Dana Hebert takes a leave from the military to return to his hometown in Louisiana. His younger brother Claude is marrying a childhood friend named Annalisa. It is Dana's hopes that he can convince Claude and the family to cancel the wedding to secure his brother's safety and sanity. But, what does Annalisa possess that could create such a deep harboring resent within Dana's tortured soul?
Through murky flashbacks, readers learn that Dana and Claude's parents were murdered by Annalisa's mother in a jealous rage. The two brothers were raised in a grand estate owned by Annalisa's Grand'mere. It is here in this half-castle that the two befriended young Annalisa and the three grew up together.
Dana's reunion is met with stiff opposition from Claude, a frustrated young man that feels Dana is in love with Annalisa. Grand'mere seems to know more about the brothers' past but has withheld murderous secrets from the family. Additionally, Grand'mere's sister Celia warns Dana that a killer is stalking the halls of Bon Plaisir. As the wedding grows nearer, Dana and Claude return to their parent's derelict abandoned mansion to search for answers regarding Annalisa and who may have really been behind the smoking gun that night.
Annalisa is a well-written, patient Southern Gothic that dangles all of the answers just a few inches from captivated readers. As the narrative unfolds, the mysteries of Dana and Claude's family is unveiled in a rewarding fashion. The old cemetery, cavernous mansion, and sweeping Spanish moss provides enough rainy day atmosphere to enhance this enjoyable mystery. If you love Mignon G. Eberhart, Elisabeth Sanxay Holding, and Elizabeth Fenwick then Annalisa is sure to please. Recommended. Get it HERE.
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