Between Dusk and Dawn (LaShaun Rousselle Mystery, #2) by Lynn Emery

Between Dusk and Dawn (LaShaun Rousselle Mystery, #2) Reviews

• 
  Cerece Murphy

  Everything about this sequel is better. From the character development to the bone chilling mystery to the more full-bodied story and world Ms. Emery brings to us. I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it!
• 
  Carmen Lang

  This would have made a great CW or Netflix series.
• 
  Deborah

  I found Between Dusk and Dawn to be an average read. Normally, when I review a series book which is not the first of the series, I start the series from the beginning, so that I can review the book in context. In this case, I did not do so, and I am glad that I did not take the time to read A Darker Shade of Midnight.
  
  What disappointed me the most about Between Dusk and Dawn was that, when I pick up a book which declares itself a "mystery," I expect to find a mystery. Here, there was virtually no mystery and, for that matter, very little of the supernatural/voodoo theme which originally attracted me to this Read It & Reap title. Instead, Emery seemed more interested in LaShaun's agonizing over the possible pitfalls of her bi-racial relationship with Chase. Perhaps because I have never been in such a relationship, I found the constant hand-wringing to be boring.
  
  I also found it bizarre that Emery included parenthetical notes, in the text of the novel itself, about events which occurred in A Darker Shade of Midnight. This may have been a formatting error in the Kindle version I reviewed; if not, and Emery deliberately provided these background asides for readers just joining the series, it was a mistake. Anyone starting a series in the middle understands that the characters will refer to events which happened in previous books; one of the signs of a good series writer is that she is able to make such references without losing the reader but, rather, piquing the reader's interest in going back to the earlier volumes. Between Dusk and Dawn functioned adequately as a standalone novel; had I been intrigued by the references to LaShaun's earlier adventures, any such urge was thoroughly quashed by the single-sentence parenthetical summaries.
  
  Between Dusk and Dawn might appeal to women of color interested in the difficulties of bi-racial relationships. However, I would not recommend it to readers of either mysteries or paranormal/urban fantasies. Those who want mysteries with a supernatural edge should look into Layton Green's Dominic Grey series (The Summoner, The Egyptian, and The Diabolist).
  
  I received a free copy of Between Dusk and Dawn through Read It & Reap in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Jilleen

  When I agreed to read this free for an honest review, I didn't realize it was a sequel. It threw me at first, because I came in in the middle of a story it felt like, but that quickly faded. Plus, for things you needed to know the author had footnotes which helped. This is a mystery with a supernatural twist. The main character is a psychic with a sordid past (and not just her own) but one of generations of voodoo queens and witches.
  
  Pros: The book had a nice mystery, an interesting mixed race main character with a mysterious past, some romance, and a supernatural twist which involves an evil cannibalistic pack of rougaroux. The story held my interest, particularly the Cajun history and culture thrown in and the unique heroine. Small town politics also took a part, and that's always fun to watch (when you aren't involved).
  
  Cons: Not too many, this was a well-written tale. I think it would have been better to read the first book, but I picked up what happened and it didn't affect this story too much. I do wish the main character, Lashaun, had something to do though. Parts dragged while she was home cooking, reading and thinking, and it may have been better if she were an actual PI or a working psychic or something. Mainly she just shows up when something is happening (or people drop by her house out in the woods and swampland) and it felt forced when she had to take part in the actual plot in places.
  
  Generally, it was good enough I'd recommend it to my friends who like mysteries with a supernatural twist and I would consider reading the sequel.
• 
  Renee Deschamps

  I was given this book, Between Dusk & Dawn, in exchange for an honest review.
  
  As an avid reader, sometimes stories, novels, &/or books have a tendency to get repetitive, and boring. FORTUNATELY, this one is not one of those books.
  
  Opening setting description, I fell in love with the description of LaShaun's surroundings and gift. Once the secondary character, Chase, was introduced, the story got even better.
  
  This book is not a typical romance, thriller or mystery, it goes to the realm of possible. Not unrealistic possible, but plausible. I don't know anyone of LaShaun's caliber, but I do know of people who follow their gut instincts, and their results, beg to ask the question; what if?
  
  This was a very good book, once you get into the crux of the plot, and the secondary story lines follow, at a perfect tempo, everything blends well together. Good structure and flow.
  
  Once again, I'm happy for the opportunity to read new authors and review their work. The chance to broaden my scope of authors, likes and new books that I may not otherwise look at.
  
  Lynn Emery, you have a gift, and I look forward to reading more of your work.
  
• 
  Sue

  This is not the first book in this series and I didn't realize that when I started it. I felt like I walked into the middle of a movie and had missed the first half. There was just too much of the main character's history that was addressed in the first installment. It was hard to get invested in the book when so much was missing. It was helpful that the author included some of the details so that you at least had an idea of the background. It would probably be best to go back and read the first book, "A Darker Shade of "and then re-read "Dusk & Dawn". It just felt like this book is not a stand-alone novel so I would hold off on any judgment until I have read more from this author. I do think it piqued my interest enough that I have now put the first book on my "To Read" list.
• 
  Brent Soderstrum

  In the second LaShaun Rousselle mystery we get a glimpse of a werewolf on the loose in Beau Chene, Louisiana. The killings that are taking place appear very similar to those that took place when the Blood River Ripper was on the loose. The Ripper is confined to a mental institution however. LaShaun and her fiance Deputy Chase Broussard are out to stop the killings.
  
  LaShaun gets to meet Chase's family and his mother turns out not to be a fan of LaShaun. Chase is also in the process of running for Sheriff and LaShaun's relationship with him isn't helping him get votes.
  
  I enjoyed this book better than the first Rousselle mystery but still editing problems.
• 
  ♡ Zₐᵢₙₐ ♡

  Okay, so, I won an autographed copy of this book in the giveaway, and it probably is the best thing that happened to me in 2014 so far!
  What i loved so much about this was that it wasn't heavy in the supernatural stuff, and it kinda felt real. I loved Lashaun and Chase's relationship, they were just so cute and lkdslsdhkjdhjfhj!
  
  Plot: mysterious, exciting, and sometimes filled with cuteness ^_^
  Characters: I loved them all. even the evil ones, they were written so well!
  Overall: Very interesting <3
• 
  Keke Chanel

  Another great novel in this fascinating series. I cannot wait to see what else happens with LaShaun and Chase in the town of Beau Chene. What creatures or supernatural beings will come next? This story kept me engrossed without a clue as to who the bad guy truly was/is. I still think Dave is hiding something!!! The interesting storyline and characters will keep you drawn in from beginning to end. I would certainly be recommending this book to all book lovers, who enjoy a great mystery.
• 
  Dana

  Thank you Lynn Emery for the captivating first-reads signed book(and the fast delivery).
  I feel kind of sad I didn't get to read the first book and that with all the work on my hands I barely had time to read it. But finally: I have finished it.
  I recommend this book to people looking for a set of mystery, an interesting heroine, supernatural and a little bit of romance. I also advise you to read the first book first.
  I think I'll pick up the first book too when I have some time.
• 
  Mariliis Elizabeth Holzmann

  I was lucky enough to receive this book!
  This atmospheric novel is a supernatural adventure with just a tinge of romance. It is engaging enough, but it didn't have the magical balance of character/plot and emotion that would take it beyond being an average read. At the same time it is enough to get into and hold attention so that you don't want to put it down and the story does have promise to be a good series and grow further.
• 
  Kim Jackson

  What an interesting book. Kudos to the author for packing a lot into one book. There is a bi-racial romance, mystery, voo-doo, wolves, psychics, dysfunctional families and incest all intricately woven together with the end result being a well put together, interesting plot, with believable characters. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.
• 
  Denee'

  This was a very good read. I liked the mix of paranormal elements in this book. The investigator with the haunted family history and links to voodoo; combined with hunting werewolves was a good twist. The only thing I regret is not reading the first novel.
• 
  Katara Johnson

  This is book 2 of a 3 book series. LaShaun is finally comfortable living with n her hometown. But again something is stirring once again in her hometown and only she can stop it.
• 
  Beverly

  Review coming
• 
  Ana

  Just found out I won this from GR's First Reads, fab way to start the New Year:)