As we moved deeper into Autumn, I felt it was the perfect time to join chief medical examiner, Andy Broussard and criminal psychologist, Dr Kit Franklyn for another mystery in the colourful New Orleans. While Broussard is left reeling from the shocking shooting of his uncle Joe at a family picnic, Kit has to step up to investigate the disappearance of a young woman. Soon what seemed like two clear cut cases is thrown into doubt, as Kit’s first solo efforts soon lead back to the murder of Uncle Joe. Sensing the horrendous magnitude of this case, Broussard has to try to move past his emotions to help his colleagues and friends to uncover the truth before it’s too late!

Again Donaldson immediately drew me in and completely immersed me into this detailed, meticulous and graphic, although I felt it was never gratuitous, mystery. It was also great to reunite with Broussard and Kit, who already seem like old friends to me. Although the narration is still split evenly between these two protagonists, it definitely felt like this was more Kit’s investigation; who is temporarily deputized to help the NOPD cope with a work slow-down. This gives Kit the opportunity to really show what she can do intellectual, physically and mentally, as she is pushed to her limits by not just the case but also by the bullies who support the slow-down.

What I also really loved again was the setting – I have always had a fascination with the Deep South of the USA, especially after watching the first series of HBO’s True Detective, and these books play right into that. In fact, the setting almost becomes another character because it is that good and integral to the story. I thought Donaldson brilliantly brought to life the setting and totally made me feel like I was there: feeling it’s hot, humid weather; eating its delicious food; meeting the colourful, eclectic people; and travelling to the smaller communities out in the crocodile infested wetlands.

Overall, I found Assassination at Bayou Sauvage to be another deeply engrossing, audacious mystery which I loathed to put down and absolutely whipped through. I would definitely like to read more Broussard and Franklyn mysteries.

As with all of the books in this series, within the first pages, there is a murder. This time it is New Orleans medical examiner Andy Broussard's Uncle Joe that is shot and killed at a family picnic. The authorities are able to identify the killer but getting answers out of him proves to be impossible, as he has killed himself. This should be an open and shut case, but it proves to be anything but easy. As Andy Broussard and returning characters, Dr. Kit Franklyn, Grandma O, and Bubba Oustilette dig deeper into the case, more murders occur, all related to Andy. So Andy tries to do all he can to help in the investigation, as it is personal to him.

Assassination at Bayou Sauvage is the 8th book in the Broussard & Franklyn series. You don't have to read them all in order to follow along with the story. I think the author does a great job of continuing the characters roles book by book so you don't need to know all of the previous stories. But if you want to know more about the characters developments, then, by all means, read the whole series. That said, I have only read a few of the books previous to this one and I had no problems knowing who was who and what their role is.

I enjoy reading this series, the author does a great job with descriptions of New Orleans, the culture and feel are definitely intertwined with the characters. You can almost smell the air, the heaviness, and humidity. Very atmospheric and this series is definitely character driven and the plot flows from page one until the end.

If you are looking for a series to read that will keep you turning the pages, this one is it! I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it!

This book started fast and just kept on moving. Suspense filled, with complex plot and great characters. I liked them all even the villian. Never saw it coming until Andrew filled us in. Broussard is an excellent mentor and friend. Can't wait to read the whole series now.

I previously reviewed an earlier book in this series called Louisiana Fever, and this latest installment shares many of the same qualities. There’s a lot of exploration of forensics, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how strong your stomach is, and the setting of New Orleans, which adds color to the characters’ investigations.

I was glad that we get to see more of Kit in this book. She is deputized in order to help with a missing person case while Broussard deals with a deeply personal murder, and because of this, she gets a lot more page time than she did in Louisiana Fever. Both characters get to grow in this book (Kit has a couple of close calls that make her and Broussard realize that something might be connecting the two separate cases), but I thought it was especially interesting to watch as Broussard tries to change his old habits and reconnect with his family in the midst of this tragedy.

4 and 1 / 2 stars

Dr. Andy Broussard is attending a family picnic when as assassin shoots Broussard’s cousin, Joe Broussard. As park rangers go after the killer, he turns a gun on himself and kills himself.

Kit Franklyn works with Broussard as a death investigator/psychologist. Due to a police department “sick out” Phil Gatlin, Dr. Broussard’s friend and a detective in NOPD homicide asks Kit to investigate the case of a missing woman, Betty Bergeron.

Dr. Broussard notices some anomalies in the autopsy of the shooter.

As Kit’s, Dr. Broussard’s and Phil’s investigations dovetail, the tension in the story ratchets up. The pace of our story increases and the murderer comes as a surprise.

This is my first D.J. Donaldson book and I am certain it won’t by my last. As least this won’t be the last of the Broussard/Franklyn type. I see he writes several different series.

I want to thank Netgalley and JKS Communications/HighLine Editions for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.