D.H. Schleicher's Reviews > The Garden of Stone Houses

The Garden of Stone Houses takes place in the mid-1800's in New Orleans on the brink of the American Civil War. Anya Pavelle has clearly done meticulous research where the rich details of the era come to life in this engaging historical melodrama. At times the style recalls some of the classic European works from that era...think Wilkie Collins. It sometimes makes for a languid, though never dull, read.

There's a heavy pall of mysticism (and voodoo) draped like Spanish moss over this tale of women across two generations who find creative ways to improve their lots in life and insure karma ruins the men who tried to ruin them. The supernatural elements are done very well, and they fit with the culture, time and place.

I highly recommend The Garden of Stone Houses to anyone who enjoys refined but atmospheric historical fiction.