A Dark Roux

I received a copy of this title from Netgalley. Here are my thoughts. 

I should have liked this book based on Louisiana, the bayou, a family curse, and a haunted house. Instead, I really struggled with the writing and was unable to engage. The language was often overwrought, but in other cases felt lifeless, and I was turned off by it early on, which affected everything. While I cared about the characters in abstract and wanted some answers, there were few moments where I enjoyed this journey. 

Towards the end, I found some moments and concepts scary or interesting, but it's a long journey there. I liked the concept of the ghosts as truly lost spirits wandering in confusion. I'm always creeped out by that. 

I lightly cared about the characters, but not at the level I needed to. They have this deeply traumatic backstory while not being deep characters. I didn't want them harmed, but also felt like I wasn't going to be deeply wounded no matter what. The only characters I truly cared about were ones with their fates well sealed. 

It took me months to finish this book. I could have quit 100 times. This was such a miss for me. 

But I don't recommend anyone write off A Dark Roux – great title – based solely on my experience. This story contains great elements that might work perfectly for someone who doesn't have a road block of not connecting with the writing. Check out a sample, and if you like the voice and the plot, setting, etc. feel right, I believe you will have a more satisfying experience.