In 1924,
Dassas Cormier returns home to Marshall’s Bayou, Louisiana to discover that his
friend and mentor, Red has been murdered. Dass
had worked in law enforcement while living in New Orleans over the last few years and
plans to use his investigating skills to discover who killed Red.
While Dass
is home he also has to contend with his unresolved feelings for Grace, the woman he has
loved all his life. Grace is now married and
when her husband doesn’t arrive home when expected, Grace asks Dass to find him. Dass reluctantly agrees and his search leads him
to another murder in the Bayou.
Are the
murders linked? Should Dass trust Grace?
Dass never
expected to come home and end up knee deep in murder and this reader never expected to
change her mind more than once as to who the murderer was.
Ms. Baker
writes an eloquent tale about murder, deception, love and family. The bond between Dass and his brother and family
is endearing and unbreakable. Dass felt
uncomfortable when he first returned home, needing time to sort out his troubles and his
family welcomed him home with open arms, no
questions asked.
MURDER IN
MARSHALL’S BAYOU is told in the first person and the reader develops a kinship with
Dassas Cormier. The reader learns his thoughts, what is in his heart along with his
strengths and his weaknesses. (always a woman!)
S. H. Baker
tells an intriguing story with suspense and the unexpected around many corners. It is a fast-paced mystery with smooth writing,
realistic characters and the Louisiana Bayou comes to life within a few pages.
I wouldn’t
mind working with Dassas Cormier again. He is
sweet, yet relentless and doesn’t rest until the crime is solved!
Reviewed by Tracey West for The Road to Romance
July 14 2003 |
