The Laced Chameleon
$15.95
New Orleans native Mademoiselle Francesca Dumas is a kept woman. At age eighteen in the second year of the American Civil War, she is the concubine of a rich New Orleans banker, Joachim Buisson. Born a quadroon, Francesca leads a sheltered life of elegant jewels, gowns, lace, and lavish balls—until a bullet shatters her dream world.
An assassin murders “her man” as Francesca stood beside him among a throng gathered atop a Mississippi River levee on April 25, 1862. Bowed by Joachim’s body, rain-soaked and blood-spattered, she vows revenge. Francesca’s passionate desire for retribution drives her into a new life as a sleuth.
$15.95
About the Author
Bob Rogers is the author of the historical novels Two Rivers, First Dark and The Laced Chameleon, which earned critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews, San Francisco Review, and Baltimore Examiner.
Bob is a meticulous researcher, known to spend extra time, magnifying glass in hand, deciphering 18th and 19th century handwriting for “just the facts, ma’am.” Bob, a former U.S. Army captain and combat leader during the Vietnam War in Troop A, 1/10 Cavalry, finds his topographic experiences useful in field research. If not closeted in libraries or museums, you are likely to find him walking centuries old rice fields, battlefields, or in a canoe following the river trails of his characters. His favorite places to write include his studio, parks, beaches, airplanes, and libraries.
He studied at South Carolina State University and the University of Maryland.
Bob tends his flowers, okra, and tomato plants in Mérida, Yucatán, México. Visit him at https://bobrogers.biz.
After reading “The Laced Chameleon” it was obvious the novel’s name very accurately described the main character, Francesca. From the first chapter to the last, Francesca demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt to whatever situation she found herself in with dignity and the strong will to survive. I found ” The Laced Chameleon” to be a well written book I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I look forward to the sequel, as I am very interested in finding out more about Francesca’s life after she left New Orleans. —Cora M.
About the Narrator(s)
Becky Parker Geist is the founder and CEO of Pro Audio Voices Inc.
After receiving her M.F.A. in Acting in 1981, Becky began narrating Talking Books for the Blind through the Library of Congress, narrating over 70 titles in two years. She quickly became one of their most popular narrators.
As a professional stage actress, Becky brings her broad range of theatre skills – acting, directing, producing, marketing – to bear in all her production work.
Description
New Orleans native Mademoiselle Francesca Dumas is a kept woman. At age eighteen in the second year of the American Civil War, she is the concubine of a rich New Orleans banker, Joachim Buisson. Born a quadroon, Francesca leads a sheltered life of elegant jewels, gowns, lace, and lavish balls—until a bullet shatters her dream world.
An assassin murders “her man” as Francesca stood beside him among a throng gathered atop a Mississippi River levee on April 25, 1862. Bowed by Joachim’s body, rain-soaked and blood-spattered, she vows revenge. Francesca’s passionate desire for retribution drives her into a new life as a sleuth. Becoming a detective to solve a murder mystery is far from the role of women in 1862 New Orleans—especially a woman who perceives herself to be African American but appears to be white.
As Francesca’s investigation begins, the assassin kills two more people and kidnaps Francesca’s best friend, Emily. Driven to recover Emily and avenge Joachim, Francesca’s arduous mental and physical journey takes a circuitous route—far from a concubine’s life of extravagant balls, lace, and leisure. Amid the flowering of spring and early summer in New Orleans, she finds herself mired deep in the perilous abyss between Union, French, and Confederate spies.
Aboard mule-drawn streetcars, Francesca’s gumshoe work takes her through Vieux Carré, Tremé, and many famous city streets in search of the assassin’s motive, means, and opportunity to commit mayhem. In her undercover role, she frequents Café du Monde, Antoine’s Restaurant, and the famous ballroom at the present-day Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Francesca gets help from three historic people of New Orleans; humanitarian Mother Henriette Delille, actress Sarah Butler, and Union spy John Mahan.
Can rookie detective Francesca’s passion, determination, and wit overcome a kidnapper and three-time murderer?
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Audiobookreviewer (verified owner) –
At the age of 18, Mademoiselle Francesca Dumas discovers she is a kept woman and not the true fiancé of her beloved Joachim Buisson. His sudden murder leads Francesca to find his murderer, and question her identity as a New Orleans native-born quadroon, and her future. Welcomed by a detective into his family as an “adopted” daughter, Francesca becomes a skilled sleuth and a spy during the American Civil War!
The author, Bob Rogers skillfully weaves an engaging narrative infused with historical facts, cultural nuances, and language of the era. He takes his time meticulously developing characters, storylines, and plot twists, seamlessly integrating them within the historical backdrop. The plot twists are not only well-executed but also unexpected. Throughout the book, readers experience the doubt, pain, and unwavering determination of Francesca. Rogers’ descriptive skills as he paints a vivid picture of the town, the time period, and the cultural imbalances within this creative work of fiction.
Becky Parker’s narration skillfully embodies the essence of the book and brings out the distinct personalities of each character vibrantly through her expressive and diverse vocal delivery. Her talent adds depth and immersion to the storytelling, making it a captivating experience for the listeners.
The author and narrator transport the listeners into a bygone era, immersing them in the rich tapestry of historical and cultural details skillfully blended with edge-of-your-seat action and adventure.
There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.