Murderess of Bayou Rosa

by Ramona DeFelice Long

In the summer of 1920, the town of Bayou Rosa, Louisiana is in its twilight, but hope arrives with the construction of a new railroad depot. The brighter future is imperiled when a free-spirited local woman shoots her lover in the back, but won't say why. Now, the town is faced with a legal and moral dilemma. With rows of new graves in the cemetery from a devastating world war and influenza epidemic, can a jury of twelve men vote to hang a woman they’ve seen grow up since birth? Joelle Amais was a willful child, an unwed teenage mother, and now an accused murderess. As the weeks stretch between her arrest and a delayed trial, her defiant silence threatens to blow Bayou Rosa apart. Joelle’s only ally is her daughter Geneva, the town schoolteacher, whose demure demeanor hides the stubbornness she inherited from her mother. Geneva is determined to see her mother get a fair trial, even after Joelle’s enemies turn their ire, violently, toward her.

Genres: Mystery, Historical

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2020

About the author

Ramona DeFelice Long was a writer and frequent literary judge.. Ramona received numerous awards from the Division and most recently, in 2016, the prestigious Masters Fellowship in Literature: Fiction.

Reviews

[Abigail Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that pulls you in from the very first line? One that fills your head with lush images, poignant moments, and unforgettable characters?

"The Murderess of Bayou Rosa" is one of those books. Set in the 1920's in the small Louisiana town of Bayou Rosa, this is the story of Joelle Amais, a woman with a tainted reputation, and her daughter Geneva, a genteel school teacher.

Joelle and Geneva are opposites, and they struggle to understand each other. Impregnated at a young age, Joelle's been used and abused by most of the men in Bayou Rosa. In many ways, she's a victim, but Joelle is as greedy and selfish as she is beautiful, and some of her problems are of her own making.

Geneva is a convent-educated young woman who lives by a strict moral code. Her strained relationship with her mother is further tested when Joelle shoots her lover in the back in a fit of passion, and Geneva is the only person willing to fight in order to make sure her mother gets a fair trial.

Written with incredible skill, this debut novel will stay with you long after you finish it. It reminds me a bit of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" with its lovely, rich, southern darkness. It's an absolute delight, and a literary treasure with an unforgettable plot. Ramona DeFelice Long combines her knowledge gained from growing up in Louisiana with an amazing talent for beautiful storytelling. Kudos to you, Ms. Long. Your book has completely stolen my heart. It kind of broke it, too, but it was so worth it in the end.

[Coralee Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to summarize this novel in 10 words or less, I would tell you: Harper Lee meets Eudora Welty.
The author takes us to Bayou Rosa. It is two years after the end of the War to End All Wars, and one year after the Spanish Flu pandemic has ravaged the residents of this rural community. Somber in tone, DeFelice Long weaves a tale that is not a who done it, or a why done it. This is a exceptional character study leading the reader to wonder what happens next? Told in 4 sections, we follow Joelle Amais, and her daughter Geneva from the day of the murder through the aftermath.

It is as if DeFelice Long is a time traveler. Her world building is so detailed a reader feels a sense of immediacy. Feels the heat, senses the sounds of the bayou, and identifies so completely that the past has almost become the present. How is it the author chose the previous pandemic to ground the characters in reflective grief? I believe this novel will allow us to prepare for our new normal.

Other reviewers will share the plot. I prefer to note how carefully DeFelice Long uses dialogue to reveal class as well as inner monologue. I note her careful research; did she interview family members? How many hours were spent reading blurry microfilm from 1920-23? Enough to make this debut novel tell the story with nary a stumble. DeFelice Long has won awards in the past. I predict there will be many accolades to come.

Very highly recommended.

Full disclosure: I first 'met' DeFelice Long on the Jungle Red Writer's Blog. Since then I have followed her posts on Facebook. I do not know her personally. I am delighted to now know her creative voice.


While this is a debut novel, DeFelice Long is a master storyteller.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! If you plan to read this novel, be sure to savor it because you will not want it to end. The setting in an Louisiana bayou after WWI is vividly described. I was virtually swatting mosquitoes as I read. (And then literally swatting because I live in the South.) Ms. Long rocks with character development. All of the characters rang true.

I was slightly peeved as I began reading the novel with the number of French phrases I couldn’t translate. I realize French was a natural addition to a story written in Creole country, but sometimes I could not translate even considering story context. I finally decided if I couldn’t translate the phrase, it must be a derogatory term. Merde!

The characters and story continued to fascinate with every turn of the page and even though we know from the get go who the murderess is (who dunnit), it’s quite a while before we hear the motive. I didn’t figure it out.

Ms. Long, please tell me you are working on another novel!

[Frances Kurth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I start reading a book if it doesn't grab my interest within the first couple of chapters I will close the book and never finish reading it. This was not the case with Murderess of Bayou Rosa, my interest was captured in the very first chapter. I love the place and time that the story takes place and the characters felt real to me. I get emotionally involved when I'm reading a book that I really like. The pace of the story was very good and I never got bored; on the contrary I could not wait to see what was going to happen. I liked the way the story ended although there was both sadness and happiness. Thank you Ramona for writing this beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking story.

[Mary Ann Marquardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written story

It is a rare book that you cannot put down wanting to know more and more of this unique story. This book gives you a glimpse of South Louisiana only a true native could write. I would recommend this to anyone looking to escape into a great read.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder mystery, romance, women's rights, friendships, scandal, fate, revenge, and more. Overall a great heartwarming story set in 1920s small town of Bayou Rosa, Louisiana.

[Gwen Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Murderess of Bayou Rosa is a gripping Southern Gothic set in the black soil of Louisiana's bayou country in the 1920s. The town has survived WWI and the flu pandemic. There was hope a new rail depot will give the dying town new life, but that was before the local judge's no-account brother-in-law was shot in the back.

Ramona DeFelice Long brilliantly captures the feel of time and place in vivid detail. She brings alive a small southern town on the verge of disappearing. The town is a powder keg and when Joelle Amias refuses to plead guilty to the murder she sets in motion an explosive chain of events that will keep readers engaged to the last page.

[Wende · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful and brilliant book. With its lush setting, incredible storytelling, and unforgettable characters, this is a tale that will stick with you a long time. "The Murderess of Bayou Rosa" is southern gothic at its best, and a remarkable debut novel from the very talented Ramona DeFelice Long.

[Kimberly Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite book of the summer. Love, murder and secrets enough to keep me turning the pages. A beautifully written story that enchanted me from the first page.

[Edith Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storytelling in this debut historical novel is atmospheric, compelling, and delightful. Defelice Long immerses you in 1920 bayou village life, with all its rivalries, prejudices, strengths, and secrets. The characters live with the immediate past effects of the 1918 influenza pandemic and the War to End All Wars, with family loyalties and past conflicts playing an equal part. The unfolding of the story's layers is skillfully done, and the ending satisfies.

Several characters share the narration, but I most fell in love with Geneva. My reading over two days included tears and laughing and nodding in understanding. I recommend you get this book now and do nothing else until you finish it.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story told with an obvious love for and a deep understanding of the time and place, rural SE Louisiana in the 1920s, in a town deeply impacted by the losses brought by both World War I and the flu epidemic. The author weaves together the undercurrents of small-town secrets, complicated families, and the mores of the day, all while showing how times are slowly changing. And how can you not love the title?

[Lillie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. DeFelice Long Brings the Bayou to Life.

The Murderess of Bayou Rosa tells the story of the Amais family, from Joelle and her bewitchment of men, an excuse of the men to steal into her bed and take what they wanted and who is she to refuse them, to her daughter, Gevena, raised by nuns to become a modern woman who grows to know her own mind.

Joelle shoots Victor, brother-in-law to the most powerful man in Bayou Rosa, Judge Rousse, and she won’t say why. Women, at this time, have few rights, and fewer who stand up to protect them. But murder demands a high price—especially when committed by a woman of less than pure reputation. Will she be the first woman to be hanged? And what of the crimes committed against her?

This is a quick read with murder, mystery, and slight touch of romance. The descriptions of Louisiana nights, the smells, the sights and sounds are brought to life. If you enjoy a quick, summer read or fall, winter, or spring read, you’ll want to pick up Murderess of Bayou Rosa.

Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.

[S.W. Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another reviewer characterized this story as "southern gothic," and I think that captures both the mood and the plot of this wonderful novel. Although a murder lies at the heart of the story, this is not a "whodunnit" but more of a "whydunit and now what happens." The author captures the hypocrisy of a small, Louisiana bayou town in the 1920s. Appearances and reputation are paramount, but just beneath the surface there is plenty of sex, lies, and violence. Joelle Amais has long ago abandoned any pretense of propriety. When she shoots her lover in the back, her convent-educated daughter Geneva intervenes to ensure her mother gets a fair trial. Geneva's efforts to do the right thing jeopardize her own chances at happiness as the sins of the mother are visited on the daughter. This novel started out as leisurely and atmospheric but soon became quite a page-turner! Highly recommended.

[Kerry Kilburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ramona DeFelice Long hits it out of the park with this historical southern gothic set immediately post-WWI in Louisiana bayou country. Her ability to bring the setting - people, place, food, language - to life is exceptional. I could smell the swamp and taste the gumbo, and feel for the cares of each of the characters I met as the story unfolded. In part page-turner, and in part an immersion into a way of life and being, this novel was the best kind of reading experience for me - it took me away from myself into a different world. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is so sad that I'll never get to read another book by Ms. Long, as I have learned she died in 2020.

This book has wonderful characters, an exciting plot, and characters that I liked. I hated to finish it.

I don't usually take this long to read a book, but I kept getting interrupted. It was almost funny that every time I picked up the book, the phone would ring. I just pushed everything aside this afternoon and vowed to finish it. (And yes...the phone rang again).

[Cheryl Hollon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an immersive visit to a time that echos our challenges today. I loved the richly-drawn characters and their true reactions to the realities of rural Louisiana right after WWI and the Spanish Flu. Fantastic read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging

This is an interesting story and not predictable with the twists and turns. There are some editing errors that were missed, with words like “to” appearing in odd places that made the language a bit confusing. Otherwise, a nice escape into another time and place.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! Delicious, authentic characters, a beautifully crafted setting- bayou town, 1920. And a murder that has shaken the whole town. I loved the main character Geneva so much, I could read a series about her. Great book!!!!

[C.J. Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling characters and while who did the murder is known, the why is the big question. Beautifully written, this book kept me riveted and will stay with me a long time.

[Cori Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writing, with an intriguing plot. The characters are real, with nervous ticks, honest intentions & fatal flaws.

[Sandy Nork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing read. The characters were complex and compelling, the plot energetic and twisty, the setting easy to imagine. After reading the book, every character’s decision made sense and and the ending both surprised and satisfied. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mysterious yarn.

[Susan Oleksiw · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a stagnating town in 1920s Louisiana, Joelle Amais shoots her lover in the back on a hot summer night. Stubborn and unintimidated by threats, she refuses to say why even when her daughter, her lawyer, a judge, and her few friends in town urge her to talk to save herself. The only person truly on her side is her daughter, Geneva, who has returned from college and the convent where she has lived since she was ten, sent there by her grandmother to protect her from the influence of her free-living mother. Where Joelle is loud and coarse, Geneva is reserved and carefully spoken. She feels the disapproval of the townspeople every day, but she won't abandon her mother, nor will she judge her.

As the days unfold while Joelle and the townspeople wait for her trial in a few months, the grumblings begin. There is much resentment in Bayou Rosa, a town once stifling now shaken by unrelenting change--a world war that took precious lives followed by an influenza epidemic that stole even more. Businesses are failing and work is hard to find. This is a tumultuous period of women gaining the right to vote and Prohibition, of Jim Crow and the KKK. The lush land of Louisiana with its sugar canes and bayous seems to be unable to contain itself, sending out more life than any ordinary town can handle.

The characters are as rich as the landscape. Judge Alvis Rousse shows himself to be principled and kind, even though his wife, Maude, is the dead man's sister. Maude is called upon to be the same, and rises to the occasion more than once in ways both surprising and moving. The sheriff is conscientious in carrying out his duty, but his taciturn mien hides an unexpected depth. Mr. Dabadie, owner of the general store, is a stalwart of kindness. Even the more minor figures in the jail, the two deputies, are richly drawn, their personalities and conduct unraveling like fate. Even th children of the town in their roles as messengers are richly drawn.

Giving too much of the plot would spoil the story, and there is a lot of story. Every character has a full life on the page, the details selected to weaving into the larger heartbeat of the town and the main characters. Few mysteries are good stories but also deeply moving ones. This one brought me to tears.

[Kait Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murderess of Bayou Rosa by Ramona de Felice Long

Murderess of Bayou Rosa is de Felice Long’s debut novel. The setting is Bayou Rosa, Louisiana shortly after the first World War. Bayou Rosa is reeling from the losses of the War and the Spanish Flu Epidemic. Nothing is the same, but one thing is constant. Men, although in short supply, still rule the world. Women are second class, and in a long before #Me Too culture, fair game.

Victor Mayet is one such man. He takes his women as he finds them, no matter what lies he tells. Powerless to avoid his advances, Joelle Amais, a woman of “reputation” kills him. There is no question. She’s taken to jail for her crime and the secrets she keeps, and men fear she’ll tell, turn Bayou Rosa upside down. Like a rock thrown into swampy water the lives of the victim’s family, her daughter, the sheriff, the Judge, and every resident of the Bayou are thrown into disarray. The ending of this sweet book is poignant. Nothing is as it was meant to be, but everything is as it should be.

Highly recommend this book.

[Kathleen Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an exceptionally well-written novel with complex and relatable characters, vivid description, and moving storyline. I would categorize it as good literary fiction rather than a mystery, since, from the very beginning, we know that Joelle has murdered her lover. The story has plenty of mystery to keep the reader entranced, however, as any good novel does. I'm sorry it's over and that I don't have another Ramona DeFelice Long novel to immediately dive into. Please write another!!!