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Bayou #10
Cypress Nights
Roche Savage is a dedicated, talented psychiatrist with a life-shattering secret: his sexuality isn't just vibrant, it's over-the-top. He's always avoided gentle, reserved women because he knows that if he lets himself get out of control he could frighten them--or worse. Unfortunately, he can't seem to stop thinking about Bleu Labeau, a reticent teacher who has come to Toussaint to start a new school in St. Cecil's parish. Bleu suffers the psychological consequences of being the widow of a man who taught her that sex was dirty, wrong and best performed in the dark. Father Cyrus Payne, the priest at St. Cecil's, is busy with his new school project, but still can't keep his assistant Madge Pollard off his mind. He has decided to push her into dating other men. The results only deepen Father Cyrus's struggle to choose between the church and the woman he loves.
The new school project has also brought to Toussaint an evil, violent presence. When a man is killed in St. Cecil's church, panic spreads. More murders follow, and the victims are all significant contributors to the church's new school. With little help from the FBI, the local sheriffand the townspeople are left to fend for themselves.
Taking the lead, Roche Savage and Bleu Labeau race to unravel the mystery before another person is forced to have the school pamphlet as their last meal. But when it is revealed that all the victims are former patients of Roche, Bleu and the rest of the town realize that they may not be looking for a stranger...but one of their very own.
The new school project has also brought to Toussaint an evil, violent presence. When a man is killed in St. Cecil's church, panic spreads. More murders follow, and the victims are all significant contributors to the church's new school. With little help from the FBI, the local sheriffand the townspeople are left to fend for themselves.
Taking the lead, Roche Savage and Bleu Labeau race to unravel the mystery before another person is forced to have the school pamphlet as their last meal. But when it is revealed that all the victims are former patients of Roche, Bleu and the rest of the town realize that they may not be looking for a stranger...but one of their very own.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2008
About the author
Stella Cameron
107 books420 followersStella Cameron is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. With over fourteen million copies of her books in print, Cameron is now turning her pen to mysteries and independently publishing COLD, Introducing Alex Duggins. She draws on her English background for this new, already critically acclaimed mystery series. Atmospheric, deeply character and relationship driven, COLD reveals the power of old secrets to twist the present. Cameron’s reputation for using her backgrounds to add tension and allure to her stories is heightened again.
Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.
Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 29, 2009
Ok. So this book had me pretty confused. Cypress Nights is the tenth book in the Bayou Books series written by Stella Cameron. This is the second book I've ever read written by her. And neither have I liked. Before this, I read Cold Day in July. I didn't read any of these in order so I didn't fully grasp the local background and recurring characters. It all takes place in Toussaint, Louisiana with a cast of characters that are loyal, ridiculous and quirky. Everyone knows each other and you know everyone. No one is a stranger in Toussaint.
What drew me to this book was the cover (yes, sometimes I do judge a book by the cover) and the blurb on the inside of the book jacket. When I read it, I realized it was familiar and that I had read Cold Day in July this past March with Reb and Marc Girard as the leading characters (who are also in Cypress Nights). All other characters in the Bayou books make an appearance. You'll even recognize the names (Max and Annie, Reb and Marc, Cyrus and Madge, Spike, Wazoo, etc.).
As I began to read this, I was perplexed. It started off as if it were cut off from another book and Cypress Nights was the second half. If you have read the series in order then you'll understand but since I haven't, I had no idea what was going on. I was even debating if I should read the rest. It was not explained. I guess Cameron doesn't always explain things in every book like some authors do (i.e. Janet Evanovich). It should have explanations because not everyone is going to know this is part of a series, nor would some want to.
The storyline was simple enough—Jim Zachary was murdered in St. Cecil's church because he was a supporter of Bleu wanting to launch a new school in the area. So he was killed. Everyone tries to figure out who it is but then Bleu's garage is set on fire, and none other by the same murderer. So she's next on the hit list. So you see, the plot was the typical who-dunnit kind of mystery. Nothing new. The suspense was inadequate.
Bleu is attracted to Roche (I don't even know the correct pronunciation) Savage, twin to Marc Savage. He's a talented psychiatrist with a secret: he's a overly-sexual dominant and he's afraid his secret will come out. But it doesn't. Everyone has heard the rumour though—he had rough sex with someone and it circulated until it reached Bleu's ears. Now he's got some 'splainin' to do.
There were lots of parts that I was not satisfied with: Cameron left a lot of loose threads and didn't bother to tie them off. We never understand why Roche is a sex addict or the cause of it. Bleu also doesn't get any therapy from her previous abusive marriage which left deep, damaging scars. Madge and Cyrus are also at an impasse. We STILL don't know what Wazoo's (aka L'Oiseau de Nuit [????:]) real name is, or WHO she really is. She fits in because she's the town crazy.
I didn't enjoy this book at all. It was forgettable and lacking a big bang. It didn't hold my attention and I was confused during a lot of scenes. This was a poorly written story. The dialogue could have been better and the characters lacked depth. Actually, everything lacked depth. It started off too fast and lacked explanations at every turn. It had no merit and no steam in the love scenes. When the story started to climax, I got even more confused because it was too cluttered to try and comprehend. Bleu and Roche's attraction did not get a chance to grow (unless it did in the preceding book?) and it just jumped right in. When I finally finished it, I breathed a sigh of relief. I do NOT recommend it. 1/5 stars.
What drew me to this book was the cover (yes, sometimes I do judge a book by the cover) and the blurb on the inside of the book jacket. When I read it, I realized it was familiar and that I had read Cold Day in July this past March with Reb and Marc Girard as the leading characters (who are also in Cypress Nights). All other characters in the Bayou books make an appearance. You'll even recognize the names (Max and Annie, Reb and Marc, Cyrus and Madge, Spike, Wazoo, etc.).
As I began to read this, I was perplexed. It started off as if it were cut off from another book and Cypress Nights was the second half. If you have read the series in order then you'll understand but since I haven't, I had no idea what was going on. I was even debating if I should read the rest. It was not explained. I guess Cameron doesn't always explain things in every book like some authors do (i.e. Janet Evanovich). It should have explanations because not everyone is going to know this is part of a series, nor would some want to.
The storyline was simple enough—Jim Zachary was murdered in St. Cecil's church because he was a supporter of Bleu wanting to launch a new school in the area. So he was killed. Everyone tries to figure out who it is but then Bleu's garage is set on fire, and none other by the same murderer. So she's next on the hit list. So you see, the plot was the typical who-dunnit kind of mystery. Nothing new. The suspense was inadequate.
Bleu is attracted to Roche (I don't even know the correct pronunciation) Savage, twin to Marc Savage. He's a talented psychiatrist with a secret: he's a overly-sexual dominant and he's afraid his secret will come out. But it doesn't. Everyone has heard the rumour though—he had rough sex with someone and it circulated until it reached Bleu's ears. Now he's got some 'splainin' to do.
There were lots of parts that I was not satisfied with: Cameron left a lot of loose threads and didn't bother to tie them off. We never understand why Roche is a sex addict or the cause of it. Bleu also doesn't get any therapy from her previous abusive marriage which left deep, damaging scars. Madge and Cyrus are also at an impasse. We STILL don't know what Wazoo's (aka L'Oiseau de Nuit [????:]) real name is, or WHO she really is. She fits in because she's the town crazy.
I didn't enjoy this book at all. It was forgettable and lacking a big bang. It didn't hold my attention and I was confused during a lot of scenes. This was a poorly written story. The dialogue could have been better and the characters lacked depth. Actually, everything lacked depth. It started off too fast and lacked explanations at every turn. It had no merit and no steam in the love scenes. When the story started to climax, I got even more confused because it was too cluttered to try and comprehend. Bleu and Roche's attraction did not get a chance to grow (unless it did in the preceding book?) and it just jumped right in. When I finally finished it, I breathed a sigh of relief. I do NOT recommend it. 1/5 stars.
November 16, 2008
I liked this book, but I thought that it had kind of an odd, dark tone throughout. It was a romantic suspense novel, and I guess the author was trying to make it seem more mysterious. The hero and heroine were likeable, and I enjoyed reading about their developing relationship, but they had some unusual quirks. The hero worries about his extreme sexual proclivities, but none of them are ever really explained. The heroine has been in an abusive marriage and has been sexually repressed by her former husband. I enjoyed the way that these two damaged individuals came together and found love with one another.
Bleu Lableau has come to Louisiana to try to help establish a new school at St. Cecil's Church. She has begun a tentative friendship with Roche Savage, a psychiatrist, but her past has left her reluctant to become involved with a man. When one of the supporters of a new school is murdered in the church sanctuary, it becomes apparent that someone is determined to keep the plans from moving forward. As Bleu and Roche begin a relationship that is healing for both of them, danger stalks Bleu. Roche must keep her safe while convincing her that they belong together.
This book was engrossing and hard to put down. I liked the characters, but I didn't feel like enough was explained about Roche. Sexual addiction on his part is mentioned, but never really explained. I wanted to know exactly what his problems or perceived problems were. Some of Cameron's other books take place in the same town and have some of the same characters, so maybe I missed some information about Roche by not reading them. Some of the minor characters that are in other novels were interesting, so I will be looking for their stories.
Bleu Lableau has come to Louisiana to try to help establish a new school at St. Cecil's Church. She has begun a tentative friendship with Roche Savage, a psychiatrist, but her past has left her reluctant to become involved with a man. When one of the supporters of a new school is murdered in the church sanctuary, it becomes apparent that someone is determined to keep the plans from moving forward. As Bleu and Roche begin a relationship that is healing for both of them, danger stalks Bleu. Roche must keep her safe while convincing her that they belong together.
This book was engrossing and hard to put down. I liked the characters, but I didn't feel like enough was explained about Roche. Sexual addiction on his part is mentioned, but never really explained. I wanted to know exactly what his problems or perceived problems were. Some of Cameron's other books take place in the same town and have some of the same characters, so maybe I missed some information about Roche by not reading them. Some of the minor characters that are in other novels were interesting, so I will be looking for their stories.
June 2, 2010
I'm giving this book three stars only for the fact it kept me guessing who did what til the end. This book was extremely ...odd is the word I'd use. I thought it would be interesting from the preview on the cover, I was really disappointed with this book. The male lead supposedly had a sex addiction of some sort but all I could make out was he liked to be in control and try out lots of things, I must admit the upside down thing in the shower was a new one, but it was nothing compulsive or weird. The female lead was sexually and mentally abused by the deceased husband which lead her to be sexually repressed and fearful, but honestly it wasn't very realistic at all with the fast way they began having sex together. Plus the whole thing with the building of the school was odd, there just wasn't really enough in the plot to justify the whole story. It was over all a really depressing read sorry to say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2010
This series is starting to get way to bulky and its making it so that the main characters stories aren't really fully developed. In this one, Roche Savage is interested in Bleu Labeau but she might be a little too shy for him. But he really wants her so he's going to change her. Blergh, blergh, blergh.
November 30, 2011
I would have liked this book more of the characters had a real talk about their problems. instead neither explain to the other what their hang ups are or caused by, perhaps the author left out a chapter? The fact that one of them is a psychologist makes it even worse. As a result of this even though the book was alright otherwise it gets a bad rating.
July 14, 2024
Wow, where to start. In the first chapter I wondered if I’d actually started on the second or third book of the series because the two main character’s relationship was already established and we got little to no backstory on their meeting. Tons of characters were brought in and name dropped as if we know who they are or anything about them. This entire book felt like all the characters were in on their own little inside joke that they’re hiding from the reader to purposely confuse them. Many times i’d read a line and think….what does that mean? Genuinely? Dialogue was so choppy and strange I started to wonder if I was stupid and just not getting it.
Now to the main point that NO ONE seems to be mentioning and I actually can’t believe it. The main character’s entire trauma is based off of her previous marriage with an abusive husband (who apparently dies and we never really find out why or more about his criminal history) and the rape and sexual trauma he put her through. Then, at the climax of the story, she QUITE LITERALLY gets kidnapped and raped. By a gun, and then by a penis. And then it’s never mentioned ever again. She doesn’t struggle with it, tell anyone, or even show the reader what she’s thinking about it. We don’t even find out officially who raped her. She acknowledges that she knows who initially kidnapped her, but she doesn’t mention that he also raped her. It was like it never happened. In fact, one of the nurses even says “On the bright side, she wasn’t sexually assaulted.” What..? I literally had to go back and reread the kidnapping scene to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. Felt like the author didn’t even know what story she was writing. Did the author forget her mc was raped? I’m so confused and I can’t believe I’ve found no mention of it. She deals with ZERO mental repercussions after getting literally kidnapped. What is up with that?
Along with this are the crazy, cringe descriptions that don’t really make sense and were hard to picture in my head. At one point, the book says the kidnapper pulls her to her feet with his penis…. Nothing else, just his penis. I quote, “Using only his penis, he lifted her from the floor.” I have no notes. Another time, male love interest picks her up and sideways cartwheels her body to where her legs are wrapped around the top of the shower, and then they have sex. Still trying to figure out the physics of that one. Was she upside down? Was she hanging from the shower rod? Mine surely isn’t that strong.
The best way I found to describe this book is that it feels like it was written in a different language and then translated to English. It just kind of makes sense, but just barely. And most of the time you’re confused and feel like you’re on the outside of an inside joke.
I know I just shit on this book for like 4 paragraphs, but one thing I can say was that I couldn’t put it down. Even if I was gaslighting myself into thinking I understood it and that it made sense. Other than that, I genuinely enjoyed Father Cyrus and Madge’s story, and I was disappointed there wasn’t more development. She really had a good plot going there. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect.
Now to the main point that NO ONE seems to be mentioning and I actually can’t believe it. The main character’s entire trauma is based off of her previous marriage with an abusive husband (who apparently dies and we never really find out why or more about his criminal history) and the rape and sexual trauma he put her through. Then, at the climax of the story, she QUITE LITERALLY gets kidnapped and raped. By a gun, and then by a penis. And then it’s never mentioned ever again. She doesn’t struggle with it, tell anyone, or even show the reader what she’s thinking about it. We don’t even find out officially who raped her. She acknowledges that she knows who initially kidnapped her, but she doesn’t mention that he also raped her. It was like it never happened. In fact, one of the nurses even says “On the bright side, she wasn’t sexually assaulted.” What..? I literally had to go back and reread the kidnapping scene to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. Felt like the author didn’t even know what story she was writing. Did the author forget her mc was raped? I’m so confused and I can’t believe I’ve found no mention of it. She deals with ZERO mental repercussions after getting literally kidnapped. What is up with that?
Along with this are the crazy, cringe descriptions that don’t really make sense and were hard to picture in my head. At one point, the book says the kidnapper pulls her to her feet with his penis…. Nothing else, just his penis. I quote, “Using only his penis, he lifted her from the floor.” I have no notes. Another time, male love interest picks her up and sideways cartwheels her body to where her legs are wrapped around the top of the shower, and then they have sex. Still trying to figure out the physics of that one. Was she upside down? Was she hanging from the shower rod? Mine surely isn’t that strong.
The best way I found to describe this book is that it feels like it was written in a different language and then translated to English. It just kind of makes sense, but just barely. And most of the time you’re confused and feel like you’re on the outside of an inside joke.
I know I just shit on this book for like 4 paragraphs, but one thing I can say was that I couldn’t put it down. Even if I was gaslighting myself into thinking I understood it and that it made sense. Other than that, I genuinely enjoyed Father Cyrus and Madge’s story, and I was disappointed there wasn’t more development. She really had a good plot going there. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect.
June 11, 2024
this book was so bad yet I read the entire thing? the romance between bleu and roche was painful and why is roche so obsessed with sex??? the ending was so expected and really was disappointing which is shocking because you'd think I would have been prepared for that for how awful the book was from the beginning. please save yourself and your time and read something else 🙏
February 4, 2024
Another great book by this author. An murder in the church has people in the little town of Tossaint, Louisiana upset and as murders keep coming they are really scared and not sure what to do.
Stella Cameron uses the romance subplot as support to the prime murder mystery.
Stella Cameron uses the romance subplot as support to the prime murder mystery.
May 27, 2017
Too much time spent on describing sex and not enough time for the mystery part. Meh.
March 25, 2018
Good
Good read, but I didn't know there were others in the series. I would have liked to read those first.
Good read, but I didn't know there were others in the series. I would have liked to read those first.
August 6, 2020
This is a dark suspense but not in a good way. I just didn't like the main characters and that's important when it comes to the book.
Did Not Finish
July 3, 2023DNF
February 11, 2013
Wow. This was... bad. Really bad. It read like a first draft--always telling what was going on, what the characters were thinking/feeling, and never, ever actually showing.
The romance part of this romantic suspense consisted of the "hero" being so turned on by the heroine that he's afraid he can't control himself. In the first chapter where we see them together, he starts to kiss her; she says "no, I don't want this" and pushes away. He says "hush" and forces a kiss on her anyway. Apparently they'd chatted the day before over dinner, but otherwise they're strangers to each other. It doesn't improve from there. There's plenty of mechanical (and logistically implausible) sex throughout the book, but no emotional connection.
Then there's the suspense. A man is killed in a church... because he supported the building of a school on the church grounds? The characters are all life-and-death determined about this school, and there's no reasoning behind it at all. But that doesn't really matter, because after finding the dead body, the hero and heroine only occasionally remember that there was a murder and idly wonder what the police have found out. There's no unfolding of a mystery, gathering of clues, anything like that.
To fill in the rest of the story, we have random characters who populate the parish, most of them doing nothing to further either the romance or suspense plots. Making the whole thing even more tedious, every time a new character is introduced, a thumbnail biography is included, which also has nothing whatsoever to do with the current plot.
And don't get me started on the headhopping and the laughable descriptions (like on page 61, where his jeans are loose at his waist, but so tight over his groin that the fly doesn't cover the zipper).
I'll overlook a lot for a quick romantic suspense read, but I can't recommend this one at all.
The romance part of this romantic suspense consisted of the "hero" being so turned on by the heroine that he's afraid he can't control himself. In the first chapter where we see them together, he starts to kiss her; she says "no, I don't want this" and pushes away. He says "hush" and forces a kiss on her anyway. Apparently they'd chatted the day before over dinner, but otherwise they're strangers to each other. It doesn't improve from there. There's plenty of mechanical (and logistically implausible) sex throughout the book, but no emotional connection.
Then there's the suspense. A man is killed in a church... because he supported the building of a school on the church grounds? The characters are all life-and-death determined about this school, and there's no reasoning behind it at all. But that doesn't really matter, because after finding the dead body, the hero and heroine only occasionally remember that there was a murder and idly wonder what the police have found out. There's no unfolding of a mystery, gathering of clues, anything like that.
To fill in the rest of the story, we have random characters who populate the parish, most of them doing nothing to further either the romance or suspense plots. Making the whole thing even more tedious, every time a new character is introduced, a thumbnail biography is included, which also has nothing whatsoever to do with the current plot.
And don't get me started on the headhopping and the laughable descriptions (like on page 61, where his jeans are loose at his waist, but so tight over his groin that the fly doesn't cover the zipper).
I'll overlook a lot for a quick romantic suspense read, but I can't recommend this one at all.
March 30, 2009
All in all, this was a pretty average romantic suspense type novel set in the bayous of Louisiana. Because there are a series of books by this author set in a handful of neighboring parishes, the setting is not fully described in this book, but that doesn't detract too much. In this book, someone is killing people to keep a new parish school from being built--and there's side plots of a psychiatrist with some issues of his own falling for the emotionally damaged school organizer, and the priest and his assistant falling in love. Although the bad guy(s) are caught in the end, it really didn't feel like there was much closure in all. For example, why on earth did the murderer call himself "Justice"? Based on what came out as his motivation in the end, I didn't get it. Oh, well.
October 15, 2009
this book was very suprising. well the cover gave away what most of the book was going to be about, but what you read will amaze you! this book will grab your attention at every other chapter,so dont stop reading it! it envolves a mysterios killer who catches one vitim in one way she was not prepared for.Like a spider he draws her into his parlor but blinded is she of the pain she is about to experience... this book is very mature so for this one dont be suprised if some adult topics come up in here. its really great though if you like mystery only or if you like mystery, roance and excitment. i like this book and think it was worth reading.
April 25, 2010
It's been two years, since I last read a great Stella Cameron novel. I always enjoyed her Bayou novels set in Louisiana. This one deals with Bleu Laveau, who came from a bad marriage, and wants to build a new parish school to teach in, when someone's dead straight against it. Meanwhile, she falls in love, and learns to love again with Roche Savage. Plenty of drama, action, suspense, and romance, all wrapped up in a great romantic suspense novel. I'll be reading two more of her books later this year.
September 7, 2009
I found this incredibly boring. The premise sounds so good but in reality the hero, Roche Savage is a sex fiend and the heroine, is a scared woman who been sexually brutalized in a previous relationship. Roche's actions border on rape and it was a total turnoff. Also he's very alpha male which is rather aggravating. It's no wonder Bleu Labeau fights him.
This is my first Stella Cameron book and though I liked the style of writing both her hero and heroine left a lot to be desired.
This is my first Stella Cameron book and though I liked the style of writing both her hero and heroine left a lot to be desired.
February 5, 2016
This was a good romantic suspense set in small town Louisiana. Bleu Labeau is trying to start a new life after an abusive marriage. Despite unsettling rumors about his past, Bleu is drawn to Roche Savage. She wants to trust him, but not long after their first date, Bleu discovers a dead body in St. Cecil's Church, and the whole town is on edge. Who can Bleu really trust? Does Roche truly have Bleu's best interests in mind? A good thriller!
September 29, 2008
Some parts of this book make me feel like I need a paper-bag for either my head or the book itself. Naughty....
Alright, now that I've finished, I must definitely put this in a bag before returning it to the library. I actually wish I could rate it 2 and half stars but since I can't I'll go on with three. The mystery really just should have been more....uh, mysterious.
Alright, now that I've finished, I must definitely put this in a bag before returning it to the library. I actually wish I could rate it 2 and half stars but since I can't I'll go on with three. The mystery really just should have been more....uh, mysterious.
November 3, 2008
Stella Cameron takes us back to Toussaint, Louisiana for another story from her "bayou series", I find the support characters in her stories as interesting as I find the plot itself. I wonder if she will ever get to writing Wazoo's story?
May 6, 2009
I literally had to force myself to continue reading this book to the end. Usually I like Stella Cameron novels but this one was very hard for me to get into. I really can't put my finger on why this one was so hard for me to read. It had a good plot but I didn't like the way it was delivered.
February 9, 2010
Definately an adult book. Has explicit sex. The storyline is intriguing and the mystery keeps you guessing. Some slightly intense scary stuff at the end when the protagonist thinks she is about to die...
September 24, 2015
I really tried to read this book but couldn't get into it. there are a lot of characters from past books?? and I have no clue who they are and why they are important. the flip flop between point of view was hard to keep up with sometimes. I'm sorry but I couldn't finish it..
January 24, 2016
This is the one and only book I've read of Ms. Cameron's. It was a long time again and since I read out of series out of order, it probably didn't do much for me. It is rather forgettable.
Read
April 7, 2011GOOD
December 3, 2011
I'd forgotten how terrible Stella Cameron's books are. Her characters are predictable and shallow and the dialog is trite.
March 12, 2012
This book was absolutely amazing... It was a great mystery but it was also really sexii. The romance in this novel is spectacular...it's like porn on paper!!!
June 3, 2012
I think this one is one of my all time favorites.
June 16, 2012
whodunit? toussaint parish is at it again! more bodies. another hero and heroine. decent plot.
October 12, 2012
very boring couldnt get pass the fisrt chapter
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews