This is the second book in the Mambo Reina series. Following Reina Dumond, a Vodou priestess and healer who is good at solving mysteries in New Orleans. In this book, Reina investigates a friend’s husband and uncovers a conspiracy of people involved in dark ritual magic.

I liked the fast pacing of the book. The atmosphere the author creates with the setting of New Orleans seemed very "native", as in it didn't feel like a book that only mentions the "sights". Reina is a very likeable character and I enjoyed solving the cosy mystery with her. I also learned a lot more about Vodou and its origins.

I enjoyed this book immensely. The essence of New Orleans comes through clearly as you follow Mambo Reina on her quest to solve a mystery for a friend. Ms Henry says she was inspired to write this story after learning of the Africa to NBA pipeline. As someone who lives in Africa, this was news to me too although not at all surprising. - including the scams, the thefts and how these boys are at the mercy of handlers as they seek a means to better their lives.

If you are interested in 'real' voodoo outside of the realms of Hollywood, this a good story to start. There are no wealthy spirits haunting houses in the Garden District and no storefront shamans selling books and trinkets to tourists while they whip up black magic spells in the back room. The characters in this story come from a long history and deep system of beliefs and whether or not you believe, going along with their story is fascinating.

I highly recommend this book if you like mystery with a bit of magic. Thank you to Veronica G Henry and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to review this book.

The Foreign Exchange is the second book in a series (the first was titled The Quarter Storm) which follows Reina Dumond, a Vodou priestess and healer who has a knack for solving mysteries in New Orleans. In this book, Reina investigates a friend’s husband and uncovers a conspiracy of people involved in dark ritual magic.
The plot of the book moves quickly and the cast of characters, Reina’s friends and a love interest, are all engaging. What I loved about the book though, was the atmosphere of New Orleans and the history of Vodou magic. The book takes place at Halloween, lending a city steeped in mystery an even more intriguing appeal. Halloween in New Orleans is celebrated with a large parade because it occurs close to the end of hurricane season. Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath haunts the book, and the details transport the reader to New Orleans.

Although Vodou is sometimes popularly associated with dark magic, this book celebrates the traditions of Vodou, tracing them all the way back to Reina’s immigration from Haiti when she was young. Autumn in Haiti is described as a time that “cleared the path for change”, and each time Reina performs a ritual, the reader can feel her hope and desire for positive change. Reina creates spells and tinctures of protection with pink rose petals, white candles, and alligator teeth, and her shop is stocked with magic Vodou healing traditions. The book even includes a recipe for “Sweet Belly’s New Orleans Dirty Rice” which seems like a spell the readers create in their own kitchens.

Fans of mystery series will enjoy the plot and characters, and armchair travelers will enjoy the details that make them feel like they have taken a trip to New Orleans. I enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.

The Foreign Exchange is as amazing as I was expecting and hoping it would be. After devouring The Quarter Storm, I was so excited to see Mambo Reina was back and diving into yet another mystery.

I love this story/series for so many reasons, the first being the rich culture that flows and blooms from every pace. I love the bold and bright characters, the twists, and turns, I love the mystery, the flow, and the emotions the story provokes within me.

I love spending time in this world, and this is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. It is so dynamic and atmospheric; I could not love this story more. Did I mention I loved it?! LOL

I received an ARC (and pre-ordered a copy) via NetGalley and 47North Publishers and I am leaving an honest review.

Mambo Reina is back in this follow up to Quarter Storm. There is a cast of interestingly eccentric characters. The author certainly knows how to create an intriguing mystery filled with voudain magic.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me this ARC. This is my honest review.