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French Quarter Mystery #1
The Key to Murder
Samantha thought following a mysterious diary around the French Quarter of New Orleans would be a harmless way to learn about her new hometown until it became about murder.
Discover the places and people that make New Orleans unique through the eyes of newcomer, Samantha Richardson, in the first book in the French Quarter Mystery Series, The Key to Murder.
Looking for a fresh start as well as clues to her past, Samantha is thrilled with her furnished apartment even with its strange diary and key left on the living room bookshelf. Sammy, as her new friends call her, explores the city’s French Quarter by following the riddles in the anonymous diary. It was fun until it led to a body. Now Sammy must find out who wrote the journal before the murderer strikes again.
Sammy moved to New Orleans for answers and a new life, but is a murderer going to keep her from her future?
Discover the places and people that make New Orleans unique through the eyes of newcomer, Samantha Richardson, in the first book in the French Quarter Mystery Series, The Key to Murder.
Looking for a fresh start as well as clues to her past, Samantha is thrilled with her furnished apartment even with its strange diary and key left on the living room bookshelf. Sammy, as her new friends call her, explores the city’s French Quarter by following the riddles in the anonymous diary. It was fun until it led to a body. Now Sammy must find out who wrote the journal before the murderer strikes again.
Sammy moved to New Orleans for answers and a new life, but is a murderer going to keep her from her future?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2020
328 people are currently reading
638 people want to read
About the author
Jen Pitts
15 books388 followersJen Pitts is a lifelong mystery reader who turned her obsession into writing cozy mysteries of her own. When she isn’t plotting fictional murder and mayhem, she’s chugging coffee, traveling, reading, and enjoying life with her children, husband, and two cats in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 12, 2020
Samantha is a 30-something who finds a new beginning (or an old past??) when she moves from San Francisco to New Orleans.. her new friendly southern neighbors take her in as family... in her furnished apartment she finds an old diary that reads as some kind of scavenger hunt -complete with an old fashioned key -and thus begins her adventures in her new home in a new OLD city.. she’s always been a mystery lover but little did she know that following her new found diary’s clues would lead to murder... I absolutely loved every page of this book! and I have never visited New Orleans! I loved the picture in my mind of the courtyard of her apartment, the sites, the restaurants, shops, even the cemeteries… I cannot wait for Samantha‘s next adventure! Jen Pitts is definitely author to follow!
March 21, 2023
The Key to Murder Earns 5+/5 Beignets & Beads… Clever, Engaging Gem!
Samantha’s new home offered her plenty of opportunities to immerse herself in the Big Easy culture thru its food, drink, and mystery. She’d discovered a diary on her bookshelf that Libby, her landlord, and Andrew, the owner of Lagniappe Books, knew nothing about along with an old, oddly configured key. The diary was a kind of sappy love story with clues reminiscent of a scavenger hunt that Sammy thought the perfect way to explore her new home, but it turned out to be the perfect way to invite trouble. Case in point one: she receives an oddly familiar BB doll with a note “Welcome Home.” Point two: she’s sensing she’s being followed. Point three: she discovers the body of a woman she’d seen earlier trying to get the attention of one of her new friends.
So much fun, I couldn’t put it down! The journey started out slowly much like the southern way and like it would if you were taking in all the people and the nooks and crannies of a place with which you are unfamiliar: stopping here for coffee, there for a muffuletta sandwich, and trips to the museum and the bookstore, but there’s a sense of something lurking just below the friendly hugs and hellos. It was a lovely introduction to the Quarter and its inhabitants, but then … footsteps echoing in the hall yet no one was there, a woman running after her friends, they ignoring her, and then finding her dead body, and later another death of someone close. The Big Easy has become the big complicated, and I was so engrossed in the well-written tale all the way to the shocking revelation at night in a cemetery of all places! Romance? Sammy is attracted to one handsome man, despite their initial introduction and his own issues, and he seems equally interested in her. All this unfolds into a compelling drama with Mardi Gras in the background. What a way to start the series!
Samantha’s new home offered her plenty of opportunities to immerse herself in the Big Easy culture thru its food, drink, and mystery. She’d discovered a diary on her bookshelf that Libby, her landlord, and Andrew, the owner of Lagniappe Books, knew nothing about along with an old, oddly configured key. The diary was a kind of sappy love story with clues reminiscent of a scavenger hunt that Sammy thought the perfect way to explore her new home, but it turned out to be the perfect way to invite trouble. Case in point one: she receives an oddly familiar BB doll with a note “Welcome Home.” Point two: she’s sensing she’s being followed. Point three: she discovers the body of a woman she’d seen earlier trying to get the attention of one of her new friends.
So much fun, I couldn’t put it down! The journey started out slowly much like the southern way and like it would if you were taking in all the people and the nooks and crannies of a place with which you are unfamiliar: stopping here for coffee, there for a muffuletta sandwich, and trips to the museum and the bookstore, but there’s a sense of something lurking just below the friendly hugs and hellos. It was a lovely introduction to the Quarter and its inhabitants, but then … footsteps echoing in the hall yet no one was there, a woman running after her friends, they ignoring her, and then finding her dead body, and later another death of someone close. The Big Easy has become the big complicated, and I was so engrossed in the well-written tale all the way to the shocking revelation at night in a cemetery of all places! Romance? Sammy is attracted to one handsome man, despite their initial introduction and his own issues, and he seems equally interested in her. All this unfolds into a compelling drama with Mardi Gras in the background. What a way to start the series!
June 14, 2020
This book had me going around in circles as to who the murderer was! And the surprise twist at the end, OMG! I was totally taken by surprise. Really great book and I’m looking forward to the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2021
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/10/26/4-...
The Key to Murder is the first book in The French Quarter Mysteries series by Jen Pitts, and it only whets my appetite for more. Lots of New Orleans sights, sounds, magic, places of business, well-known streets, food, and drink left me wanting more. From the first page to the last, I was drawn in with lots of mystery and sleuthing, including clues and a hidden agenda. I didn’t guess whodunnit but not from lack of trying!
Sammy is a transplant from San Francisco. She was adopted at two years old after Hurricane Geoffrey hit Louisiana and didn’t really know any of her history or that of her family. When she moves to New Orleans, part of her thinks that she can reconnect with her roots and find out about her birth family. That all seems to be put on the back burner when she finds murdered bodies before the police do.
From the first day she moves into Thibodeaux Mansion and meets the new neighbors, she feels accepted, as if she’s making new friends. Strange things happen from the start when she finds a diary and a key. Where will they lead her?
There’s a feeling of magic throughout the book, along with darkness. As Sammy pursues the clues in the diary, she’s not sure what they all mean, but she’s often uneasy and sometimes doubts the actions of her new friends.
The story had a good flow and was a quick read. There was some closure, but I thought the story would go on a little further. I’m hoping we pick up with the characters we’ve met in the next book in the series, The Gates to the Afterlife. The cover was colorful and gave off a New Orleans vibe with the details of it.
If you like cozy mysteries with some magic thrown in or are a fan of New Orleans, The Key to Murder is for you.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/10/26/4-...
The Key to Murder is the first book in The French Quarter Mysteries series by Jen Pitts, and it only whets my appetite for more. Lots of New Orleans sights, sounds, magic, places of business, well-known streets, food, and drink left me wanting more. From the first page to the last, I was drawn in with lots of mystery and sleuthing, including clues and a hidden agenda. I didn’t guess whodunnit but not from lack of trying!
Sammy is a transplant from San Francisco. She was adopted at two years old after Hurricane Geoffrey hit Louisiana and didn’t really know any of her history or that of her family. When she moves to New Orleans, part of her thinks that she can reconnect with her roots and find out about her birth family. That all seems to be put on the back burner when she finds murdered bodies before the police do.
From the first day she moves into Thibodeaux Mansion and meets the new neighbors, she feels accepted, as if she’s making new friends. Strange things happen from the start when she finds a diary and a key. Where will they lead her?
There’s a feeling of magic throughout the book, along with darkness. As Sammy pursues the clues in the diary, she’s not sure what they all mean, but she’s often uneasy and sometimes doubts the actions of her new friends.
The story had a good flow and was a quick read. There was some closure, but I thought the story would go on a little further. I’m hoping we pick up with the characters we’ve met in the next book in the series, The Gates to the Afterlife. The cover was colorful and gave off a New Orleans vibe with the details of it.
If you like cozy mysteries with some magic thrown in or are a fan of New Orleans, The Key to Murder is for you.
October 22, 2021
THE KEY TO MURDER by Jen Pitts
The First French Quarter Mystery
Turning 30 seemed an appropriate time to make a new start so Samantha Richardson packed her bags and moved to New Orleans. Renting an apartment in the Thibodeaux Mansion in the French Quarter, Sammy quickly makes friends with the other residents. She's discovered a unique book in her apartment, a diary that acts as part romance novel and part scavenger hunt. None of her new friends know anything about the book and all deny the unique gift left subsequently at her door. Deciding the book would be a great way to get to know her new city, Sammy starts following clues...until they lead her to a dead body. Is someone setting her up? Sammy is sure one of her new "friends" is lying, but who?
The first French Quarter Mystery lays the groundwork for a fascinating series. I loved the intricate detailing of this very special portion of a unique city. I felt I was walking the streets and discovering both the charm and danger of New Orleans. Sammy is a great character, equally strong and vulnerable. The other characters are just as interesting with deep backstories I hope we get to explore. Most everyone is troubled to a degree, some much more than others. A hint of romance, neighbors as family, and a sense of community deepen the attachment for both Sammy and readers alike.
The mystery was unique and unexpected, as were the bead bodies. There was more than one surprise which was refreshing and kept me quickly turning the pages.
THE KEY TO MURDER is an engaging trip through the French Quarter. Interesting characters, an intriguing diary, and the chance to start again make for a compelling read and a great start to a new series.
The First French Quarter Mystery
Turning 30 seemed an appropriate time to make a new start so Samantha Richardson packed her bags and moved to New Orleans. Renting an apartment in the Thibodeaux Mansion in the French Quarter, Sammy quickly makes friends with the other residents. She's discovered a unique book in her apartment, a diary that acts as part romance novel and part scavenger hunt. None of her new friends know anything about the book and all deny the unique gift left subsequently at her door. Deciding the book would be a great way to get to know her new city, Sammy starts following clues...until they lead her to a dead body. Is someone setting her up? Sammy is sure one of her new "friends" is lying, but who?
The first French Quarter Mystery lays the groundwork for a fascinating series. I loved the intricate detailing of this very special portion of a unique city. I felt I was walking the streets and discovering both the charm and danger of New Orleans. Sammy is a great character, equally strong and vulnerable. The other characters are just as interesting with deep backstories I hope we get to explore. Most everyone is troubled to a degree, some much more than others. A hint of romance, neighbors as family, and a sense of community deepen the attachment for both Sammy and readers alike.
The mystery was unique and unexpected, as were the bead bodies. There was more than one surprise which was refreshing and kept me quickly turning the pages.
THE KEY TO MURDER is an engaging trip through the French Quarter. Interesting characters, an intriguing diary, and the chance to start again make for a compelling read and a great start to a new series.
February 5, 2021
I could smell the coffee and taste the beignets, exploring New Orleans with protagonist Sammy as she sleuthed her way through the French Quarter.
New to the city and already in love with it, Samantha Richardson wants to think the best of her new neighbors and friends, who all seem helpful and friendly. Well, except for Ruby, her next-door neighbor, who seems to be some kind of mystic fortune-teller with a grudge against Sammy.
But when one of her new friends is murdered, Sammy can't help but wonder if another of them might be the killer...
The book is full of vivid descriptions of New Orleans, eccentric characters, fun social media observations, and warm humor.
I did find the identities of the four young men at the heart of the mystery hard to keep straight at times, and although I liked the surprise of the whodunnit in the end, I was a little disappointed by the killer's fate.
But the fast pace, colorful characters, and strong setting made me feel like I had visited the city by the time I finished the story. Definitely a series I'll want to follow.
New to the city and already in love with it, Samantha Richardson wants to think the best of her new neighbors and friends, who all seem helpful and friendly. Well, except for Ruby, her next-door neighbor, who seems to be some kind of mystic fortune-teller with a grudge against Sammy.
But when one of her new friends is murdered, Sammy can't help but wonder if another of them might be the killer...
The book is full of vivid descriptions of New Orleans, eccentric characters, fun social media observations, and warm humor.
I did find the identities of the four young men at the heart of the mystery hard to keep straight at times, and although I liked the surprise of the whodunnit in the end, I was a little disappointed by the killer's fate.
But the fast pace, colorful characters, and strong setting made me feel like I had visited the city by the time I finished the story. Definitely a series I'll want to follow.
May 23, 2021
I had a hard time connecting with this book in the beginning, although I am not sure why: the characters were interesting and varied, and the descriptions of the setting were great. Once it captured me, I blew through it, thoroughly enjoying it. I give it 4 stars rather than 5 because I never quite clicked with the main character. The supporting characters were wonderful. They felt like friends. I wanted to see what happened to Samantha, but I didn't care much about her as a person.
So, good book,which I would recommend, and I will definitely check out book 2, but more to see if Sammy develops and what goes on with her "family".
So, good book,which I would recommend, and I will definitely check out book 2, but more to see if Sammy develops and what goes on with her "family".
October 24, 2022
As the first in the series, there is a lot of set up and description to get the series started and that’s fine; it’s clear a lot of research went into writing this story as the landmarks and city in general are described well. I listened to the audio and more research should have been done on how things are pronounced – pralines, muffaletta, and one or two street names were wrong. The mystery was just so-so. The dive into her past was interesting but the ending seemed rushed, which is odd since so much time was spent on just description of her surroundings. I may read the next one to see how the series progresses but waiting for the library to get it.
July 3, 2023
Very spooky and mysterious, just like New Orleans. Everyone is a suspect. I was totally floored at the end when all the secrets were revealed and all the clues came together.
If you've spent any time in New Orleans, this author has got it right. The hot, sticky, vibrant French Quarter is another character.
As an orphan, Sammy is trying to uncover the truth about her past. She didn't know her birth parents or why they gave her up for adoption. She also discovers a diary in her new home with a key, but not a key to the diary. What does the key open? (I won't tell) She also makes some good friends along the way.
This is a great start to a fun series!
If you've spent any time in New Orleans, this author has got it right. The hot, sticky, vibrant French Quarter is another character.
As an orphan, Sammy is trying to uncover the truth about her past. She didn't know her birth parents or why they gave her up for adoption. She also discovers a diary in her new home with a key, but not a key to the diary. What does the key open? (I won't tell) She also makes some good friends along the way.
This is a great start to a fun series!
December 16, 2023
What a great book and start to a cozy mystery series set in New Orleans! Sammy (Samantha) moves from San Francisco for a change and a new start and she definitely finds it in the Mardi Gras city. Upon arriving she gets a cafe au lait and meets the cafe owner who winds up having a recently vacated apartment to rent at Thibodeaux Mansion. There she meets her neighbors and an interesting bunch of characters which quickly become friends. But she finds a diary with an unusual key and clues to follow. Before she knows it, she finds a dead body and is deeply into trying to figure out the murder mystery! A fun and fascinating book, which I received a free copy of. I write this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2020
The story kept me interested from the beginning. I enjoyed the plot and the twists along the way. The story was exciting and definitely kept me engaged and wondering what was coming next.
The main character was very relatable, and now that I'm finished, I can't help but wonder what's next for her! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
The main character was very relatable, and now that I'm finished, I can't help but wonder what's next for her! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 18, 2023
This was such a fantastic read. NOLA, Jackson Square, St.Louis Cemetery #1, Madame Louvre all mentioned and was cool to read about, especially if you have visited those sites. The story about Samantha was very well written, interesting and had a great twist at the end. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.💜💛💚⚜️📿🍹🎶
October 7, 2023
The first book in The French Quarter Mysteries was a quick and easy read to learn about all the character while sucking you into the plot quick. The author wrote in a way that made it very easy to decipher and remember each character in the eccentric community the main character found herself in. The relationships the man character Sammy had with her new neighbors made the book very enjoyable. The relationships mixed with the exciting plot twists leave me very excited to read the next book and get some more questions answered. So far I would recommend this series to anyone looking for an easy and enjoyable mystery
January 8, 2023
I loved this book! I loved how it talked about some things in New Orleans you might not know about. I also loved the way you never knew what was next! This is a new author and series for me. I can’t wait to read more! If you love cozies you will love this! This is a must read!
September 22, 2025
If you love New Orleans and all of its magic, you will love this book!! If you think you’d love descriptive scenery of cool places like New Orleans combined with a page-turning mystery and a main female protagonist in search of a new life for herself, read this book! Great start to a continuing series. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
September 28, 2025
This was really fun! I was all over the place as to who the killer was, and ultimately was shocked by the ending. And, once again, I LOVE a found family trope, and this one had lots of lovable characters. I’ll definitely be continuing.
March 28, 2020
If you love New Orleans then you’ll love this book. A very enjoyable book rich with details of the French Quarter and a mystery that keeps you guessing to the end.
April 2, 2020
A thrilling New Orleans murder mystery that would’ve only been better if I could’ve read it while eating beignets and drinking chicory coffee. Can’t wait for the second book in the series.
April 28, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and I kept wanting to go back to it!
November 7, 2021
Loved it
As a frequent visitor to new Orleans and the French quarter I loved this book. Fun characters, a great setting and engaging mystery.
As a frequent visitor to new Orleans and the French quarter I loved this book. Fun characters, a great setting and engaging mystery.
November 14, 2022
An engaging read with a great setting and interesting characters. I enjoyed the bits of historical information about New Orleans. Looking forward to reading the next book.
December 8, 2022
Enjoyable
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters, the setting and the plotting kept me reading to the end. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters, the setting and the plotting kept me reading to the end. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
March 13, 2023
Review
Ms. Potts kept me glued to this book. She showed how friendships start. The killer was not who I thought it was. Loved it and can’t wait to read more of the series.
Ms. Potts kept me glued to this book. She showed how friendships start. The killer was not who I thought it was. Loved it and can’t wait to read more of the series.
July 6, 2023
First book by this author and I enjoyed the story, the characters and the location. I am new to the New Orleans area and enjoyed the history lesson. Looking forward to reading more!
August 1, 2023
Excellent and fun read. Expect the unexpected.
September 24, 2023
Well written and kept me guessing. I will like to read the next book to see what happens to Sammy and if someone returns. Is Connor going to be Sammy's love interest? Will Anubis help Sammy again?
November 12, 2023
I went into this not sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. This was a very cozy mystery read. I loved the New Orleans setting and the warm community she found.
February 23, 2024
This was a very fun read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters very much. It was suspenseful and kept you guessing and I enjoyed it very much. Its a fun easy read and I highly recommend it.
February 26, 2024
A very cozy mystery
I enjoyed the story. New Orleans is a lovely city with lots of stories and history. I love the way Jen Pitts gives a detailed portrait of everyday life in New Orleans. The characters captured me!! A very good read.
I enjoyed the story. New Orleans is a lovely city with lots of stories and history. I love the way Jen Pitts gives a detailed portrait of everyday life in New Orleans. The characters captured me!! A very good read.
April 6, 2024
Love cozy mysteries!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews