What do you think?
Rate this book
Andy Broussard/Kit Franklyn Mystery #1
Cajun Nights
Imagine investigating a case where each of the several victims had type O blood, drove an obsolete car, and hummed a nursery rhyme before committing murder and then suicide. That's young criminal psychologist Kit Franklyn's assignment, and the solution just seems plain impossible. Her obese, jovial boss, chief medical examiner Andy Broussard, is just as baffled as she is. Together they devise strictly scientific possibilities. Not once do they consider black magic to be the culprit until an ancient Cajun sorcerer's curse surfaces: "Beware the songs you loved in youth."
Audio CD
First published September 1, 1988
72 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Donaldson
34 books109 followersD.J. Donaldson also writes under the names Don Donaldson and Don J. Donaldson, as well as David Best.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 16, 2022
I would have rated this 3.5 stars if I could have. It was an interesting first book in a series, but I have read others in the series and they are better, so the series does improve. What I didn't like about this was the voodoo nonsense. Otherwise a good story with very intriguing characters. Recommended to fans of the series.
November 26, 2014
I enjoyed the first Kit Franklyn/Andy Broussard mystery. In this case seemingly ordinary men are going crazy and committing murder and then suicide. Since Kit's specialty is suicide, she is involved in the cases but is baffled because most of the men showed no previous signs that they were suicidal. Soon, she's working with a computer-savvy colleague and discovers that the men might have something in common after all.
She and Andy investigate despite attempts on each of their lives. Kit shows realistic fear but also shows determination not to let the fear win. She is also thinking about her relationship with her boyfriend David who is pushing for the relationship to get closer. Kit is worried about his disdainful attitude toward her job. Besides, she says that she just doesn't feel that spark that indicated that he's the one.
I liked the touch of magic in the story and will be eager to see if it continues in later books in the series. I also liked Kit's relationship with her new boss Andy. I'll be eager to see how that works out in later books too.
She and Andy investigate despite attempts on each of their lives. Kit shows realistic fear but also shows determination not to let the fear win. She is also thinking about her relationship with her boyfriend David who is pushing for the relationship to get closer. Kit is worried about his disdainful attitude toward her job. Besides, she says that she just doesn't feel that spark that indicated that he's the one.
I liked the touch of magic in the story and will be eager to see if it continues in later books in the series. I also liked Kit's relationship with her new boss Andy. I'll be eager to see how that works out in later books too.
May 24, 2023
Kinda run of the mill but it's about New Orleans
3.5
3.5
March 23, 2018
First book in an absolutely FABULOUS series - starts in 1988 so a bit of a trip down memory lane, mass spectrometer is new, no cell phones, a very exciting visit to GRITTY old New Orleans pre-Katrina - its a great trip! Now on to the next book in the series.
March 15, 2015
I read part of this series back in the 1990's, finding them only as used books. I was delighted to see them reissued as ebooks (and Audible books, too), which has allowed me to follow Andy Broussard and Kit Franklyn again as they solve unusual mysteries in and around New Orleans. I was pleased about the references to Hammond (where I live), where Broussard drove to testify in a trial. Now I can read the books I never could find 20 years ago.
February 13, 2015
This was a rather exciting book about a young psychiatrist, and and older medical examiner. They solve the mystery of what a children's song has to do with some native roots rendered toxic. Kit and Broussard make a good team. It is hard to imagine that people wish to kill you, but that is part of it, too. Broussard is quite the unforgettable character with his lemon sour balls.
March 1, 2015
My Review Of " Cajun Nights"
I rated this 5 stars as I just could not put the story down. It was a thrilling page turner. The story takes place in New Orleans, a city with culture that I love. The characters were well developed and you care about them. A very well told tale. I would read this author in the future
I rated this 5 stars as I just could not put the story down. It was a thrilling page turner. The story takes place in New Orleans, a city with culture that I love. The characters were well developed and you care about them. A very well told tale. I would read this author in the future
November 29, 2019
Curious Mix
This story has a mix of detective story, medical pathology, a dab of psychology, and New Orleans mythology. Yup, quite the mix. Yet it made for a quick fun read. Go figure...
This story has a mix of detective story, medical pathology, a dab of psychology, and New Orleans mythology. Yup, quite the mix. Yet it made for a quick fun read. Go figure...
July 29, 2008
I would give this 3&1/2 stars, if it were possible. Slightly hokie (hokey?) towards the end, but a pretty darn good read.
February 23, 2015
Great book!
I would recommend this novel to mystery lovers who love the South, especially New Orleans. This is a great series. Enjoy!
I would recommend this novel to mystery lovers who love the South, especially New Orleans. This is a great series. Enjoy!
December 27, 2015
Good book!!
Very good boo. It was really hard to put down. The story line was really good. I would recommend this book
Very good boo. It was really hard to put down. The story line was really good. I would recommend this book
June 1, 2018
I enjoyed it
Mostly. It moved slowly in spots, but I like this series of books. This may not be the best one of the series, but it is entertaining.
Mostly. It moved slowly in spots, but I like this series of books. This may not be the best one of the series, but it is entertaining.
August 11, 2018
PDG... pretty darn good!
October 12, 2019
Very intriguing
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. As a good story should, all explained and ended neatly. Read it pretty much straight through. Good read!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. As a good story should, all explained and ended neatly. Read it pretty much straight through. Good read!!
September 16, 2018
First, let me say that this is a well-written story, and it captures the reader's attention. There are some issues, though. First of all, there are a few sections, particularly near the end, that can cause a reader's attention to wander because they're almost mind-numbing.
However, the underlying characters and story are very interesting and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Andy Broussard is the more interesting of the two at the outset. Kit Franklyn is less so, partially explained by the fact that she is quite young and shows her immaturity occasionally. I think Andy will be a good influence on her.
I sort of hope that the next books will also combine the science of their two jobs with the somewhat mystical New Orleans flavor that hits this story.
However, the underlying characters and story are very interesting and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Andy Broussard is the more interesting of the two at the outset. Kit Franklyn is less so, partially explained by the fact that she is quite young and shows her immaturity occasionally. I think Andy will be a good influence on her.
I sort of hope that the next books will also combine the science of their two jobs with the somewhat mystical New Orleans flavor that hits this story.
January 22, 2026
Spectacular narration and an interesting menagerie of New Orleans locals is what first got me interested in this tale: Kit Franklyn has just started at the NOLA Medical Examiner’s office, under the supervision of the rough and rotund Andy Broussard.
A big chunk of the book spends a long, rather dull time, trying to dispel voodoo myth in exchange for actual science…to the point I found it detracted from an interesting cast of characters and what should’ve been a ghostly, thrilling mystery. It’s unfortunate, because I really wanted to love this. I’ll give the second book in this series (there’s 8 in total, as of 2017), and hope the my stories match the motley crew.
A big chunk of the book spends a long, rather dull time, trying to dispel voodoo myth in exchange for actual science…to the point I found it detracted from an interesting cast of characters and what should’ve been a ghostly, thrilling mystery. It’s unfortunate, because I really wanted to love this. I’ll give the second book in this series (there’s 8 in total, as of 2017), and hope the my stories match the motley crew.
October 24, 2018
Over all I would classify this as a "fun read" (if you can call mayhem and death and destruction "fun"). I found the premise to be quite far fetched, but if you over look that the chills and thrills can be quite amusing and captivating. The ending was quite a stretch, the change in names when the "evil villain's ancestor" immigrated to America...you must suspend your disbelief in order to enjoy this book.
June 4, 2023
A nice read, wasn't sure if I would like the theme, but in the end I enjoyed it very much, the location and the mystery is quite nice, still I'm not sure if I'm gonna read the next book in the series!
December 18, 2019
A fun read, 3.5 stars and would have round it up to 4 if not for Chuck's awful death... But definitely will check the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
Very enjoyable.
January 18, 2026
5 I have read a couple of books by this author and this one is set in New Orleans so had to be read. I wasn’t disappointed.
Read
January 30, 2015CAJUN NIGHTS is the first in the Andy Broussard/Kit Franklyn mystery series. We’re introduced to the chief medical examiner Andy Broussard and his new suicide investigator/criminal psychologist Kit Franklyn. The cases they are investigating are tied together by their strange circumstances – each victim has type O blood, drove an old car, and hummed/sang a nursery rhyme before committing murder and then killing themselves. Kit is confused because only one of the men showed any signs of suicidal ideation out of all of the perpetrators. Is this rash of murder/suicides caused by an ancient Cajun curse or something even more sinister?
CAJUN NIGHTS is a great mystery. I was engrossed from the very beginning. The characters are well-written, easy to relate to, and complex. The author used Kit to give the reader the flavor and geography of New Orleans without bogging the story down in minutia. CAJUN NIGHTS is suspenseful and you are kept guessing about who or what the cause of these deaths was until close to the end. CAJUN NIGHTS is the 2nd book of this series I have read and I adored it. The setting and characters are charming and, being New Orleans, the story has a touch of the supernatural. CAJUN NIGHTS is a must read for those who enjoy thoughtful and well-written mysteries.
CAJUN NIGHTS is a great mystery. I was engrossed from the very beginning. The characters are well-written, easy to relate to, and complex. The author used Kit to give the reader the flavor and geography of New Orleans without bogging the story down in minutia. CAJUN NIGHTS is suspenseful and you are kept guessing about who or what the cause of these deaths was until close to the end. CAJUN NIGHTS is the 2nd book of this series I have read and I adored it. The setting and characters are charming and, being New Orleans, the story has a touch of the supernatural. CAJUN NIGHTS is a must read for those who enjoy thoughtful and well-written mysteries.
May 21, 2018
I’ll Be Reading More of This Series
This is book #1 of a new-to-me mystery series set in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. “Cajun Nights” was first published in 1988, but it still feels relevant because it’s set in a timeless city. According to the author, a new generation of enthusiastic readers have discovered these books, so the titles are being re-issued. I’m glad to have found D.J. Donaldson’s books.
The writing is very good, the setting descriptions ring true, and I enjoyed following the two protagonists—psychologist Kit Franklyn and chief medical examiner Andy Broussard—who are well-developed characters, as are most secondary characters.
The eerie murder-suicide storyline is quite original and includes supernatural elements, such as voodoo beliefs, practitioners and spells. Also, there is a natural event that appears to be deus ex machina, but as a reader of urban fantasy and paranormal books, I say it’s of supernatural origin.
I’m about to start on book #2 “Blood on the Bayou,” and I will be reading more D.J. Donaldson books on Kindle or listening via Audible.
This is book #1 of a new-to-me mystery series set in one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. “Cajun Nights” was first published in 1988, but it still feels relevant because it’s set in a timeless city. According to the author, a new generation of enthusiastic readers have discovered these books, so the titles are being re-issued. I’m glad to have found D.J. Donaldson’s books.
The writing is very good, the setting descriptions ring true, and I enjoyed following the two protagonists—psychologist Kit Franklyn and chief medical examiner Andy Broussard—who are well-developed characters, as are most secondary characters.
The eerie murder-suicide storyline is quite original and includes supernatural elements, such as voodoo beliefs, practitioners and spells. Also, there is a natural event that appears to be deus ex machina, but as a reader of urban fantasy and paranormal books, I say it’s of supernatural origin.
I’m about to start on book #2 “Blood on the Bayou,” and I will be reading more D.J. Donaldson books on Kindle or listening via Audible.
February 20, 2019
This is the second Donaldson story I have read and have greatly enjoyed.
Based in the New Orleans area and focused on a medical examiner, this story was well written and well researched.
All of the characters are well done and plenty of detail is provided so you can get to know each of them well.
I enjoy a lot of detail and description in reading as this is where we get our visuals, and you get them from Donaldson.
In this story, we see some black magic, some Voo Doo, and the revitalization of an ancient curse. There is also some interesting plant toxology involved.
I enjoy the main characters, head medical examiner Dr. Andy Broussard, the suicide psychologist Kit Franklin, and the excellent but fallible Detective Phillip Gatlin. Broussard and Gatlin the old curmudgeons, and Kit, the upstart in a new office in the medical examiners office.
I recommend this book as a good read and I plan to read more of this series.
Based in the New Orleans area and focused on a medical examiner, this story was well written and well researched.
All of the characters are well done and plenty of detail is provided so you can get to know each of them well.
I enjoy a lot of detail and description in reading as this is where we get our visuals, and you get them from Donaldson.
In this story, we see some black magic, some Voo Doo, and the revitalization of an ancient curse. There is also some interesting plant toxology involved.
I enjoy the main characters, head medical examiner Dr. Andy Broussard, the suicide psychologist Kit Franklin, and the excellent but fallible Detective Phillip Gatlin. Broussard and Gatlin the old curmudgeons, and Kit, the upstart in a new office in the medical examiners office.
I recommend this book as a good read and I plan to read more of this series.
April 25, 2015
3.5 stars
copy received for review
A fascinating premise with some deus-ex-machina aspects to the resolution. It helps to know that "the present" is the late 80s. (I wish authors would put years instead of "the present". I understand why they don't, but with how much technology has shifted even in the past decade reading something set 20-30 years ago as "present" makes you a little crazy trying to figure out why they don't just email each other or use cell phones.)
I guessed correctly that this is a first novel-- it definitely reads like one.
copy received for review
A fascinating premise with some deus-ex-machina aspects to the resolution. It helps to know that "the present" is the late 80s. (I wish authors would put years instead of "the present". I understand why they don't, but with how much technology has shifted even in the past decade reading something set 20-30 years ago as "present" makes you a little crazy trying to figure out why they don't just email each other or use cell phones.)
I guessed correctly that this is a first novel-- it definitely reads like one.
April 26, 2015
Fun book! The suspense really hooked me, and I will definitely read the next one in the series. I like the way that character background tidbits surfaced throughout the story, rather than taking up a ton of space in the beginning. I was not a fan of the multiple third-person narration - if it were just a couple of characters, it would be fine, but throwing in the villain's point of view near the end was just awkward. Also, the title seems to have nothing to do with the story. But those things aside, I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it.
September 7, 2015
This is the first book of Don J Donaldson v that I have read. I found his storyline intriguing and the pace of the book certainly kept my attention and curiosity. The two main protagonists were well drawn and very interesting. I will follow up this first book with others.
The story was well written and really interesting and as I said we'll paced and had lots of characters who added to b the overall deep south and cajun feel to the book.
I'd recommend this book for any reader who likes similar thrillers like James Lee Burke and Lynda la Plante and Kathy Reichs.
The story was well written and really interesting and as I said we'll paced and had lots of characters who added to b the overall deep south and cajun feel to the book.
I'd recommend this book for any reader who likes similar thrillers like James Lee Burke and Lynda la Plante and Kathy Reichs.
October 16, 2016
Enjoyable mystery set in New Orleans. Kit Franklyn is a new suicide investigator for the city and her boss is Chief Medical Examiner Andy Broussard. Several men apparently suddenly attack other people around them before committing suicide and Franklyn sees a pattern emerging that links them together. The explanation is an interesting premise but the book is weakened by the deus-ex-machina type of intervention that happens. The protagonist is likable though and I am looking forward to read more in the series.
January 25, 2014
THIS was a good book. the title is misleading and I consider it a marketing mistake! the story doesn't deserve this presentation....
March 9, 2014
I saw this had good reviews on a separate website. I must be missing something. This book seemed disjointed. Perhaps the second in the series is better?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews