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Books matching: small town louisiana setting

15 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 15 
  1. #1

    Dead Until Dark - Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris (Charlaine Harris Schulz)
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    Dead Until Dark is a paranormal romance novel set in a small Southern town, focusing on the telepathic protagonist Sookie Stackhouse and her encounters with vampires. The book follows Sookie as she navigates a world where vampires have come out of hiding, solving a murder mystery while dealing with romantic entanglements. The writing style is described as engaging, light, and fun, blending elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy to create an entertaining and addictive read.

    Ever since vampires came out of the coffin (as they laughingly put it) four years ago, I’d hoped one would come to Bon Temps. We had all the other minorities in our little town—why not the newest, the...

  2. #2

    The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
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    'The Little Friend' by Donna Tartt opens with the horrific murder of a little boy named Robin Cleve Dufresnes in his own front yard in Alexandria, Mississippi. Twelve years later, his younger sister Harriet sets out to unmask his killer, aided by her friend Hely. The story follows Harriet's journey as she delves into her family's history of loss, crossing the town's rigid lines of race and caste. Despite the intriguing mystery at its core, the book meanders through a long, dark, melancholy tale set in a small Mississippi town during a hot summer, filled with woe, snakes, bugs, drugs, and grief.

    The plot of 'The Little Friend' is centered around Harriet's determination to solve the mystery of her brother's murder, leading her and Hely into troubles far beyond their years. The story explores larger issues such as poverty, prejudice, deception, drugs, and death, all intertwined with the complexities of Harriet's family life and the dark past of the town.

    People in the town still discussed the death. Usually they referred to it as “the accident,” though the facts (as discussed at bridge luncheons, at the barber’s, in bait shacks and doctors’ waiting ro...

  3. #3

    Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe - Whistle Stop, AL by Fannie Flagg
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    Set in Whistle Stop, Alabama, 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg is a heartwarming tale that spans different time periods, exploring themes of friendship, love, and acceptance. The story follows the lives of Ruth and Idgie, two strong women who run a cafe in the 1930s, as narrated to Evelyn by Ninny Threadgoode in the 1980s. The book seamlessly weaves together multiple narratives, exploring relationships, social issues, and the charm of small-town life with a mix of humor and poignancy.

    The narrative style of the book is a blend of humor, nostalgia, and deep emotions, as it delves into the lives of the characters and the complexities of their relationships. Through flashbacks, the author explores themes of love, friendship, and societal norms, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that resonate with readers and highlight the enduring power of human connections across generations.

    Evelyn Couch had come to Rose Terrace with her husband, Ed, who was visiting his mother, Big Momma, a recent but reluctant arrival. Evelyn had just escaped them both and had gone into the visitors’ lo...

  4. #4

    Little Altars Everywhere - The Ya-Ya Series Book by Rebecca Wells
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    Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells is a novel that delves into the lives of the Walker family from Louisiana, portraying a seriously dysfunctional family where the parents abuse their four children. The book is written from multiple perspectives, including different family members and their hired help, providing insight into their past and how it impacts their present. The story starts off light-hearted but takes a darker turn in the second half, exploring themes of abuse, alcoholism, religious obsession, and more.

    The writing style of the book, as described by readers, is rich in tone and mood, with each character having a distinct voice. The narrative spans over 30 years, offering a deep exploration of complicated family relations and the characters' struggles to cope with their upbringing. Despite the dark themes, the book also contains elements of humor, nostalgia, and memorable storytelling that captivate the reader's attention.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Ya-Ya Series Book )

  5. #5

    Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - The Ya-Ya Series Book by Rebecca Wells
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    'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' by Rebecca Wells is a heartwarming story that delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the enduring bonds of friendship among women. Set in the Southern United States, the novel follows Siddalee Walker as she navigates her strained relationship with her mother, Vivi, and uncovers the secrets of her mother's past through a scrapbook kept by Vivi and her group of lifelong friends, known as the Ya Yas. The writing style captures the essence of Southern charm and explores themes of forgiveness, love, and female empowerment through flawed yet relatable characters.

    Tap-dancing child abuser. That’s what the Sunday New York Times from March 8, 1993, had called Vivi. The pages of the week-old Leisure Arts section lay scattered on the floor next to Sidda as she curl...

  6. #6

    Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts
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    A dilapidated mansion in New Orleans, rumored to be haunted, captures the attention of Declan Fitzgerald, who is determined to restore it to its former splendor. As he focuses on rebuilding Manet Hall, he forms a passionate relationship with his beautiful neighbor, Angelina Simone. The story intertwines romance, mystery, and ghosts, with a backdrop of bayou country in Louisiana, creating a captivating and atmospheric read by Nora Roberts.

    The baby was crying. Abigail heard it in dreams, the soft, unsettled whimper, the stirring of tiny limbs under soft blankets. She felt the first pangs of hunger, a yearning in the belly, almost as if ...

  7. #7

    Clean Sweep - Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews
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    "Clean Sweep" in the series 'Innkeeper Chronicles' by Ilona Andrews is a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy set in a world where Inns are neutral grounds for all kinds of beings, including aliens, vampires, werewolves, and more. The story follows Dina, an innkeeper with magical abilities, as she navigates through a world filled with fantastical creatures and mysteries. The fast-paced tempo, creative worldbuilding, and engaging characters make this book a fun and exciting read, offering a fresh take on the paranormal genre.

    Dina's journey as an innkeeper at a run-down inn, her encounters with sexy werewolves and vampires from space, and her efforts to keep the inn running smoothly amidst various challenges form the core of the plot. is described as relaxed, different, and weird in a good way, offering a delightful mix of humor, action, and magical elements. The author's writing style seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, science, and mystery, creating a captivating story that keeps readers entertained and eager for more.

    It had been such a nice morning. The Texas summer had finally cooled a little, allowing for a light, happy breeze. Not a single cloud marked the blue sky, and the walk to the twenty-four-hour gas-stat...

  8. #8

    Hold the Dark by William Giraldi
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    In the remote Alaskan village of Keelut, children are being killed by wolves, prompting a grieving mother to seek the help of wolf expert Russell Core to track down the pack responsible. As Russell delves into the investigation, he uncovers dark secrets and triggers a violent chain of events involving a significant body count. The book weaves a tale of vengeance, survival, and the darkness within humans, set against the backdrop of the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, with elements of mythology and ancient superstitions adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

    The story in "Hold the Dark" unfolds in a stark and atmospheric manner, exploring the primal instincts and extreme measures individuals are willing to take when pushed to their limits. The characters grapple with grief, loneliness, and the blurred lines between humanity and savagery as they navigate through a world where violence and darkness lurk beneath the surface, ultimately leading to a harrowing and gripping narrative that challenges the notions of good versus evil and nature versus nurture.

    The wolves came down from the hills and took the children of Keelut. First one child was stolen as he tugged his sled at the rim of the village, another the following week as she skirted the cabins ne...

  9. #9

    The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock
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    The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock is a dark and gritty novel set in southern Ohio and West Virginia, spanning the years after WWII through the 60s. The story follows a cast of disturbing and unsavory characters, including traveling serial killers, crooked sheriffs, traumatized veterans, and religious fanatics. As their paths intersect, the narrative delves into themes of violence, depravity, redemption, and the dark underbelly of rural life. The writing style is described as captivating, brutal, beautifully written, and with a folksy tone that adds depth to the characters and plot.

    IT WAS A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON in the fall of 1945, not long after the war had ended. The Greyhound made its regular stop in Meade, Ohio, a little paper-mill town an hour south of Columbus that smelled ...

  10. #10

    A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines
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    Set in Louisiana in the 1970s, 'A Gathering of Old Men' by Ernest J. Gaines opens with the murder of a white man, Beau Boutan, which leads to a group of elderly black men all claiming responsibility to protect the true culprit. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives, offering insights into racial tensions, generational conflicts, and the deep-rooted societal injustices prevalent in the community. Through varying character viewpoints, the novel explores themes of racial harmony, standing up against oppression, and the complexities of change in a segregated society.

    Gaines' storytelling style in 'A Gathering of Old Men' intricately weaves together a narrative filled with tension, humor, and conflicting accounts of the unfolding events. The characters, both old and young, are realistically developed and complex, adding depth to the plot as they navigate the moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices required to confront the injustices they face. The novel delves into themes of courage, resilience, and the power of unity in the face of adversity, offering a poignant portrayal of individuals coming together to challenge the status quo and seek justice.

    I heard Candy out in the front yard calling Gram Mon. Me and Toddy and Minnie was sitting at the table eating, and Gram Mon was at the stove looking in the pot to see if she had enough food left in th...

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