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French Quarter Mystery #2
The Gates to the Afterlife
Sammy knows the “Gates of Guinee” Voodoo ceremony should lead to the afterlife, not murder. She has seven days to stop a killer from finishing this now deadly ritual.
Westcoast transplant Samantha Richardson has settled into New Orleans. With a budding romance, potential career change, and newfound family, she feels at home in the French Quarter.
Sammy is drawn into the history of the city’s famous Voodoo queen as she helps her friend, Andrew, with the publication of his new book. Learning about the mysterious ritual Marie Laveau performed to reach the afterlife has Sammy’s attention as well as Andrew’s readers.
The book is sure to be a bestseller until it leads to murder.
With one of her best friends accused of the crime, Sammy needs to discover who is framing them. Is someone following in the footsteps of Marie Laveau? Or are they using the Gates to Guinee ritual to cover up a murder?
There are seven gates to reach the afterlife. Can Sammy stop the murderer before they kill again?
The Gates to the Afterlife is the second book in the The French Quarter Mysteries featuring West Coast transplant Samantha Richardson. Join Sammy as she explores the Big Easy by solving the mysteries of the past and present in this new modern, cozy mystery series.
Westcoast transplant Samantha Richardson has settled into New Orleans. With a budding romance, potential career change, and newfound family, she feels at home in the French Quarter.
Sammy is drawn into the history of the city’s famous Voodoo queen as she helps her friend, Andrew, with the publication of his new book. Learning about the mysterious ritual Marie Laveau performed to reach the afterlife has Sammy’s attention as well as Andrew’s readers.
The book is sure to be a bestseller until it leads to murder.
With one of her best friends accused of the crime, Sammy needs to discover who is framing them. Is someone following in the footsteps of Marie Laveau? Or are they using the Gates to Guinee ritual to cover up a murder?
There are seven gates to reach the afterlife. Can Sammy stop the murderer before they kill again?
The Gates to the Afterlife is the second book in the The French Quarter Mysteries featuring West Coast transplant Samantha Richardson. Join Sammy as she explores the Big Easy by solving the mysteries of the past and present in this new modern, cozy mystery series.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2020
105 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Jen Pitts
16 books392 followersJen Pitts is a lifelong mystery reader who turned her obsession into writing cozy mysteries of her own. When she isn’t plotting fictional murder and mayhem, she’s chugging coffee, traveling, reading, and enjoying life with her children, husband, and two cats in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 22, 2023
The Gates to the Afterlife Earns 5+/5 Gates & Gumbo … Intriguing, Spooky Gem!
It’s definite … three months in and Sammy is now a permanent resident of the French Quarter, a rediscovered southerner by birth, and part of the family at Thibodeaux Mansion. She’s also helping out at Lagniappe Books while Andrew, its owner and part of the Thibodeaux family, focuses on promoting his latest book, Marie Laveau and the Afterlife. Andrew’s friend and author Remmy Greer also wrote a book on the same subject, and although both relied on the same recently uncovered documents in the Louisiana Historical Society’s archives, their style, premise, and conclusions about Laveau’s connection to the Gates of Guinee ritual vastly differ. Everyone is excited about Andrew’s book event held in a replica of Laveau’s house, but it’s worrisome that the door is locked and Andrew, Mr. Punctual, is nowhere to be found. Sammy wanders through the house looking for him, but instead finds the body of a woman in the garden surrounded by elements of the Voodoo ritual including an out-of-place dead rooster. Sandra Glapion was suppose to be the entertainment, impersonating the Voodoo priestess, but now she’s the victim, and Andrew is suspected. It gets worse when more incidents of Laveau’s ritual appear around town with another deadly result.
Again, I was hooked! Originally released near Halloween, this well-written second book is appropriately spooky with details about the famous Voodoo practitioner, a ritual connected to the afterlife, and Papa Gede’s warning that the books, events, and discussions about the ritual are deadly dangerous. Voodoo has always carried with it mystery and trepidation, mostly from ignorance of its true nature, but Jen incorporates the fiction along with the nonfiction providing a fascinating look into its practices and the life of Marie Laveau. Although there may be a reckoning for messing with things best not messed with, there are several engaging ‘this side of the veil’ motives just as deadly: disgruntled significant others, professional jealousy, publicity stunt gone bad, revenge for the past. The drama is made more complicated by a new resident at Thibodeaux Mansion; Maribelle “Elle” Culpepper earned herself a position with Neal’s tour business, but it’s her role as his roommate that makes Sammy suspicious. Clever details, spooky elements, and a surprise conclusion makes this a late-night treat … just read with the lights on!
Disclosure: I have a copy of the book set that includes this book two and want to provide my views of this book.
It’s definite … three months in and Sammy is now a permanent resident of the French Quarter, a rediscovered southerner by birth, and part of the family at Thibodeaux Mansion. She’s also helping out at Lagniappe Books while Andrew, its owner and part of the Thibodeaux family, focuses on promoting his latest book, Marie Laveau and the Afterlife. Andrew’s friend and author Remmy Greer also wrote a book on the same subject, and although both relied on the same recently uncovered documents in the Louisiana Historical Society’s archives, their style, premise, and conclusions about Laveau’s connection to the Gates of Guinee ritual vastly differ. Everyone is excited about Andrew’s book event held in a replica of Laveau’s house, but it’s worrisome that the door is locked and Andrew, Mr. Punctual, is nowhere to be found. Sammy wanders through the house looking for him, but instead finds the body of a woman in the garden surrounded by elements of the Voodoo ritual including an out-of-place dead rooster. Sandra Glapion was suppose to be the entertainment, impersonating the Voodoo priestess, but now she’s the victim, and Andrew is suspected. It gets worse when more incidents of Laveau’s ritual appear around town with another deadly result.
Again, I was hooked! Originally released near Halloween, this well-written second book is appropriately spooky with details about the famous Voodoo practitioner, a ritual connected to the afterlife, and Papa Gede’s warning that the books, events, and discussions about the ritual are deadly dangerous. Voodoo has always carried with it mystery and trepidation, mostly from ignorance of its true nature, but Jen incorporates the fiction along with the nonfiction providing a fascinating look into its practices and the life of Marie Laveau. Although there may be a reckoning for messing with things best not messed with, there are several engaging ‘this side of the veil’ motives just as deadly: disgruntled significant others, professional jealousy, publicity stunt gone bad, revenge for the past. The drama is made more complicated by a new resident at Thibodeaux Mansion; Maribelle “Elle” Culpepper earned herself a position with Neal’s tour business, but it’s her role as his roommate that makes Sammy suspicious. Clever details, spooky elements, and a surprise conclusion makes this a late-night treat … just read with the lights on!
Disclosure: I have a copy of the book set that includes this book two and want to provide my views of this book.
March 15, 2026
A great cozy that dives into a bit of Voodoo and its history in New Orleans. Sammy’s new family finds itself embroiled in another murder all while trying to celebrate the release of Andrews new book. The book centers on the 7 gates of Marie Laveau and the attempt to contact afterlife This book continues the series and highlights the ambiance and history of New Orleans. It also has a great representation of a found family and new beginnings.
July 20, 2023
I love this series!! Cozy mysteries set in New Orleans? Yes, please!! The characters are wonderful and find me wishing I lived in Thibodaux Mansion! The story was entertaining and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 15, 2022
This second mystery in the French Quarter Mystery series is fast paced and a page turner. The characters are well-developed and the end is logical, but surprising.
December 11, 2022
Fun series
Busy times in this book what with murder and voodoo. I read right through as I needed to know how everything turned out. Recommended read.
Busy times in this book what with murder and voodoo. I read right through as I needed to know how everything turned out. Recommended read.
August 6, 2024
Just what I needed
It is a tense time in America. I love a good mystery but didn’t want something too heavy or violent. This series is just what the doctor ordered. I am enjoying this series so much. Believable characters, fun relationships, good writing!
It is a tense time in America. I love a good mystery but didn’t want something too heavy or violent. This series is just what the doctor ordered. I am enjoying this series so much. Believable characters, fun relationships, good writing!
December 11, 2025
Another enjoyable mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The characters continue to grow on me, and the setting makes me homesick for days (and nights) wandering the French Quarter.
April 22, 2024
Just as good as the first book in the series.
October 2, 2023
New friends aren’t quite what they seem & that has Sammy Guessing what’s up with them. Can she trust them to become part of her New Orleans family? While everything seems to be going well there’s not one but two murders & it’s a race against time to find the last gate before another murder takes place. And where will it be- St Louis Cemetery # 1 or # 2 ?
April 14, 2024
Love cozy mystery series and getting to know the characters! Also love that it’s set in New Orleans, a favorite place of mine to vacation! Grabs your attention and keeps it!
January 7, 2024
so many in New Orleans have lost homes, loved ones, businesses or livelihoods- this city that embraces celebrations, even after death, is steeped in mourning and reinvention
Andrew and his friend Remmy both are set to release new books with different interpretations of a Vodoo ritual to reach the afterlife
things get hazardous and crushing as various folks live past their own personal traumas, or die as someone else pursues the tainted rites
intense and emotional tales of family, friendships, losses, and survival
Andrew and his friend Remmy both are set to release new books with different interpretations of a Vodoo ritual to reach the afterlife
things get hazardous and crushing as various folks live past their own personal traumas, or die as someone else pursues the tainted rites
intense and emotional tales of family, friendships, losses, and survival
September 7, 2024
Wonderful
This story of New Orleans made me feel that I was actually there. I've never been. Sammy and all her friends kept me guessing as to who the murderer was.
This story of New Orleans made me feel that I was actually there. I've never been. Sammy and all her friends kept me guessing as to who the murderer was.
January 12, 2026
This book picks up pretty shortly after the end of the first. There's some things that were kind of hinted at previously that are definitely established in this one, plus Sammy's family drama is still in the background.I like the history and culture infused into these books. I'd never heard of the Gates of Guinee, so that was really interesting. Would have liked a little more description on that actually, to really understand the meaning and intent behind it. The characters are getting more fleshed out, this time making Andrew the focus. I'm interested to see what happens next, especially more about Sammy's past and family.
May 22, 2021
Wonderful!
Such great descriptions of New Orleans made me feel like I was actually there. I love the feeling of family of everyone at the mansion and their mutual love of the city and for each other. This was a great mystery that kept me guessing until close to the end.
Such great descriptions of New Orleans made me feel like I was actually there. I love the feeling of family of everyone at the mansion and their mutual love of the city and for each other. This was a great mystery that kept me guessing until close to the end.
May 24, 2023
Another great read in this series. Lots of New Orleans history. Very interesting voodoo references. I love Andrew’s kindness and friendliness and the magic of Papa Gede. On to the third installment of this series m. I’m looking forward to it. 💜💚💛 ⚜️
July 4, 2024
Exciting
I loved this book! The author is new to me but a happy find, the story has it all, clever mystery, history and wonderful people. I feel I’ve been touring the city and making friends. The ending was awesome!
I loved this book! The author is new to me but a happy find, the story has it all, clever mystery, history and wonderful people. I feel I’ve been touring the city and making friends. The ending was awesome!
November 16, 2022
An engaging read with a great setting and interesting characters. I enjoyed the bits of historical information about New Orleans. Looking forward to reading the next book.
March 18, 2023
Review
Again Ms. Putts wrote another riveting book. I’m enjoying this series. She keeps you guessing who committed the murders. Again it wasn’t who I thought it was.
Again Ms. Putts wrote another riveting book. I’m enjoying this series. She keeps you guessing who committed the murders. Again it wasn’t who I thought it was.
July 12, 2023
Plenty of descriptions at 60+ chapters. Wonderful characters and good mystery. Sammy finally finds a direction for her career/job.
July 18, 2023
Good plot, very creative and kept me reading.
December 8, 2023
Who killed Sandra and Thomas and why??? To reach the afterlife??? Jealousy??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
December 15, 2023
Another compelling plot by Jen Pitts. I'm loving these French Quarter Mysteries.
February 26, 2024
Who killed Sandra and Thomas and why??? Jealousy??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
March 19, 2024
Wonderful, exciting story. Stayed up to finish the book. Love the story and the characters. This is one of my favorite mystery series. Recommend reading.
October 7, 2025
Another fun, cozy mystery set in New Orleans! 3.75 ⭐️
March 12, 2026
This series is great when you need a cozy mystery fix. They’re not literary masterpieces, or entirely realistic, but they’re super fun to read and that counts for something in my book!!
November 13, 2020
The second book in the series about Samantha Richardson who left her home and job on the west coast to move to New Orleans. In book two, she finds herself trying to solve a murder when her friend is accused of the crime. This is set against the backdrop of The Gates to Guinee which is a voodoo ritual that may lead to the afterlife.
This is book two in the series. It’s well-written, intriguing (I had to Google The Gates to Guinee as I didn't know anything about it), the characters are well-shaped, complex and fun! I feel like I need a trip to New Orleans. I love this series and recommend it.
This is book two in the series. It’s well-written, intriguing (I had to Google The Gates to Guinee as I didn't know anything about it), the characters are well-shaped, complex and fun! I feel like I need a trip to New Orleans. I love this series and recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews