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Bayou Whispers
Bayou Whispers, the latest thriller from horror writer R.B. Wood, is the story of no-nonsense New Orleans native, Jeannine LaRue, the sole survivor of her family after the devastation brought on by Hurricane Katrina. In the aftermath of the storm, she believed she'd been saved, but soon found herself held hostage and sexually exploited, rescued months later by sheriff’s deputy Curtis Jones.
Twelve years after Katrina, Jeannine is a new attorney who returns to New Orleans to save her old friend Curtis Jones—now a local thief and trafficker of stolen goods—after he is arrested for the murder of Jeannine’s captors, whose bodies have recently been found. But Jeannine discovers more than she bargained for when she uncovers a family history of dark voodoo magic and an unholy alliance with an ancient evil Haitian god.
Twelve years after Katrina, Jeannine is a new attorney who returns to New Orleans to save her old friend Curtis Jones—now a local thief and trafficker of stolen goods—after he is arrested for the murder of Jeannine’s captors, whose bodies have recently been found. But Jeannine discovers more than she bargained for when she uncovers a family history of dark voodoo magic and an unholy alliance with an ancient evil Haitian god.
- GenresHorrorHorror Thriller
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2021
20 people are currently reading
2488 people want to read
About the author
R.B. Wood
9 books113 followersR. B. Wood is a recent MFA graduate of Emerson College and a writer of speculative and dark thrillers. Mr. Wood recently has appeared in Crystal Lake Publishing’s Shallow Water’s anthology, as well as online via SickLit Magazine & HorrorAddicts.net, and in the award-winning anthology “Offbeat: Nine Spins on Song” from Wicked ink Books. Along with his writing passion, R. B. is the host of The Word Count Podcast—a show of original flash fiction.
R. B. currently lives in Boston with his partner Tina, a multitude of cats, and various other critters that visit from time to time.
R. B. currently lives in Boston with his partner Tina, a multitude of cats, and various other critters that visit from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 11, 2021
BAYOU WHISPERS has a whole lot of story packed into a relatively short book. This latest offering by Crystal Lake Publishing by author R.B. Wood takes place in New Orleans and the devastating Katrina plays a large part in this one.
It was about twelve years ago when the Hurricane wiped out the last remaining family of Jeannine LaRue. The fourteen year old barely survived, but things only got worse when, instead of being rescued, she gets abducted and becomes the sex slave of two men in the swamp. After two months, it is sheriff’s deputy Curtis Jones who will become her saviour.
Fast forward to the current day. Jeannine is a lawyer and she gets a call from the estranged cop-turned-criminal Jones, who wants her to represent him in a case where he is being set up for a double murder. Jeannine is about to go back to N’Orleans for the first time, but everything is about to go wrong when she has to face her past.
There is so much going on, and a huge mesh of genres – perhaps that’s why I feel I wasn’t the target audience for this story. The first 20% of the book was great, but then things started happening and I felt lost – on more than one occasion. There were many characters. Perhaps too many, at least for me, to control the flow of this fast paced storyline. And that is why I can’t really figure out if the fault lies with the author or the reader (me, in this case).
If I had to label this one, it should be something like a Mythological-Action-Thriller-Fantasy-Horror story. You get the witches, golem, zombies, necromancer, Haitian-god, voodoo, spells, a talking snake and ghosts all in one. While this story was fairly good, it overwhelmed me, especially since I’m not a fan of fantasy.
I do think this book will have a following, though. Many twists and turns, and in the end not a bad tale at all. For that reason I have to rate this book down the middle-ish.
*Originally reviewed at IndieMuse
* https://www.myindiemuse.com/author/mo...
It was about twelve years ago when the Hurricane wiped out the last remaining family of Jeannine LaRue. The fourteen year old barely survived, but things only got worse when, instead of being rescued, she gets abducted and becomes the sex slave of two men in the swamp. After two months, it is sheriff’s deputy Curtis Jones who will become her saviour.
Fast forward to the current day. Jeannine is a lawyer and she gets a call from the estranged cop-turned-criminal Jones, who wants her to represent him in a case where he is being set up for a double murder. Jeannine is about to go back to N’Orleans for the first time, but everything is about to go wrong when she has to face her past.
There is so much going on, and a huge mesh of genres – perhaps that’s why I feel I wasn’t the target audience for this story. The first 20% of the book was great, but then things started happening and I felt lost – on more than one occasion. There were many characters. Perhaps too many, at least for me, to control the flow of this fast paced storyline. And that is why I can’t really figure out if the fault lies with the author or the reader (me, in this case).
If I had to label this one, it should be something like a Mythological-Action-Thriller-Fantasy-Horror story. You get the witches, golem, zombies, necromancer, Haitian-god, voodoo, spells, a talking snake and ghosts all in one. While this story was fairly good, it overwhelmed me, especially since I’m not a fan of fantasy.
I do think this book will have a following, though. Many twists and turns, and in the end not a bad tale at all. For that reason I have to rate this book down the middle-ish.
*Originally reviewed at IndieMuse
* https://www.myindiemuse.com/author/mo...
April 19, 2021
Take a dash of horror, a pinch of supernatural thriller, lashings of magic realism and season with some urban fantasy and you have yourself a tasty gumbo otherwise known as ‘Bayou Whispers’, the latest novel from R.B. Wood.
After suffering unspeakable tragedy at the age of fourteen as Hurricane Katrina devastates her home and family, Jeannie LaRue is now a New York attorney who has long since left her New Orleans home, hoping to put the terrible memories of her ordeal behind her. She soon finds herself drawn back when a former police officer and old friend Curtis Jones is arrested for murder and has asked Jeannie to represent him.
Upon her return home, she finds more than just a murder trial waiting for her, as she finds herself at odds with dangerous voodoo practitioners, undead creatures, dangerous Haitian gods and a dark family secret which changes everything she thought she knew about her old home town.
If there is one word that summarises what this book is not, that would be ‘boring’. The first chapter sets things off with an epic car chase, followed by a prison break, and this is probably the least action-packed sequence from then on. Things get even more interesting when Wood starts throwing golems, zombies, gods, ghouls, voodoo priests, ghost ships and giant talking snakes at us. This stuff doesn’t even take long to get introduced and there simply isn’t a point in the book for you to take a breath and put it down. It practically demands to be read in one sitting.
Where Wood really excels, however, is the characters. There are a lot, but all are richly developed and distinct and it is a joy to read about all of them, good and bad guys. Jeannie is an interesting, complex (and kick-ass) lead, but any time spent with any character in the book is a good time.
As much fun as I had reading ‘Bayou Whispers’, I must confess that the book's plot got away from me more than once. It’s not really that the plot is overly complex (although there are a lot of moving parts), it’s just that I couldn’t always follow exactly what was going on. I freely admit that it may just have been me, as this mix of fantasy and thriller is not something I read all too often, but I did find myself at multiple points questioning how a character got where they were, or what the relevance of that particular revelation was, or how there are suddenly two of that guy. To be frank, it didn’t take much away from my enjoyment. I was just happy to be along for the ride, and I was content enough just spending time with the characters as they jumped from one insane escapade to another, but it would have been nice to have been able to make a bit more sense of proceedings.
Bayou Whispers is a blisteringly paced thrill ride of a novel, with rich characters and creativity and action in abundance. Maybe logic takes a back seat to the spectacle on occasion, but you’ll likely be having too much fun to notice.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/horror-li...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
After suffering unspeakable tragedy at the age of fourteen as Hurricane Katrina devastates her home and family, Jeannie LaRue is now a New York attorney who has long since left her New Orleans home, hoping to put the terrible memories of her ordeal behind her. She soon finds herself drawn back when a former police officer and old friend Curtis Jones is arrested for murder and has asked Jeannie to represent him.
Upon her return home, she finds more than just a murder trial waiting for her, as she finds herself at odds with dangerous voodoo practitioners, undead creatures, dangerous Haitian gods and a dark family secret which changes everything she thought she knew about her old home town.
If there is one word that summarises what this book is not, that would be ‘boring’. The first chapter sets things off with an epic car chase, followed by a prison break, and this is probably the least action-packed sequence from then on. Things get even more interesting when Wood starts throwing golems, zombies, gods, ghouls, voodoo priests, ghost ships and giant talking snakes at us. This stuff doesn’t even take long to get introduced and there simply isn’t a point in the book for you to take a breath and put it down. It practically demands to be read in one sitting.
Where Wood really excels, however, is the characters. There are a lot, but all are richly developed and distinct and it is a joy to read about all of them, good and bad guys. Jeannie is an interesting, complex (and kick-ass) lead, but any time spent with any character in the book is a good time.
As much fun as I had reading ‘Bayou Whispers’, I must confess that the book's plot got away from me more than once. It’s not really that the plot is overly complex (although there are a lot of moving parts), it’s just that I couldn’t always follow exactly what was going on. I freely admit that it may just have been me, as this mix of fantasy and thriller is not something I read all too often, but I did find myself at multiple points questioning how a character got where they were, or what the relevance of that particular revelation was, or how there are suddenly two of that guy. To be frank, it didn’t take much away from my enjoyment. I was just happy to be along for the ride, and I was content enough just spending time with the characters as they jumped from one insane escapade to another, but it would have been nice to have been able to make a bit more sense of proceedings.
Bayou Whispers is a blisteringly paced thrill ride of a novel, with rich characters and creativity and action in abundance. Maybe logic takes a back seat to the spectacle on occasion, but you’ll likely be having too much fun to notice.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/horror-li...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
April 30, 2021
R.B. Wood wants to drag you down into the dark and tell you a story in hushed whispers about horrors, supernatural darkness, and the dark path of a survivor being drawn into the deep, mysterious secrets of the Bayou. You should go with him. It will be a ride you won't soon forget.
I know I won't.
I know I won't.
July 19, 2021
Richard is an author who does his research, puts a lot of himself into his work, and the result is a powerful, emotional, rollercoaster ride, filled with visceral setting, authority, and impact. Love the work he is doing, and this book is intense.
March 26, 2021
A bayou isn’t really my scene. Too creepy. Perfect for a scary story, though. Especially this bayou, it’s so creepy, it whispers. And so here’s me, being the first rater/reviewer of the latest Crystal Lake Publishing project. A publisher so reliable when it comes to quality, it’s usually pretty safe to check out their books without knowing too much about them. And with this being an author unknown to me, I just had to rely on the publishers. Unless you’re really into bayous, in which case you’ll be delighted to know there are tons of books about them out there, even ones with the exact same title.
But what this book might lack in title freshness, it makes up for with the sheer quantity of ingredients thrown in, this is the kitchen sink of supernatural fiction with ghosts (and ghost ship) and golem and deities and cops and robbers and tons of black magic all thrown in. It even manages to explain Katrina. It’s a very busy novel. And yet, to author’s credit, all of the strings are balanced and weaved into a cohesive tapestry of generational dark magic and one young woman brave enough to take on her legacy.
Whenever Crystal Lake gets around to providing an official entry for this book, I’m sure they’ll do a far superior job with the proper plot summary. Meanwhile, it’s something along the lines of a young biracial woman returning to Louisiana for the first time after 12 years ago a a 14 year old her world was tragically irrevocably altered by Katrina and its aftereffects. She is returning on the bequest of a man who rescued her then, a former cop turned criminal whom she intends to represent as an attorney, but the past she is walking into is infinitely more complex than that and soon her, him and his merry gang are fighting forces darker and more dangerous than they had ever imagined.
It overwhelmed me at times with its sheer kitchensinkness and all of the characters, but once it lined up in my brain, it worked out nicely. Not only was it busy, it also managed to deliver a timely racial and female empowerment messages. It did so much, really, it just didn’t manage to spell Colombia correctly, not once. Not in the book, not in the handy 20 question quiz provided with it. Granted it’s possible that the version I read was an ARC and will be edited further, though the publisher’s generous offer of a book for review purposes didn’t specify this and granted Americans aren’t all that great with geography, but seriously…not an author (a man with an MFA) not any of the editors noticed that? Seriously? Come on, Crystal Lake, hire me, I’ll undercut the competition and provide you with a perfectly edited copy. My spelling game is so tight, it makes all the bees swoon.
Anyway, shameless solicitations aside, this was a fun book, more fun than I expected. It read pretty quickly too. I liked the way the author incorporated historical events into the narrative. Fans of dark literary scares with messages should enjoy this one. It’s out on April 29th, an all around excellent day.
But what this book might lack in title freshness, it makes up for with the sheer quantity of ingredients thrown in, this is the kitchen sink of supernatural fiction with ghosts (and ghost ship) and golem and deities and cops and robbers and tons of black magic all thrown in. It even manages to explain Katrina. It’s a very busy novel. And yet, to author’s credit, all of the strings are balanced and weaved into a cohesive tapestry of generational dark magic and one young woman brave enough to take on her legacy.
Whenever Crystal Lake gets around to providing an official entry for this book, I’m sure they’ll do a far superior job with the proper plot summary. Meanwhile, it’s something along the lines of a young biracial woman returning to Louisiana for the first time after 12 years ago a a 14 year old her world was tragically irrevocably altered by Katrina and its aftereffects. She is returning on the bequest of a man who rescued her then, a former cop turned criminal whom she intends to represent as an attorney, but the past she is walking into is infinitely more complex than that and soon her, him and his merry gang are fighting forces darker and more dangerous than they had ever imagined.
It overwhelmed me at times with its sheer kitchensinkness and all of the characters, but once it lined up in my brain, it worked out nicely. Not only was it busy, it also managed to deliver a timely racial and female empowerment messages. It did so much, really, it just didn’t manage to spell Colombia correctly, not once. Not in the book, not in the handy 20 question quiz provided with it. Granted it’s possible that the version I read was an ARC and will be edited further, though the publisher’s generous offer of a book for review purposes didn’t specify this and granted Americans aren’t all that great with geography, but seriously…not an author (a man with an MFA) not any of the editors noticed that? Seriously? Come on, Crystal Lake, hire me, I’ll undercut the competition and provide you with a perfectly edited copy. My spelling game is so tight, it makes all the bees swoon.
Anyway, shameless solicitations aside, this was a fun book, more fun than I expected. It read pretty quickly too. I liked the way the author incorporated historical events into the narrative. Fans of dark literary scares with messages should enjoy this one. It’s out on April 29th, an all around excellent day.
April 6, 2021
Bayou Whispers is a great book with many layers to both its plot and its detail. It casts a whole shipload of wonderful (and wonderfully fucked) characters, including some entities taken straight from Haitian folklore, and the history of the South. Like the ghost ship, Sultana, having risen from the afterlife wearing her scars of America’s worst water-faring disaster, along with her more than 2,500 casualties acting as guardians of the agenda for a malevolent Haitian god.
You can read Sean's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Sean's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
April 30, 2021
Got this as an ARC for an honest review.
Curtis is a cop that is trying to help people before Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. On his beat he finds a young girl named Janine limping in a daze down the road completely naked. For Curtis this night begins the motion of his fate for the rest of his life.
And for Janine, a war is coming, but will she be ready when it plays out?
This book has everything from the undead to Voodoo folklore. Enjoyed it a lot!!
Curtis is a cop that is trying to help people before Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. On his beat he finds a young girl named Janine limping in a daze down the road completely naked. For Curtis this night begins the motion of his fate for the rest of his life.
And for Janine, a war is coming, but will she be ready when it plays out?
This book has everything from the undead to Voodoo folklore. Enjoyed it a lot!!
April 27, 2021
I couldn't put this one down - and then it kept me up all night!
April 2, 2021
When I received an email from Joe at Crystal Lake Publishing asking if anyone would like to read and review an ARC of a new release called BAYOU WHISPERS, I couldn’t say yes quick enough. True, I’ve never read anything by R.B. Wood, but as someone who loves all things Cajun (listening to zydeco music as I type this), I figured I could’t go wrong; as I was right.
Let me start off by repeating something I’ve said in previous reviews - I think the zombie genre has jumped the shark, and have been avoiding stories about them for a while now. However, while there are “zombies” in the book, they aren’t overused, and, given the location and theme, work well being wrapped in the Voodoo mystique.
But, I get ahead of myself.
BAYOU WHISPERS was an entertaining read, if not a little overwhelming at times. Wood throws everything into this novel: zombies, Voodoo, a golem, Katrina, and even a little history about the sinking of the Sultana in 1865. If that wasn’t enough, we have corrupt cops, and a healthy dose of racism and exploitation.
The story revolves around Jeannine, a biracial teen who has survived some absolute horrors during Katrina, and having to deal with her “special” lineage afterwards.
I will say that a few readers will want to throw in the towel at the beginning, but stick with it. Wood weaves an amazing story, and ties everything up neatly; leaving nothing unanswered - except maybe, well, never mind.
I would like to see more from Wood in this setting. His descriptions of the Bayou were creepy, and wonderful - and at times, I was half expecting an alligator to sneak up on me while reading it.
Let me start off by repeating something I’ve said in previous reviews - I think the zombie genre has jumped the shark, and have been avoiding stories about them for a while now. However, while there are “zombies” in the book, they aren’t overused, and, given the location and theme, work well being wrapped in the Voodoo mystique.
But, I get ahead of myself.
BAYOU WHISPERS was an entertaining read, if not a little overwhelming at times. Wood throws everything into this novel: zombies, Voodoo, a golem, Katrina, and even a little history about the sinking of the Sultana in 1865. If that wasn’t enough, we have corrupt cops, and a healthy dose of racism and exploitation.
The story revolves around Jeannine, a biracial teen who has survived some absolute horrors during Katrina, and having to deal with her “special” lineage afterwards.
I will say that a few readers will want to throw in the towel at the beginning, but stick with it. Wood weaves an amazing story, and ties everything up neatly; leaving nothing unanswered - except maybe, well, never mind.
I would like to see more from Wood in this setting. His descriptions of the Bayou were creepy, and wonderful - and at times, I was half expecting an alligator to sneak up on me while reading it.
April 19, 2021
The title tells a lot about what awaits us in this novel: sticky swamps and lots of voodoo magic. Ghosts, golems, zombies, black magic - you name it, you got it. I especially liked the appearance of the golem, which is still a minority when it comes to creatures in horror stories, so I was pleased to meet one here. There are also a couple of action-packed fighting scenes to let off some steam in between the mind-bending magic and voodoo stuff. The story is complex but never confusingly so, and it leads to a satisfying ending which may hint at a (not unwelcome) sequel, as I wouldn't mind meeting the ragtag group again for a another adventure. Thumbs up for another noteworthy publication by Crystal Lake, which has established itself as a guarantor of good horror stories.
(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)
(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)
August 3, 2021
The book opens with a prologue of sorts, set in Louisiana two months after Hurricane Katrina, the devastation of the terrible storm still evident for all to see on the night of Halloween. Here we meet the main characters of Wood’s novel, teenager Jeannine LaRue who has, figuratively (and, arguably, literally) been to hell and back, and police officer and army veteran Curtis Jones. Thanks to Jones and his partner’s quick thinking, they get Jeannine to a hospital where she has to make a sacrifice but, ultimately, keeps her life. Thus begins a lifelong friendship that spans the length of the book, and the beginning of a horrifying adventure. Chapter two opens in present day, with Jones leading a very different life, wanted for murder and on the run.
From here, Jones and Jeanine trade chapters as we gradually learn about the circumstances that led to the former police officer turning his back on law enforcement and how it connects with the traumatic childhood Jeanine suffered at the hands of her mother. This method of pacing the story proves very effective at keeping the reader invested in the fates of our main characters, and Wood provides just enough details to keep us on the end of the hook. The relationship between his two leads, the old cop and the orphaned girl with the mysterious family background, is depicted with great care, Jones assuming a father figure role in the early days, while Jeanine returns to her hometown to rescue him when she is a newly-qualified lawyer. The admiration between the two is tempered by the uncertainty and awkwardness caused by years apart. The scenes where they reunite and make amends to fight the greater evil are handled very well.
Speaking of the greater evil, this leads us to the supernatural element of the story. The troubled past of Jeanine and her mother’s family includes stories of voodooism and worshipping ancient deities who long to reclaim the Earth. Jeanine’s role in this makes for exciting reading but, also, the mix of crime with this horror gives the story a unique angle that makes for a captivating narrative. Jones and his former army buddies have indulged in certain criminal activities since he left the corrupt police force, and they have heard rumours of the sinister Papa Nightmare, a local crime boss with mysterious connections to the underworld, both criminal and demonic, who has more than a little part to play in Jeanine’s story. Added to this are elements of Judaistic folklore and a history of Faustian dealings, which may seem like a strange mix, but they all seem to work well together.
As the story races toward its grand finale, the many strands beginning to come together to reveal the true nature of the evil forces at play, and Jeanine’s role in her own destiny as well as that of all humans. The ending proves to be increasingly twisty and revelatory, with double crosses and double-double crosses as more secrets are uncovered and agendas are revealed. At times it could feel almost like a bucking bronco trying to throw the reader off of the narrative, which wasn’t aided by the deceitful nature of Papa Nightmare and the deity he serves, able to confound their enemies with visions of their worst fears, which may well prove to be untrue. This, along with the very human nature of not always revealing the whole truth, even to those we love the most, means the reader must be on their toes to follow the story all the way to its conclusion. That being said, it makes for a very rewarding read, full of the mysterious and mystical history of the bayou—both established and original to Wood’s creation—as well as naturally secretive characters and action aplenty.
From here, Jones and Jeanine trade chapters as we gradually learn about the circumstances that led to the former police officer turning his back on law enforcement and how it connects with the traumatic childhood Jeanine suffered at the hands of her mother. This method of pacing the story proves very effective at keeping the reader invested in the fates of our main characters, and Wood provides just enough details to keep us on the end of the hook. The relationship between his two leads, the old cop and the orphaned girl with the mysterious family background, is depicted with great care, Jones assuming a father figure role in the early days, while Jeanine returns to her hometown to rescue him when she is a newly-qualified lawyer. The admiration between the two is tempered by the uncertainty and awkwardness caused by years apart. The scenes where they reunite and make amends to fight the greater evil are handled very well.
Speaking of the greater evil, this leads us to the supernatural element of the story. The troubled past of Jeanine and her mother’s family includes stories of voodooism and worshipping ancient deities who long to reclaim the Earth. Jeanine’s role in this makes for exciting reading but, also, the mix of crime with this horror gives the story a unique angle that makes for a captivating narrative. Jones and his former army buddies have indulged in certain criminal activities since he left the corrupt police force, and they have heard rumours of the sinister Papa Nightmare, a local crime boss with mysterious connections to the underworld, both criminal and demonic, who has more than a little part to play in Jeanine’s story. Added to this are elements of Judaistic folklore and a history of Faustian dealings, which may seem like a strange mix, but they all seem to work well together.
As the story races toward its grand finale, the many strands beginning to come together to reveal the true nature of the evil forces at play, and Jeanine’s role in her own destiny as well as that of all humans. The ending proves to be increasingly twisty and revelatory, with double crosses and double-double crosses as more secrets are uncovered and agendas are revealed. At times it could feel almost like a bucking bronco trying to throw the reader off of the narrative, which wasn’t aided by the deceitful nature of Papa Nightmare and the deity he serves, able to confound their enemies with visions of their worst fears, which may well prove to be untrue. This, along with the very human nature of not always revealing the whole truth, even to those we love the most, means the reader must be on their toes to follow the story all the way to its conclusion. That being said, it makes for a very rewarding read, full of the mysterious and mystical history of the bayou—both established and original to Wood’s creation—as well as naturally secretive characters and action aplenty.
May 18, 2021
*** THE BAYOU BECKONS IN THIS SUPERNATURAL THRILLER ***
A mix of thriller and horror, R.B. Wood’s Bayou Whispers takes place in New Orleans, post Katrina, the perfect backdrop for a story about creepy legends, magic, and voodoo.
Readers will appreciate the eeriness of the geography, described in vivid detail and never in a disparaging way. Woods is mindful that the setting is an integral part of the story. The ease with which he invites us into the daunting terrain and language of NOLA speaks volumes to his skill as a writer. Only after he’s established this important foundation does he weave his fantastical tale.
The novel follows the life of Jeannine Larue, the protagonist and heroine of the story. We engage with her spirit and intelligence, delve into her difficult past and cheer her gumption and quest for the truth.
In the end, it’s a story of Jeannine’s survival and triumph.
If you enjoy a taut thriller, infused with the supernatural, and ram-jam full of provocative and diverse characters (some real, some less so), then be sure to add Bayou Whispers to your reading list. You will not be disappointed.
A mix of thriller and horror, R.B. Wood’s Bayou Whispers takes place in New Orleans, post Katrina, the perfect backdrop for a story about creepy legends, magic, and voodoo.
Readers will appreciate the eeriness of the geography, described in vivid detail and never in a disparaging way. Woods is mindful that the setting is an integral part of the story. The ease with which he invites us into the daunting terrain and language of NOLA speaks volumes to his skill as a writer. Only after he’s established this important foundation does he weave his fantastical tale.
The novel follows the life of Jeannine Larue, the protagonist and heroine of the story. We engage with her spirit and intelligence, delve into her difficult past and cheer her gumption and quest for the truth.
In the end, it’s a story of Jeannine’s survival and triumph.
If you enjoy a taut thriller, infused with the supernatural, and ram-jam full of provocative and diverse characters (some real, some less so), then be sure to add Bayou Whispers to your reading list. You will not be disappointed.
May 16, 2021
R.B. Wood has an excellent sense of timing, which makes the action sequences in "Bayou Whispers" a pure delight to read. Whether it's a car chase or hand-to-hand combat, none of these scenes disappoint. In addition, the setting and characters are rich in detail, intrigue, history, and folklore. The story is complex in a good way -- it is full of plot pay-offs and moving relationships between the characters. If you are into page-turners with depth in both meaning and quality, then this book would be a good choice for you.
April 27, 2021
The bayou not only whispers, but insists, that Jeannine LaRue, a tough as nails NYC lawyer, who had been through hell and back during Katrina, return to New Orleans. Curtis Jones, a one-time cop and rescuer of Jeannine, who now leans to the wrong side of the law, needs her help. Together they discover that hell isn’t done with Jeannie just yet and she’s up for the fight.
I don’t give spoilers and I don’t rehash the blurb in my reviews. A good book needs good characters. Jeannine and Curtis are top-notch, but Mr. Wood has put together an interesting cast of secondary but important characters. Zombies! Not the virus causing type, but real, good, old-fashioned, voodoo raised from the dead variety, which are my favorite and who, sadly, I don’t read about all that often anymore. A Gollum (usually associated with Jewish mythology) who popped up in the bayou was a fun and great addition that kept with the raising of the dead theme.
There are historical references with a literary twist, which is always a plus. A ghost ship, The Sultana (a real steamboat that exploded in 1865 on the Mississippi River), captained by Papa Nightmare and his zombies including a Sax player named Easy Street, as well as an ominous intention that caused a storm off the Gulf to become the human tragedy and catastrophe that was Katrina.
It’s a complex tale and you may have guessed, there is a lot going on, but it flowed well. The author did rely on past memories quite a bit and there were a few instances where dialogue may have made the story smoother – but that’s just my personal opinion and it took nothing away from the story.
A horror thriller with long kept secrets, dark family legacies, and New Orleans’s mysterious magic, Bayou Whispers is a fast-paced read, a page turner for sure, that kept me intrigued. A few surprises rounded out the end nicely.
A great read. 4 ½ stars.
The review will be posted on my blog, CURIOSITIES, on April 29th.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t give spoilers and I don’t rehash the blurb in my reviews. A good book needs good characters. Jeannine and Curtis are top-notch, but Mr. Wood has put together an interesting cast of secondary but important characters. Zombies! Not the virus causing type, but real, good, old-fashioned, voodoo raised from the dead variety, which are my favorite and who, sadly, I don’t read about all that often anymore. A Gollum (usually associated with Jewish mythology) who popped up in the bayou was a fun and great addition that kept with the raising of the dead theme.
There are historical references with a literary twist, which is always a plus. A ghost ship, The Sultana (a real steamboat that exploded in 1865 on the Mississippi River), captained by Papa Nightmare and his zombies including a Sax player named Easy Street, as well as an ominous intention that caused a storm off the Gulf to become the human tragedy and catastrophe that was Katrina.
It’s a complex tale and you may have guessed, there is a lot going on, but it flowed well. The author did rely on past memories quite a bit and there were a few instances where dialogue may have made the story smoother – but that’s just my personal opinion and it took nothing away from the story.
A horror thriller with long kept secrets, dark family legacies, and New Orleans’s mysterious magic, Bayou Whispers is a fast-paced read, a page turner for sure, that kept me intrigued. A few surprises rounded out the end nicely.
A great read. 4 ½ stars.
The review will be posted on my blog, CURIOSITIES, on April 29th.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2021
Amazing read.
You won’t regret reading this. Even if it hadn’t come with my KU, I would totally buy it. It’s a gritty, quite possibly real life story about some of the events in the aftermath of “Katrina” . Add that to the curveballs in the books’ climax that most would not be fast enough to see coming, and you have one hell of a story!
You won’t regret reading this. Even if it hadn’t come with my KU, I would totally buy it. It’s a gritty, quite possibly real life story about some of the events in the aftermath of “Katrina” . Add that to the curveballs in the books’ climax that most would not be fast enough to see coming, and you have one hell of a story!
May 7, 2021
Could not put this book down! It was so good!
It is a thriller with super-natural components set in New Orleans.
It is a thriller with super-natural components set in New Orleans.
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed this thoroughly. An involved plot, but not confusing, and paced to carry you along swiftly. Well done!
April 29, 2021
Set in new Orleans the horror starts straight away and continues to ramp up thruout the book.
An exciting mix of horror and supernatural.
I loved the depth of the characters and the intricacies of the storyline. Such an interesting and creepy tale.
Definitely a great read.
An exciting mix of horror and supernatural.
I loved the depth of the characters and the intricacies of the storyline. Such an interesting and creepy tale.
Definitely a great read.
October 2, 2021
R.B. Wood’s novel, Bayou Whispers is a southern gothic
thriller. Unspeakable tragedy occurs, and Jeannine will come to find there’s many secrets to uncover. A supernatural tale that is both haunting and touching!
Highly recommend!
thriller. Unspeakable tragedy occurs, and Jeannine will come to find there’s many secrets to uncover. A supernatural tale that is both haunting and touching!
Highly recommend!
May 5, 2022
Not my usual genre but it was entertaining. World building and character development were great. Original, imaginative story. Writing was sometimes clunky and the pacing was inconsistent. Some parts were hard to make sense of. A solid 3 stars.
May 18, 2021
Trying to capture the essence of this novel in a quick "elevator pitch" by checking off genres, I wanted to categorize BAYOU WHISPERS as a "mythological thriller". But that doesn't do it justice. Scrolling down through all the Goodreads shelves I chose, I realized that this is a unique novel that touches upon many well-loved bases/genres and just can't be pigeon-holed so easily.
It's crime. It's action-adventure. It's horror. It's voodoo lore. It's zombies/undead, golems, ghosts, and spirits - even a ghost ship.
More importantly, it's a captivating read and highly entertaining. That is due not to all the boxes checked off, but to the rich descriptions of New Orleans life and culture post-Katrina and the fine job Wood does with fleshing out the complex characters, of which there are many.
No one's had a rougher life that main character Jeannine and disgraced cop Curtis, her protector and the closest thing she has to a remaining family.
Just read the thing. You won't regret it.
I received an advance coy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
It's crime. It's action-adventure. It's horror. It's voodoo lore. It's zombies/undead, golems, ghosts, and spirits - even a ghost ship.
More importantly, it's a captivating read and highly entertaining. That is due not to all the boxes checked off, but to the rich descriptions of New Orleans life and culture post-Katrina and the fine job Wood does with fleshing out the complex characters, of which there are many.
No one's had a rougher life that main character Jeannine and disgraced cop Curtis, her protector and the closest thing she has to a remaining family.
Just read the thing. You won't regret it.
I received an advance coy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2021
Bayou Whisper is an unpredictable story filled with mystery, suspense, and the paranormal! Two lives intersect between a teen survivor (Jeannine LaRue) and a cop (Curtis Jones) during a tragic event that unfolds over time in unimaginable ways. New Orleans's culture and lore rise from the pages at a force. Brace yourself for a journey between reality and the spirit world.
February 4, 2022
I'm not even sure if I have the words to express my frustration with this one. The premise was interesting and the very end was solid, but everything else? Mm, don't waste your time. I'll be selling this one for sure.
May 9, 2021
Bayou Whispers
Author: R. B. Wood
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing
Release date: 29th April 2021
CW: Rape/abuse
The prologue to this novel starts Halloween 2005, just two months after Katrina and a devastated New Orleans.
Jeannine, a skinny, torn and limping teen, staggers in front of a patrol car and is scooped up by Officer Curtis Jones, who sits vigil at the hospital as she’s treated.
It’s Jones who has to sign for an amputation of her leg and sit by her bedside as there’s no one else to support her.
That’s when he hears her screams “Papa Nightmare”.
At Dismas Parish: Present Day
Curtis Jones is just shy of sixty and eking out a semi-living in a ‘krewe’ of ex military misfits who do what they can to survive. But now he needs Jeannine’s help; her help as a lawyer.
There’s a lot to say now know in this novel and though there are a couple of issues - mostly that there is too much going on - it’s a great debut that captures the heart and soul of N’Orleans life, whilst delivering realistic and atmospheric depictions of voudon, bokors, ghosts and other supernatural elements.
Zombie fans will be happy there are many and in the traditional Haitian mode not 28 Days Later style.
However the thing that makes the book sing is the diverse and unique characters; from Charley, to Curtis to Easy Street, Papa Nightmare the houngan and Jeannine herself.
She is a standout hero; strong, talented, powerful and smart. She’s a mixed race woman who has fought a traumatic past to qualify as a lawyer and right wrongs in real life and the supernatural.
The book rattles along at an incredible pace and the difficult scenes are handled with a sense of respect.
A vibrant, fun read that would make a great short tv series.
Author: R. B. Wood
Publisher: Crystal Lake Publishing
Release date: 29th April 2021
CW: Rape/abuse
The prologue to this novel starts Halloween 2005, just two months after Katrina and a devastated New Orleans.
Jeannine, a skinny, torn and limping teen, staggers in front of a patrol car and is scooped up by Officer Curtis Jones, who sits vigil at the hospital as she’s treated.
It’s Jones who has to sign for an amputation of her leg and sit by her bedside as there’s no one else to support her.
That’s when he hears her screams “Papa Nightmare”.
At Dismas Parish: Present Day
Curtis Jones is just shy of sixty and eking out a semi-living in a ‘krewe’ of ex military misfits who do what they can to survive. But now he needs Jeannine’s help; her help as a lawyer.
There’s a lot to say now know in this novel and though there are a couple of issues - mostly that there is too much going on - it’s a great debut that captures the heart and soul of N’Orleans life, whilst delivering realistic and atmospheric depictions of voudon, bokors, ghosts and other supernatural elements.
Zombie fans will be happy there are many and in the traditional Haitian mode not 28 Days Later style.
However the thing that makes the book sing is the diverse and unique characters; from Charley, to Curtis to Easy Street, Papa Nightmare the houngan and Jeannine herself.
She is a standout hero; strong, talented, powerful and smart. She’s a mixed race woman who has fought a traumatic past to qualify as a lawyer and right wrongs in real life and the supernatural.
The book rattles along at an incredible pace and the difficult scenes are handled with a sense of respect.
A vibrant, fun read that would make a great short tv series.
August 21, 2022
Voodoo Horror, but also like action/thriller and fantasy set in post Katrina New Orleans. I was excited for this, but it did not live up to my expectations. It was a good story, but it felt a little rushed, a little compact. The characters needed a little more backstory and development. Some action scenes seemed to jump forward in time, leaving out what would've been important plot points. That being said, it was enjoyable and there isn't a ton of video related fiction, so big plus if you're into it.
April 4, 2023
For such a short book it is baffling how this story could be more confusing.
A Girl, Jeannine survives hurricane Katrina while the rest of her family perishes. She is “rescued by two degenerates who hold her hostage and rape and torture her. She loses a leg. A cop rescues her and becomes a guardian angel but then a quack therapist gets involved and helps her then these two move to New York and she becomes a lawyer but then she goes back to New Orleans to help the cop who is no longer a cop but a criminal and then the ghosts and the monsters and the voodoo and the visions and the hallucinations…..
Absolutely zero editing was done to the story.
Somewhere there was a story in this book but the reader would have to be on LSD to follow it. Is it a mystery, is it horror, is it fantasy, are the main characters experiencing complex hallucinations?
Who knows because absolutely nothing is linear in this story.
Clearly I am not the targeted reader for this book.
A Girl, Jeannine survives hurricane Katrina while the rest of her family perishes. She is “rescued by two degenerates who hold her hostage and rape and torture her. She loses a leg. A cop rescues her and becomes a guardian angel but then a quack therapist gets involved and helps her then these two move to New York and she becomes a lawyer but then she goes back to New Orleans to help the cop who is no longer a cop but a criminal and then the ghosts and the monsters and the voodoo and the visions and the hallucinations…..
Absolutely zero editing was done to the story.
Somewhere there was a story in this book but the reader would have to be on LSD to follow it. Is it a mystery, is it horror, is it fantasy, are the main characters experiencing complex hallucinations?
Who knows because absolutely nothing is linear in this story.
Clearly I am not the targeted reader for this book.
December 28, 2023
Bayou Whispers is Wood's first novel since his award-winning The Prodigal's Foole, and a fantastical incursion into the depths of voodoo and magick. Wood's writing is highly atmospheric, and it quickly immerses the reader in a world filled with unique and fully realized characters. The horror elements are often action and fantasy driven, but within a dark mythology that blends traditional Louisiana folklore with the inventions of Wood's wild creativity, and it's that creativity that defines the book more than anything else. In the end, Bayou Whispers is a skillful combination of horror, fantasy, and a good old pulp fiction detective story that you won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
October 29, 2023
This book needed to be longer. There was not enough room for development on all sides. Character, plot, setting. Way too much going on and assumption of reader knowledge.
August 23, 2024
Amazing book, fantastic memorable characters, well done plot!
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