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Roxy Reinhardt #2

New Orleans Nightmare

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A New Orleans guesthouse. A social media murder. A killer with a virtual ax to grind…

Roxy Reinhardt always played it safe. But when her secure and stable life crumbled to pieces she packed her bags, grabbed her cat, and moved to New Orleans. But as the new owner of the Funky Cat Inn, a newly-refurbished guesthouse in the Big Easy, she's starting to wonder if she bit off more than she can chew…


With the help of her quirky new friends, Roxy is determined to make her business venture a success. And with a horde of social media influencers descending on her tiny establishment, all she has to do is create a magnificent impression, and let their followers spread the buzz…


But these influencers seem more interested in bickering with one another than enjoying the Funky Cat’s charms. And their internet feud quickly leads to a real-life murder, when one of them shows up as a corpse!


Among these obnoxious online personalities, there’s no shortage of suspects. And with her reputation on the line, and the local police breathing down her neck, shy and timid Roxy has to step up. She’s got to fish for clues and solve the crime, all while escorting her guests on cocktail cruises and voodoo tomb tours…


Can Roxy reveal the killer before they strike again? Or is her reputation dead on arrival...


Cozy mystery fans will love this delicious new series from author Alison Golden. No foul language, no sex, and no gore...Just quirky characters, Cajun food, and a puzzling mystery that will keep readers guessing! New Orleans Nightmare is the second book in the Roxy Reinhardt Cozy Mystery series.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2019

472 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Alison Golden

103 books332 followers
Alison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.

Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.

Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.

To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Debi Paglia .
614 reviews17 followers
November 5, 2019
I loved this book! It’s the second book in a new series. All of the magic of New Orleans - food, music, history - is in this new series! The protagonist is a young woman who has chosen to live a better life. It is so interesting to see how she has “grown” in these first 2 books. If you like anything “New Orleans” or would like to know more about the culture of New Orleans, and like to read well-written, interesting cozy mysteries, then you need to read this new series!
1,383 reviews19 followers
November 5, 2019
Roxy Reinhardt's adventure continues. Roxy invites internet influencers to the Funky Cat Inn as part of her marketing plan for the inn. A murder at the inn makes everyone a suspect including the influencers. This book continues the story of Roxy's growth and the relationships that are helping her make changes in her life. Clues, red herrings and the charm of New Orleans lead us through this story of people and murder.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,670 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2020
Very well done

There is so much to enjoy in this series! Roxy is atypical for a cozy heroine: she doesn't charge headlong into danger, thinking more of her capabilities than she should; she has realistic insecurities and responses; she's open to assistance; she's mature while retaining a sense of fun; and, she's sincere about putting her fledgling business' success ahead of romantic entanglements. In other words, she's charmingly relatable. Sage, Nat, Sam, Elijah, and Evangeline are layered characters, and each one adds something different and positive to Roxy's life. The mystery (and its resolution) has bittersweet aspects, just like life. And this amazing city is portrayed with verve and respect, rendering it almost another character. Fine storytelling, indeed; revisiting these newly found friends is a happily anticipated treat!
12.6k reviews189 followers
February 18, 2020
Another magnificent story by this fabulous writer by many books. Roxy is something else. Love her. Ready for more.
673 reviews15 followers
November 7, 2019
Evangeline's B&B has undergone a renovation with a new manager and a new name. Roxy Reinhardt is the manager and part owner of the Funky Cat Inn. In an effort to attract new business, Roxy invites a group of Instagram "Influencers" to stay at the inn. The first of the influencers to arrive was Ada Okafor, who seems to have a proverbial chip on her shoulder. Next came Michael O'Sullivan and Dash Davies, who both seemed to be care-free world adventurers. Then came Sylvia Walters, an older lady from Maine. The last influencer to arrive was Lily Vashchenko.

Unfortunately, the first day's dinner turned into a disaster when Dash accidentally spilled red wine on Ada's white dress. The next morning, Michael finds Dash in his room...dead. Detective Johnson immediately calls the death a murder and everybody is a suspect. Michael elects to move to another hotel when Dash's mother and brother decide to stay at the Funky Cat.

Who killed Dash? Why was he killed? Can Roxy manage to absolve the Inn of any wrong-doing and maintain its reputation? Can Roxy and Detective Johnson unmask the killer?

Alison Golden has created some wonderful characters and situations. The blending of cozy mystery with New Orleans culture makes for a wonderful story. As usual, there are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
2,130 reviews46 followers
November 6, 2019
Roxy Reinhardt is settling in to her new and improved life in New Orleans. She's the manager and part owner of the Funky Cat Inn. The plan to host a group of Instagram influencers to gain positive posts should help the Inn gain popularity. The one thing the group didn't count on was one of their special guests being murdered. Now Roxy's nemesis, Detective Johnson, is in charge of the investigation. I was so glad to see that this close knit group of friends were having success running the guest house. They are all talented and caring. I liked the characters as well as the setting. Roxy continues to evolve. She's becoming strong and confident. I love the hint of romance with Sam. I think they would make a great couple. The dialogue is sharp and sassy. This story is suspenseful. I couldn't stop reading New Orleans Nightmare. I had no idea who killed Dash Davies. The plot successfully combines murder with a touch of the ghostly presence that populate New Orleans. Alison Golden and Honey Broussard have done an excellent job with this series. I love Roxy Reinhardt and her friends. I love how they all work and play together.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,162 reviews16 followers
November 11, 2019
Roxy Reinhart the owner of the newly refurbished guesthouse in New Orleans is in the middle of a social media campaign when one of her guests is found dead. Roxy can’t help but wonder if she bit off more than she can chew with this campaign. Now she fears the guesthouse will get negative reviews from the social media guest. Roxy knows she will have to help solve this death not only for her livelihood but to honor her guest’s memory.

In this book, Roxy’s character shows a lot of growth and the relationships between Roxy and the main secondary characters are getting stronger. The charm of the setting of New Orleans is almost like another character in the storylines. New Orleans’s culture and cuisine are a big part of the book. The plot is well-developed and moves at a quick steady pace. Also having Instagrammers makes the story very modern and unique. There are several suspects and quite a few red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the end. I was surprised at who the murderer was.

I received a copy of this book at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.


I received a copy of this book at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review. All thoughts and
338 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2020
It looks like Roxy is in New Orleans to stay!
Roxy and her friends have made some changes since we heard from them last. With the help of her new friends, Roxy took what was once a rundown, yet charming, guesthouse and transformed it into a luxury boutique hotel. But the changes don’t end there. Mousy little Roxy is finding her moxie.
This is a good, clean, fun, and easy read. A great whodunit from a master storyteller. If you love reading cozy mystery stories, then you must read this book!
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,497 reviews25 followers
November 3, 2019
I sure do like Roxy and the gang. They are back with a new and improved hotel. Now that the hotel is in great shape, Roxy has invited some influencers to get some exposure for the hotel. They are a quirky bunch and Roxy is trying hard to impress them. When one of her guests is found dead, she is sure that that is the end to her hotel business. Roxy and her gang are once again on the case.
Profile Image for Jenna Thomas-mckie.
76 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2024
It is never a good sign when the police detective investigating the murder in the book you're reading is such a deeply unpleasant character that you hope the murderer strikes again and the cop is the victim.

I know this is fiction, but fiction needs to make a certain sort of sense. And I am having trouble suspending my disbelief enough to accept that a police officer who is so deeply prejudiced against the former owner of a hotel would be sent to investigate a death at said hotel, much less start his investigation by stating very clearly that he believes one of the staff is responsible before they've even determined the cause of death. For all he knew at that point, the man could have died of natural causes!

This is the second book in a series. The first book was pretty good, but the second is beyond a sophomore slump. There is just so much wrong, on so many levels, with this plot - not just the detective. So many things that make me put down the book and say, "It doesn't work that way! Nothing you're describing works like that!"

Multiple Instagram influencers being invited to stay for a week - for free - and being paid for their posts. Because "exposure"! (They all have, oh, 150k followers or so....)

So many journalists covering the story, the staff can't leave the hotel!

Holding the wake for the murder victim in the hotel where he was killed! Which was not in his hometown!

When the family arrived for the wake, putting the victim's brother in the room where he died!

And I'm not even halfway through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
May 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the series and I hope there are a lot more books in the works. I like the recurring characters, who even though this is only book two, are so well written about they seem like old family friends. I liked at the end Roxy and her friends looked up the social influencers to see how there life had changed, it rounded up the story and not many author's do that. I am not big on social media but it was a great contrast to the history filled city of New Orleans of the modern and old and made for an entertaining story. The mystery was good and I had no clue who the killer was or how Roxy was going to figure it out. I can't wait for another stay and mystery at the Funky Cat guesthouse.
With her New business adventure up and running, Roxy decides to invite a group of social media influencers to stay in the hopes they will put the Funky Cat guesthouse on the map. Instead she gets more media and press than she bargains for when one of the stars is found dead in his room. With the press hounding her and the police suspicious of everybody in the guesthouse, Roxy might just have to find the killer herself if she wants to stay in business. Is all publicity a good thing? Roxy s about to find out.
I loved the narrator. She does some really good accents and it helps you feel like you have been transported to the colourful and busy streets of New Orleans and you are in the heart of the action.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for PrytaniaGirl.
34 reviews
January 25, 2024
I was reading this in between books as a palate cleanser. The main characters are fun and quirky. I wonder if the author has ever visited New Orleans in the summer when this story takes place. I lived there and one of the influencers is wearing a leather jacket. 😂 On a 100* day and most likely 100% humidity that would be ill advised and you’d need to be cut out of that jacket as you’d just swell up or pass out.

Also where exactly in New Orleans is the Funky Cat located? The main characters seem to walk everywhere. Including the names of the different neighborhoods would be a wonderful way to really show the different cultures. No one I know calls anyone Cher like Evangeline does. Baby, sugar or darlin’ are terms I heard a-lot while I was a resident. There’s even a scene of going to St Louis cemetery and it’s St Louis # 1 where Marie Laveau is supposedly buried. Also its mentions about going to a cemetery at night. The cemeteries are not open at night. They have set hours and locked up at the end of the day.

Other than those discrepancies, the characters are likable, but for someone as young as Roxy she behaves and talks like an old lady sometimes.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,866 reviews69 followers
October 4, 2023
New Orleans Nightmare - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Wow! What a pickle Roxy Reinhardt gets herself info once more, with the Funky Cat full of bloggers and media influencers bickering and vaunting themselves all over the place, she's got a logistical nightmare on her hands for sure, trying to keep them entertained and prevent anything more than verbal sparring taking place!
Add to that a gruesome murder, a patronising policeman and staff on the verge of quitting and you can see exactly why Alison Golden's named her latest Roxy Reinhardt Cozy Mystery #2 The New Orleans Nightmare.
Will it all turn out ok? Will the killer strike again?
Keep in mind that love of money is the route of all evil and put on your deerstalker and pull out your magnifying glass as you join in this thrilling murder mystery with Roxy and the gang. You're guaranteed a great time on this comic romp of a cozy, that's perfect for a winter's evening by the fire with a mug of something warming. Get your copy today!
2,022 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by the second book in the "Roxy Reinhardt Cozy Mystery" series as much as the first one. Roxy invited a group of social media influencers to the establishment that she managed and partly owned, as she was determined to make the business successful. When one of her guests was found murdered, Roxy was drawn into the investigation, in spite of the demands of the local cop who told her not to get involved. The story grabbed my attention quickly, and it was fun trying to figure out who the murderer was with the clues provided. I enjoyed Roxy and the quirky characters which appeared in this story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Marissa Pistone's narration was entertaining, and her performance added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which included my opinions.
Profile Image for Dawn Steenken korzekwa.
115 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2024
Interesting read...

Interesting little read with good humor, fun New Orleans experiences, a look into the spiritual world, and talk of mouth watering food!! It makes me wish I could visit the Funky Cat in real life, it sounds like it would be an over the top trip new N'awlins!! Either way, I'm definitely ready to pack my bags and go visit the city again!! The ladies have done a terrific job in describing everything, they give you realistic experiences. This is coming from someone who has visited the city several times and loves everything about it. They throw you some pretty good curve balls too because one again, I didn't see it ending this way or the murder being who it was!! I do recommend this series! Bye, I'm off to read the next one 😉
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
February 9, 2020
Surprises

Another excellent mystery with the reveal near the end of the book! So unless you figured out The Who dun it, you will have to wait until the end !
Foxy has new guests to the hotel to help promote on Instagram. But you know someone is going to die and it happens rather quickly. Dash , one of the guests, dies and who did it will surprise you. There are other twists to the story and secrets will be revealed. Who is leaving the notes for Roxy, well you will have to read to find out but you will not be disappointed with this story . But you will look forward to the next because there will be an next one! Read and enjoy this book as I did!
Profile Image for Colinda Ewing.
22 reviews
May 5, 2020
I absolutely Love books based in my home state and especially New Orleans and the bayous. I Love the characters. They are so well described that I feel like I actually know them. The food and history is spot on. I really really hope you will keep giving us more of Roxy and all her awesome friends. 3 books just aren’t enough. I read the first two in as as many days. Couldn’t put it down!!! Laissez Le Bon temps Roulet ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️
92 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2024
There is no such thing as bad publicity – isn’t that what they say? But when Roxy hosts a group of Social Media Influencers at the newly branded Funky Cat Inn she begins to think maybe that old adage isn’t so true after all. With a definite taste of the Cajun culture, this second installment in the Roxy Reinhardt Mysteries is fun with just the right level of chaos to keep things interesting.

I received a free Audible link for this audio book and this is my honest review.
1,033 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2020
New Orleans settings are so intriguing

The Funky Cat Inn is a quirky name for a luxury boutique hotel. Roxy is an unusual manager, and the group of friends and staff are as quirky as the name. Roxy is also an amateur detective and very good at solving murders. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,788 reviews24 followers
February 13, 2021
I really enjoyed visiting New Orleans again with Roxy, Sam, Sage, Nat Elijah and Evangeline. The guests were questionable, but I liked how we got to know them over the course of the book. The thrown together celebrations of life were a bit awkward and the family didn’t impress me, but I liked how that all tied together in the end.
889 reviews
April 21, 2021
Another great entry in this series of books. Roxy has a home in New Orleans now and is making a name for herself as the manager of the Funky Cat and is doing a good job of investigating the mysteries that come up. An amazing cast of characters that make you want to go to New Orleans. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
659 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2022
Fame

Roxy and the crew from the Funky Cat Inn are doing great things in New Orleans and becoming well known. I love the way they have grown close and formed their own little family. I also appreciate the growth Roxy has shown since she got there. I can't wait to see what happens next as she continues to reach for the stars.
Profile Image for Sharon.
295 reviews
March 19, 2020
Not much of a mystery

The story itself was ok and interesting, however it's focus was not on a mystery. It's focus was on keeping guests occupied and entertained in order to get good reviews for the hotel.
Profile Image for Avalon.
618 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2020
New Orleans mystery

A hotel, influencer guests, a murder. You will have fun guessing Who it's likely to be. Fun light read that is thoroughly entertaining with a sprinkling of romance and some culinary delights. Most enjoyable
Profile Image for Susan Clark.
548 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2022
Great Mystery

The heroine is one we can relate to. Be aware that New Orleans plays a vital role in the story. Mystery is great! Wonderful book to relax with. So many characters to like, especially Roxy, Sam, and Evangeline. 😊
4 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2025
Another Exciting book

I love this,collection its full of suspense, drama and ofc the gang of friends reminds me of a more grown up version of the Scooby gang 😂
I love the back ground of Nola going this fall and can't wait!!! I meant to be there!!!
250 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2020
Loved it!

I loved the story. It was interesting and was great to catch up with Roxie,Nat,Sam and the rest of the gang. Waiting not so patiently for the next book.
3 reviews
March 12, 2020
Roxy’s moxie

Great book! Must admit I didn’t see it ending that way. Love this series can hardly wait for the third one.
Profile Image for Kim Loomer.
625 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2020
The Funky Cat ...what have we done?

This second book was a fast paced, action packed, intriguing who done it with Dective Johnson breathing down Roxy and her friends and guests neck again. A wonderful read that kept you guessing until the end. The characters are so real that it hard to come to the end of this story. However I am sure the next one will be just as wonderful.
Profile Image for Amber Barger.
12 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2020
Easy fun read. I thought this one had a few too many characters and I wish the author had an original plot twist (this one seemed similar to the first book with regard to the surprise ending).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews

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