Jolly Roger
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Roger Chretien is found drowned in his upstairs study, soaking wet and draped in the Jolly Roger. When his brothers, James, and John, return home to Lake Charles Louisiana to bury their brother they never imagine it will become a life changing moment. Together with John’s daughter, Jenny, her friend Robert, Roger’s friends Margot Sallier, Diz and Daz and a tenuous relationship with Detective Sergeant Antoine Durel of the Lake Charles Police Department, they will become embroiled in a mystery that will take them on a journey through Southern Louisiana. Murder, treasure, history, legacy, family stories and food all intertwine in a story that is part mystery and part adventure, taking the reader through Southern Louisiana into the wilds of Bayou Contraband in the midst of a category 4 hurricane for a final confrontation with destiny and a centuries old legend.
Praise for this book
☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars. · 7 months ago
Murder Mystery Unfurls The Pirate Flag
Jolly Roger is an exciting page-turner crafted by first-time novelist Thomas J. Leveque. The story, set in the captivating backdrop of Lake Charles, Louisiana, draws inspiration from local folktales surrounding hidden treasure buried in the area during the early 1800s by the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte. The heart of the book revolves around the lives of the fictional Chretien family, along with their ancestors and others believed to have had encounters with the legendary pirate.Primarily a gripping mystery, the plot unfolds with the murder of one of the Chretien brothers, Roger, whose lifeless body is found draped in the ominous skull and crossbones pirate flag. The surviving family members, who had drifted apart, along with Roger's girlfriend and the daughter of another brother, are compelled to unite in a quest to unmask the murderer before another tragic incident befalls the family.
The novel's pacing is commendable, consistently introducing fresh revelations that propel the characters on a satisfying journey of discovery. Amidst the riveting murder mystery, the narrative also weaves a heartwarming tale of family reconnection through love. The crisis draws them even closer as they bond over their shared passion for local cuisine, savoring the flavors of jambalaya, gumbo, and fresh-brewed coffee.
The book held me enthralled right to its conclusion, though I did find it a bit challenging at times to keep track of the vast array of characters. The present-day family narrative, side plots involving treasure seekers, and historical flashbacks detailing interactions with Jean Lafitte and locals contributed to this complexity. Nonetheless, the captivating storyline managed to retain my focus, and I am eager for the possibility of a follow-up novel.
Amidst the sultry ambiance of Southern Louisiana, a tale of intrigue and familial bonds unfurls in the wake of Roger Chretien's eerie death. As James and John return to Lake Charles to bid their brother farewell, they're plunged into an enigmatic whirlwind of history, secrets, and looming destiny. The vivid tableau of characters, from John's tenacious daughter Jenny to the mysterious Margot Sallier, paints a rich mosaic of intertwined lives, each holding a clue to the unfolding mystery.
The reluctant partnership with Detective Sergeant Antoine Durel deepens the intrigue as the group ventures into the heart of Bayou Contraband, where past sins and legacies beckon. The narrative masterfully juxtaposes the impending doom of a category four hurricane with the disruption of revelations, building to a crescendo of suspense.
This tale is a riveting blend of mystery and familial drama, all set against the haunting backdrop of Louisiana's bayous. Elements of nature, history, and destiny converge in a dance of prose, crafting a story that remains etched in the mind long after the final page. An enthralling journey through time and emotion, the book is a testament to the power of legacy, love, and the inescapable pull of the past.