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The Dark Legacy #1
Black Bayou
Marigold La Roux had a perfectly average existence…until the night her parents tried to murder her.
Barely escaping with her life should have been the end of Marigold’s living nightmare. Unfortunately, it was just the beginning. Her entire world starts shattering. She moves to New Orleans to stay with her only living relative, her aunt Delilah. She believes the bustle of Bourbon Street will help her get a fresh start, but strange things start happening to Marigold at the La Roux estate. Ghostly voices whisper in her ear, sharp knives scrape against her door, and something in the darkness lashes out, leaving deep claw marks on her back.
Hoping to understand her torment, she starts delving into her family’s past and is shocked and appalled by what she discovers. She begins to understand why locals shudder at the mere mention of La Roux house. The attacks against her grow more vicious, ravaging not only her body, but also her mind.
Desperate to end her suffering, Marigold teams up with Louis, an occult enthusiast, who hopes his knowledge of the paranormal can help end her family curse once and for all. But, the dark forces of evil are relentless and their twisted hold runs deep in her blood. They will stop at nothing to get what they want: her life.
Barely escaping with her life should have been the end of Marigold’s living nightmare. Unfortunately, it was just the beginning. Her entire world starts shattering. She moves to New Orleans to stay with her only living relative, her aunt Delilah. She believes the bustle of Bourbon Street will help her get a fresh start, but strange things start happening to Marigold at the La Roux estate. Ghostly voices whisper in her ear, sharp knives scrape against her door, and something in the darkness lashes out, leaving deep claw marks on her back.
Hoping to understand her torment, she starts delving into her family’s past and is shocked and appalled by what she discovers. She begins to understand why locals shudder at the mere mention of La Roux house. The attacks against her grow more vicious, ravaging not only her body, but also her mind.
Desperate to end her suffering, Marigold teams up with Louis, an occult enthusiast, who hopes his knowledge of the paranormal can help end her family curse once and for all. But, the dark forces of evil are relentless and their twisted hold runs deep in her blood. They will stop at nothing to get what they want: her life.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
664 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 5, 2020
Man, you think you've got a fu family? Well you ain't got nothing on the diabolical La Roux's! A creepy novella outlining one family's atrocities, the monster who who stalks them, the young woman fighting her heritage and a young New Orleans gentleman using Voodoo to help save her.
My only complaint is the trend of so many Indie authors to chop down a story into 3 or 4 novellas instead of publishing 1 solid good book. When I save enough brass I'm going to continue with the series.
My only complaint is the trend of so many Indie authors to chop down a story into 3 or 4 novellas instead of publishing 1 solid good book. When I save enough brass I'm going to continue with the series.
April 10, 2018
2018 Book for all Seasons Reading Challenge: genre I've never read
I chose paranormal. I don't like spooky things. I'm a big chicken. I still sleep with a nightlight. I never watch scary movies or go to haunted houses. Why did I pick paranormal? Oh right because I never read it.
It actually wasn't so bad. Except for every time the word "demon" was used. Or she was chased through the house in the dark. Except all of that it wasn't bad. Oh and the voodoo there was that. And there there is the crypt and the unsolved murders. Can't forget that. So take all of that into consideration I guess
I chose paranormal. I don't like spooky things. I'm a big chicken. I still sleep with a nightlight. I never watch scary movies or go to haunted houses. Why did I pick paranormal? Oh right because I never read it.
It actually wasn't so bad. Except for every time the word "demon" was used. Or she was chased through the house in the dark. Except all of that it wasn't bad. Oh and the voodoo there was that. And there there is the crypt and the unsolved murders. Can't forget that. So take all of that into consideration I guess
April 29, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect with this book, as it was my first by Sara Clancy, but I really liked it. For many years, since reading Anne Rice’s ‘Interview with a Vampire’, I’ve been obsessed with visiting the ‘French Quarter’ of New Orleans, and this book just made me want that a thousand times more, with its food, beautiful buildings, the voodoo shops etc etc. I’ve never been but I’m getting there, somehow!! This was Book 1 of the Dark Legacy Series, and centres around one of the oldest families in NOLA......the La Roux family, who happen to have a demon attached to them. I’m not going to go into the story, as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but just to say, they need to make certain sacrifices to appease the demon. This is very creepy, and I would recommend to anyone who likes not haunted house stories, but haunted people. I give this a 3.5 rating!
October 21, 2020
This has a very dramatic start! And a trigger for anyone really scared of being held under water. I'm not going to say much about the beginning of the story because the protagonist's confusion is part of the ride, but her name is Marigold and she goes by Maggie. Most of the story takes place in New Orleans, a beautiful city with some unique old world charm, though it has its seedy side like any city. Yes I've been there, pre-Katrina.
Family curses, New Orleans voodoo, an old house with dark entities lurking and very effective writing. I could feel Maggie's confusion and despair as everything she thought she knew falls apart and she tries to get a handle on what's behind her family legacy.
Her old world Southern aunt would have had me looking for alternative lodgings sooner than later. I found myself wondering why the old woman agreed to have Maggie come live with her in the first place. That question gets answered and the last quarter of the book is very high action and suspense. There were a few places where the plot seemed to jump and I wondered how we got from A to B, but it was fairly minor.
My one real complaint is that the ending left me feeling robbed of resolution. It practically screamed out that there would be another book to continue the story. Sure enough, I looked on Amazon and it's a three book set.
This is a pet peeve of mine that too many series don't give you a whole story unless you buy several books. I'm honestly fed up with it. A really good series leaves me feeling like I could stop after any of the books and still feel resolution of the story I've just read.
Fairly good up to that point though.
Family curses, New Orleans voodoo, an old house with dark entities lurking and very effective writing. I could feel Maggie's confusion and despair as everything she thought she knew falls apart and she tries to get a handle on what's behind her family legacy.
Her old world Southern aunt would have had me looking for alternative lodgings sooner than later. I found myself wondering why the old woman agreed to have Maggie come live with her in the first place. That question gets answered and the last quarter of the book is very high action and suspense. There were a few places where the plot seemed to jump and I wondered how we got from A to B, but it was fairly minor.
My one real complaint is that the ending left me feeling robbed of resolution. It practically screamed out that there would be another book to continue the story. Sure enough, I looked on Amazon and it's a three book set.
This is a pet peeve of mine that too many series don't give you a whole story unless you buy several books. I'm honestly fed up with it. A really good series leaves me feeling like I could stop after any of the books and still feel resolution of the story I've just read.
Fairly good up to that point though.
January 29, 2021
Mediocre book. I wasn’t impressed but it wasn’t awful.
October 19, 2017
Now this is more like it. The story starts out with an explosive scene and really doesn’t slow down much from there.
Events move swiftly after Marigold’s parents tried to drown her in the bath tub. Turns out they had a huge secret. Once it’s exposed, Marigold has to leave town to avoid those who blame her for what her parents did. Her aunt offers to let her come live with her in New Orleans, so off she goes.
This is where you’d expect things to slow down a bit while the author gives you some filler. But, it doesn’t. Weird and scary things happen as Marigold travels to New Orleans and keep happening once she gets there.
It takes a lot to make my creep-o-meter spike to the red zone. This story had all the bells and whistles I look for in a solid horror story. And I couldn’t have asked for a more genuine main character. Not to mention the setting. New Orleans is popular for vampire and voodoo stories. And it sure worked good for what lurked in the pages here.
Kudos to the author for choosing the perfect title and great cover art for her story. It’s what first drew me to this book and the story lives up to its name.
Not too long or too short, this story was just right for a late night read. The only hitch, it didn’t really have an ending. A lot of questions were left unanswered. I enjoyed this so much I’ll continue with the series, but leaving me hanging with so much still left open was the one thing that kept if from being a 5 star read.
Events move swiftly after Marigold’s parents tried to drown her in the bath tub. Turns out they had a huge secret. Once it’s exposed, Marigold has to leave town to avoid those who blame her for what her parents did. Her aunt offers to let her come live with her in New Orleans, so off she goes.
This is where you’d expect things to slow down a bit while the author gives you some filler. But, it doesn’t. Weird and scary things happen as Marigold travels to New Orleans and keep happening once she gets there.
It takes a lot to make my creep-o-meter spike to the red zone. This story had all the bells and whistles I look for in a solid horror story. And I couldn’t have asked for a more genuine main character. Not to mention the setting. New Orleans is popular for vampire and voodoo stories. And it sure worked good for what lurked in the pages here.
Kudos to the author for choosing the perfect title and great cover art for her story. It’s what first drew me to this book and the story lives up to its name.
Not too long or too short, this story was just right for a late night read. The only hitch, it didn’t really have an ending. A lot of questions were left unanswered. I enjoyed this so much I’ll continue with the series, but leaving me hanging with so much still left open was the one thing that kept if from being a 5 star read.
November 2, 2016
Loved the story but
I couldn't give 4 stars due to no ending! I really dislike being tricked into buying the next book in a series. I normally will not read another story by authors who do this. I haven't decided about this one yet. A series should be good enough that each book is a stand alone. Such a disappointment from an otherwise very good story.
I couldn't give 4 stars due to no ending! I really dislike being tricked into buying the next book in a series. I normally will not read another story by authors who do this. I haven't decided about this one yet. A series should be good enough that each book is a stand alone. Such a disappointment from an otherwise very good story.
January 28, 2019
More like 3 and a half stars!
I’ve read a lot of books that fall into the supernatural/paranormal genres. There are a number of series set in New Orleans, as it lends itself to working well with paranormal tales. This book fits nicely into the genres with a focus on demons and voodoo. There is plenty of action throughout the book, and the small cast of characters are well written. I actually cared about what happened, and as a result will be picking up the next instalment.
I’ve read a lot of books that fall into the supernatural/paranormal genres. There are a number of series set in New Orleans, as it lends itself to working well with paranormal tales. This book fits nicely into the genres with a focus on demons and voodoo. There is plenty of action throughout the book, and the small cast of characters are well written. I actually cared about what happened, and as a result will be picking up the next instalment.
August 15, 2025
Some family curses need to be broken
Black Bayou was a terrific way to start my 2025 reading journey. Fast paced with a plot that doesn't let up. I couldn't put it down. Not one to usually like books revolving around hauntings, ghosts or demons. Sara's story telling grounded the characters in New Orleans lore, in the best way. While reading Black Bayou it reminded me of 2009's Drag Me to Hell in the best way! Highly recommend! Will be reading the next two installments very shortly.
Four Stars - Highly Recommend
Black Bayou was a terrific way to start my 2025 reading journey. Fast paced with a plot that doesn't let up. I couldn't put it down. Not one to usually like books revolving around hauntings, ghosts or demons. Sara's story telling grounded the characters in New Orleans lore, in the best way. While reading Black Bayou it reminded me of 2009's Drag Me to Hell in the best way! Highly recommend! Will be reading the next two installments very shortly.
Four Stars - Highly Recommend
January 15, 2017
Meh
I felt there was great potential for this story, but the whole thing seemed to just have been thrown together once you got past the first few pages. Glad it was free.
I felt there was great potential for this story, but the whole thing seemed to just have been thrown together once you got past the first few pages. Glad it was free.
July 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this one, adding the next one to my list, in the meantime I'm going to start on The Harvest, Book 1 in the Bell Witch Series.
November 12, 2016
I was hooked instantly! It was intense and frightening. I instantly fell in love with Marigold and Louis and I can not wait to read the next book.
November 23, 2016
Rate the book!
I enjoyed the story. I love anything to do with New Orleans and the supernatural. I can't wait to read the next installment.
I enjoyed the story. I love anything to do with New Orleans and the supernatural. I can't wait to read the next installment.
March 5, 2017
just ok
the read was fast, the characters somewhat interesting, but the grammar was off which made it a bit of an irritant to read.
the read was fast, the characters somewhat interesting, but the grammar was off which made it a bit of an irritant to read.
June 26, 2019
This book reads a bit like a movie in places, and I found that both entertaining and intriguing. I'd love to watch this in a television show or a movie, just to see the environments and happenings brought to life, but the author does an amazing job of painting mental images. (With a richly visual setting like New Orleans, it would be a travesty not to do so. This author has a decent balance between telling and showing, and I appreciate that.)
We start off in the middle of a chaotic and horrifying scene, driven through it from the perspective of the confused victim - though thankfully in third person instead of first. (Why must so many books use first person these days? It's refreshing that this one doesn't.) Marigold's life falls apart around her as disturbing truths are unveiled about her family and people turn against her for the crimes of her parents. She has nothing and nobody left, except for an aunt she didn't know existed until after the incident and her aunt's incredibly spooky home.
From the very beginning, Black Bayou lays the foundation for supernatural events. It starts subtle with what could easily have been a hallucination caused by near-death then grows throughout, leaving physical signs that whatever is happening can't possibly be all in Marigold's head. By chapter three, I had already begun speculating what the shadowy entity might be and why her parents may have committed their crimes. Because of this instant curiosity, the story kept me hooked.
As the story progressed, I kept thinking to myself that I'd read one more chapter before putting it down, because I just had to know what was happening with the La Roux family and the thing which seemed to be stalking Marigold. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I kept questioning which characters I liked and disliked because the author does a beautiful job of keeping things mysterious and casting doubts on each person Marigold encounters until the story's climax. The suspense builds slowly at first then becomes turbulent, leaving short moments for the reader to 'breathe' only to have the rug ripped from under you without notice as things pick up again - perfectly timed to be an enthralling thriller.
I had my suspicions that something was going on with this one particular person, but I never predicted the actual outcome and that makes me enjoy the story even more. It had a few annoying points, mostly around Marigold's actions (and inactions), but overall I think this is a five star book with four star editing.
There are a few missing apostrophes, homophone misuses, excess word and sentence structure repetition, and Marigold's eyes were blue in one chapter then emerald green in another. These issues vary in annoyance level, but they didn't detract too much from the story. I considered rating four stars for this, but decided otherwise. If 4.5 were an option, I'd say that's more accurate.
For the first time ever, I find myself actually wanting to read the rest of the books in a series where the first book was free.
We start off in the middle of a chaotic and horrifying scene, driven through it from the perspective of the confused victim - though thankfully in third person instead of first. (Why must so many books use first person these days? It's refreshing that this one doesn't.) Marigold's life falls apart around her as disturbing truths are unveiled about her family and people turn against her for the crimes of her parents. She has nothing and nobody left, except for an aunt she didn't know existed until after the incident and her aunt's incredibly spooky home.
From the very beginning, Black Bayou lays the foundation for supernatural events. It starts subtle with what could easily have been a hallucination caused by near-death then grows throughout, leaving physical signs that whatever is happening can't possibly be all in Marigold's head. By chapter three, I had already begun speculating what the shadowy entity might be and why her parents may have committed their crimes. Because of this instant curiosity, the story kept me hooked.
As the story progressed, I kept thinking to myself that I'd read one more chapter before putting it down, because I just had to know what was happening with the La Roux family and the thing which seemed to be stalking Marigold. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I kept questioning which characters I liked and disliked because the author does a beautiful job of keeping things mysterious and casting doubts on each person Marigold encounters until the story's climax. The suspense builds slowly at first then becomes turbulent, leaving short moments for the reader to 'breathe' only to have the rug ripped from under you without notice as things pick up again - perfectly timed to be an enthralling thriller.
I had my suspicions that something was going on with this one particular person, but I never predicted the actual outcome and that makes me enjoy the story even more. It had a few annoying points, mostly around Marigold's actions (and inactions), but overall I think this is a five star book with four star editing.
There are a few missing apostrophes, homophone misuses, excess word and sentence structure repetition, and Marigold's eyes were blue in one chapter then emerald green in another. These issues vary in annoyance level, but they didn't detract too much from the story. I considered rating four stars for this, but decided otherwise. If 4.5 were an option, I'd say that's more accurate.
For the first time ever, I find myself actually wanting to read the rest of the books in a series where the first book was free.
July 9, 2018
I love it when a book starts out good. Poor Marigold. It wouldn't stop rolling down hill for her. I would probably need therapy after all she went through. Lucky for her she meet Louis and his mother. Hearing a demon growling and then out of nowhere feel scratches down your back has to be one of the scariest things ever. Why did her parents do it? Is it for the same reason Delilah did it or were they trying to spare Marigold and her sister from the La Roux curse? I loved every single detail the author gave. They were perfect. When they stepped outside I felt it too. This book was very creepy. I will be reading the rest of this series.
October 9, 2022
Entertaining horror listening 🎶🔰
Another will written fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror ghost 👻 demon monster adventure thriller short story by Sara Clancy and Scare Street (Dark Legacy Series book 1). About a young 👦girl whose parents are medical 🚑 serial killers. They kill her sister and attempt to kill her but she is rescued by the police. She is sent to New Orleans too live with her aunt who is her father's sister and the fun really begins. Continued in book 2. I would highly recommend this trilogy and author too readers of fantasy haunting horror ghost stories. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening. 2022 👒😈😢🏡
Another will written fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror ghost 👻 demon monster adventure thriller short story by Sara Clancy and Scare Street (Dark Legacy Series book 1). About a young 👦girl whose parents are medical 🚑 serial killers. They kill her sister and attempt to kill her but she is rescued by the police. She is sent to New Orleans too live with her aunt who is her father's sister and the fun really begins. Continued in book 2. I would highly recommend this trilogy and author too readers of fantasy haunting horror ghost stories. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening. 2022 👒😈😢🏡
December 15, 2025
Black Bayou grabbed me from the first page and never let go. Marigold La Roux is a compelling heroine, caught in a terrifying mix of family secrets, supernatural forces, and relentless danger. The eerie New Orleans setting, full of haunted mansions and shadowy corners, adds so much atmosphere to the story.
The tension builds perfectly, the twists are satisfying, and the paranormal elements are chilling yet believable. I especially loved the dynamic between Marigold and Louis as they uncover the dark truths of her family curse.
If you love suspenseful paranormal thrillers with strong characters and a creeping sense of dread, pick up Black Bayou you won’t be able to put it down.
The tension builds perfectly, the twists are satisfying, and the paranormal elements are chilling yet believable. I especially loved the dynamic between Marigold and Louis as they uncover the dark truths of her family curse.
If you love suspenseful paranormal thrillers with strong characters and a creeping sense of dread, pick up Black Bayou you won’t be able to put it down.
January 3, 2020
I searched for books on amazon that were Kindle Unlimited Horror and this series was one of the first to popup. I finished it pretty quickly and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story and the setting of the story. I don't know much about New Orleans and was first expecting a vampire novel. Marigold and her family have been cursed, a dark entity follows each family member around enticing them to do harm on others. This keeps it from doing harm to the family. Filled with southern flare, voodoo culture, and family dynamics that will make the La Roux family the worst you've heard of.
December 27, 2019
Interesting story, kept me hooked
I enjoyed this book. Loved the New Orleans setting. Would have liked a little more character development., I never did figure out how old the main character was. For some reason, I got lost in spots, especially toward the end, as to what was happening. I don't know if is the author's style or the writing just wasn't my cup of tea. I liked the book, it kept me hooked but I'm not sure I'd read another book by this author.
I enjoyed this book. Loved the New Orleans setting. Would have liked a little more character development., I never did figure out how old the main character was. For some reason, I got lost in spots, especially toward the end, as to what was happening. I don't know if is the author's style or the writing just wasn't my cup of tea. I liked the book, it kept me hooked but I'm not sure I'd read another book by this author.
November 29, 2020
Black Bayou: Scary Supernatural Horror with Demons (Dark Legacy Series Book 1) actually scared me, which is saying a lot. From the beginning, the terror began and didn’t let up. The story revolves around Marigold La Roux who, after suffering significant trauma from the hands of her parents is thrown into a world filled with demons and voodoo. Each page clearly shows Marigold’s new world and the agony she suffers. If you’re looking for a great fright, this book is for you.
August 12, 2021
It was so hard to rate this book! On an enjoyment scale, it definitely was a four. The setting was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory. It just didn’t seem like a complete standalone. While the action was great and page turning, I feel like I know nothing about the main character (did the book even reveal her age?) and the end became convoluted.
Regardless, I will absolutely recommend this as a fun summer read and am excited to read the next in the series.
Regardless, I will absolutely recommend this as a fun summer read and am excited to read the next in the series.
October 8, 2024
Such a spine chilling book! Living near Louisiana definitely made this story hit a bit closer to home! Let me tell you, if someone says out of the blue you need supernatural protection, I would dang listen! Could t tell you how many times I was mentally yelling at Marigold to wise up! Such a great book, pretty face paced which made it a super quick read(devoured this in just a couple of hours)!
However I do wish it was longer, it was quite short not counting the partial book two at the end.
However I do wish it was longer, it was quite short not counting the partial book two at the end.
August 6, 2017
Black Bayou (No 1 in Dark Legacy SERIES)
Was she get loved? Probably not! Her family is cursed and they MUST HAVE AN HEIR TO PASS ON THIS HIDEOUS CURSE or they will be haunted EVEN AFTER DEATH. Will she be able to defeat this curse or is there even a possibility. A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER I RECOMMEND.
Was she get loved? Probably not! Her family is cursed and they MUST HAVE AN HEIR TO PASS ON THIS HIDEOUS CURSE or they will be haunted EVEN AFTER DEATH. Will she be able to defeat this curse or is there even a possibility. A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER I RECOMMEND.
August 7, 2017
Black Bayou
I found this book to be intriguing, spell binding, suspenseful with lots of action. I read til late night and first thing in the morning, til the very last page. Plus it was in New Orleans where it was more believable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who finds this stuff fun and interesting to read.
I found this book to be intriguing, spell binding, suspenseful with lots of action. I read til late night and first thing in the morning, til the very last page. Plus it was in New Orleans where it was more believable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who finds this stuff fun and interesting to read.
June 15, 2018
Very exciting book!
I wish I could edit this book for the author, correcting the many misspellings, but they didn't stop me from enjoying this really exciting start of The Dark Legacy series...I'm definitely going to get the next one to see how Marigold handles her new position as the last La Roux, if in fact she actually is...and I've developed a little crush on Louis!
I wish I could edit this book for the author, correcting the many misspellings, but they didn't stop me from enjoying this really exciting start of The Dark Legacy series...I'm definitely going to get the next one to see how Marigold handles her new position as the last La Roux, if in fact she actually is...and I've developed a little crush on Louis!
February 25, 2019
I did not care much for this book.
Too much gory and gruesome descriptions of action taking place. Story line is lost to the overload of horror. There is very little character development. I mostly skimmed the book and would have just put it down but the electricity was out due to weather so it was about my only entertainment.
Too much gory and gruesome descriptions of action taking place. Story line is lost to the overload of horror. There is very little character development. I mostly skimmed the book and would have just put it down but the electricity was out due to weather so it was about my only entertainment.
October 20, 2022
This started out so good but it seems once Marigold moved to her aunt's it fizzled out for me. The story felt rushed and tossed together from there until the end and sadly I never really grew interested again after that...not enough to continue on with the next book anyhow sadly. It had such promise too.
October 31, 2016
Interesting
I have to say I felt so sorry for Marigold. She just took beating after beating....this poor young woman!! This book was straightforward and a quick read. You were thrown immediately into the story. I'm actually looking forward to the next installment.
I have to say I felt so sorry for Marigold. She just took beating after beating....this poor young woman!! This book was straightforward and a quick read. You were thrown immediately into the story. I'm actually looking forward to the next installment.
August 30, 2017
Scary
Loved the new orleans setting. Amazing and scary. I didn't want to put it down. I had to see how this poor girl was going to get out of this mess.
I am looking forward to reading rhe next book
Loved the new orleans setting. Amazing and scary. I didn't want to put it down. I had to see how this poor girl was going to get out of this mess.
I am looking forward to reading rhe next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews