Murder in the Vieux Carre: Private Detective Lia Larieux Book 1

by Carol Goodnight

Shocking evidence hits close to home for amateur P.I. Lia Larieux as she investigates a double murder in the steaming streets of the Big Easy.With the sudden death of her father, Camelia Larieux, Lia to her friends, makes a quick trip back to New Orleans to clear up his estate. When the police request her help on a case her P.I. father was working when he passed away, she uses her private detective credential, kept up at her father's request, to dive right in.Despite her training, the danger and betrayal lurking in the sultry streets of the French Quarter—and the deadly swamps of the bayou beyond—are a surprise for the amateur P.I. from the Midwest. But danger didn't expect to run into a woman like Lia. A woman who surprised even herself when she responded with swift action and an unexpected vengeance.Someone will stop at nothing to sabotage amateur P.I. Lia Larieux’s murder case. Will she live to find the truth?

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2020

Reviews

[Amy Conine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carol Goodnight’s Lia Larieux series has a strong atmospheric quality that immediately stands out. The Louisiana setting, gothic undertones, and eerie small-town energy create a vivid backdrop that feels immersive and cinematic at times. The author clearly has a love for Southern Gothic storytelling, folklore, and mood-driven writing, and those elements were the strongest part of the series for me.

Personally, I struggled with some aspects of the pacing, characterization, and overall execution of the story, and there were moments where I had difficulty staying fully invested. However, indie writing takes an enormous amount of creativity and dedication, and I genuinely respect the ambition and vision behind the series.

Readers who enjoy atmospheric paranormal fiction, Southern settings, and slow-burn supernatural mysteries may connect with it more strongly than I did. There are definitely memorable visuals and ideas throughout the books that stayed with me after finishing.

[Pam Kothmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story line is good, but this book needs an editor. Some aspects are disjointed as if paragraphs are in the wrong order. There are quotation marks sprinkled randomly, and chapter 15 and 16 are the SAME chapter, repeated twice. I will finish the book, I just wish it was edited better before it was published.

[Jeanine Shaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama that unfolds, in the most unexpected way.

The story draws you in, not only with the drama, however, the words written with an articulate detail to description. I highly recommend the book. It’s easy to read, holding my attention the entire time, forever changing the way I see description in my mind, while reading a book.

[Annette Cole Mastron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I zipped through all three of these books and highly recommend! I got them via kindle but now I’m buying them so I can put in my library. The author has a great balance of description placing you in the story as a reader and it’s like you are watching the characters stories evolve. I’m hoping there will be more in this series but now I’m off to read her next series.

[Colinda Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

My head is spinning!!! Great Read!

Loved this book! Being from Louisiana I love books based here especially in New Orleans and the swamps and bayous and this one didn't disappoint! Kept me guessing till the end.

[Geraldine L]

wnr

[Brittany Quebedeaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good once you get into the story line. The descriptive language is waayyyy to overdone in every single sentence you forget what’s even happening.