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French Quarter Mystery #4
Bury the Past
Sammy is surprised her prickly neighbor wants her help after a skeleton is discovered in a French Quarter courtyard. But she’s even more surprised when the decades-old bones lead her to a murder that’s closer to her home and heart. Can Sammy find the truth before the past is buried again?
When the detectives show up in Thibodeaux Mansion’s courtyard, Sammy is relieved they’re not there for her. But to her surprise, they need to see Ruby, her next-door neighbor. Even more shocking, Ruby asks Sammy to come with her to learn if the skeleton unearthed at the Delmar Apartments is Ruby’s missing daughter. As Ruby’s past comes to light, so does Sammy’s with a letter from her brother.
After the identity of the body is revealed, Sammy needs to find out what really happened twenty-six years ago when two teenagers disappeared without a trace. As if investigating a cold case isn’t hard enough, Sammy also has to face the real possibility that her brother is back in town. If he is, what does he want? Or worse, will he try to kill her again?
A twenty-six year old mystery collides with a modern day one that shakes Sammy to her core. To solve one mystery, she must solve the other. Can she find the evidence she needs to find closure for everyone before the killer buries the past?
Bury the Past, the fourth book in The French Quarter Mystery Series, features newcomer Samantha Richardson. Join Sammy as she explores the Big Easy by solving mysteries of the past and present in this cozy mystery series.
When the detectives show up in Thibodeaux Mansion’s courtyard, Sammy is relieved they’re not there for her. But to her surprise, they need to see Ruby, her next-door neighbor. Even more shocking, Ruby asks Sammy to come with her to learn if the skeleton unearthed at the Delmar Apartments is Ruby’s missing daughter. As Ruby’s past comes to light, so does Sammy’s with a letter from her brother.
After the identity of the body is revealed, Sammy needs to find out what really happened twenty-six years ago when two teenagers disappeared without a trace. As if investigating a cold case isn’t hard enough, Sammy also has to face the real possibility that her brother is back in town. If he is, what does he want? Or worse, will he try to kill her again?
A twenty-six year old mystery collides with a modern day one that shakes Sammy to her core. To solve one mystery, she must solve the other. Can she find the evidence she needs to find closure for everyone before the killer buries the past?
Bury the Past, the fourth book in The French Quarter Mystery Series, features newcomer Samantha Richardson. Join Sammy as she explores the Big Easy by solving mysteries of the past and present in this cozy mystery series.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
100 people are currently reading
90 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 30, 2022
Great Read
I enjoyed all the books in this series so far— the setting, characters, plot lines. Looking forward to the next one!
I enjoyed all the books in this series so far— the setting, characters, plot lines. Looking forward to the next one!
April 5, 2023
Bury the Past Earns 5+/5 Charm Bracelets … Entertaining Gem!
Ruby Virtue was Thibodeaux Mansion‘s resident psychic, aura reader, seer of ghosts, and purveyor of crystals, herbs, and opinions. She was also a quirky pain, but Sammy owed her. Except this morning, one already showing the heat the day had in store, Ruby was using her burning sage to rid the mansion of its negativity, “...the spirits are restless.” And restless they are. The police arrive to inform Rudy they uncovered a skeleton of the Delmar Apartments, and showing her a charm bracelet, Ruby identifies it as belong to her daughter, Verity. The same daughter who lived at the apartment, the same daughter who disappeared twenty-six years ago. But, there’s something wrong. Ruby doesn’t sense her daughter’s spirit, and with closer scrutiny, the coroner determines … it’s not Verity. So, who is it? And, where is Verity? Sammy is going to find out.
Another excellent read as Jen Pitts continues to capture the mystery of the Big Easy while maintaining the level of realism I expect. Ruby’s psychic abilities is an engaging element that enriches the series, no juvenile “ghost mumbo-jumbo,” but the “charlatan” issue is addressed with Ruby’s confrontation with the self-serving Sutton O’Berry. Their contentious banter, however entertaining, highlights her disdain for his abilities, but it’s his connection to the missing women and proximity to the crime scene that interests Sammy. Cold cases are a favorite element and Jen Pitts addresses well the natural challenges and obstacles of a crime decades old. This one, however, is personal to the Thibodeaux family, which is a compelling focus, and Verity’s quiet nature, budding psychic gifts, an argument with her mother, and possible conflict within her group of young friends opens many interesting avenues to explore. Sammy’s newly introduced cousin has moved to the Quarter building a positive relationship, but her brother, on the run from murder charges, may be back in town which adds another complication. Well-written story, clever details, and a few intense predicaments makes this book an excellent addition to an already favorite series!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Jen Pitts. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Ruby Virtue was Thibodeaux Mansion‘s resident psychic, aura reader, seer of ghosts, and purveyor of crystals, herbs, and opinions. She was also a quirky pain, but Sammy owed her. Except this morning, one already showing the heat the day had in store, Ruby was using her burning sage to rid the mansion of its negativity, “...the spirits are restless.” And restless they are. The police arrive to inform Rudy they uncovered a skeleton of the Delmar Apartments, and showing her a charm bracelet, Ruby identifies it as belong to her daughter, Verity. The same daughter who lived at the apartment, the same daughter who disappeared twenty-six years ago. But, there’s something wrong. Ruby doesn’t sense her daughter’s spirit, and with closer scrutiny, the coroner determines … it’s not Verity. So, who is it? And, where is Verity? Sammy is going to find out.
Another excellent read as Jen Pitts continues to capture the mystery of the Big Easy while maintaining the level of realism I expect. Ruby’s psychic abilities is an engaging element that enriches the series, no juvenile “ghost mumbo-jumbo,” but the “charlatan” issue is addressed with Ruby’s confrontation with the self-serving Sutton O’Berry. Their contentious banter, however entertaining, highlights her disdain for his abilities, but it’s his connection to the missing women and proximity to the crime scene that interests Sammy. Cold cases are a favorite element and Jen Pitts addresses well the natural challenges and obstacles of a crime decades old. This one, however, is personal to the Thibodeaux family, which is a compelling focus, and Verity’s quiet nature, budding psychic gifts, an argument with her mother, and possible conflict within her group of young friends opens many interesting avenues to explore. Sammy’s newly introduced cousin has moved to the Quarter building a positive relationship, but her brother, on the run from murder charges, may be back in town which adds another complication. Well-written story, clever details, and a few intense predicaments makes this book an excellent addition to an already favorite series!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Jen Pitts. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
May 7, 2022
"Bury the Past" is the fourth book in a fun cozy mystery series set in New Orleans.
The story features Sammy’s neighbor: Ruby Virtue who is the resident spiritualist and my favorite character. Ruby seeks Sammy’s help in the disappearance her daughter after a body is found. During the course of Sammy’s findings, she thinks she sees her brother hanging around the French Quarter.
I love this series of books with “Bury the Past” being my favorite, the story gives us more on Ruby’s background and her relationship with her daughter while starting to explore the relationship between her and neighbor Sammy. I also love how the author takes us right into New Orleans. I have visited this city once and loved it! While reading; I can picture and imagine where things take place.
If you’re into cozy mysteries and an escape; I recommend this series of books.
The story features Sammy’s neighbor: Ruby Virtue who is the resident spiritualist and my favorite character. Ruby seeks Sammy’s help in the disappearance her daughter after a body is found. During the course of Sammy’s findings, she thinks she sees her brother hanging around the French Quarter.
I love this series of books with “Bury the Past” being my favorite, the story gives us more on Ruby’s background and her relationship with her daughter while starting to explore the relationship between her and neighbor Sammy. I also love how the author takes us right into New Orleans. I have visited this city once and loved it! While reading; I can picture and imagine where things take place.
If you’re into cozy mysteries and an escape; I recommend this series of books.
June 3, 2022
Bury the Past
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. I would recommend Men Pitts books to anyone who enjoys a good mystery
I have enjoyed all the books in this series. I would recommend Men Pitts books to anyone who enjoys a good mystery
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January 9, 2024Sammy faces many goodbyes as she accepts the region where her birth parents passed away as both a farewell and her own new beginnings
past losses are embraced and mourned along with the love and care of her now families in their many forms
intense suspense, action and drama
past losses are embraced and mourned along with the love and care of her now families in their many forms
intense suspense, action and drama
July 16, 2023
Bury the Past
Was sorry Sammy and her brother were not able to connect more before his death. For both of them to lose all of their family and her unable to remember how much he loved her and protected her because she was so young! Enjoyed the story and was glad to learn more New Orleans history.
Was sorry Sammy and her brother were not able to connect more before his death. For both of them to lose all of their family and her unable to remember how much he loved her and protected her because she was so young! Enjoyed the story and was glad to learn more New Orleans history.
June 9, 2023
I started reading the French Auarter books about 3 weeks ago and I am ready to start the fifth one. I love New Orleans and I’m learning more about the city, voodoo and spirits through reading these books. The characters are likable, the stories draw you in and they are really quite good.
January 24, 2026
Another fun cozy mystery set in New Orleans. Engaging characters, plenty of dangerous situations, and some tying up of long-term story lines.
September 8, 2023
Truly amazing read.
November 22, 2022
Good read
This book has interesting, believable characters and a good plot. I like the New Orleans setting and the historical facts I learn while reading.
This book has interesting, believable characters and a good plot. I like the New Orleans setting and the historical facts I learn while reading.
July 13, 2023
I enjoyed reading all the books in the ears so far, but I love New Orleans and visited there frequently before Katrina. I love hearing about some of the places my late husband and I visited and the restaurants we enjoyed. The books bring back fond memories of a nicer time.
August 19, 2023
Love this series!
Another French Quarter mystery, and another successful cozy mystery! I really enjoy these stories because they transport me to my favorite place. The characters are dear to me and I enjoy they mysteries Sanmy encounters.
Another French Quarter mystery, and another successful cozy mystery! I really enjoy these stories because they transport me to my favorite place. The characters are dear to me and I enjoy they mysteries Sanmy encounters.
July 6, 2024
Excellent
I love this series. Lots of excitement, mysteries I can never solve but enjoy so much! The people are fascinating with real relationships and personalities. I feel I’ve visited New Orleans.
I love this series. Lots of excitement, mysteries I can never solve but enjoy so much! The people are fascinating with real relationships and personalities. I feel I’ve visited New Orleans.
August 30, 2025
Did not expect that to have happened. I wonder if it really is final or if it’s just a way to get lost. I enjoyed learning more about some of the “side” characters.
July 24, 2022
Needs some editing but overall a good read
Finally a book with a main character in a healthy relationship! This book has a great setting and great murder mystery. It could use some editing with a fine toothed comb, as I did notice quite a few spelling and grammatical errors. Less detail about food would be nice too. I don't find the need to constantly read about beignets, muffalettas, jambalaya and gumbo.
Finally a book with a main character in a healthy relationship! This book has a great setting and great murder mystery. It could use some editing with a fine toothed comb, as I did notice quite a few spelling and grammatical errors. Less detail about food would be nice too. I don't find the need to constantly read about beignets, muffalettas, jambalaya and gumbo.
October 3, 2022
Nicely done
Book 4 of this series ties up a number of issue from the recent past (book one,) but a 26 year old mystery. It is thoughtfully and cleverly written. The characters in the series are well drawn. I have noted some typos bc they drive me crazy in these cozy mysteries.
Book 4 of this series ties up a number of issue from the recent past (book one,) but a 26 year old mystery. It is thoughtfully and cleverly written. The characters in the series are well drawn. I have noted some typos bc they drive me crazy in these cozy mysteries.
March 30, 2024
Great fourth book!
The fourth book in the series was a hit for me. Sammy solved another case. Momo and Ruby got some answers. I enjoy this series. I didn't want the book to end. Can't wait to start the next!
The fourth book in the series was a hit for me. Sammy solved another case. Momo and Ruby got some answers. I enjoy this series. I didn't want the book to end. Can't wait to start the next!
June 1, 2023
Another great read in the series. Finding family and revealing secrets within the realms of NOLA.
December 8, 2023
Who killed Nicole and why??? Jealousy??? AND her brother??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
April 15, 2024
I have enjoyed every book of this series. The stories are interesting, and I feel like I am in New Orleans with the characters. Recommend reading.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews