Book Review: The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G. Henry

 

From the publisher:

After solving a crime blamed on Vodou in New Orleans’s French Quarter, Vodou priestess turned amateur detective Reina Dumond has returned to her benevolent work as a healer. But when her friend and enigmatic client Evangeline “Vangie” Stiles comes to her for a spell, Mambo Reina quickly realizes what Vangie really needs is a sleuth.

Something is amiss in the Stileses’ marriage. Five thousand dollars has inexplicably appeared in the bank account Vangie shares with her scam-artist husband, Arthur, and she smells trouble. So does Reina. Especially when her investigation into Arthur’s likely new con leads to murder. Considering the manner of death and the signs on the victim’s body, Reina recognizes it for what it is: ritual magic of the vodouisant kind.

As Reina digs deeper, she encounters a conspiracy exploiting vulnerable youth—one of whom may have abilities just like hers. With the help of her friends Darryl and Tyka, Reina must hone her ever-evolving skills to uncover a mystery that reaches further than she imagined.

The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G. Henry was released February 28th, 2023 by 47North.

My thoughts: 

 The main character, Mambo Reina, is a fully fleshed out character. She has her good points and her flaws. Often she rushes in where angels fear to tread seemingly without thought to the possible consequences. Despite the flaws, she is a likeable amateur detective. Her beau, Roman, I didn't like as much. I don't think they are well suited for each other, but time will tell. Her found family on the other hand, including Darryl and Tyka, are a perfect fit. And Houngan Lucien is full of surprises.

The pace of the novel was good. It started out slow and speeded up as the book went on. It did slow down again towards the end, but I think that's because it was setting up possibilities for a sequel.

I did like the plot. I felt it was quite original and the author points out in the afterword that something similar had been in the news at one point, but unsurprisingly I missed it. I liked how she was set on her course by a question from Miss Vangie. And that led to a whole domino chain of events. Also, in this book it shows just how strongly her desire to find her mother motivates Reina.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. There is more than one mystery to solve even though they are connected. The plot idea is original as is Mambo Reina. It moves along at a good rate once it gets going. And I'm looking forward to book 3. I need to see where some of the loose ends will be sewed up.

If you enjoy paranormal cozies with a fleshed out female lead, this could be a good book for you as well as the previous book in the series, Quarter Storm. It's definitely worth a read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #437: The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G. Henry

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

A Vodou priestess turned amateur sleuth investigating a ritual murder is embroiled in an insidious case of corruption that reaches beyond the shadows of New Orleans.

After solving a crime blamed on Vodou in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Vodou priestess turned amateur detective Reina Dumond has returned to her benevolent work as a healer. But when her friend and enigmatic client Evangeline “Vangie” Stiles comes to her for a spell, Mambo Reina quickly realizes what Vangie really needs is a sleuth.

Something is amiss in the Stileses’ marriage. Five thousand dollars has inexplicably appeared in the bank account Vangie shares with her scam-artist husband, Arthur, and she smells trouble. So does Reina. Especially when her investigation into Arthur’s likely new con leads to murder. Considering the manner of death and the signs on the victim’s body, Reina recognizes it for what it is: ritual magic of the vodouisant kind.

As Reina digs deeper, she encounters a conspiracy exploiting vulnerable youth—one of whom may have abilities just like hers. With the help of her friends Darryl and Tyka, Reina must hone her ever-evolving skills to uncover a mystery that reaches further than she imagined.

The Foreign Exchange by Veronica G. Henry is expected out February 28th, 2023 from 47North. 

Why am I waiting on this book? I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. I liked Reina and her friends. I find the premise interesting. I want to know what they find out, what trouble they get into, and how they get out of it while solving the mystery.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: The Quarter Storm by Veronica G. Henry

 

From the publisher:

Haitian-American Vodou priestess Mambo Reina Dumond runs a healing practice from her New Orleans home. Gifted with water magic since she was a child, Reina is devoted to the benevolent traditions of her ancestors.

After a ritual slaying in the French Quarter, police arrest a fellow vodouisant. Detective Roman Frost, Reina’s ex-boyfriend—a fierce nonbeliever—is eager to tie the crime, and half a dozen others, to the Vodou practitioners of New Orleans. Reina resolves to find the real killer and defend the Vodou practice and customs, but the motives behind the murder are deeper and darker than she imagines.

As Reina delves into the city’s shadows, she untangles more than just the truth behind a devious crime. It’s a conspiracy. As a killer wields dangerous magic to thwart Reina’s investigation, she must tap into the strength of her own power and faith to solve a mystery that threatens to destroy her entire way of life.

My Thoughts: 

I like the character of Reina. She believes strongly in what she does. She has a good nature and wants to help and guide people for the best possible outcome. She gets tied into a murder because a woman visits her the day before it happens. Reina feels a strong need to get involved and find the truth. 

The plot involves a lot of investigation and deduction on Reina's part. The other characters she interacts with are interesting, but I can't say I liked her ex much. I enjoyed the parts with Vodou and Reina's magic. The plot slows occasionally during the investigation, but overall progresses at a good rate. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It has interesting characters, a good plot, and makes interesting use of magic and Vodou. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

Teaser Tuesday: The Quarter Storm by Veronica G. Henry

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I nodded at the earless ghost of Louis Congo. In Haiti the spiritual was pervasive, but since my initiation, some places, like the cemetery or this park, brought the spirits even more to the forefront. The wraith floated among the parishioners, his back bent, sadness tugging at his diaphanous eyes. He raised a hand. A slow flutter of fingertips, like encumbered wings.

(16%% through on my Kindle)

The Quarter Storm by Veronica G. Henry was published March 1st, 2022 by 47North.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Bacchanal by Veronica Henry

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 Clay grinned at Jamey's  squirming and changed the subject. "We got a couple of animals we keep with the carnival, but maybe now with you, we can pick up some more. Question is, Can you control that, uh, gift of yours? Heard a lot of mutterings from them town folk. But the small-minded can puff up a story till it's got no kinship whatsoever to the truth. " (p.24 - Clay talking to Liza)

Bacchanal by Veronica Henry was published June 1st, 2021 by 47North. 

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #181: How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The enchanting story of a bookshop, its grieving owner, a supportive literary community, and the extraordinary power of books to heal the heart. 

Nightingale Books, nestled on the main street in an idyllic little village, is a dream come true for book lovers--a cozy haven and welcoming getaway for the literary-minded locals. But owner Emilia Nightingale is struggling to keep the shop open after her beloved father's death, and the temptation to sell is getting stronger. The property developers are circling, yet Emilia's loyal customers have become like family, and she can't imagine breaking the promise she made to her father to keep the store alive. 

There's Sarah, owner of the stately Peasebrook Manor, who has used the bookshop as an escape in the past few years, but it now seems there's a very specific reason for all those frequent visits. Next is roguish Jackson, who, after making a complete mess of his marriage, now looks to Emilia for advice on books for the son he misses so much. And the forever shy Thomasina, who runs a pop-up restaurant for two in her tiny cottage--she has a crush on a man she met in the cookbook section, but can hardly dream of working up the courage to admit her true feelings. 

Enter the world of Nightingale Books for a serving of romance, long-held secrets, and unexpected hopes for the future--and not just within the pages on the shelves. How to Find Love in a Bookshop is the delightful story of Emilia, the unforgettable cast of customers whose lives she has touched, and the books they all cherish. 

Why am I waiting on this one? I love books about bookstores and libraries. I've worked in both in the past. This one sounds like it has an interesting assortment of customers. Couple that with the struggle to keep the store open and it sounds like a good book. Expected publication is August 15, 2017 from Pamela Dorman books.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!