This enthralling third entry in Salvador’s Haunted New Orleans series centers an engaging romance as it continues with the happenings of the cast and crew of the paranormal reality TV show, Haunted New Orleans, now returning from a much-needed hiatus after the jolting events of earlier books. Mea Culpa follows 35-year-old cast member Larken Maynard, who is invaluable to the show due to her unique spiritual gifts and magical powers. After escaping an abusive childhood with the Balance of Light cult, Larken treads carefully to keep her past at bay. That all changes when she’s set up on a blind date with Kholt Leroy, a childhood friend and Balance of Light member, who has been hired to do construction work for the new episodes. With Larken running from the ghosts of her past, and feelings of unrequited love resurfacing for Kholt, the two work together cautiously until secrets and the past catch up to them both—resulting in a fight for justice, love, and their lives. Larken’s conflicts are evident from the opening pages, as an intense prologue introduces her torrid past with Balance of Light and its leader, Father Lionel Broussard. Although she finds that Kholt feels to her “comfortable, like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s night,” Larken’s hesitations about a relationship give way to a stakes-raising, cat-and-mouse romance that drives the narrative. The story progresses with chapters alternating perspectives between Larken, Kholt, and Father Lionel, adding depth and nail biting tension that will entice readers to flip the page.
Lovers of southern gothic and paranormal romance will relish the many references to magic, ghosts, and mystical New Orleans landmarks woven into the mysterious plot; however, the cast of colorful characters and Larken’s resilience is the heart of the story. Salvador excels at creating perfectly interwoven storylines and subplots that remain consistent without leaving readers new to the series in the dark.
Takeaway: Rich with New Orleans history, this entry will delight fans of paranormal romance.
Great for fans of: Laura Spinella’s Ghost Gifts, Nora Roberts’s Midnight Bayou.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
