Who Do, VooDoo? by Rochelle Staab And A Giveaway

The delightful author Rochelle Staab stopped by last week to talk about superstitions and her new book. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on her cozy murder mystery debut release.

WHO DO, VOODOO? is the first installment in the author’s new Mind For Murder Mystery series. 

Thanks to Rochelle and Kaitlyn at Berkley Prime Crime, I have 1 copy of WHO DO, VOODOO? to giveaway to a lucky visitor who comments on this post between now and 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Nov. 17. Be sure to include your e-mail address if it’s not included in your profile. (Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, sorry.)

WHO DO, VOODOO? by Rochelle Staab

Having learned additional background beforehand, I began reading WHO DO, VOODOO? with a bit of apprehension. 

Would the characters be as I had imaged? Would the plot hold my attention given the extra information? Would the author be able to explain voodoo, tarot readings, and such without it reading like a text book?

Oh my, YES, YES and YES! The book exceeded all my expectations drawing me into the world of the protagonist and her friends as if it were my own. The story held my attention with fast-pace action and engaging dialogue. The explanations of tarot readings, voodoo and the supernatural were informative, not overwhelming.  

Author Rochelle Staab has created characters that will delight, amuse, entertain, irritate, frustrate, warm your heart, and remind you of dating anxieties from your youth. Her writing style is smooth, easy flowing making for a relaxing read with just the right hint of suspense.

Liz Cooper is a psychologist who looks at life through rational eyes. When her best friend, Robin Bloom, finds tarot cards stuck to her door, she believes it’s an omen but Liz doesn’t. The cards are the same as the ones Robin’s husband drew the night before he died in a wreck. Liz’s mother, Vivian, did the tarot reading for his 40th birthday.

Wanting to help her friend, Liz turns to Nick Garfield for assistance. Nick was her brother Dave’s college roommate and is now a religious philosophy professor and an expert on the occult. As they track down the tarot deck, a murder occurs and Robin is the prime suspect. Liz is determined to find the real killer and free her friend. She and Nick explore the world of voodoo while a growing attraction between them builds. Will they find the killer or has Robin already been dealt the final card?

While the world of black magic, tarot cards and the supernatural may sound dark and heavy, Staab lightens it up a bit. She weaves the story with moments of humor, bonds of friendship, a budding romance, and sprinkles occult information to make it a fascinating read. The twists and turns will keep you guessing till the end.

The fun references to old black and white movies adds a charming touch. Liz’s no-nonsense approach reminded me at times of the wonderful Kathryn Hepburn. Nick’s fun-loving attitude resembles that of the amazing Cary Grant. With characters like this and the zany group of supporting cast, this is an intriguing new series to follow. Can’t wait to see what Liz and Nick are up to in BRUJA BROUHAHA slated for release in the summer of 2012.

Author Rochelle Staab’s website is www.rochellestaab.com

Who Do, VooDoo? by Rochelle Staab, A Mind For Murder Mystery, Berkley Prime Crime, @2011, ISBN: 9780425244593, Paperback,  304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy a bit of supernatural in your mysteries from time to time? Thanks so much for stopping by today.