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Herbert and Melancon #4
Casket Girls
When homeless men start to mysteriously disappear from the French Quarter, there seems to be only one woman in the world who gives a damn.
Tina has had a rough past, and there is something very personal about these vulnerable men just vanishing so unnoticed.
Luckily, she happens to be in love with a budding private eye that has quite a lot of free time on his hands. With an ancient, ex-NOPD partner in tow, the trio will have to delve into the lore surrounding a local institution. They soon find that a terrible secret lies within that may shake the foundational mythos of the city of New Orleans.
But the clock is ticking for one of the missing—Tina knows it.
And not everyone wants this history rewritten.
Will she be able to rally the detectives in time to find the men, before it’s too late?
Casket Girls is the Fourth installment in the highly-rated series following the adventures of private detective Felix Herbert and his partner, ex-NOPD detective David Melancon, but it can also be read as a stand-alone novel.
Tina has had a rough past, and there is something very personal about these vulnerable men just vanishing so unnoticed.
Luckily, she happens to be in love with a budding private eye that has quite a lot of free time on his hands. With an ancient, ex-NOPD partner in tow, the trio will have to delve into the lore surrounding a local institution. They soon find that a terrible secret lies within that may shake the foundational mythos of the city of New Orleans.
But the clock is ticking for one of the missing—Tina knows it.
And not everyone wants this history rewritten.
Will she be able to rally the detectives in time to find the men, before it’s too late?
Casket Girls is the Fourth installment in the highly-rated series following the adventures of private detective Felix Herbert and his partner, ex-NOPD detective David Melancon, but it can also be read as a stand-alone novel.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2020
432 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 4, 2020
Just finished, once again the great history and mysteries of New Orleans! Felix, David and Tina are on a mission. Really enjoyed the history Casket Girls never new anything about that.
I'm ready for my next history lesson of New Orleans. Would like to see the crew investigate some of the restaurants and chef's are the main story.
I'm ready for my next history lesson of New Orleans. Would like to see the crew investigate some of the restaurants and chef's are the main story.
July 23, 2020
Another thrilling and suspenseful addition to this series. Strong plot, awesome characters and rich scenery that make the story seem all too real, plus an intriguing mystery. What's not to love? These are one-clickers for me because I've enjoyed them all so much, and this one didn't disappoint.
September 2, 2025
Casket girls
I tried to like this book but never made it. It was improbable, impractical, and in the end, a waste of time. the dialog was unrealistic and I really didn't like the characters.
I tried to like this book but never made it. It was improbable, impractical, and in the end, a waste of time. the dialog was unrealistic and I really didn't like the characters.
September 7, 2020
Boring
Could not get into the book. Slow moving,couldn't keep my eyes open. Disapointed... I wish I had something better to say. Good luck with next book.
Could not get into the book. Slow moving,couldn't keep my eyes open. Disapointed... I wish I had something better to say. Good luck with next book.
February 19, 2022
It's okay
I would have liked it better except for the copious use of the "f" word. Its use added little to the overall premise of the story.
I would have liked it better except for the copious use of the "f" word. Its use added little to the overall premise of the story.
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July 17, 2021A different kind of read
I chose this book because of its setting - New Orleans. An old college friend and I had spent five days there a few years ago, celebrating turning 65. New Orleans is unlike any other city I have visited, and our time there was memorable for a number of reasons. In any case, I was curious to read this book after the description, knowing the characters would not be like those of most of the books I read. I was not wrong. There is a sense of darkness in the story, but it all works. I found the descriptions of the French Quarter, the familiar street names, and the bits of history interesting. The plot was unique, and moved right along, right to the the surprisingly satisfying ending. If you enjoy a good mystery and are open to a book that might evoke some uncomfortable feelings, give this book a shot. I think you'll find it's worth it.
I chose this book because of its setting - New Orleans. An old college friend and I had spent five days there a few years ago, celebrating turning 65. New Orleans is unlike any other city I have visited, and our time there was memorable for a number of reasons. In any case, I was curious to read this book after the description, knowing the characters would not be like those of most of the books I read. I was not wrong. There is a sense of darkness in the story, but it all works. I found the descriptions of the French Quarter, the familiar street names, and the bits of history interesting. The plot was unique, and moved right along, right to the the surprisingly satisfying ending. If you enjoy a good mystery and are open to a book that might evoke some uncomfortable feelings, give this book a shot. I think you'll find it's worth it.
September 23, 2024
This book was not what I was expecting when I recommended it in my book club this past month as I fully expected it to be a bit more spooky than crime related. I thought the beginning was pretty slow and got a little bored with the main detective character Melancon at times. Things started to pick up a little more than halfway through the book, but it was kind of short lived and ended pretty quickly. I did really enjoy the history aspect of this book more than anything! This was my first "historical" read (if you would call this that), and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed that aspect. I thought the author did a great job at connecting dots with stories that I have heard, being a Louisiana Native, to the plot that he created. Overall, I thought this book was good, I just don't I am ready to dive into the crime/mystery genre just yet.
October 14, 2020
This story didnt interest me alot for some reason. Tina found her friends dog with some unknown guy. Pinot the dog belonged to Lonnie a homeless guy. Tina had a hard life with her mother. She used to get Tina to pretend her Mom was foaming at the mouth then Tina was to steal things from the people while they helped her Mom. Her Mom was mad at her for messing up the scam so she threatened the shot herself as to scare Tina but one day she actually did kill herself in front of Tina.
The story continues as Tina thinks that some how a nun at a homeless shelter was involved in the missing homeless men . So her and her partner search for the missing men.
The story continues as Tina thinks that some how a nun at a homeless shelter was involved in the missing homeless men . So her and her partner search for the missing men.
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March 23, 2021Casket Girls
I did enjoy the mystery behind Pinot's owner and Tina's tragic past. Felix a receive who is Tina's boyfriend was never fleshed out as a character. The disease that the kidnaper had is a real disease...porch he is. Those who suffer from this disease, but the mother and son did not know the blood types of their victims and a transfusion of the wrong blood type could be fatal. There are medications that help with the symptoms. I was disappointed with the reason for the kidnappings being blood transfusions. I truly thought they were stealing organs to sell on the black market.
I did enjoy the mystery behind Pinot's owner and Tina's tragic past. Felix a receive who is Tina's boyfriend was never fleshed out as a character. The disease that the kidnaper had is a real disease...porch he is. Those who suffer from this disease, but the mother and son did not know the blood types of their victims and a transfusion of the wrong blood type could be fatal. There are medications that help with the symptoms. I was disappointed with the reason for the kidnappings being blood transfusions. I truly thought they were stealing organs to sell on the black market.
October 29, 2020
Looking forward to Mr Pevey's next installment!
I've read all four novels. The story lines are unique and brought to life wrapped in outstanding prose. From the first paragraph to the last I am drawn and held. He carries his reader through the story inside the minds of multiple characters effortlessly. And outwardly describes this fictional world in terms that bring it to life through all the senses with a touch of humor. Bring on your next adventure, Mr Pevey, for Melancon and Felix!
I've read all four novels. The story lines are unique and brought to life wrapped in outstanding prose. From the first paragraph to the last I am drawn and held. He carries his reader through the story inside the minds of multiple characters effortlessly. And outwardly describes this fictional world in terms that bring it to life through all the senses with a touch of humor. Bring on your next adventure, Mr Pevey, for Melancon and Felix!
September 3, 2020
Great read.
I really enjoyed reading Casket Girls. I am from Louisiana and it gives me a thrill and feeling of belonging when I run across a book set in Louisiana history. It is heartwarming to read the words describe my home and still rings true in its background descriptions. The book kept me intrigued and the characters were real, with pain and joy described in the books chapters.
I really enjoyed reading Casket Girls. I am from Louisiana and it gives me a thrill and feeling of belonging when I run across a book set in Louisiana history. It is heartwarming to read the words describe my home and still rings true in its background descriptions. The book kept me intrigued and the characters were real, with pain and joy described in the books chapters.
December 27, 2020
A very entertaining read!
I enjoyed this book immensely for many reasons, the setting (who isn’t captured by the lovely city of New Orleans?), the excellent development of the three main characters, and the pacing of the story. It grabbed my attention and interest right away and gave enough detail but not so much as to get bogged down. I plan to read the entire series and than look to see if Mr. Pevey has written other books. Check him out.
I enjoyed this book immensely for many reasons, the setting (who isn’t captured by the lovely city of New Orleans?), the excellent development of the three main characters, and the pacing of the story. It grabbed my attention and interest right away and gave enough detail but not so much as to get bogged down. I plan to read the entire series and than look to see if Mr. Pevey has written other books. Check him out.
January 9, 2022
Fascinating story line
Interesting the way they wove the characters and the story line into the fabric of New Orleans. I have visited there many times and fascinated by the way the book bought back memories of the places that were depicted in the book. The description of all the homeless characters was very intense. This is the first book in the series I have read, looking forward to reading more.
Interesting the way they wove the characters and the story line into the fabric of New Orleans. I have visited there many times and fascinated by the way the book bought back memories of the places that were depicted in the book. The description of all the homeless characters was very intense. This is the first book in the series I have read, looking forward to reading more.
August 31, 2020
Terrific writing, plot, character development
The city of New Orleans post-Katrina is also a character, and you see her develop through memories. Highly recommend. Hits the sweet spot—plot intense and stark but the story softened by the hearts and character of the good guys. And a dog, Pinot, plays a healing role. The most satisfying read I have had in a long time.
The city of New Orleans post-Katrina is also a character, and you see her develop through memories. Highly recommend. Hits the sweet spot—plot intense and stark but the story softened by the hearts and character of the good guys. And a dog, Pinot, plays a healing role. The most satisfying read I have had in a long time.
September 29, 2020
What's next
I have thoroughly enjoyed all four books, starting with the third, back to one and two. Love the settings in Lousiana, though I have only visited there. Also enjoy the relationship between the detectives. Looking forward to the next book. Any chance Tomas will be back?
I have thoroughly enjoyed all four books, starting with the third, back to one and two. Love the settings in Lousiana, though I have only visited there. Also enjoy the relationship between the detectives. Looking forward to the next book. Any chance Tomas will be back?
October 5, 2020
Look up the medical word Porphyria.
This book was very well written and easy to read. There is a bit of history going back 3 century's. A lot of unselfish caring concern for others in this very well written book based on New Orleans and a Private Investigator and people around him.
This book was very well written and easy to read. There is a bit of history going back 3 century's. A lot of unselfish caring concern for others in this very well written book based on New Orleans and a Private Investigator and people around him.
October 11, 2020
The plot of Casket Girls has great possibilities, but it seems underdeveloped to me. I would have loved more details throughout. This book has more vulgar language than The Witness Tree, but it is mostly used to characterize one person. I appreciate that Pevey is able to depict a romance without treating his reader to lurid passages.
October 13, 2020
First time author, for me.
Grabs your attention, from the first page. Two men, one rich, one a retired police detective , started a PI service. With the young guys girlfriend, Tina assisting some. They come upon the fact, that homeless, drug addicts were missing. They go to find them.
Grabs your attention, from the first page. Two men, one rich, one a retired police detective , started a PI service. With the young guys girlfriend, Tina assisting some. They come upon the fact, that homeless, drug addicts were missing. They go to find them.
October 29, 2020
Better then expected
I wasn't expecting much from this story at the beginning. So much so that I really didn't want to finish it. but I decided I would and I am glad I did. Although I will say, I don't like going from this part to that per chapter because it's very confusing. The story turned out to be a wonderful read. It kept me interested enough. Thank you.
I wasn't expecting much from this story at the beginning. So much so that I really didn't want to finish it. but I decided I would and I am glad I did. Although I will say, I don't like going from this part to that per chapter because it's very confusing. The story turned out to be a wonderful read. It kept me interested enough. Thank you.
January 17, 2021
Series keeps getting better!
I have enjoyed the books in this series. The characters are believable and interesting. I was born and raised in New Orleans, but I have not lived there in many years. These descriptions of my hometown always resonate with me. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I have enjoyed the books in this series. The characters are believable and interesting. I was born and raised in New Orleans, but I have not lived there in many years. These descriptions of my hometown always resonate with me. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 4, 2021
Thoroughly Enjoyed
Have loved this series discovered by a happy accident. Light at times, deep at others. Bonus- they are set in my favorite city that only been able to discover through books. I’ve also learned some previously unknown things upon finishing each book. I love how he brings some issues to the light
Have loved this series discovered by a happy accident. Light at times, deep at others. Bonus- they are set in my favorite city that only been able to discover through books. I’ve also learned some previously unknown things upon finishing each book. I love how he brings some issues to the light
July 13, 2021
Hard hitting and full of surprises
I have read the first four books in the series. They are at once thralling, suspenseful and full of gripping drama. I am about to download book five.
The books each tell a complete story centered in the city and environs of New Orleans, LA, that city shrouded in the mists of time, and of its secrets.
I have read the first four books in the series. They are at once thralling, suspenseful and full of gripping drama. I am about to download book five.
The books each tell a complete story centered in the city and environs of New Orleans, LA, that city shrouded in the mists of time, and of its secrets.
June 20, 2022
Skim read
This is the first and only book I have read in this series. The story and writing didn't grab me. As much time is spent on the characters personal lives and tragedies as on the crime. More time should have been spent on a realistic and feasible reason for the kidnaps than on giving everyone a tragic backstory.
This is the first and only book I have read in this series. The story and writing didn't grab me. As much time is spent on the characters personal lives and tragedies as on the crime. More time should have been spent on a realistic and feasible reason for the kidnaps than on giving everyone a tragic backstory.
September 30, 2020
Casket Girls
This was a very good mystery. The setting in New Orleans used some authentic places, but in events that never really happened. The mystery kept me wondering all the way to the end.
Donna P.
This was a very good mystery. The setting in New Orleans used some authentic places, but in events that never really happened. The mystery kept me wondering all the way to the end.
Donna P.
October 18, 2020
Had me until the end!
Love all your New Orleans stories and this was no exception! By the end I was skipping words to get to the end. Keep up the good work and hurry up with the next volume of this series! 😀
Love all your New Orleans stories and this was no exception! By the end I was skipping words to get to the end. Keep up the good work and hurry up with the next volume of this series! 😀
October 19, 2020
Despite the awkward title
Based on the title, I was prepared to dislike this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find an entertaining mystery and well written story. I hope you read and enjoy this book as much as I did.
Based on the title, I was prepared to dislike this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find an entertaining mystery and well written story. I hope you read and enjoy this book as much as I did.
April 29, 2021
Fun and relaxing
My job is long hours and stressful, I enjoy reading this series. It takes me away from current reality, these books are fun, thrilling and can't wait to see what the next one holds for Felix , Melancon and Tina!
My job is long hours and stressful, I enjoy reading this series. It takes me away from current reality, these books are fun, thrilling and can't wait to see what the next one holds for Felix , Melancon and Tina!
July 26, 2021
Excellent story well told!!!
The mystery was exciting and unpredictable. The characters were multidimensional. The writing was smooth and polished. This was a very hard book to put down.
The mystery was exciting and unpredictable. The characters were multidimensional. The writing was smooth and polished. This was a very hard book to put down.
August 2, 2021
Hope Regained
This story fits its setting. It wouldn’t have worked anywhere else. It gives the reader quite a view of the hopelessness of homelessness. But it also gives hope. A good story and a good read.
This story fits its setting. It wouldn’t have worked anywhere else. It gives the reader quite a view of the hopelessness of homelessness. But it also gives hope. A good story and a good read.
August 3, 2021
Definite miss
Only read first few dozen pages then quit. Storyline is good but female lead character is manipulative and not likeable. Seems like her "baggage" is going to be a truck load and a primary driver. Not worth reading further.
Only read first few dozen pages then quit. Storyline is good but female lead character is manipulative and not likeable. Seems like her "baggage" is going to be a truck load and a primary driver. Not worth reading further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews