"The Lady on Esplanade (Royal Street #3)" by Karen White is fairly standalone. However, I did occasionally wish I had read the previous books first. If anything just to more quickly pick up on some details that would make more sense right away by reading the first two books. Mostly for relationship dynamics and a bit of the origin set up for Nola.

I would best describe this particular story as Ghost Busters meets DIY home repair cozy mystery. Nola has an old run down house that she's been working on that is exceptionally haunted. With her business partner, that's a reluctant psychic, they work to clear the house. They're also still trying to figure put why his mom's spirit is still hanging around.

This all takes place in the couple weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and a few days after. There's wedding a marriage proposal, visiting relatives, sassy southern best friends (it is Louisiana), lots of ghost activity and a creepy doll. For those that need to know, the main character is a recovering alcoholic and talks about her struggles staying sober occasionally.

Wow - haunted murder houses to be flipped, live triangles, and the long unsolved mystery dating back to Katrina. Even though I am usually not fond of ghost stories I live this series

Karen White always entertains. From the beginning in Charleston, SC to the spin-off in New Orleans, she never disappoints.

Karen White delivers another atmospheric Southern tale in The Lady on Esplanade. Set against the haunting charm of New Orleans, the story weaves past and present with mystery, family secrets, and emotional depth. The characters feel layered and real, and White’s signature touch of the supernatural adds just enough intrigue without overpowering the heart of the story.

While the pacing slows in places, the rich setting and emotional pull keep the pages turning. Perfect for fans of Southern gothic and historical mystery with a touch of ghostly suspense.

When I requested to review this book, I had no idea it was the third volume of the Nola Trenholm mystery series. This, combined with the number of alive and ghostly individuals I had to keep track of, made me feel a little bewildered. It was fun to have New Orleans as the backdrop. I liked the author's account of how people were still attempting to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Nola and her friend Jolene investigate two mysteries involving ghostly spirits in two historic estates that are under renovation.

Even though I don't usually like ghosts in books, I jumped at the chance to read this author's story when I was offered the opportunity to review and read this book through NetGalley. I was taken aback when wet footprints appeared, along with a spooky Madame Alexander doll that appeared in strange places by itself. I was relieved that this story wasn't too eerie. The reader is never pressured to step in, even as the author pulls you to the edge.

There are a lot of unique personalities and wonderful banter between the people's brains and their conversations. This story is packed with tension, humor, intrigue, and suspense. I particularly like the architectural marvels and renovation stories.

I appreciated how the narrative emphasizes the importance of friends and family, even those who have passed away. I encourage you to read the first book to truly appreciate the characters. This book is filled with suspense, teasing, and a hint of danger.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This book feels like home. I fell in love with the Tradd Street mysteries and continue to love the Royal Street mysteries and watching the characters evolve. Karen White is a master at blending romance and mystery together. I stayed up to finish this book and am already eager for the next. I love the supernatural element in this series and the blend of southern charm and old houses. You will not be disappointed!

The third installment (not necessary to read the first two, but they are good!) of the New Orleans-based Nola Trenholm mystery / romance/ dear-departed-spirits series — itself a spinoff from the similar Charleston-based series starring Melanie Trenholm — Nola’s relatively new stepmother. Nola and best friend Jolene (unrelenting fashionista and all-around force-to-be-reckoned-with) tackle two mysteries centered around the haunting spirits of two old houses under renovation: Nola’s Creole cottage (a lovely money sink of renovation needs) and a new house that will be the first project for the Murder Flip Business Nola is starting with reluctant psychic Beau, with whom she has an undesired (from both sides) strangely strong connection. A few new characters, wickedly tangled stories from the past, and a pretty creepy Madame Alexander doll that manages to appear inopportunely where she isn’t wanted without any external help.

The whole series is entertaining — fun writing, plenty of colorful characters and great banter (both inside people’s own heads and in dialog exchanges). The spirit-augmented mysteries are interesting and always somewhat historical, the action well paced and full of humor, and despite the fact that this is book is number ten for me, none of the stories feel repetitive or in any way dull. They grab my interest on page one and continue through the end. For those who enjoy architectural marvels and renovation stories, plenty of that, too. Not my thing but the descriptions never get in my way.

Karen White once again delivers a beautifully written and emotionally layered story in “The Lady in Esplanade”.The setting is rich with Southern charm and mystery, and the characters are complex, relatable, and unforgettable. I was completely drawn into the blend of past and present, secrets and revelations.
I couldn’t put it down—and now I’m eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!

I really enjoyed this story. There’s a lot of characters, all interconnecting. All kinds of twists & turns. And lots of ghosts. #TheLadyonEsplanade #NetGalley

Of course! Here's a refined and engaging rewrite of your review while keeping your original voice and points intact:

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Although I don’t usually go for books with ghosts, I’ve always loved Karen White’s writing—especially her Royal Street series. It had been a year or two since I read the previous installment, but within just a few chapters, everything came rushing back. One of my favorite aspects of this series (including this latest book) is the cast of quirky, lovable characters. Each one is unique, and the way they interact feels so genuine and charming. White has a gift for making you want to be part of their world.

The story is an easy, enjoyable read, but I found it hard to put down because I was eager to see how things would unfold. That said, the ending did feel a bit rushed—several plot threads were wrapped up rather quickly. And while some elements remain unresolved, it’s clear that there’s room for at least one more book in the series—which I’m definitely looking forward to!

I love Karen white and this series with all my heart and this one is just as good. I fully recommend reading the previous books first so you can appreciate the characters and the ghosts more

The Lady on Esplanade was perfect! Need escape from family thanksgiving? Dive right into this world! I love Nola the setting and Nola the character. These books are spooky and cozy!

This is the 3rd book in the Royal Street series which follows Nola Trenholm's new life in New Orleans. I am a big Karen White fan, but I found this book was much harder to follow as a "stand " alone vs some of her other series. I would definitely recommend reading the 2 prior books in this series first. That said this was a fun read with well-crafted characters and of course a few cranky ghosts.

Nola and her new business partner/psychic, Beau Ryan have started a new company flipping former murder houses. What a great way to take advantage of the ghostly New Orleans' vibe. This 3rd book picks up directly after Beau's long lost sister was reunited with his family with a little help from his estranged mother's ghost. Beau and Nola had thought that finding his missing sister who finally allow his mother to pass beyond. But, her restless spirit continues to mysteriously appear.

Their first fixer-upper project on Esplanade Avenue is the site of an unsolved murder and the unexplained disappearance of a family. Restoring this home to its former beauty is a challenge when it becomes apparent that a very angry, dark spirit still resides there along with 2 other ghosts. Who murdered the woman of the house? What happened to the family? Will Beau finally accept his psychic gift and help them pass on? Why hasn't his mother left? Will Beau and Nola finally acknowledge their attraction to each other? While some of these questions will be answered, others are still evolving . I can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you NetGalley, Karen White and Berkeley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I want to thank Berkley Penguin Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Lady on Esplanade by author Karen White.
This novel is third in a series. I have not previously read the others.
“When the water rises in New Orleans, it’s anyone’s guess what might rise with it.”
A Lady Alexander doll mysteriously keeps showing up! What is she trying to tell them?
Wet footsteps show up.
Music plays.
Is book four planned? Book three seems to end abruptly!
Publication date is 11/04/2025.

Another great book by one of my favorite authors, Karen White. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series. She never disappoints.

I get so excited about new Karen White novels, especially books from this series. The Charleston series featurjng Melanie Middleton Trenholm was my gateway to White’s work. This latest installment in the New Orleans series is fun, albeit formulaic. It’s like reuniting with old friends, but I’d be lying if I said the stories weren’t predictable. Nola seems more grounded than her stepmother, Melanie, and I think she’s a little more likable. Nola’s half sister Sarah was a player in this novel and I can’t help but wonder if the next series will be all about her and her abilities. Regardless of the predictability of these books, if Karen White keeps writing them, I’ll keep reading them.

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Note: This is the third book in the Royal Street Series. While you could read this book without the others, it will be much more enjoyable if you have read the other two first.

While I typically don't enjoy ghosts in books, I really love Karen White's writing and especially her Royal Street Series. It has been a year or two since I read the last book in the series, but it all came back to me within a few chapters. One thing I loved in the prior books and this one as well - the various characters. They are all extremely quirky but each lovable in their own way, and I love how they all interact with each other. White writes in a way that makes you want to be friends with them. The book is an easy read, but it was hard to put down because I wanted to know what happens.

I really enjoyed this book, but I did feel at the end that it was a little rushed to wrap up many of the different storylines. Additionally, the book ends with some outstanding "things" that are still not resolved which leaves open the door for at least one more book in the series!

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Why has this book not been talked about more?! It was marvelous! I would love to read this with my book club. What a fun discussion it would have.

Exciting novel set in New Orleans, well endowed with famous buildings, southern food and southern hospitality. Then there's the dark side waiting to stick its head out. Well written and very enjoyable.

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.