SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS: A Napoleonic Officer in New Orleans is a well-written historical novel – ending with a surprising and suspenseful plot twist – about New Orleans, during the two months leading up to the War of 1812’s decisive Battle of New Orleans. I imagine many readers with more interest in military history, who better tolerate brutality and murder will inhale this novel. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t a good match for me. Awarded four stars on Goodreads because of the author’s execution, but my personal rating reflecting my own experience would more likely be three stars.

The story centers around the fictional character of Marcel Moreau (NOT the Belgian writer), a Frenchman wounded during the Napoleonic Wars who now finds himself headed to New Orleans on a time-sensitive mission. A aristocratic French family has hired Moreau to find their missing daughter, Celeste de Beaumais, who wanted to escape the violent aftermath of the French Revolution for a new life across the ocean. The time sensitive pressure comes from the fact that Moreau owes a former employer a lot of money and finding Celeste will earn him enough to pay off those debts. Otherwise, he’ll be murdered.

When Moreau reaches New Orleans he finds a world of uncertainty and drama. Soldiers representing different factions struggle to work cooperatively to win a war. Brutalized enslaved people are terrified by slave masters and slave hunters. There are lawless pirates based in nearby Barataria Bay, under the leadership of the famous Jean Lafitte (1780-1823). Not to mention alligator-infested swamps, strange fevers, stolen jewels, women held hostage, angry plantation owners, mysterious Creole culture and, of course, voodoo. And all of these people are facing the imminent arrival of a much larger English fleet.

Many of the characters are taken from history, most notably General Andrew Jackson (the future president on the 20-dollar bill) who’s running the military show. You may find you’ll want to read up on the Battle of New Orleans after finishing this book, to learn more about who did what to whom.

So then how come, with a promising plot and a reader who’s a lifelong fan of historical fiction, was I not enthralled? I think it was too MALE for me! Soldiers and officers threatening one another and posturing to prove their worth. Men choosing violence and murder to solve every problem. And way too much military-related information about way too many knives, guns and skirmishes. And, while I readily admit I have a keen interest in both world wars, I confess I do not have much in the War of 1812.

I hope I’ve provided enough information so that you can decide whether you’re one who’s likely to enjoy SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS. Or, like me, one who will now happily move on.