by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

Now that she is a partner in New Orleans’ Lagniappe Bookstore, Samantha “Sammy” Richardson is enthusiastic about helping her neighboring businesses and friends with their promotional events. Artistic Coffee and Creations is hosting an art show opening by the artist Griffin, and the coffee shop’s owner Libby Tyler is excited to be featuring the works of her former professor Griffin Blackthorn. Griffin has many connections to the French Quarter, many of whom are tied to his former students at Southern Pines University. He even has a wife currently living in the town, something that surprises not only Sammy but Tessa, a baker and Griffin’s infatuated student. The arrogant artist’s attitude rubs more than a few locals the wrong way, but when he is possibly poisoned to death the question becomes whether he was the actual target.

Libby worries that the cloud of suspicion will hamper the Cafe’s business, but this being New Orleans, it only seems to enhance it. But that doesn’t mean that Sammy won’t do what she can to help ease her friend’s mind, especially since Libby is not only her landlord, but the mother of Sammy’s boyfriend. While Griffin’s talent as an artist might be questionable, what’s not is the wave of unhappy paramours and students he left behind. A self-proclaimed journalist inserts himself into the investigation in order to post on his blog, but he has his own motives for wanting the artist dead. The circle of suspects from Southern Pines University is more of a romantic square than a triangle, which makes nailing down both the intended victim and the culprit more than a little complicated.

While this is the sixth in the series, it serves as a great entry point into this New Orleans setting. Previous entries explored Sammy’s biological and adoptive families, but here she focuses on the main mystery involving the visiting artists and local businesses.

The French Quarter comes alive with descriptions of the restaurants and delicious foods, which of course feature beignets, po’boys, and seafood. Sammy’s relationship with Connor has progressed to a point where they and readers are ready for the next step, giving them all something to look forward to in the next book. The relationships Sammy has built in this series are what make this series come alive, as characters all have their own backstories and unique personalities. Sammy is a standout heroine devoted to her new home and neighbors, making her intrepid investigations more than plausible especially since the local law enforcement also now have confidence in her abilities. An extremely satisfying conclusion leaves readers wanting more and looking forward to the next visit to Louisiana’s French Quarter.

You can click here to purchase this book.

To enter to win a copy of A Corpse in the Café, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “corpse” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 13, 2024. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.