Book Review: The Masks Of Auntie Laveau

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Masks Of Auntie Laveau     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Robert J. Randisi
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Gil and Claire Hunt # 2
St. Martin’s, Jan 2002, $22.95, 208 pp.

After her last involvement in a homicide case, Claire Hunt wants to avoid trouble at all costs. When she and her husband Gil visit "Auntie" Laveau in New Orleans about selling masques on her segment of a home shopping channel, Claire realizes "Auntie" is an imposter.

Before returning to their home in St. Louis, the police question the Hunts. Someone killed Aunt Laveau and Claire’s name was found in her apartment. Gil returns to New Orleans to identify a person in the hospital who the police believe posed as Auntie Laveau for the Hunts. Someone kidnaps Gil, leaving it up to his spouse, who refuses to wait for the police to act, to find him.

Robert Randisi & Christine Matthews have written a fascinating mystery that provides readers with an insider’s view of voodoo practitioners and their impact on believers. In THE MASKS OF AUNTIE LAVEAU, the voodoo subculture permeates the entire Big Easy, making the plot feel gothic-like. The two protagonists are endearing individuals whose love for one another has no bounds even conquering fear as proven by Claire’s willingness to dive head first into trouble for her beloved.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner