by Susannah Sandlin
Series: Wilds of the Bayou #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
For some people, the untamed beauty of the bayou is a place to hide. For Louisiana wildlife agent Jena Sinclair, it’s a place of refuge—one where she can almost forget the tragedy that scarred both her skin and her soul. But when the remains of yet another fisherman turn up, Jena realizes that Bayou Pointe-aux-Chenes is not safe for her…or anyone else.
The mysterious deaths aren’t her only problem. A dangerous drug known as Black Diamond is circulating through Terrebonne Parish, turning addicts into unpredictable sociopaths. Jena’s investigation leads her to Cole Ryan—a handsome, wary recluse struggling with his own troubled history—who knows more than he’s willing to admit. If they want to stop the killer, Jena and Cole must step out of the shadows of their pasts and learn to help each other…before the evils lurking in the bayou consume them both.
Black Diamond by Susannah Sandlin is the second book in the romantic suspense series Wilds of the Bayou. Set in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana Sandlin shares a case that has the DEA and local wildlife agents scrambling as Gators beginning acting strangely. Weave in a little romance, and you have the perfect read for a crisp autumn evening by the fire.
Five reasons to grab Black Diamond
- Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and feature a Louisiana Wildlife agent. In Black Diamond, the Gators are acting strangely, and a designer drug known as Black Diamond is circulating in the parish. It is highly addictive, and the side effects are terrifying. Sandlin not only delivers a page-turning thriller, but she allows us to become a part of this community. We get to know key characters and experience life in the bayou.
- Wildlife agent Jena Sinclair is back in the field after an accident that left her scarred both inside and out. She has a new partner, a new home and has her brother living with her. When the story begins, Jena is not in an excellent place mentally, but Sandlin allows her to grow as the case escalates. Jena felt real and had depth. I appreciated how the author developed her.
- Sandlin brings the Louisiana Bayou to life from the people to the creatures who live there. We go deep into the marsh, learn gator behavior and bear witness to the struggles folks have from the economy to Mother Nature and her tantrums. Sandlin, a native of Louisiana, lends an authentic flair to the story, and her well-written story allowed me to see, smell and taste the bayou.
- Suspenseful and intense Sandlin kept me flipping the pages as the mystery surrounding the Gators and drugs escalated. Jena and her partner soon find themselves in the thick of things as their case begins to thread with the DEA case. The author provided details, red herrings, and plenty of good old-fashioned detective work to develop a solid mystery with a realistic feel.
- The romance was served as a side dish to the mystery and carefully threaded through the tale. Cole Ryan is a recluse who keeps to himself and his story will rip out your heart. Jena and Cole connect as only two damaged souls can do. Their interaction felt genuine, and their stories allowed me to connect with them both. The romance is fade black, slow burning, and filled with heart.
Black Diamond delivered an addictive, heart-stopping suspense with a touch of swoon. If you love suspenseful murder mysteries and realistic characters, I recommend the Wilds of Bayou series.
Black Diamond by Susannah Sandlin- addictive, heart-stopping suspense w/ a touch of swoon Share on XRead a sample of Wild Man’s Curse
Wild Man’s Curse is on sale for 1.99 today. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited and Free for Prime members!
*Disclosure I read this novel before becoming a virtual assistant to Suzanne Johnson and received my copy from the publisher. This did not influence my opinion, as I have long been a fan.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lily B
ever since I seen the review of the first book I have been kind of wanting to read this. I like that book 2 can be read as a standalone, but book 1 def needs my attention first
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, both work as standalone but involve the same department.
The Bibliophile Babe
For some reason, I’m a sucker for books set in LA. This sounds so good!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you are not alone, any book that says NOLA is an automatic download and Bayou has me looking twice 🙂
Anna
Bless the stand alone mystery. Yay. I’m in.
Anna from elements of emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha..indeed and enjoy Anna 🙂
Sophia Rose
I love that she is a Wildlife agent. So different. And thanks for the tip the other day about the first one on sale. 🙂 I’m there!
kimbacaffeinate
I love that aspect too Sophia.
Emily Alfano
I’ve been obsessed with the idea of the bayou ever since I started watching The Originals series on CW
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, Emily, we would get along splendidly. I love the Originals and all things NOLA
Tyler H. Jolley
Thanks for the review, Kimba. And thanks for the recommendation, I downloaded Into the Light last night. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Cool. I look forward to hearing what you think 🙂
Danielle
I love when you find a good series that can also be read as stand alone. Great review <3
kimbacaffeinate
I feel the same way. You get a complete story/couple and know you will get to visit again 🙂
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this author but this sounds like a really good book. Thanks for the review.
blodeuedd
I must try her books one day
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do, she writes paranormal romance too 🙂
Stormi Johnson
Looks like a good one! 🙂 Great review.
Stormi.
kimbacaffeinate
These are all on audio too Stormi 🙂
Heidi
Wow! Suzanne is a busy lady.I had no idea this one was on the horizon. I still have the first book on my Kindle that I didnt’ get to last Spring now I am two books behind.
kimbacaffeinate
She really is, and I hope you read them soon Heidi 🙂
Rowena
Ooh, another book to add to ever growing wish list. Thanks for the heads up on this book (and series), Kim. This one sounds like a good one and I’m very curious about reading a book set in the bayous of Louisiana. I don’t read very many books set there.
kimbacaffeinate
I love this author. She also writes paranormal romance 🙂
Maggie
Kim, great review. The series sounds really good and since they can be read as standalone that’s also a +. I know Susannah Sandlin for her Paranormal/UF books – I had no idea she wrote romantic suspense .
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, Suzanne Johnson writes as Susannah Sandlin as well. Our goal this year is to make everyone aware 🙂
Melissa
I like that these can be read independently. Makes me more likely to pick one up.
kimbacaffeinate
I love companion novel series too Melissa
Kristin
I had NO CLUE this was Suzanne Johnson!! I’m adding the first book to my TBR!!!! I love her UF series so I know she’s a fantastic writer 🙂 I’m so glad I made it over here today!!!
Kristin
I miss the standalone book part – I think I like the sound of this one a wee bit better 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you read them both anyway 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
The way Sandlin brings the setting to life makes me want to read this series even more than I did, Kim. And that it can be read standalone helps as well…although I did pick up Wild Man’s Curse when I saw this one was releasing. 😉 Glad it was a great fall read!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you have book one Brandee, I enjoy her books 🙂
Jenny
I wish the romance wasn’t of the fade to black variety, but otherwise this one sounds amazing! I especially want to know Cole’s story, even if it does rip my heart out and stomp on it:(
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, you want the steamy heat. I didn’t mind since I got the emotional aspect 🙂
kindlemom1
I really do need to pick this up, I love this author!
kimbacaffeinate
Book one is on sale for 1.99 today and is free for Prime and KU.