Some years back my husband and I decided to take a Freighter cruise. That’s right, instead of a fancy cruise liner, you sail on a freighter, wherever they are bound. It does require some flexibility on your part which we learned when we anchored on the Mississippi and waited in line for a cargo hold of rice to be loaded. It had been raining for a week, and there were several ships waiting in front of us.
One advantage of the wait, we got a unique view of the Bayou from the deck of our ship It was fascinating, with locals boating over to talk, having cell phone coverage although not being able to get over to dry land, and learning a lot about patience. It was beautiful, unique, and hot, all at the same time; and we were there early spring. It was an experience I wouldn’t want to have missed and I would love to do again sometime.
New Orleans and the Bayou are alive with a culture all their own. When we were docked in the city we were at the working docks, not the tourist ones, so again, we got a unique view. One day we got off the ship and took a walking trip of the area. Got the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had and a fabulous Po’boy sandwich at a place called Domilise’s. It was fascinating just to watch as people came in for the lunch rush. The place was tiny…and busy…and full of laughter, good food, good smells, and cheer. I’m happy to say they survived Hurricane Katrina and appear to be doing a rocking business still.
I’ve been to NOLA a couple of other times, stayed in a fancy boutique hotel in the French Quarter, enjoyed a cocktail from a sidewalk bar, even wandered into one of the casino’s until I lost all my quarters. A big gambler I’ll never be. Still, it was being anchored on the Mississippi, watching the life of the Bayou that sticks in my memory.
Perhaps that’s one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed Ellen Byron’s Cajun Country Mystery series so much and Cajun Kiss of Death is no exception. Click on the link to see a full review and some of the reasons I think this is a series worth investing your time reading. As I say in the review, look up the series and start with the first one. You’re going to want to get to know the people and the area. Then, when you read this one, it will be like making your regular visit.
All the regulars are still here, there are Maggie and Bo, who just got married, Maggie’s parents and her Grandmere, her extended relatives and friends who make Pelican a town on the Bayou you’ll want to put on your list of places to visit. Between the people and places like JJ’s Cajun diner or specialty shops like the sweet shop and the bakery, you’ll want to come hungry, too. Since they’re all imaginary, though, maybe you’ll just make a plan to stop into New Orleans for some of their unique cuisine, and you won’t need me to make any recommendations. After all, almost everyone knows about the Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter and the famous restaurants that dot the area. Still, if you want to get a little off the beaten path, you might stop into Domilise’s. I know if I ever make it back that’s where I’m headed.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of the book for this review. The opinions, though, are all my own. Enjoy the book and the Cajun sights and sounds it delivers. Happy Reading.
