As humans we have been asking “why?” since we learned to talk. When you or your loved one is a victim, you need to know why. The wondering will drive you crazy. I truly feel for her family as this devastating story of her great grandfathers kidnapping and murder unfolds. She lays the story out with an incredible amount of care with little bias. She is open and honest with her feelings and does not shy away from theories that most would. I am incredibly thankful for her bravery in sharing this story with the world. This could easily have been sold to Netflix as a true crime doc, and it would have no doubt pulled you in episode after episode. If there is even an answer to who truly killed Aubrey LaHaye (the man behind bars? His brother in law? A random act of violence? The Cajun Mafia?) I can see this being the next big story covered on every podcast.

There’s a lot of information and names thrown at you and more so states facts instead of telling a story which makes the book seem to drag on. I found myself counting down until it was over because of how bored I was

Jordan's great grandfather was murdered before she was born, but the incident has impacted the entire family's make up. She decides to write about the murder, and as she digs into details, she begins to wonder if the man convicted of the crime is actually guilty. There were some questionable actions by both the police and the DA's office.

This is one of those instances where I wonder if the audiobook negatively impacted my view of the book. This is no fault of the narrator, Christine Lakin. More that there are SO MANY people mentioned in the 40+ years this book covers, it is easy to get lost. Thankfully, the author does warn you of a lot of shared last names- and that they are usually not related. But since there are literally dozens of people who were in some way involved, it was a lot. The family alone is very large. Then you get into people of the community and it is a lot.

Anyway, this is told in more of a narrative format. Not a dry non-fiction text. I'd stick to the print version- or take notes. Maybe both, lol.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange of an honest review.

Jordan Lahaye Fontenot’s Home of the Happy is a beautifully written dive into a haunting true crime story set against the evocative backdrop of Louisiana. With lyrical prose and a novelistic touch, Fontenot breathes life into the people and places surrounding a decades-old murder. Her storytelling draws readers in with atmosphere and empathy, making the book feel more like literary fiction than investigative journalism.

However, as is often the case with true crime stories that lack new evidence or breakthroughs, the narrative can feel ultimately unsatisfying. The mystery lingers, and while Fontenot’s careful attention to detail and emotional nuance is admirable, readers looking for closure or a dramatic revelation may find themselves wanting more.

The 1983 murder of Aubrey LaHaye led to a massive manhunt and a life sentence for John Brady Balfa. But decades later, LaHaye’s great-granddaughter uncovers lingering doubts about Balfa’s guilt, suggesting the true story remains untold.

Part true crime, part memoir, this is a gripping mystery. It’s immersive and emotional with lots of twists. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.