Blood on the Bayou

Cafferty & Quinn #3.6

by Heather Graham

From New York Times bestseller Heather Graham...

It's winter and a chill has settled over New Orleans, binding a stream of blood that leads a tourist to a dead man, face down in the bayou.

The man has been done in by a vicious beating, so violent that his skull has been crashed in.

It's barely a day before a second victim is found . . . once again so badly thrashed that the water runs red. The city becomes riddled with fear.

An old family friend comes to Danni Cafferty, telling her that he's terrified, he's certain that he's received a message from the Blood Bayou killer--It's your turn to pay, blood on the bayou.

The two quickly become involved, and--as they all begin to realize that a gruesome local history is being repeated--they find themselves in a fight to save not just a friend, but, perhaps, their very own lives.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Novella, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

Reviews

[Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

Full Review for 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine at Of Pens and Pages.

Loved this novella! I don’t usually read suspense novels because I get freaked out easy, but I had a lot of fun reading Blood on the Bayou, a novella in the Cafferty and Quinn series. A series of killings related to rougarou, a mythical creature in the bayou, no suspects except said mythical creature, and clues here and there. It was fun to guess who the killer was, and like Eve from Between the Bookends said, it was like a Scooby-Doo mystery! The whole time, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, devouring each page. I also love how New Orleans and a bit of its culture was featured in this story and how the mystery was weaved in it. If I wasn’t such a wimp, I’d read the whole series. Maybe during mornings.


*Read as part of the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine anthology
*ARC received in exchanged for an honest review.

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[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening ✨🎎🎉

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account

This a prequel to the Cafferty and Quinn series

There are murders that are linked to the mystery of Louisiana swamp. Cafferty and Quinn are part of the investigation. Cafferty is captured by the killers but rescued by Quinn leading to a happy ending.

I would recommend this novella and others by the author to readers of mystery novels. 2024

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodies have turned up in the swamps of Louisiana and the general public is convinced that the rougarou has come back to kill once again. It's up to Quinn and Danni, with the help of their supportive crew, to distinguish fact from legend and catch a killer. This story was creepy, mysterious, and a fast-paced whodunit.

Although it was pretty short, it was jam-packed with what are considered facts by the locals. Legends, myths, cultural phenomenon, whatever you want to call it, the author brought all of that to this story and I found it so intriguing. It added a certain spice to the story, that's for sure!

Release Date: January 26, 2016
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 1 out of 5
Book Type: Series Novella (Book 3.6 of the Cafferty and Quinn series)

*Read as part of the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine anthology

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots and lots of murder.

If the title, Blood on the Bayou, didn't already give it away - please prepare for blood and murders. It was interesting enough since it's set in New Orleans and I had endless questions about the numerous murders. I didn't expect a novella to have so many dead bodies in it but this one definitely upped whatever I thought was going to be in it. Definitely was a page turner and I'm a teeny tiny bit intrigued to dive into the actual series.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fabulous read!

It was like a Scooby-Doo mystery! Great background and history for the backdrop of the story. Interesting characters, and I didn't even have a clue who the bad guy was until they tore his mask off!

I love these little novella's!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things that I love most about the 1001 Dark Nights line of novellas is that they give you a chance to sample an authors work that you might not have ever dared to pick up and try before. BLOOD ON THE BAYOU did just that for me. I’ve been on a big romantic suspense kick lately so this book really hit the spot for me.

I loved the creepy atmospheric setting that was created and so richly painted. Even though I’ve never been to Louisiana, I felt like I was down there with the people. The lore, history, and different cultures and practices that were described made the book and the characters that much more intriguing. There was a slow build to the mystery and suspense part of the novel that I really enjoyed.

This book has a supernatural element to it, which I usually don’t come across in the books that I read every day. Especially with romantic suspense. This novella was a quick and short introduction into this world that Heather Graham has created and I loved every single minute of it. I will definitely be adding the other books in this series to my TBR.

For more reviews please visit me here: https://bookspieandcoffee.wordpress.com/

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the name, Blood on the Bayou, makes me want to read this, but I am also a huge fan of Heather Graham. No way could I resist a trip to New Orleans. I am very familiar with the place. I have walked the streets, ate in the restaurants, listened to the music and drank the drinks.

The mix of cultures and myths and legends that surround the Bayou are full of superstition and monsters and a great location to dump some bodies. Critters and the elements will make quick work of any evidence left behind.

This novella builds in suspense and mystery as the body count grows. The creep factor rises. I race through the pages trying to figure it out. We have plenty of suspects to choose from, and the winner is…

I received a copy of Blood on the Bayou by Heather Graham in return for an honest review.

To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Bodies found in the Bayou with their throats bitten open and the locals are saying the legendary Rougarou (Wolfman) has reappeared. Quinn is asked by his ex-partner Larue to consult, but Danni is sure that there are logical reasons for the killings.

Another short whodunit with a surprising villain.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Cafferty and Quinn novella. Need longer ones! ;)

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Blood On The Bayou
Author: Heather Graham
Series: 1001 Dark Nights
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Release Date: January 26th, 2016
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count: 96 pages
Heat Level: # 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Gabby Roman has every intention of following through on a promise that she made, but when she feels that she is about to make the biggest mistake of her life, she runs as far as the road will take her. Destiny awaits Gabby, or so she thinks. She finds herself trying to settle in a place where she does not fit in. When Gabby meets Ty, she feels a pull like she’s never felt before. Although the pull is strong for Ty, the small town pettiness is stronger. Will she survive the ridicule or will she run from the one person who makes her feel safe?

Bravo! Quite frankly I was completely unprepared for Heather Graham's contribution to the 1001 Dark Nights series with Blood on the Bayou. While I'm used to paranormal, erotica or contemporary romance novels to date, to have the chance to read a suspense/thriller with that romantic spin was the last thing I had expected from Heather Graham. Don't get me wrong: I'm aware that she writes in quite a few genres (and amazingly might I add), but to find a second added to the 1001 Dark Nights series, the first being All Hallows Eve (that I've read), a paranormal romance, was more than I could have hoped for. While the novel does have the romance between the characters, Cafferty and Quinn, what striked/impressed me the most was the attention to the detail on the many aspects any traveller (current or past) and residents of New Orleans would recognize and be able to say 'yup, that's true, it's there!'. Even though it's a short story, roughly 90 pages, there was so much in this one book that I felt as though no time has passed from the beginning to the very last page. As great as a romance write Heather Graham is known to be, Blood On The Bayou shows exactly why she is an all around mastermind when it comes to suspense and thrillers - for the first time in a very long time, I found myself at the edge of my seat, nervous as all heck and cursing the last page of the book because Cafferty and Quinn's adventure and romance was over. As a returning fan of this author, Blood on the Bayou just proves to me that she's still got it and more than ready to take on new challenges.

PLOT: 5/5
CHEMISTRY: 4/5
PACING: 5/5
ENDING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5






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ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood on the Bayou is a quick burst of suspenseful mystery. There are murders on the bayou. Everywhere you turn there is blood or bodies. Is the person responsible for the deaths a serial killer? Or is it something far more sinister?

Set in New Orleans Heather gram mixes charm, legends, and history. Twenty years ago there was a killing spree. The locals was convinced that the Rougarou (Wolfman) was responsible for the deaths. A body is found in the swamp and the towns peoples worst fears resurface. Could the Rougarou have resurfaced after two decades?

Can the detectives face their childhood fears and get to the bottom of the murders before more blood is shed? Are there loved ones safe? Can they outsmart the Rougarou?

This novella is filled to capacity with anticipation. I was in the edge of my seat from the prologue to the last sentence. I started the story and did not set the book down until I finished it. Once again Heather Graham has blown me away.

*4 Charming Blood Filled Stars*
**ARC was provided to Books Need TLC in exchange for an honest review**

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the newest offering of the Cafferty , and Quinn Series. The book was a great murder mystery, that was supposed to be based on an old urban legend, that many in NOLA still believed. Some one, or something was killing people in the swamp, by bashing in their heads, and ripping out their throats. The police ask in Cafferty, and Quinn, who seem to specialize in the unknown to help. I loved the twists ,and turns, but wish it had been a longer book. Father Ryan, Natasha, Bo Ray, and Billie were all along for the search. I hope this series continues. I really have loved reading this series, and following the couple's romance. Plus we have all come to love their dog Wolf...evil still lurks out there, and the vampire cults have not even been covered yet, or something ghost related. It is New Orleans after all, and so many stories remain....

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read from author Heather Graham. It's a crime drama novella with developed characters. It was well written and a fast paced read. Who doesn't love a good murder mystery with NOLA as the background and a possible serial killer on the prowl, Rec'd this book for an honest review from DRC Promotions, not a paid review.

[Amy Winton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely AWFUL! Story sucked, hard to follow and had no meaning whatsoever IMO. I would never recommend this novella to anyone and now have NO desire to listen to the series.

[TheSassyNerdBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. I went into this opened minded. The blurb intrigued me enough, and I hadn't read the author before... And I love short novellas such as this. So why not take a chance? I am glad I did.

This was different, in a good way. It held my attention from the start to the finish, and for something so short, it held a lot. There was a plot that pulled me in from the beginning and gave me an amazing back story to this plot, with a lot of history behind it. Add in the supernatural feel to it. The suspense, the mystery and murders, and the characters were so enticing and had me second-guessing everything.


All in all, it was a fantastic, somewhat easy, but not to easy read. It was a fast pace suspense romance full of twists and turns. I honestly didn't know who to trust and didn't know who the villain was right up until they dropped the mask. I was on the edge of my seat.

Loved it. I will be reading more of this author's books, that is a given!

5 Stars!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are the best. I haven't read to many of the 1001 Dark night books but what I have I'm absolutely addicted to.

Each author tells a story that will keep you coming back for more. It almost like reading an adult fairy tale. They are quick reads that can be read in one sitting. Here we have a tale of a creature who is legend in the swamps of New Orleans. Let's face it New Orleans is a great place to spin a legend. Someone is reenacting the legend and they need to find out who before anyone else dies.

If all the tales are done so well I can understand how the 1001 will keep us coming back night after night. So, I'm hopeless addicting and eagerly making my way through the series.

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Graham is on my read list. 1001 Dark Nights is also on my read list. When I noticed that Blood on the Bayou was being narrated by Dermot Mulroney, well, it made the must-listen-to-now list. I wasn't disappointed. Dermot Mulroney did a wonderful job with narration. Heather Graham wrote a fun and entertaining story. It didn't matter that I haven't read any of the Cafferty and Quinn series yet. (That will be corrected.) There was enough backstory provided that I didn't get lost. I enjoyed all of the characters. The story was well paced with good action and suspense, with just enough romance for spice. Well done all.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the three Cafferty & Quinn novels I read last year, so this seemed like a fun addition to the lot. In this outing, Mike and Danni are hot on the trail of the rougarou, a legendary Louisiana swamp monster.

Plots including rival bayou tour companies, voodoo, and of course Danni's store full of occult curiosities and the artifacts in it, add to the enjoyment of this brief whodunnit.

Highly recommended for fans of the other tales, since this one kind of depends on readers knowing the background.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all the Cafferty and Quinn novels Heather has done so far. This Novella was NO exception. Fabulous from beginning to end. I had to pace myself in the reading of it so it wouldn't end. All my favorite characters were back, and just as amazing as before. Bo Ray and his lighthearted demeanor lightened the story at just the right time. And Quinn, as usual was tough and gentle. Danni, always amazing with figuring things out. My only issue was that it was too short!!!

[Kirha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder and mayhem are centered around the swamp and Cafferty and Quinn become involved for different reasons.

I wasn't a fan of the story when I first started, but it grew on me. Since this was my first time reading this series and the author, I didn't know what to expect. The story starts off with a murder, but then quickly delves into monsters and other Myth's of the bayou. t was a very intricate plot and well written, but the characters didn't connect with me. There were a few things talked about within the book and the way they were written made me feel as if I should know the background when I in fact did not. For me a successful stand alone will pull you in immediately and make you want to root for the characters and excited for each page turn, but I didn't get that with this one. There were some redeeming parts of the book. For example, I didn't see that ending at all and I liked how the author kept me guessing.

3. 5 Stars

B2B Kirha

[Marisa Carpico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgot to mark this finished the other day. This is really a 3.5. Shocked by how good this was considering I bought it for cheap. May actually have to read some of the other books in the series. Anyway, the supernatural elements worked well and the central romance was intriguing even if it was a little sparse here. (Totally understandable since this is a novella and most readers would already be aware of the history.)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Orleans oddities shop owner, Danni Cafferty, and her private investigator boyfriend, Mike Quinn, are investigating a case of murders on the bayou, eerily similar to an unsolved string of murders that took place twenty years ago in the bayous of southern Louisiana. The locals fear the legend of the rougarou has come to life once again, and just like before, no one is safe.

I love the setting, the characters and the mystery, as well! A good, spooky novella!

[Christine Whittington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gets a star just for being set in New Orleans, my favorite city in the U.S. After that, it's pretty much Heather Graham's likeable detective crew with a bit of romance thrown in. Like other Graham books, it centers on the hospitality/tourism industry and incorporates local folklore (in the case the Loup Garou). It is predictable through process of elimination.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful novella! My only disappointment was that it felt as though it wrapped up very quickly; other than that, it had some wonderful twists/turns and was a well-written story in this fantastic series.

Highly recommend!

[diana romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cafferty & Quinn Novella

This was another winner. I love this author. This series and her other one Krere of hunters. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who love mysteries and good love stories. Diana Romano

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good story - no great novel, but it is worth the time it took to listen to it. Dermot Mulroony is the narrator, and he is excellent, changing his voice and accent to reflect the characters and their personalities.

[Mary Bemis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting read!

I really enjoyed this book. It had it all, mystery, murder and excitement. It kept you guessing until the very end. This author is amazing and I will continue to buy her books.

[Liza Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series reminds me the old TV show Friday the 13th the series except they're in love with each other. They find dangerous artifacts and lock them up

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Cafferty and Quinn series. Its spooky enough to get my heart beating fast but I love it. I love the chemistry between Danielle and Michael. I want more!!!

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - Paranormal/Suspense Novella

I listened to the Audible audiobook read by actor Dermot Mulroney, and he was a fabulous narrator. His voice definitely made it worth listening to.