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Harbinger of Evil
In 1963, New Orleans’ French Quarter is rocked by the gruesome murder of a wealthy businessman, and Detective Richard Mobey finds himself intertwined in the lives of a family about to unravel from generational secrets. The widowed detective faces the choice of following his instincts or his heart as he investigates Hattie Lee, the primary suspect found lying next to the corpse. The protection of Alaskan oil, shady politics and CIA operatives converge to muddy the investigation, leading him down a treacherous path. As Mobey struggles to rebuild his personal life, he unwittingly becomes an integral part of the most infamous assassination of all time. The ultimate whodunit. Don’t miss the final erotic twist as the killer strives to explain not only the necessity, but the ultimate justice for committing murder.
246 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 17, 2011
A mystery in the vein of the classics, unfolding bit-by-bit, like a literary game of CLUE. I loved the way each character is introduced via interviews with a look at their secrets, connections and motive. Mobey is the perfect "imperfect" detective. Relax, read and enjoy!
Hope Meb is busy writing us another.
Hope Meb is busy writing us another.
August 11, 2016
I typically am not a mystery thriller reader. I tend to gravitate toward paranormal or urban fantasy. Having said that, I am so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone. The book was fast paced and engaging. It even has a happy ending. Meb Bryant shared with me that she edited the original ending. Thank you for giving the reader closure. It was good to see the central characters finding love and happiness amid such deception, blackmail, bribery and violence.
Meb Bryant's book had me guessing and second guessing until the end. She starts with a bang as we are introduced to a very naked Hattie Lee, handcuffed to a bed with an abusive monster. We are relieved to discover that the monster dies. However, he is discovered in the same bed as Hattie, making per a person of interest. Hattie is rescued by a knight in the form of Detective Richard Mobey.
The story centers around Det. Richard Mobey a homicide detective for the New Orleans Police Department who is assigned to investigate a very dead Beau Bordreaux. Over the course of 9 days, Det. Mobey interviews a myriad of unique characters in the form of suspects,family members, and employees of the deceased. The story is woven through these interviews and meetings. We gain insight into the secrets and scandals that the socially elite would prefer to not be aired in public.
Our knight in shining armor is Det. Mobey, a transplant from NYCPD, who relocated so his now deceased wife could be closer to her family. Incidentally, his father in-law the local Don, who has ties to NYC and Mobeys family. The Don is a likable guy who genuinely cares for his son-in-law. This side story does not detract from the
The events of the book take place in November on 1963, and Bryant did her homework. She touched upon race relations in the South in an era when equality loomed in the not too distant future. White Det. Mobey develops feelings for prime suspect and victim, Hattie. The backdrop to the story is the political climate of the time; the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and the assassination of JFK in Dallas.
Bryant masterfully crafted a story of four families whose lives are and family secrets are laid bare in the course of nine days. As the book progresses, the reader is able to. There are twists at every turn and infidelities and illegitimate children galore.
Deceit runs rampant throughout the book. In the final pages we discover who the real killer was and their motive for murder. During the killers confession another major plot twist was revealed. Bryant masterfully cleared up the loose ends and the book ended with a new beginning for Hattie, the real victim of the book. I am looking forward to reading Bryant's next novel. She really delivered with this one.
Meb Bryant's book had me guessing and second guessing until the end. She starts with a bang as we are introduced to a very naked Hattie Lee, handcuffed to a bed with an abusive monster. We are relieved to discover that the monster dies. However, he is discovered in the same bed as Hattie, making per a person of interest. Hattie is rescued by a knight in the form of Detective Richard Mobey.
The story centers around Det. Richard Mobey a homicide detective for the New Orleans Police Department who is assigned to investigate a very dead Beau Bordreaux. Over the course of 9 days, Det. Mobey interviews a myriad of unique characters in the form of suspects,family members, and employees of the deceased. The story is woven through these interviews and meetings. We gain insight into the secrets and scandals that the socially elite would prefer to not be aired in public.
Our knight in shining armor is Det. Mobey, a transplant from NYCPD, who relocated so his now deceased wife could be closer to her family. Incidentally, his father in-law the local Don, who has ties to NYC and Mobeys family. The Don is a likable guy who genuinely cares for his son-in-law. This side story does not detract from the
The events of the book take place in November on 1963, and Bryant did her homework. She touched upon race relations in the South in an era when equality loomed in the not too distant future. White Det. Mobey develops feelings for prime suspect and victim, Hattie. The backdrop to the story is the political climate of the time; the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and the assassination of JFK in Dallas.
Bryant masterfully crafted a story of four families whose lives are and family secrets are laid bare in the course of nine days. As the book progresses, the reader is able to. There are twists at every turn and infidelities and illegitimate children galore.
Deceit runs rampant throughout the book. In the final pages we discover who the real killer was and their motive for murder. During the killers confession another major plot twist was revealed. Bryant masterfully cleared up the loose ends and the book ended with a new beginning for Hattie, the real victim of the book. I am looking forward to reading Bryant's next novel. She really delivered with this one.
December 5, 2013
Meb Bryant blew me away.
I adore Richard Mobey, aka Mobey Dick, he’s my favorite white whale. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him, watching him build relationships with the other characters in the novel, witnessing his snotty banter, and finally experiencing him unravel the mystery and put all the puzzle pieces together.
I love the back drop of the novel, there’s no exaggeration with the tagline: New York Crime Meets New Orleans Voodoo. In all my reading history, this is my favorite ‘voodoo’ piece. I can’t think of a better novel set in the French Quarter.
If I had my way Detective Richard Mobey would have a series longer than Inspector Lynley’s, but I have a feeling I won’t be getting my way.
http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...
I adore Richard Mobey, aka Mobey Dick, he’s my favorite white whale. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him, watching him build relationships with the other characters in the novel, witnessing his snotty banter, and finally experiencing him unravel the mystery and put all the puzzle pieces together.
I love the back drop of the novel, there’s no exaggeration with the tagline: New York Crime Meets New Orleans Voodoo. In all my reading history, this is my favorite ‘voodoo’ piece. I can’t think of a better novel set in the French Quarter.
If I had my way Detective Richard Mobey would have a series longer than Inspector Lynley’s, but I have a feeling I won’t be getting my way.
http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...
July 8, 2011
Meb Bryant’s debut novel “Harbinger of Evil,” is a surprisingly complex story of love and betrayal, intrigue and corruption in 1963 New Orleans.
The sounds and smells of the bayou, the spicy taste of gumbo and the rhythm of rag time music jump off every page, but be warned. The grand old plantations are as dangerous as the back alleys of Bourbon Street and evil lurks behind the curtains of Spanish moss.
The sounds and smells of the bayou, the spicy taste of gumbo and the rhythm of rag time music jump off every page, but be warned. The grand old plantations are as dangerous as the back alleys of Bourbon Street and evil lurks behind the curtains of Spanish moss.
December 27, 2011
I was fortunate enough to receive this book from a FirstReads giveaway. The first chapter opens up with gratuitous graphic descriptions that the author seemingly just used as an attention getter since the rest of the book only hinted at sexual tension. The plot itself was somewhat winding and didn't really come together for me. I found the characters somewhat unbelievable and couldn't find a real connection with any of them.
December 5, 2011
From the opening murder scene of a privileged member of New Orleans aristocracy the reader is hooked. Nothing makes sense. The only suspect the police have is a young black woman who was found beside the body naked, tied up, drugged and beaten! The reader is led a merry chase through unexpected twists and turns as Ms. Bryant takes elements of real news stories from our country’s history and masterly weaves them into the murder mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
February 12, 2014
This is a murder mystery, set in November 1963 New Orleans.
It's a good easy read. For me, I was disappointed at the end. The fate of one of the characters is 'left up in the air', and I really wanted to know what exactly happened to them, after I'd invested so much time into them,
Also, though set in 1963, terms such as "B*tch slap" and "Drive-By" are used in the story-They don't fit in 1963,IMO....
Overall a good read. One steamy sex scene that caught me by surprise, as well.
It's a good easy read. For me, I was disappointed at the end. The fate of one of the characters is 'left up in the air', and I really wanted to know what exactly happened to them, after I'd invested so much time into them,
Also, though set in 1963, terms such as "B*tch slap" and "Drive-By" are used in the story-They don't fit in 1963,IMO....
Overall a good read. One steamy sex scene that caught me by surprise, as well.
August 12, 2012
I am the author of this book.
December 2, 2011
A great "Hard Boiled" read! If you like it dark, gritty, and set in the South-- check this one out!
March 13, 2013
Fantastic!
August 31, 2014
My first time reading a book from Ms Meb. I found it wonderfully written. I love New Orleans so taking us back in time was even better. You could really imagine what Hattie was like through the words. I found time flew as I was reading this. I'm moving in to another book by the same author. I hope I enjoy that one as much if not more than this one. Great job Meb. Keep on writing.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews