Darkwater. She loves everything about the inn and her work is exemplary. Dimitri Pampalon is the son of current owner, Claude Pampalon. Claude has groomed Dimitri for his proper place as CEO of the hotel, but Dimitri is happy in the kitchen as a chef. Bringing recognition to the Inn through the recipes he creates and perfects as a chef is his dream, even though Claude would never allow it. Addy and Dimitri had become fast friends, and Dimitri finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings for her a secret. Thankfully, Claude is out of town when the body of a murdered guest is found in his second floor suite. Addy would have time to get the room ready for guests again. The murdered man seems to be a stranger to most of the staff. When Addy sees a picture of the man, she realizes this is the man who, using a different name, had shattered her world years ago. Those who knew her well noticed a slight reaction to the photos, including Dimitri and Detective Beau Savoi. Beau and Addy have been close friends since childhood, and her father mentored him after his father had been murdered. How well she can keep her secret hidden remains to be seen…as well as some of the secrets the old Inn has of its own. Most folks have some kind of secret. Including Claude. Each of the main characters are very well-rounded. I appreciate Addy, especially the crisis of faith she has had for several years. Despite how different of a career that Tracey has, I like, her, also. Addy is blessed to have her father, who loves her so much, as well as her almost life-long friends Tracey and Beau. Dimitri seems like a good guy, but I did not like his father at all. Plot twists and turns bring surprises at the least opportune times. A man murdered at the Darkwater. Not just murdered, but with the inner security door hasp in place, no way to the tiny balcony, absolutely no visible entrance to the guest’s room. Over time, I had a good idea who the bad guy was, even if I didn’t know the how; I also thought I knew the why before it was revealed. While I was right, I was sad to be didn’t want to be as I had liked the person. The necessary secrets were revealed and all loose ends tied up. There are situations I will look forward to seeing more of in the next novel in the series as each person grows and changes as a result of the secrets revealed. I highly recommend this extremely well-written suspense novel to those who like their intriguing mysteries coupled with faith that doesn’t preach or apologize. From a grateful heart: I received an e-arc of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and was not obligated to post a review.
Darkwater Secrets by Robin Caroll is outstanding in every way, one of my favorite reads of the year. It’s a creative blend of romantic suspense, police procedural, and the character-driven novel, extremely well written from different viewpoints. I was completely hooked from the very first page and never wanted to put it down.
From characters to setting, the color of the French Quarter is reflected. There’s a certain mystique about New Orleans that I find fascinating, and Ms. Caroll beautifully conveyed the very essence of this area – its mood, architecture, food, and even the practice of voodoo.
The story revolves around three main characters – Beau, Adelaide, and Dimitri. All are well drawn and appealing. Adelaide is general manager of the Darkwater Inn, Dimitri a talented chef, and Beau leads the murder investigation. I’m not a fan of romantic triangles, but the author handles this in a way that captured me emotionally and I look forward to seeing how this element plays out in future stories.
Faith is also a quiet, but realistic theme that is easy for readers to connect with. Adelaide believes in God, but past experience has made her a non-follower. The age-old question of why a loving God would allow pain and suffering is explored in a thoughtful way. Another theme, as the title indicates, is the personal effects of burying past secrets.
Darkwater Secrets is an impressive novel. Romantic suspense isn’t my favorite genre, but the complexity, relational depth, and multilayering raises it to another level. I also enjoyed how the focus was on the murder investigation rather than suspense; in other words, it wasn’t too scary for me. The conclusion is satisfying, with the promise of much more to come. I am so eager for the next release in this series!
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Just Read Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Since Christian suspense is my favourite genre, Robin Caroll's name appeared a lot in book recommendations and I wanted to try her books for quite a while.
The mystery had a "Cluedo" feel to it. There was a murder at a hotel and now the "how" and the "who" needs to be solved. I guessed the murderer correctly and also the reason why this person did it. I did however expected a bit more action in solving this case instead of how it was solved.
I enjoyed the characters, Addy and Beau and also Dimitri. There is a love triangle which started in this first book and would likely continue. The author did a great job of creating mysteries in the backstory of Addy and Beau which kept me reading. There was a few loose ends which I'm expecting to be resolved in the next few books.
Where the story lost it's appeal to me, was when "Voodoo" was introduced. I did not feel comfortable with this and skipped the parts where this was discussed. (about 20% give or take). One of the characters who is suppose to have a good relationship with God also blackmailed someone, which also did not feel right.
Not sure if I would continue this series. I will try one more book by this author to see if it is just this book that didn't connect with me.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gilead Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
I enjoyed reading this entertaining and informative novel. The setting is New Orleans and Caroll has included much about the flavor of the city into the plot. I liked reading about some of the celebrations, food, and customs of the area. There was a bit about voodoo too. That was a bit disconcerting but I know it is a reality in that community. I do enjoy a murder mystery and this is a good one.
I had mixed feelings about the main characters. I think that was by design. I love Addy and her father. Addy has done so well with all she had gone through. She really tugged at my heart. And I liked Beau too. Both of them had deep hurts in their past that needed to be faced. I liked that it was not a given that both would exhibit unconditional love. Dimitri made me a little nervous and I look forward to seeing how his character is shown in the sequel. (Yes! A sequel is already planned.)
I do recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a novel that has a well developed plot in a setting that is very interesting. You'll read about how secrets from the past can have life changing effects in the present. You'll also read about the healing that comes from forgiveness.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
'His detective "spidey sense" was tingly all over, and that was never a good sign."
Robin Caroll has been a favorite for a long time. She knows how to do a suspense novel well. This books is, in my opinion, one of her very best if not THE best! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't wait for the ending. I'm not one of those who read the last page during a book, but I was tempted, believe me.
Adelaide Fountaine is the general manager of the Darkwater Inn in New Orleans. A dead body is found during a convention, stabbed with a kitchen knife. Her friend since childhood, Detective Beau Savoie, is called in to investigate. Turns out the victim was not a nice guy and more than one person had reason to want to see him dead. But the investigation is going slowly. Adelaide discovers something and the secret she has been carrying around for many years threatens to undo her carefully constructed identity and Beau has a dark secret as well.
The hotel owner's son, Dimitri, has feelings for Addy and tries to get her to fess up to her secret, but she refuses. Beau also has feelings for Addy but has never told her because he fears his secret will turn her away. Can these folks trust each other's feelings? Will this crime get solved? Then you add in the element of voodoo and the suspense ratchets up a notch.
Caroll is in her element here and it shows! I loved every minute. I did not guess at all who the culprit was. But....there are two more books in the series and Caroll's fans are left hanging just a bit at the end. But that's okay. It gives me more to look forward to. Highly recommended.
*My thanks thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
The novel, DARKWATER SECRETS, boats a colorful cast and setting. The story is set in New Orleans with threads of faith and voodoo interwoven among the threads of mystery and developing relationships. Just as the name suggests, this book is filled with secrets. More than just a who-dun-it type secrets. An engaging read, although, at times, I questioned the main character's response to certain things due to her past experiences. That said, it was a very enjoyable read and I really liked the characters. The ending dragged a bit. Once the case was closed, I was surprised to see more than 40% left yet to read. As others have noted, I kept expecting a twist to pop up such as clues that hinted that the killer was only covering up for the true killer or something like that. The rest of the story did a satisfactory job in wrapping up loose ends and preparing us for the next installment in DARKWATER LIES where we hope to see what is next for the characters we've grown to like and root for. Or see dead? I'd recommend this story to anyone who loves a good mystery filled with colorful characters and a dash of romance.
*I received a copy from Netgalley to read and review
Darkwater Secrets is an awesome inspirational romantic suspense. Robin Caroll has written another spellbinding book that captured me at page one and kept me revited till the conclusion. The book has a great cast of characters and I can hardly wait to revisit in the next book of the series. Suspense fans will not want to miss this book. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
Exciting book with a captivating setting. Who doesn't love a creepy inn holding people with secrets? Caroll writes a very solid love triangle. Done in the wrong way this just comes across as cheesy and dumb, but in this case, I was convinced and it added a great deal to the plot. The one quibble I have is that I didn't really like how early the murderer was revealed. I like the mystery to be drawn out longer usually. I was interested throughout, and that was probably because the romantic angle kept me invested. I look forward to the second book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Adelaide Fountaine is the general manager of Darkwater Inn. When Adelaide and Dimitri Pampalon, the hotel's owner, find a guest murdered in their room, Detective Beau Savoir, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is called in to investigate. Who got to the guest, and why was he murdered? Both Dimitri and Beau are interested in Adelaide, but, unfortunately, a secret from her past could have an impact on things.
The mystery was pleasant, and character development was solid.
I have loved Ms. Caroll’s books and always enjoy reading anything written by her. This book is the first book in the Darkwater Inn series. This story focuses on Adelaide, the manager of the Darkwater Inn. Other characters include her friend and coworker, Dimitri and Beau. Beau is a homicide detective that is investigating a murder at the hotel. He is also a longtime family friend. There are many twists and turns to this story. The book was engaging and very interesting. Throughout the book, I did not want to put the book down. One Christian aspect of the book examined why God allows bad things to happen and where God is during those times. The book was encouraging and the reader could see how God can use any situation for good. I highly recommend you read this book! You will not be disappointed. ***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
Darkwater Secrets was an interesting read, full of suspense and wonder.
Let’s talk about what totally sold me on this book: Dimitri. He was such a fun character. I loved every second with him. I enjoyed the faith he brought into the story more than I thought I would. I loved the setting of Louisiana, it felt extremely realistic and wonderful. The mystery was carefully interwoven throughout the story, it built into lots of twists and turns. The other man, Beau, had interesting reveals about his character and I think it truly made him grow. I look forward to seeing who he becomes.
I liked Addy, though she makes some tough decisions, she occasionally did things that made me roll my eyes. Her story still builds strength but she sometimes jumps to such conclusions and shows a lot of cowardice and is willing to put the blame on God. But, this is a series, so I hope to see her develop more into her own and face what scares her, including the idea that religion does not always act how you think it should.
For once, I actually enjoyed the romance, or well, planted roots of a romance, more than the suspense. The tension felt intense but also kept me engaged and interested.
The elements of VooDoo seem authentic and well researched, it was certainly an added spice that set the story apart from the other books I’ve read.
I would have liked to see more of a difference in POVs, other than just information. The writing flowed so well, sometimes it was easy to forget which character you were following in that moment. Several times I would have to stop reading and flip back to see who on Earth we were talking about.
The newest character introduced at the end grated on my nerves and I found her manner of going about things a bit shady, but I’ll let you see for yourself.
Overall, Caroll does justice to the characters and situations in book one, I can hope to see more in the next book following the Darkwater.
The Darkwater Inn stands in the intriguing French Quarter of New Orleans. A place full of mystery and mayhem. General manager Adelaide Fountaine soon finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when someone is found stabbed at her hotel. When she learns of a personal link to this victim, she struggles to keep her past buried.
Detective Beau Savoie is Adelaide’s life-long friend, but when he finds a connection with her and the victim he realizes she’s been keeping secrets from him. Will his feelings for her remain buried as the mystery unfolds or will it force her coworker Dimitri to step forward and win Adelaide’s heart before he can?
Darkwater Secrets is the first in the Darkwater Inn series and had me hooked from the first page! The mystery concerning the old hotel and Adelaide’s past kept me turning the pages. Also, not only does she have one handsome love interest, but we soon find out there’s two! Which will she pick? I know I have my favorite but readers will have a hard time choosing between the two suitors. Each has admirable qualities.
Robin Caroll is a talented storyteller. Loved the intrigue depicted in this book and the aspects of voodoo weaved in added to the mystery. The author’s research of New Orleans comes across strong and has the reader immersed in the French Quarter. The secrets of the old hotel is an added bonus! Love this.
The imagery used throughout is well done. You can picture everything and walk the streets with the characters. The characters are strong and the readers will fall in love with both Beau and Dimitri. They will cheer on the strong-willed Adelaide.
I can’t wait for the next installment in this series to see where Adelaide’s story will take us next. Who will she choose? Beau or Dimitri?
I give Darkwater Secrets four stars. It’s one mystery you’ll want to devour!
**An e-copy of this book has been provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
Oh my goodness, you all! If the old adage practice makes perfect is true, then Robin Caroll’s newest release is perfection indeed. Darkwater Secrets has all the important pieces to make a intriguing suspense novel. The first in the Darkwater Inn series, Darkwater Secrets is a great read.
First, is the setting. What better setting for a southern suspense novel than the French Quarter of New Orleans? The central setting is In an older hotel, with all those nooks and crannies that few are aware of as remodeling often disrupts the original architecture of a building. Did I mention the hotel is located on Bourbon Street?
Second, is the characters. We have a chef, whose creations sound divine, Dimitri, who is also the son of the Darkwater Inn’s owner. The general manager, the lovely Adelaide Fountaine, who is very driven to succeed. And Detective Beau Savoie, secretly in love with Adelaide since they were children.
Third, secrets. Lots of secrets. Dimitri has secrets. Beau has secrets. Adelaide has secrets of her own as well. Then a guest, with secrets, is found murdered.
Tied altogether, the murdered guest has a connection to Adelaide’s past. As Detective Savoie investigates the murdered guest and the ties to Adelaide, she turns to Dimitri for solace.
Everyone seems to be hiding something. Will the truth come out?
I ran across Robin Carroll's books back when I started reviewing and she was writing for Broadman & Holman Publishing. Since she primarily writes Christians suspense, her books were definitely up my alley. I hadn't read anything by her for a couple of years, and she has a couple of new books out, this being one of them. I made it one of my after Christmas gifts to myself and read it yesterday. She certainly has not lost her touch since I started reading her books. Great characters, setting, and awesome suspense and drama.
You can't have it both ways, but I kind of like it when I can figure out who the guilty party is, but I also like it when I am kept guessing and cannot figure out the who...or why. This book fell into the latter category. The female lead character had motive and was a suspect, but I couldn't believe she was the guilty one. I won't give any spoilers away, but I was surprised at who the guilty party was.
This may sound weird since I am a guy, but then I never claimed to be a normal guy, whatever that is...... but the author puts her readers in quite the quandary. This IS romantic suspense, and there are two very likable guys vying for the attention of the female main character, Addy. I was up in the air at first, then leaned towards Dimitri, son of the hotel owner. Then I leaned towards Beau, police detective and long time friend of Addy. I will say that doesn't get resolved in book one, and it sounds like we will have to wait til book 3 to find that out.
The book certainly did not disappoint, and I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books in the series. Carroll shows she still has it, and can write an awesome suspense novel worth reading.
Darkwater Secrets is the first book in the new series; Darkwater Inn by Robin Caroll. Adelaide is the General manager of Darkwater Inn in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The owner is a total jerk. His son is one of the main characters and he has a crush on Adelaide. His father wants him to take over the hotel so he is learning all the areas of the hotel. However, he wants to be a chef but is afraid to tell is father. There is a murder at the hotel and Adelaide knows the victim from her past. This is a secret she has kept hidden. The author did a good job of explaining why Adelaide would not share her secret and Demitri said everything we would have said to her. We all have those stubborn people in our lives. Beau is her long time friend and the detective working the case. He has his own secrets. I personally do not like a love triangle which this appears to be. So I am not sure if I will read the next book or not. This book was well written. I liked how the ending of the mystery turned out. It was a little unusual that the mystery is solved 3/4s of the way through the book. The remaining of the book is story line to prepare you for the next book.
Sexual content - a kiss violence - stabbing death, rape (very few details and it happened it the past) Alcohol - the conference at the hotel- many of the men are at the bar drinking
"I managed to keep it a secret when it happened. I'm pretty sure I can keep it a secret now."
New Orleans' historic Darkwater Inn not only hosts a myriad of guests, but plenty of secrets as well. General Manager Adelaide Fontaine has just discovered that her painful past is tragically on the brink of exposure; how can she keep the light of truth from shining too far back into the darkness?
Detective Beau Savoie is tasked with investigating the murder at the Darkwater; and his beloved childhood friend appears to be right in the middle of it, especially after preliminary evidence casts suspicion on Addie Fontaine's motives and connections. And what about her coworker Dimitri Pampalon? They seem quite cozy and Beau is not at all sure what he thinks about that. "If only he'd been able to tell her . . . .before now . . . . . If only he'd been able to tell her and her father the truth so many years ago." Well now, it seems that Beau has secrets of his own.
Enjoy this intriguing foray into the bowels of the magnificent New Orleans' French Quarter, where sights, sounds, and mysteries abound; and in this case, a curious love triangle deliciously dangles, warranting another exciting trip to the Darkwater Inn!
I received a copy of this book from "JustRead Publicity Tours". The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Darkwater Secrets by Robin Caroll Gilead Publishing Christian , Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 17 Jul 2018 I am reviewing a copy of DarkWater secrets through Gilead Publishing and Netgalley:
In DarkWater secrets we are taken to the Darkwater Inn an Inn that stands tall in the French quarter the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon street where the Inn stands is so busy that the General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with the hotels guest, the Inn is filled to capacity. When Adelaide discovers one of her guests have been murdered with a kitchen knife she and the others are in shock.
Detective Beau Savoie, is called to the case. He and Adelaide had been friends from childhood. When Beau digs deeper into this mans past he is shocked to discover his connection to Adelaide. Beau is hurt that his friend kept the truth from him , he had been secretly in love with her. To complicate things even more, Adelaide turns to her coworker Dimintri for comfort. Beau is not able to press Adelaide to hard though because he is holding onto his own secrets.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide the truth with a killer on the loose.
I know I’m late to this series because the third installment (Darkwater Truth) just came out, so I thought it was time to catch up. Darkwater Secrets creates a suspenseful and intriguing setting and story line.
A mysterious hotel in the French Quarter, a murder, and an endless list of suspects with motives makes this novel a must-read suspense novel. Adelaide Fountaine is the manager of Darkwater Inn, a hotel in the French Quarter of New Orleans. A murder at the hotel brings up memories that Adelaide had long buried. Adelaide searches for the truth of the murder, while trying to be honest about her past.
The setting of Darkwater Truth made this novel. The old hotel in the French Quarter with hidden passageways, the rich history of New Orleans, not to mention a voodoo curse, gives extra tension to an already intriguing mystery. The story is told from several view points, and both Beau and Dimitri explore their own struggles, while Adelaide faces her worst nightmare and struggles to be honest about her past situation.
Note to readers that the story line does deal with a past sexual assault. I know some readers are sensitive to the subject. The author handles the topic gracefully, but just putting out a warning
The past comes to visit the Darkwater Hotel where Adelaide Fountaine works as the general manager. When a man is found murdered, the police step in to solve the crime. The detective in charge of the investigation in a man Adelaide has known since childhood. A friend.
Robin Caroll unwraps this mystery one edge at a time, revealing information about the murder victim and her characters in a way that kept me going, wanting to get to the bottom of everything. Interestingly, the crime solving isn’t done on the last pages of the book. No, Caroll leaves the quarter of the book for the characters to sort out their personal issues (and to introduce some others, setting up future books in this series nicely).
And while love triangles are not my favorite thing in books, I could respect Adelaide’s choice in the end. Of course, I’ll keep reading this series to find out if/when that choice changes.
Caroll delves into the heart of New Orleans, touching on the evils of voodoo and hoodoo, secrets of the historical buildings, and the people who have lived in the city their entire lives. All of that while twisting together a tale of murder, revenge, and discovery.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I have to say such an amazing book! The book being set in New Orleans really added much mystery to the book! New Orleans added such an ominous feeling to the story. I really loved with that all the little facts about New Orleans because I loved learning about the history of New Orleans. I really became fond of Adelaide Fountaine in the story because she was character I could truly relate to. Her struggle to be at one with her faith is an issue I have also dealt with, dealing with a personal situation that really shook my faith. It was nice to be able to have a character that also went through that same struggle and how she overcame, to me is such an inspirational part of the story. With the characters at thought, Beau and Dimitri entertain quite the love triangle. Personally after reading the book I had fallen in love with Dimitri and I hope that Adelaide will. Dimitri is such a determined man and such a kind soul, which are such attractive qualities. The only thing standing in her way her childhood friend Beau. Beau although a loveable character is to me just not the best match for her. I hope to see a second book and see where Dimitri and Adelaide's relationship goes. For those who are wanting to read a novel filled with mystery and romance laced within, this is a read for you. I could not put this book down, it was a very good read! I highly reccommend for everybody to go get this book!
It was my first read from Robin Caroll and I really enjoyed: a murder happened in a popular French Quarter Hotel. The story is about Adelaide Fontaine - a woman who is passionate about her work and her dad. She seems to be involved with the murder's victim and she is also hiding some secrets. I liked that all the characters were so real and interesting and I have started to approve her relationship with Dimitri Pampalon throughout the book. I was actually rooting for her and Beau Savoie due to their shared childhood and company, but then I was pretty satisfied about their outcome. Focusing on the murder, I found it quite suspenseful and the book was a page-turner as I was trying to figure out all the scheme. I haven't the slightest about the murder's identity, however I could have added more suspense to it. The storyline is somehow intriguing and the voodoo/New Orleans elements added an air of mystery to Darkwater Secrets. It is a well-written murder mystery and I think the next books would be as good as the pioneer.
[Received a complimentary copy from JustRead Publicity and a positive review is not required - all opinions are my own]
This was my first book by Robin Caroll. I really enjoyed it. The characters had me in different emotions through out the book. I loved Addy and the fact that she came out so much stronger after what happened to her. Beau and Dimitri were both good men. I didn’t care much for the whole love triangle copse of it all though. Why couldn’t there just be one man that liked Addy. I loved the mystery part of the murder, I really didn’t guess who the murderer was before hand which I loved. This is the first book that I have ever read where I was rooting for the murderer. I feel like the murderer and the victim both got what they deserved at the end. Really my only complaint is I felt like there was to much that happened after the finding out of who done it. Although I do appreciate the ending. I’m happy for Addy.
I’m normally not a reader of thrillers, because they get me too worked up and I get really invested in them. But, I received this from @justreadtours in exchange for an honest review, and I really loved it. I loved the multiple POVs, because I was able to get into each character’s head and really get to know them. It was a fantastic read, and I’m looking forward to the next Darkwater Inn book that’s coming out spring 2019! If you like crime, murder mystery type books, you’ll really enjoy this one!!
A look into the city of New Orleans. This is the first in the series and I look forward to the rest. It wasn’t a crazy, bloody fast pacer book. But a telling of a man who raped young college girls and how he met his end. But then the murderer had to be located. I don’t like to go into too many details, but we’ll worth the read. Not enough details to make you squeamish but a good amount of details and a good pace. Pick up a copy, it’s a good read. This was a library book so no review was required I just always try to give them.