The Deep Dark River

by Hannah Kate Stallo

Teche, an immortal serpent god and son of the Mississippi River has been murdered--and much to his mystery killer’s dismay, just won’t stay dead. With the notorious supernatural realm of New Orleans under fire, Teche enlists the unlikely help of a skeptical travelling salesman and an aspiring witch. Teche, Todd Finley, and Florence Hawkins embark on an investigation that will lead them into New Orleans’ ancient, occult history. Their exploits reveal the eccentricities and charm of a primordial leviathan, both maligned and celebrated in the mythos of South Louisiana. As the circumstance’s of Teche’s murder unfold, the trio finds themselves unwittingly painted as the villains in a local religious narrative. Their quest to restore order to the physical and metaphysical realms of South Louisiana becomes decorated with mystery, humor, and the bewitching beauty of the Deep South.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Modern, Paranormal, Magic, Mystery

560 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2020

Reviews

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran across this author plugging the series on TikTok. As someone who fell under the spell of New Orleans the first time I visited, and then wound up living there immediately after said visit, I was captivated by the plot summary. I essentially read the entire book in one afternoon, and as soon as I finished, bought the next one! The book does a very good job of capturing the essence of NOLA. The characters are so lovable that I literally couldn’t put the book down. Absolutely wonderful storytelling!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

With its engaging characters and vibrant setting, this story had so much potential, but I was overwhelmingly distracted by the constant stream of spelling, grammar, and formatting errors throughout the book- even the table of contents didn't match up! I felt like I was reading an early draft and wished it could've been passed through another editor before publishing.

[Indigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all. First of all, this tale is fun. It’s such a lovely treat to read NOLA through the eyes of a native; and, Hannah Kate Stallo obviously knows her way ‘round the Crescent City—and its lore. Second of all, read this damn book!

[Phoebe Spahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story isn’t bad, it’s just not particularly well written either? The characters are definitely interesting and the colorful descriptions of New Orleans are fascinating but the book is mostly dialogue and the pacing is a little strange.

[Miss Tami · Rating 2 out of 5]

The youngest son of the Mississippi River is joined by a British witch who moved to New Orleans to pursue voodoo and painting, and a mid-western runaway. The trio attempt to solve the spirit's murder before someone tries again and makes his death permanent.

CW: snakes, real world religions, law enforcement, violence, death, loss of a parent, magic, some sexual situations, mentions of homophobia, scars

I very much enjoy the author's other content but this book did not hit for me. I didn't think the dialogue flowed well and the characters'journeys, especially in their relationships to each other, felt forced. Some scenes were beautifully described but it wasn't enough for me to stay immersed.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know I needed to confront religious trauma but this snake man really helped :) TDDR is a wonderfully written novel. I liked the writing style, setting, and characters. The streets of New Orleans have never seemed more charming and mystical, filled with beautiful imagery and a cast of characters brimming with personality. I’d recommend this book for anyone who just wants a good read, as well as anyone trying to come to terms with who they are. Can’t wait for more from this author! ;)

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with New Orleans. I have been for decades. This book just makes me want to go visit again! I could smell the river, taste the beignets & café au laits, hear the cicadas & breeze through the Spanish moss. The main characters captured my attention, drew me in and delighted me with descriptions of the Quarter. I feel the beginning of Todd & Teche could have been fleshed out more. But I know there are sequels coming, so I’m hoping they will delve into each relationship even deeper!

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love New Orleans, folklore and magic...this is the book. This author popped up on my tiktoking while I was supposed to be working. I loved her voice and the stories she tells so I ordered this book. And spent that weekend with my head buried in it.

I think there is probably going to be a sequel but honestly I would love it more if she just told more stories that she heard while she was growing up.

Booksource: I bought this sucker.

[Sarah Ervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of the Iron Druid Chronicles comes the captivating step into New Orleans spirituality. The characters are fascinating as well as the setting. I literally could not put this book down. If a humorous step into facing your religious trauma through fantasy and folklore is up your ally then this will be likely be a favorite.

[Caverlee Dahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly didn't think I was going to like it, and then I was irreversibly hooked after two chapters. There's so much southern and New Orleans culture in here that it felt like going home, but also so much mythology I didn't know!! I loved the characters, especially Todd Finley. Perfect book to fall in love with some serpentine scoundrels while exploring religious trauma and the bayou.

[Anna W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good supernatural being / human team up for an adventure. Especially when they are trying to a solve a murder. The Louisiana lore was fascinating to read from this adventure perspective.

I really enjoyed the plot, there were some spots where the writing lost me, but overall I liked the book.

[Josie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Kate Stallo is a true artist, she meticulously crafted a mythical and endearing page turner and named it The Deep Dark River. I just finished this book and am already dying to get my hands on the next volume!

[Neptune · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a beautiful story. I was never bored. As a Louisiana native, it was a real treat. I enjoyed the supernatural and the mortal aspects of this tale. It is what Louisiana is all about. We understand because we have seen and thing or two. Cannot wait for the journey to continue, cher ;)

[Jeffrey Ketcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel from Ms. Stallo. She paints a timeless version of New Orleans that's simultaneously inviting and intimidating. The plot is engaging and cleverly paced. Most of all this book was just fun to read and I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Chel Ferrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were interesting and the NOLA mystic lore fascinating, but the pacing led to me skimming at least 1/3 of the book. This book could have used a few more read-overs by the editor and been cut in half. Slow going but overall enjoyable read.

[Nicole Stephenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️

I felt like I was reading this fairly short book for months.

The pacing was very strange. I feel like there was so much missed opportunity with this book, was it a mystery? Romance? Something else? I truly have no idea.

[Laura Whitman Dy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5./5 It was a little slow in the beginning, but this made my heart sing by the end. I loved the characters, the setting, the way it balanced the Mystic and mortal. It made me crave a beignet and a return to New Orleans. Absolutely loved!

[Makenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story and the characters grew on me as I read the book and by the end I was pleasantly surprised with overall feeling it gave me. While there were a host of grammatical and editing errors and some repetitive descriptions, I can definitely appreciate the author's love of her characters.

[Samantha Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun to read! It’ll have you laughing out loud repeatedly. Highly recommended

[Stephanie Boucherle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Occasionally I’ll find a book that I wish I could read 100 times for the first time… this is one of those books!

[Jennifer Drever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing, pulls you right into the scenes

[Amy Nectoux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Shawnsievers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for readers who are pro lgbtqia+, nuerodivergent, and love a little fantasy. Studio ghibli vibes.

[Jim Vinyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible start to finish. Such wonderful characters and a gripping story. The imagery was amazing and it sucked you right in.

[Jyanx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. The characters were well drawn, and interesting, the plot compelling, and I really enjoyed the writing style. What I really loved was the setting. You could really feel the love the author had for New Orleans, and I got such a sense of the place and the people and their culture. It made the story, although fantastical, feel very grounded. I'm looking forward to reading more!

[Cat Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure magic and I cannot recommend it more. I can't wait to see what's next.