I got the chance to read blogging friend Roland Yeomans’ new book… and wow! Check out the details below.

Blurb

MARDI GRAS … MAGIC … MURDER
In 1947 New Orleans THREE KINGS DAY marks the start of the official Carnival Season. Carnival, coming from the Latin words, carne vale, meaning “farewell to the flesh.”

Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte, Our Lady of Holy Death, is stalking the French Quarter streets killing apparently at random. 

What does the psychotic actress, Irene Dupré, know of this entity and what lies behind the murders? She remains silent, only smiling. Santa Muerte’s strange acolyte lurks in the shadows watching, waiting. Waiting for what?

Frank Capra is filming a historical fantasy in the city with Jimmy Stewart, Cesar Romero, and the enigmatic Irene Dupré. Former O.S.S. operative, now the film’s Prop Master, Lucas, finds himself in the middle of the mystery with more questions than answers.
His lost love back from the dead, Ingrid Durtz, and his best friend, Mitchell Mack, are at a loss on how to stay alive, much less catch a supernatural killer.

Then, there is Lucas’ former O.S.S. team mate, Father Darael, whose gift of a Seraph Blade is literally a two-edged blessing. You see, Darael is a Seraphim Provocateur. And Lucas is unsure whose side he is really on, the Celestial or the Fallen?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roland Yeomans was born in Detroit, Michigan.  But his last memories of that city are hub-caps and kneecaps since, at the age of seven, he followed the free food when his parents moved to Lafayette, Louisiana.  The hitch-hiking after their speeding car from state to state was a real adventure. 

Once in Louisiana, Roland learned strange new ways of pronouncing David and Richard when they were last names.  And it was not a pleasant sight when he pronounced Comeaux for the first time.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education and a Master’s degree in Psychology.  He has been a teacher, counselor, book store owner, and even a pirate since he once worked at a tax preparation firm.

Now, he is a rare blood courier.

So far, he has written forty-two books.  You can find Roland at his web page: www.rolandyeomans.blogspot.com  or at his private table in Meilori’s. 

The web page is safer to visit.  But if you insist on visiting Meilori’s, bring a friend who runs slower than you.

My review

Razor Valentine by Roland Yeomans

‘Ingrid patted his arm.  “I am afraid not.  New Orleans is more dangerous than the tourists know.” Irene smiled a demon’s grin.  “Which explains why so many go missing every Mardi Gras. Who knows the face lurking behind all those lurid masks?” Cesar’s eyebrow rose slowly as he continued to stare at me, and I sighed, “The occult world exists.  No one knows all the rules, just the one: stay as far away from it as you can.”’ Love that! It says so much about the themes of the book.

This book is filled with the odd twists and turns that I always imagine New Orleans to be – the supernatural as normal as breathing.

I liked the intertwined history, mystery and the odd (and compelling) character that is Lucas. And the author’s play with language is quite a treat! The world building is intricate, the layers fascinating and Irene is clearly insane (though, that is part of the fun) – and no-one in this story can truly be sane with everything they encounter.

And the story that got me to read this book: “Love in Masquerade” that is about Hazy (who I met in the author’s WEP challenge story on his blog). She is an odd, delightful character.

I loved this YA short story. Hazel (Hazy) has an entertaining inner monologue. And she’s strong female character (we need loads of her kind!). [5 stars] [supernatural, mystery, favourite setting]

You can read the original story that drew me to Hazy here.

Sounds great, right? Go on and get your copy today!