The reader is taken on a wild ride with this story by Karen White. Between the love triangle with Nola, Beau and Cooper, the deranged doll and the wet shoe prints I found myself captivated and alarmed at the same time. But in true Karen White suspenseful drama each and every time the characters think they are taking one step forward they end up with more questions than answers. Quite entertaining and very enjoyable.

The Lady on Esplanade is another of Karen White’s unputdownable ghost stories. Book 3 in the spinoff of her Tradd Street series continues Nola’s story in New Orleans as she begins the remodel of a house she and Beau are flipping. Series fans know this flip will be exciting because there are restless spirits everywhere, a reappearing doll, plus those always wet footprints that have been following Beau throughout the series. This reader loves that Ms. White continues to expand the personalities of her characters in each installment, and she always leaves a hint at what’s coming as the current storyline is resolved. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

The Lady on Esplanade is a standout addition to Karen White’s beloved New Orleans series, blending rich Southern Gothic atmosphere with a gripping mystery. Returning to Nola’s world feels like slipping back into a dream laced with secrets, spirits, and emotional truths. White masterfully deepens the series' lore while delivering another suspenseful and satisfying installment.

I’ve really enjoyed the Royal Street series, and The Lady on Esplanade is another strong installment. Karen White blends mystery, ghostly suspense, and just the right amount of Southern charm in a way that keeps me coming back. Nola Trenholm continues to be a compelling narrator—determined, flawed, and impossible not to root for as she tries to rebuild her life in New Orleans.

This time around, Nola teams up (grudgingly, as always) with Beau Ryan to flip a murder house, only to find herself drawn back into the world of restless spirits, family secrets, and unfinished business. The ghosts in this one feel a little more dangerous, and the stakes a little higher, especially with Beau’s mother’s spirit still lingering and a new, more menacing presence tied to the house on Esplanade Avenue.

The tension between Nola and Cooper Ravenel adds another layer of drama, but it never overwhelms the paranormal mystery, which is exactly what I want from this series. It’s a perfect blend of past and present, loss and hope, with a gothic twist.

I’d definitely recommend this for fans of atmospheric mysteries with a ghostly edge. You don’t have to read the series in order, but it’s so much more satisfying if you do.

4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
This isn’t my first Karen White book and it certainly won’t be my last. I loved the Tradd Street series and getting to spend more time in that world with Nola as the FMC and New Orleans as the backdrop has been a lot of fun.
When ghosts from the past are determined to get the attention of the living, it’s up to Beau and Nola to solve the mystery, together- whether they want to or not.
I loved getting the ARC- the only downside is having to wait even longer to find out what happens next.
What does Madame Zoe have to tell Beau and Felicity about their missing father? Will Melanie make an appearance and help Felicity hone her newly discovered psychic abilities? What’s going on with Jolene and Jaxson and could she be expecting? What will happen with Cooper and Nola and will Beau propose to Sam? So many questions! I hope we find out in the next book!

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of The Lady on Esplanade. I have read the entire Charleston series and now all of the New Orleans series. This is my favorite series. I started reading them after visiting Charleston, and they literally keep the memories of my visit alive. I love learning the history of both cities, about old houses, and there is just enough spectral danger to keep it all interesting. Each novel also highlights the importance of friends and family, including those who have already departed. These are stand alone novels, so you could easily enjoy one or two, but you'll like the characters so much you will want to read them all.

I was absolutely thrilled to receive this arc from the publisher and NetGalley. Karen White and her Tradd Street and Royal Street series are auto buys for me. I loved the continuation of Nola’s story. Every book opens a little more of Beau family story. I admit that I felt like this particular mystery was one of the easier to solve. Maybe I am just getting better at following the clues. The doll gave me the creeps and shivers every time she was mentioned . My only gripe is how absolutely obtuse Beau acts towards the connection between him and Nola. I can’t think of any resolution that won’t give me the ick. The worse part of getting to read the arc now is how much longer I must wait for the next book.

The Royal Street books are my absolute favorite series and its so surprising because it's not something I would usually gravitate towards! These books are nothing like anything else out there and done so well! I look forward to the next!

Argh! Beau vs Cooper! And it continues... But there are new ghosts to deal with as well. Nola is flipping a house and of course there's a ghost. It is New Orleans, right? This is an angry ghost that seems to have power beyond the house itself. And then there's the mystery of Beau's parents. What happened to them? I thoroughly enjoyed this new installment of Nola's adventures. Nola is an extremely likeable character, as are many of the supporting characters. I love Jolene and Sarah. The mystery continues, so I will have to wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this series, The Charleston series and anything else Karen White has written. Every book has strong character development, beautifully described settings and an amazing storyline. Highly recommend!

I was given an early copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Join the Royal Street gang in this newest addition to the series. Nola, Beau and the gang are again working on a house in New Orleans and have to help the current ghostly residents find peace and move on to the afterlife. This time we are mostly involved with finding out what happened to Beau's parents. His relationship with Sam continues but there are still sparks with Nola. Pick this one up in November 2025 to catch on the Royal Street gang!

While it wasn't my favorite Karen White book, I did enjoy it and it's always fun to return to Royal Street.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

Another entry in Nola’s series. I do love the New Orleans setting but could stand to not have to deal with the WWMD? What would Melanie do? This is definitely a comfort series!

The third book in the Nola spinoff series does not disappoint! Karen White is stellar at transportative fiction- reading one of her books makes me feel as though I've been to Charleston- or in this case, New Orleans. Nola and her found family in the Big Easy made some big steps forward in book 2, but there are yet more mysteries to discover. Adele is still hanging around. romantic relationships are still complicated, and as ever there's a new ghostly mystery to solve. A very satisfying addition for readers of this series- although it would be difficult for this to be read as a standalone.

Another winner by the fabulous writer, Karen White! The next book in the Tradd Street series, the reader once again follows Nola as she continues to renovate old houses in New Orleans. Ghosts all over, mysterious events (including a really spooky doll) and missing people all draw the reader right in. I love this series and can"t wait for the next Book! ( For new readers, you do not have to read the book in sequence, but it would be helpful to get the backgrounds of the charcters)

Karen White has done it again with The Lady on Esplanade! As a longtime fan of the Tradd Street series, I was thrilled to follow Nola's journey as she builds her new life in the vibrant, hauntingly beautiful city of New Orleans. The blend of Southern charm, mystery, and the supernatural is just as strong here as in previous books.

This installment is packed with suspense, ghostly encounters, and emotional depth. NOLA continues to grow as a character—both strong-willed and vulnerable—and I loved seeing her take center stage. White paints New Orleans with such atmospheric detail that it feels like a character in its own right.

Each book in this series keeps me hooked, and The Lady on Esplanade is no exception. I’m already eagerly awaiting the next installment. A great read for fans of paranormal mystery with heart and Southern flair!

I love this series, and the one before it set in Charleston. They are a great mix of interesting characters, a bit of history and travelogue, a lot of paranormal, and plenty of action. And it looks like there will be another book after this one. Hooray!

📖 Book Review 📖 Once upon a time Louis Armstrong sung “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?” and his unmistakable tenor voice still reminds us that the city leaves an imprint in the heart of anyone who visits. It’s been twenty years since I called the Big Easy home but even picking up a book like The Lady on Esplanade feels like going home….especially when Nola lives on the same street I did!!

Nola is back in her home city and it really takes no time to jump right back in because there’s a welcoming charm like no other along the banks of the Mississippi. She jumps at the opportunity to flip a murder house on Esplanade Street. But in true NOLA style, there are ghosts on every corner and secrets are lurking in the shadows of the iconic live oak trees - and the danger mounts in absolutely riveting suspense. Karen White captures the joie de vivre of New Orleans in a captivating unique read that shows that paranormal side coexisting with the living (and check out my photo taken at Muriel’s with ghost hands)!

My first thought…please hurry up and write the next one. It’s pretty clear where the story is going with Jolene ( even when she can be too over the top), the new car, Beau’s and Nola’s relationship and his father. Loved the Tradd street series, love this one as well.
Nola and Beau have bought a new home to renovate that once again has nice and malevolent spirits, as they’re trying to renovate homes that have had murders. Beau’s mother still has not departed, and a spooky doll keeps showing up wherever they go. Fun, scary, and wonderful.

The Lady on Esplanade is the third ghost filled mystery in Karen White’s Royal Street series. Set in the haunted and charming New Orleans, this book follows Nola Trenholm as she dives headfirst into a fresh start. One that happens to be filled with old secrets and restless spirits! Nola’s ambition to launch a murder house flipping business with Beau Ryan is already chaotic. But throw in a haunted house and some very persistent ghosts, and things get messy fast. This book is full of tension, flirtation, a bit of danger. I like that the paranormal stuff never feels over the top. I enjoyed this book and all of its cozy spooky vibes!

I would read Karen White's grocery list at this point. She has a gift in making a heart-wrenching and witty story! There is no exception when it comes to her latest work, The Lady on Esplanade! I am so glad that we got to see some familiar characters, as well as meet some new ones! Perfect for anyone looking for "southern grit-lit", that has humor, mystery, and a dash of romance.