Rougarou Paperback – July 16, 2011

I rate this book a four because it has mistakes, but I couldn't put it down. The author draws the reader in and writes in such a way that you want to keep reading to discover what happens next. I'm assuming Rougarou II will clear up any story lines that were left hanging, but this book has a definition conclusion and most were taken care of if the reader reads closely. This book is not perfectly edited, but there is no such thing as a perfect book. It does look like the book with corrections to be done was downloaded since some commas were in a different color than the black font. It could use more editing, but the mistakes are not so glaring that I couldn't enjoy the story. I would rather have a good story that I can't put down than a perfectly edited boring book. After all, I read books for the stories, not to edit them. I normally do not read this type of fiction and bought the book because of the house on the cover, which I believe to be a Louisiana plantation home, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down, so I bought the second one. Some authors are great storytellers though they might not be the best editors. Give me a great storyteller and story. That's what I want when I read.

This was well structured story about a house that was home to an ancient evil, read werewolf here. The two main characters are just men, who are doing their job, but they have to face a reality that flies in the face of what they know. Donovan Hays and Jack Olivier are the two men who have to investigate the death of a young girl in what is very similar to a past crime that happened at the same location the Hindel Mansion. They think the killer is the same man, but he is supposedly in England with his father. Then the killer is glimpsed and it is supernatural, a werewolf. This story has a supernatural element, a bit of a mystery and a romance involved in it. I enjoyed this story because the protagonists are a couple of likeable characters. They aren't super human just a couple of cops, who are a little bit afraid of what they face but are determined to bring the case to a close. I won't tell much more about what happens. Just know it is a good constructed story that was enjoyable to read. I am hoping the sequel is as good as this one was.

Masterful storytelling! This book was a surprise for me. I was expecting a paranormal romance with some untidy bits. What I got was a compelling, exciting, tension filled, terrorizing, atmospheric paranormal horror, romance thriller. Hot biscuits! How did the author manages to pull this off?Well she thought up a story that grips you from the start, locates it in an area steep with mystery and adds a cast of characters that are well written. Then adds surprises.First surprise two of the main characters, (Jack and Donovan), are male friends/partners who aren't gay. I really love how the author portrayed this friendship between partners. The banter and love between them was exactly the type I see and hear between my brothers and their best friends. Second surprise she was able to make me sympathetic to the rougarou. Since he viciously murders a child, (actually two), as well as a dog, (I am a dog lover), I would not think it possible for me to feel any sympathy for him. Yet I did. Kudos Judith Ann Mcdowell. Along with the rougarou is Chandra. The woman who is the center of the romance in this book. The mixed feelings that Jack had were, in my opinion, accurate. As was the grief experienced by the murdered girls parents. Each of these characters are well written as are the supporting characters.The author painted scenery with her words. You can feel the heat from the Bayou and picture the creepy mansion as well as the cave. You feel the eyes watching you as you venture into the mansion.Though the story flips from now to flashbacks, back to now and off again and a few times scenes changed abruptly I felt the author kept the story flowing at the perfect pace.Due to language, graphic violence and sex I would recommend the book to adults.

I read all sorts of books, but seldom one like this.What a great surprise for me ,when I opened Rougarou and started reading. Normally I don't go for this kind of book but it had great reviews so I decided I would give it a try. Once I opened the book and started, I could hardly put it down and as soon as I finished I ordered the sequel.Why did I like it so much? The author is so very talented. Her characters come alive and I got attached to them and grew to know and care about them as the book went on. The characters were even more developed in the second book. That is important to me because when I read I want to care about the people and I certainly did. The story was scary and I didn't put it down many times because I wanted to see if everyone I cared about was all right. So well done it was all believable in many ways. I liked how many things just seemed sort of natural, in a way.If you want a fun read, a good read, and lots of entertainment, read these two books. I am so glad I did. I have one more thing I would like to say, This and the next book would make two great movies. I would like to see these people in person.

Simply stated.....I thoroughly enjoyed Judith Ann McDowell's Rougarou. The story takes place in a small Louisiana town where children are vanishing. As more and more parents call for assistance, an unlikely group of diligent police officers and concerned psychics team up to discover where these children have gone, if they have been kidnapped, or if they are tracking a serial murderer.What they start to uncover is both unearthly and terrifying. They begin to understand that the potential threat could be massive in scope. Having never dealt with a supernatural being, other than in their dreams, they must quickly learn where the Rougarou weakness resides before this creature destroys the town.......or worse.And worse they receive, as the outcome if frightening. I am almost finished with Rougarou II, and can't wait for Ms. McDowell to complete her third book in this series.I would highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys an exciting supernatural tale with a modern day werewolf cast of characters.