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Rougarou
Everyone who lived in Saint Anthony Parish, Louisiana grew up hearing stories of the old Hindel Mansion . The one cast in shadow and sitting alone. Of late-night howling on nights of the full moon.
Parents listened and nodded as though in complete agreement with the strange happenings. Later they would laugh and shake their heads over the wild imaginings of today’s youth.
Then a family named Rawlins moved into the mansion and within days the laughter turned to a cold and paralyzing fear.
Now another child has disappeared from the mansion and Detectives Hays and Olivier’ know they need to move fast before they have another bloodbath on their hands.
Will they be in time to save this child?
Parents listened and nodded as though in complete agreement with the strange happenings. Later they would laugh and shake their heads over the wild imaginings of today’s youth.
Then a family named Rawlins moved into the mansion and within days the laughter turned to a cold and paralyzing fear.
Now another child has disappeared from the mansion and Detectives Hays and Olivier’ know they need to move fast before they have another bloodbath on their hands.
Will they be in time to save this child?
256 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 2, 2010
This is the first book that I've read by Judith McDowell, and it most likely won't be the last. I've always been a fan of scary movies, and that's just what I got with this book! I felt just like I was watching a movie as the story played out in my head. The book is highly suspenseful and will keep you glued to the pages. The characters are realistic, some you love, and some you just love to hate. At times she even has you almost feeling sorry for the bad guy . . . almost. If you're a fan of horror and suspense, I highly recommend this book!
October 21, 2010
Rougarou is the story about a man/werewolf by the name of Jonathan Hindle who lost the love of his life, tragically, centuries ago. He eventually meets and seduces a young voodoo priestess into helping him to bring forth his beloved Angelia's spirit, so that she can remain a part of his life. Unfortunately, the lengths he has gone to in order to achieve such a thing brings on tragic consequences for everyone involved.
This book was such an unexpected and pleasant surprise for me! I was expecting a paranormal romance and while it is a paranormal story, it was really not a romance. There was definitely love and emotion felt between characters in the book but the main storyline was not romantically based. It was, however, a wonderful mystery suspense thriller.
Judith McDowell is a fantastic storyteller! She did a really good job with fleshing out her characters. I really enjoyed the interaction between the two heroes of the story, Donovan and Jack. When you're reading about those two you feel like you're hanging with the guys..with their constant bantering back and forth. She even, surprisingly, has a way of making the reader somewhat sympathize with the villain, by showing his once softer side in flashbacks. It didn't seem to matter what the scene was... when you're reading about the couple suffering from the loss of their child..you want to wrap your arms around them and give them comfort. When she's describing a character walking through the dark mansion..she makes YOU want to drop the book and run in the other direction for fear of what may jump out at you! It TRULY read like a movie, she has a way with her descriptions that allows you to visualize everything so clearly. I can honestly say that i've never read a book that has made me feel that way before. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat waiting in anticipation, for what was going to happen next!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great paranormal suspense thriller with a touch of romance.
This book was such an unexpected and pleasant surprise for me! I was expecting a paranormal romance and while it is a paranormal story, it was really not a romance. There was definitely love and emotion felt between characters in the book but the main storyline was not romantically based. It was, however, a wonderful mystery suspense thriller.
Judith McDowell is a fantastic storyteller! She did a really good job with fleshing out her characters. I really enjoyed the interaction between the two heroes of the story, Donovan and Jack. When you're reading about those two you feel like you're hanging with the guys..with their constant bantering back and forth. She even, surprisingly, has a way of making the reader somewhat sympathize with the villain, by showing his once softer side in flashbacks. It didn't seem to matter what the scene was... when you're reading about the couple suffering from the loss of their child..you want to wrap your arms around them and give them comfort. When she's describing a character walking through the dark mansion..she makes YOU want to drop the book and run in the other direction for fear of what may jump out at you! It TRULY read like a movie, she has a way with her descriptions that allows you to visualize everything so clearly. I can honestly say that i've never read a book that has made me feel that way before. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat waiting in anticipation, for what was going to happen next!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great paranormal suspense thriller with a touch of romance.
January 12, 2011
When I first looked at this book and its description I believed it to be another Paranormal/Romance, but within minutes of starting the novel I realized just how wrong I was. I discovered it to be a Horror story which doesn't pull its punches. The tale is set in the small community of Saint Anthony Parish, Louisiana, which explains the title. For those not familiar with what a Rougarou is here is a quick definition.
"The Rougarou is a legendary creature in Laurentian French communities linked to European notions of the werewolf".
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The story revolves around the gruesome murder of a young child at the Hindel Mansion, a place of dark rumour and suspicion within the local community. For generations darkness has surrounded the going ons within the grounds of the Hindel Mansion. We follow two friends as they investigate this murder and we go along for the ride as they slowly piece together the facts of the case. Gradually with the help of others they begin to realize the nature of the evil facing them.
The tale has many elements which are woven into an intriguing storyline. The author introduces us to horror, love, friendship, betrayal and redemption. It is at times gritty and dark, which is what you really want with a good gothic horror. Judith McDowell does not romanticise her monster. It is not some poor misunderstood creature that you so often see in modern books, but the reason we are afraid of the dark. Although there is pure evil depicted within this novel the author has also explored the grey area between good and evil with great success.
I found this book to be a really enjoyable romp through the werewolf legends of Louisiana and is well worth reading. If you are tired of the nice fluffy interpretation of werewolves often seen in modern Paranormal/Romance then this would be a nice change. The story is fast paced and doesn't tax your brain in any way. The narrative style is enjoyable with the interaction between characters being the driving force of this tale.
If you enjoy a bit of classic gothic horror then Judith McDowell deserves your support
"The Rougarou is a legendary creature in Laurentian French communities linked to European notions of the werewolf".
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The story revolves around the gruesome murder of a young child at the Hindel Mansion, a place of dark rumour and suspicion within the local community. For generations darkness has surrounded the going ons within the grounds of the Hindel Mansion. We follow two friends as they investigate this murder and we go along for the ride as they slowly piece together the facts of the case. Gradually with the help of others they begin to realize the nature of the evil facing them.
The tale has many elements which are woven into an intriguing storyline. The author introduces us to horror, love, friendship, betrayal and redemption. It is at times gritty and dark, which is what you really want with a good gothic horror. Judith McDowell does not romanticise her monster. It is not some poor misunderstood creature that you so often see in modern books, but the reason we are afraid of the dark. Although there is pure evil depicted within this novel the author has also explored the grey area between good and evil with great success.
I found this book to be a really enjoyable romp through the werewolf legends of Louisiana and is well worth reading. If you are tired of the nice fluffy interpretation of werewolves often seen in modern Paranormal/Romance then this would be a nice change. The story is fast paced and doesn't tax your brain in any way. The narrative style is enjoyable with the interaction between characters being the driving force of this tale.
If you enjoy a bit of classic gothic horror then Judith McDowell deserves your support
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2011
this was definitely written by a woman, which is fine. i love women as writers! the female perspective on stories such as the werewolf legend tends to be refreshing and tasty. werewolves are not my favorite subject in literature or movies. but this author kept my attention with an easy-flowing style and an engaging storyline that kept my interest throughout. i believe this is mcdowell's first book (although i may be wrong). and for a first effort, she kept a good pace, a deft balance between action and story, and the characterization (not complex...didn't need to be) made it easy to like the good guys and hate the villains. there was not as much blood as i expected, but carnage is not requisite in a horror story....suspense is! and mcdowell, even in this early work, is adept at building a spooky atmosphere and keeping the suspense and tension at the perfect level to keep this story percolating at full steam until the end.
i'll admit the ending surprised me.....fresh, inventive and definitely left the door open for the possibility of a sequel. and i was left with a strong feeling that I ENJOYED THIS BOOK! this was a very enjoyable read. it was mysterious, engaging and suspenseful. a great early work from a promising author. characterization could've been a bit stronger, but this is a read that overall will not let you down! mcdowell is a literary force to be reckoned with.......and i have a feeling that (like our friend the wily werewolf) unless you have some silver bullets, we won't be able to keep her down! she will haunt us again....maybe in our dreams or nightmares....maybe on a full moon....
but she will be back to haunt us again!
a very satisfying read! i give it 4.3 stars (and a full moon)
i'll admit the ending surprised me.....fresh, inventive and definitely left the door open for the possibility of a sequel. and i was left with a strong feeling that I ENJOYED THIS BOOK! this was a very enjoyable read. it was mysterious, engaging and suspenseful. a great early work from a promising author. characterization could've been a bit stronger, but this is a read that overall will not let you down! mcdowell is a literary force to be reckoned with.......and i have a feeling that (like our friend the wily werewolf) unless you have some silver bullets, we won't be able to keep her down! she will haunt us again....maybe in our dreams or nightmares....maybe on a full moon....
but she will be back to haunt us again!
a very satisfying read! i give it 4.3 stars (and a full moon)
July 16, 2011
I absolutely loved this story and these characters. The descriptions are so vivid that you can feel the balmy Louisiana heat or the breath of the monster as it closes in for the kill. I found myself scared silly in several spots and ready to jump in and join the fight in other spots! It is an awesome book I would suggest to anyone who appreciates reading an amazingly well written piece of fiction. I would not, however, suggest that you read alone or in the dark!
This is the original review from
http://bethswritingopinions.blogspot.com
Hot and balmy Louisiana nights in a dark and dangerous swamp is the setting for JUDITH McDOWELL’s novel, ROUGAROU.
People in Saint Anthony’s Parish, Louisiana know how to deal with the lethal and slithering creatures that call the swamps home. What they can’t deal with, however, is the Voo-Doo magic that brings forth an extremely deadly creature with a thirst for human blood.
When the body count starts to rise in Saint Anthony’s Parish, each one mutilated to the point of being almost unrecognizable, Detective Donovan Hays and his close friend and ex-partner, Jack Olivier’, get a crash course in what it’s like to live in a horror movie. As they race against the clock to save their loved ones and their town, the questions weighing on their minds are; what sort of creature are they up against and can they find it before it’s too late?
This was a pulse pounding read that kept me scared out of mind and on the edge of my seat the entire time. It has been newly edited, (by yours truly), and re-released by World Castle Publishing. You can also visit Judith’s Facebook Fan page here.
I would suggest to anyone who loves horror or paranormal books to read this as soon as you can download or buy it! It also has some romance mixed into the plot for the lovers out there.
ROUGAROU is currently on the front page of All Romance Ebooks here under ‘New Releases’. It has also gone live on Barnes and Noble here. This will be worth checking out!
Once you’ve read it please come back and let me know what you think of it. It is truly an exhilarating reading. Happy (or scary) reading!
This is the original review from
http://bethswritingopinions.blogspot.com
Hot and balmy Louisiana nights in a dark and dangerous swamp is the setting for JUDITH McDOWELL’s novel, ROUGAROU.
People in Saint Anthony’s Parish, Louisiana know how to deal with the lethal and slithering creatures that call the swamps home. What they can’t deal with, however, is the Voo-Doo magic that brings forth an extremely deadly creature with a thirst for human blood.
When the body count starts to rise in Saint Anthony’s Parish, each one mutilated to the point of being almost unrecognizable, Detective Donovan Hays and his close friend and ex-partner, Jack Olivier’, get a crash course in what it’s like to live in a horror movie. As they race against the clock to save their loved ones and their town, the questions weighing on their minds are; what sort of creature are they up against and can they find it before it’s too late?
This was a pulse pounding read that kept me scared out of mind and on the edge of my seat the entire time. It has been newly edited, (by yours truly), and re-released by World Castle Publishing. You can also visit Judith’s Facebook Fan page here.
I would suggest to anyone who loves horror or paranormal books to read this as soon as you can download or buy it! It also has some romance mixed into the plot for the lovers out there.
ROUGAROU is currently on the front page of All Romance Ebooks here under ‘New Releases’. It has also gone live on Barnes and Noble here. This will be worth checking out!
Once you’ve read it please come back and let me know what you think of it. It is truly an exhilarating reading. Happy (or scary) reading!
November 3, 2010
Atmospheric Paranormal Suspense Horror with Romantic Elements
The Hindel House has been empty for five years ever since the gruesome tragedy that befell the Rawlins family there. Roger and Janet Stewart just moved to Saint Anthony Parish, Louisiana and were thrilled to lease the huge house at such a bargain price, unaware of its horrific history. Their three young daughters would have plenty of room to romp and play. The Stewart’s paid a full years’ lease on their new home to the creepy caretaker, Quigly, which left them basically broke.
Jack Oliver had his heart torn to pieces two years ago by the exotic beauty and powerful Psychic, Chandra, when she unceremoniously dumped him without any warning or explanation. As the story opens Jack is rowing out through the swamp to ask Chandra for her assistance. Jack believes that a horrible, unspeakable evil is set to unleash its fury on the new, unsuspecting family -- an evil that possibly only Chandra can defeat.
Full of passion and unholy desire, this beautifully structured story of a twisted love that survives untold years through the application of black magic conveys just the right sense of the heaviness of the thick, humid Louisiana air as it does the weighted, putrefying flesh of the tormented, insane villain. The conversations flowed easily and were believable as the characters raced to expose and destroy a murderer amid the ensuing supernatural chaos. Still, even in the midst of evil, levity at times found a foothold and a new love struggled to be born. Truly, the author is talented. She is seemingly able to effortlessly convey the gothic essence of this frightening story while still causing the reader to feel some compassion for the monster who can never let go of his doomed Angelia.
The Hindel House has been empty for five years ever since the gruesome tragedy that befell the Rawlins family there. Roger and Janet Stewart just moved to Saint Anthony Parish, Louisiana and were thrilled to lease the huge house at such a bargain price, unaware of its horrific history. Their three young daughters would have plenty of room to romp and play. The Stewart’s paid a full years’ lease on their new home to the creepy caretaker, Quigly, which left them basically broke.
Jack Oliver had his heart torn to pieces two years ago by the exotic beauty and powerful Psychic, Chandra, when she unceremoniously dumped him without any warning or explanation. As the story opens Jack is rowing out through the swamp to ask Chandra for her assistance. Jack believes that a horrible, unspeakable evil is set to unleash its fury on the new, unsuspecting family -- an evil that possibly only Chandra can defeat.
Full of passion and unholy desire, this beautifully structured story of a twisted love that survives untold years through the application of black magic conveys just the right sense of the heaviness of the thick, humid Louisiana air as it does the weighted, putrefying flesh of the tormented, insane villain. The conversations flowed easily and were believable as the characters raced to expose and destroy a murderer amid the ensuing supernatural chaos. Still, even in the midst of evil, levity at times found a foothold and a new love struggled to be born. Truly, the author is talented. She is seemingly able to effortlessly convey the gothic essence of this frightening story while still causing the reader to feel some compassion for the monster who can never let go of his doomed Angelia.
October 8, 2010
Raw and Sexy, A real Hidden Treasure
This book is not for the feint of heart, but what great monster story is? I don't do many book reviews, so bare with me, but when I like something this much that seems to be lost in a pile of fancier covers and marketed by the finest marketeer, I have to stand up and shout "Hey...You gotta read this!"
It's graphic with violence, blood, language and sex, but it's "Real" and that's it's true charm. The characters are real, spewing language I would expect from anyone who saw day in and day out what cops see. But the love under it all (even for the evil Jonathan), is real and deep seeded.
It's action packed and will keep you nervous and tense throughout. Looking for a great read on Halloween Night....This is your book!
This book is not for the feint of heart, but what great monster story is? I don't do many book reviews, so bare with me, but when I like something this much that seems to be lost in a pile of fancier covers and marketed by the finest marketeer, I have to stand up and shout "Hey...You gotta read this!"
It's graphic with violence, blood, language and sex, but it's "Real" and that's it's true charm. The characters are real, spewing language I would expect from anyone who saw day in and day out what cops see. But the love under it all (even for the evil Jonathan), is real and deep seeded.
It's action packed and will keep you nervous and tense throughout. Looking for a great read on Halloween Night....This is your book!
October 22, 2010
The leaves have turned, the autumn chill is in the air and the essence of All Hallow’s Eve approaches. Time to curl up on the couch with a hot drink and a good spooky read. I have just the book for you. Newly released Rougarou by Judith A. Mcdowell.
Rougarou is a fresh take on the modern werewolf and a long time in coming. Being a long time buff of the many veins of the horror genre, I was genuinely pleased and surprised to come upon an artfully woven tale of paranormal phenomena, werewolf legend, murder mystery and romance. This book will captivate the casual reader as well as the metaphysically advanced. McDowell and her characters are well on there way to a following for years to come. I am looking forward to the nearly completed sequel.
Rougarou is a fresh take on the modern werewolf and a long time in coming. Being a long time buff of the many veins of the horror genre, I was genuinely pleased and surprised to come upon an artfully woven tale of paranormal phenomena, werewolf legend, murder mystery and romance. This book will captivate the casual reader as well as the metaphysically advanced. McDowell and her characters are well on there way to a following for years to come. I am looking forward to the nearly completed sequel.
March 29, 2011
A haunting tale of obsession and love
Set in the Louisiana bayou country, Rougarou is a story of werewolves and voodo, love and obsession, and good and evil. This is not a light hearted look at soft fuzzy werewolves, it is dark and steamy and at times will send shivers up your spine. The book was well written, I could smell the swamp, feel the oppressive humidity of the bayou and see the characters in my mind. The characters were so real I actually found myself talking, at times yelling, out loud to them like you might do to a movie. You won't be sorry you picked up this book and be unable to put it down once you have.
Set in the Louisiana bayou country, Rougarou is a story of werewolves and voodo, love and obsession, and good and evil. This is not a light hearted look at soft fuzzy werewolves, it is dark and steamy and at times will send shivers up your spine. The book was well written, I could smell the swamp, feel the oppressive humidity of the bayou and see the characters in my mind. The characters were so real I actually found myself talking, at times yelling, out loud to them like you might do to a movie. You won't be sorry you picked up this book and be unable to put it down once you have.
October 21, 2011
There's something about Louisiana, werewolves, and vampires that go together like red beans and Rice. Like Anne Rice and many others, Judith McDowell has done a fine job in Rougarou of creating a compelling cast of characters and capitalizing on this mystical mecca of voodoo and sensuality.
April 18, 2012
Wow, I am so glad this author took the time to submit Rougarou to us for review. This is my first book read for this author. Judith Ann McDowell has written a story of such evil, embedded in the swamp lands of St Anthony Parish, Louisiana. This certainly is not your Taylor Lautner type wolf story.
We begin by meeting the Stewart family, whose oldest daughter goes missing just days after they move the entire family into an empty mansion with a very long history of death. That fact was not disclosed to them by Quigley, the agent, and a minion of Jonathan Hindel.
Police Detective Donavan Hays and his ex partner Jack Oliver team up, and begin the investigation and follow the trail left by an evil killer. The family is torn apart by this horror when the girl’s ravaged body is found in the woods. The parents are hospitalized with grief and the two remaining children are brought to Donavan's home where he and his wife Barb take them in.
Our author has staged a mystery of epic proportions with voodoo, magick, ghosts, werewolves, psychics, and horror. Jonathan Hindel is the epitome of evil. At first I almost felt sorry for him because all he craved was the love of the woman he lost. But the extent of his evil went past all boundaries.
Jack Oliver was touched by his evil. He originally was on the police force of the Parrish. He was Donavan Hays’ best friend and partner until he lost the love of his life, Chandra, to Hindel's manipulations. Chandra lives in the swamp and the people of the Bayou know her as a healer and voodoo priestess. She was a puppet to Hindel and served him until she met Jack and fell in love. The few years they were together were wonderful for both of them. Hindel ended that for Chawndra threatening to hurt Jack if she didn’t break it off. This almost destroyed Jack. He is now a private investigator working with Donavan. The intricacy of this story is amazing. I could not put this book down. The pages flew by, my heart beat faster to the final scenes.
There was a wonderful entourage of other well written, characters. Donavan and Barb are wonderful people, so very much in love, and are so good for Jack to have ‘family’ like them to lean on. I loved the conversations which seemed so natural as people were dealing with the occult on a level you and I would. After all, there's no such thing as a werewolf is there? Again I must warn you that this is a book that goes ‘bump in the night’ I loved every minute of it!
I see there is a Rougarou II to be put on my TBR pile. I am sure in that neck of the woods, Ms McDowell can find something else to scare me with. I'm looking forward to it.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair of the Paranormal Romance Review team
We begin by meeting the Stewart family, whose oldest daughter goes missing just days after they move the entire family into an empty mansion with a very long history of death. That fact was not disclosed to them by Quigley, the agent, and a minion of Jonathan Hindel.
Police Detective Donavan Hays and his ex partner Jack Oliver team up, and begin the investigation and follow the trail left by an evil killer. The family is torn apart by this horror when the girl’s ravaged body is found in the woods. The parents are hospitalized with grief and the two remaining children are brought to Donavan's home where he and his wife Barb take them in.
Our author has staged a mystery of epic proportions with voodoo, magick, ghosts, werewolves, psychics, and horror. Jonathan Hindel is the epitome of evil. At first I almost felt sorry for him because all he craved was the love of the woman he lost. But the extent of his evil went past all boundaries.
Jack Oliver was touched by his evil. He originally was on the police force of the Parrish. He was Donavan Hays’ best friend and partner until he lost the love of his life, Chandra, to Hindel's manipulations. Chandra lives in the swamp and the people of the Bayou know her as a healer and voodoo priestess. She was a puppet to Hindel and served him until she met Jack and fell in love. The few years they were together were wonderful for both of them. Hindel ended that for Chawndra threatening to hurt Jack if she didn’t break it off. This almost destroyed Jack. He is now a private investigator working with Donavan. The intricacy of this story is amazing. I could not put this book down. The pages flew by, my heart beat faster to the final scenes.
There was a wonderful entourage of other well written, characters. Donavan and Barb are wonderful people, so very much in love, and are so good for Jack to have ‘family’ like them to lean on. I loved the conversations which seemed so natural as people were dealing with the occult on a level you and I would. After all, there's no such thing as a werewolf is there? Again I must warn you that this is a book that goes ‘bump in the night’ I loved every minute of it!
I see there is a Rougarou II to be put on my TBR pile. I am sure in that neck of the woods, Ms McDowell can find something else to scare me with. I'm looking forward to it.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair of the Paranormal Romance Review team
June 20, 2013
Masterful storytelling! This book was a surprise for me. I was expecting a paranormal romance with some untidy bits. What I got was a compelling, exciting, tension filled, terrorizing, atmospheric paranormal horror, romance thriller. Hot biscuits! How did the author manages to pull this off?
Well she thought up a story that grips you from the start, locates it in an area steep with mystery and adds a cast of characters that are well written. Then adds surprises.
First surprise two of the main characters, (Jack and Donovan), are male friends/partners who aren't gay. I really love how the author portrayed this friendship between partners. The banter and love between them was exactly the type I see and hear between my brothers and their best friends. Second surprise she was able to make me sympathetic to the rougarou. Since he viciously murders a child, (actually two), as well as a dog, (I am a dog lover), I would not think it possible for me to feel any sympathy for him. Yet I did. Kudos Judith Ann Mcdowell. Along with the rougarou is Chandra. The woman who is the center of the romance in this book. The mixed feelings that Jack had were, in my opinion, accurate. As was the grief experienced by the murdered girls parents. Each of these characters are well written as are the supporting characters.
The author painted scenery with her words. You can feel the heat from the Bayou and picture the creepy mansion as well as the cave. You feel the eyes watching you as you venture into the mansion.
Though the story flips from now to flashbacks, back to now and off again and a few times scenes changed abruptly I felt the author kept the story flowing at the perfect pace.
Due to language, graphic violence and sex I would recommend the book to adults.
Well she thought up a story that grips you from the start, locates it in an area steep with mystery and adds a cast of characters that are well written. Then adds surprises.
First surprise two of the main characters, (Jack and Donovan), are male friends/partners who aren't gay. I really love how the author portrayed this friendship between partners. The banter and love between them was exactly the type I see and hear between my brothers and their best friends. Second surprise she was able to make me sympathetic to the rougarou. Since he viciously murders a child, (actually two), as well as a dog, (I am a dog lover), I would not think it possible for me to feel any sympathy for him. Yet I did. Kudos Judith Ann Mcdowell. Along with the rougarou is Chandra. The woman who is the center of the romance in this book. The mixed feelings that Jack had were, in my opinion, accurate. As was the grief experienced by the murdered girls parents. Each of these characters are well written as are the supporting characters.
The author painted scenery with her words. You can feel the heat from the Bayou and picture the creepy mansion as well as the cave. You feel the eyes watching you as you venture into the mansion.
Though the story flips from now to flashbacks, back to now and off again and a few times scenes changed abruptly I felt the author kept the story flowing at the perfect pace.
Due to language, graphic violence and sex I would recommend the book to adults.
February 19, 2012
I have been sitting back waiting to read this book for about a year. Wasn't sure if I could properly embrace it until I was prepared. Well, I should have started much earlier.
Judith does an excellent job in describing the backwoods of the bayous and the folks that live there.
The beginning didn't grab me by the throat wanting more, but it did provide an enticing start to keep moving forward.
At sometime in our young lives we heard of haunted houses and people disappearing with no clues on how it happened. Prepare yourselves, you are about to find out what really happens in those stately old mansions we always peered at through the heavy iron gates and the surrounding walls with glass embedded in the mortar to keep wayward visitors at bay.
The characters are well crafted and thought out. At times, there were too many conversations taking place without enough action. That must be the male in me wanting a little less talk and lot more hunting.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you on your toes when the sun goes down and the lights dim, you will not be disappointed.
Judith does an excellent job in describing the backwoods of the bayous and the folks that live there.
The beginning didn't grab me by the throat wanting more, but it did provide an enticing start to keep moving forward.
At sometime in our young lives we heard of haunted houses and people disappearing with no clues on how it happened. Prepare yourselves, you are about to find out what really happens in those stately old mansions we always peered at through the heavy iron gates and the surrounding walls with glass embedded in the mortar to keep wayward visitors at bay.
The characters are well crafted and thought out. At times, there were too many conversations taking place without enough action. That must be the male in me wanting a little less talk and lot more hunting.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you on your toes when the sun goes down and the lights dim, you will not be disappointed.
March 4, 2012
I read this on my Nook, at the gym. It was a great easy read. I think that the author had done a great job in creating the interaction between the characters, and the envoroment. The only thing wrong with this book is that Rougarou 2 is not out for the Nook.
I did like how at times the villan was the one the reader felt sorry for, and just as your opinion was softening toward him he would come back as an evil character.
I did like how at times the villan was the one the reader felt sorry for, and just as your opinion was softening toward him he would come back as an evil character.
October 3, 2012
LOVED THIS BOOK, GREAT STORY. DON'T USUALLY READ WEREWOLF BOOKS, BUT I AM NOW CONVERTED.
January 12, 2013
Great book - really fun read! Could only have been better if they left out the x-rated stuff.
March 29, 2022
Probably the best Rougarou tale I've come across
The story turned out to be exactly what I was looking for when I sought out a Rougarou story. A perfectly woven story blending the typical carnage associated with werewolf stories and the additional creepy aspect of the Louisiana swamps and post slavery horrors. The protagonist was also decidedly memorable. Another thing, I found that the author took some liberties with the sexual aspect of werewolves that you typically don't see among many stories. It was a welcome addition but unusual. I think the fact of the author was a woman allowed her to test boundaries that most male authors probably steer clear of. Again, perfectly blends into the horror but some points were hard to stomach...as it should be
The story turned out to be exactly what I was looking for when I sought out a Rougarou story. A perfectly woven story blending the typical carnage associated with werewolf stories and the additional creepy aspect of the Louisiana swamps and post slavery horrors. The protagonist was also decidedly memorable. Another thing, I found that the author took some liberties with the sexual aspect of werewolves that you typically don't see among many stories. It was a welcome addition but unusual. I think the fact of the author was a woman allowed her to test boundaries that most male authors probably steer clear of. Again, perfectly blends into the horror but some points were hard to stomach...as it should be
October 25, 2021
Werewolf horror
I did order this book with audio and it is the worst readiing and sound effects i've heard, the reader, takes very strange pauses, have nada modulation, make strange noises with her mouth and the sound effects are often repeating a loop in very high volume way to long making it difficult to hear her voice and they dosent always fit the scene either. Other than that the story was ok but not more, will not read/listen to the next
I did order this book with audio and it is the worst readiing and sound effects i've heard, the reader, takes very strange pauses, have nada modulation, make strange noises with her mouth and the sound effects are often repeating a loop in very high volume way to long making it difficult to hear her voice and they dosent always fit the scene either. Other than that the story was ok but not more, will not read/listen to the next
July 26, 2021
Great story
Really enjoyed this take on the werewolf legend. Looking forward to the second book. The voodoo and swamps of Louisiana made for great background.
Really enjoyed this take on the werewolf legend. Looking forward to the second book. The voodoo and swamps of Louisiana made for great background.
May 4, 2011
Absolutely awful. Poorly written, with cringe-worthy dialogue and bad, bad, bad punctuation. Not creative, just ... bad. I got stuck on the first page (!) and slogged through five chapters before giving up. (Which, I'd like to point out, is more than an agent or editor would need to accept/reject a manuscript. I've been told I should have read the whole thing in order to make an informed decision.)
It reads like a first draft, not a finished, polished manuscript and appears to have been self-published. I shudder to think that an actual editor - a professional - could read this and not want to tear their hair out and fall on their pencil. Every mistake that a beginning writer can make is there to see - it could be used as an example of what not to do.
It isn't enough to have a great idea for a story - lots of people have those - a writer needs to have an ear for language and dialogue and a knack for putting it down on paper (or whatever). I have been roundly criticised on Amazon for not liking this book, and told if I expected literature I needed to look elsewhere. The Chicago Manual of Style applies to all forms of fiction - I wasn't aware that paranormal fiction was held to a lower standard.
It reads like a first draft, not a finished, polished manuscript and appears to have been self-published. I shudder to think that an actual editor - a professional - could read this and not want to tear their hair out and fall on their pencil. Every mistake that a beginning writer can make is there to see - it could be used as an example of what not to do.
It isn't enough to have a great idea for a story - lots of people have those - a writer needs to have an ear for language and dialogue and a knack for putting it down on paper (or whatever). I have been roundly criticised on Amazon for not liking this book, and told if I expected literature I needed to look elsewhere. The Chicago Manual of Style applies to all forms of fiction - I wasn't aware that paranormal fiction was held to a lower standard.
August 26, 2015
Hard to find a good werewolf
This was well structured story about a house that was home to an ancient evil, read werewolf here. The two main characters are just men, who are doing their job, but they have to face a reality that flies in the face of what they know. Donovan Hays and Jack Olivier are the two men who have to investigate the death of a young girl in what is very similar to a past crime that happened at the same location the Hindel Mansion. They think the killer is the same man, but he is supposedly in England with his father. Then the killer is glimpsed and it is supernatural, a werewolf. This story has a supernatural element, a bit of a mystery and a romance involved in it. I enjoyed this story because the protagonists are a couple of likeable characters. They aren't super human just a couple of cops, who are a little bit afraid of what they face but are determined to bring the case to a close. I won't tell much more about what happens. Just know it is a good constructed story that was enjoyable to read. I am hoping the sequel is as good as this one was.
This was well structured story about a house that was home to an ancient evil, read werewolf here. The two main characters are just men, who are doing their job, but they have to face a reality that flies in the face of what they know. Donovan Hays and Jack Olivier are the two men who have to investigate the death of a young girl in what is very similar to a past crime that happened at the same location the Hindel Mansion. They think the killer is the same man, but he is supposedly in England with his father. Then the killer is glimpsed and it is supernatural, a werewolf. This story has a supernatural element, a bit of a mystery and a romance involved in it. I enjoyed this story because the protagonists are a couple of likeable characters. They aren't super human just a couple of cops, who are a little bit afraid of what they face but are determined to bring the case to a close. I won't tell much more about what happens. Just know it is a good constructed story that was enjoyable to read. I am hoping the sequel is as good as this one was.
December 12, 2013
I haven't finished this one yet, but so far I am not impressed. This author was recommend by a friend at work. She lives in my area and made it a point to track me down at my job and give me her card with a list of her books. I very much appreciated her doing that and wish I could be more positive. This book is just not keeping my attention.
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