Voodoo Summer

LeGarde Mysteries, Book 11

By: Aaron Paul Lazar

Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt

Every family has its secrets.

Summer, 1966: For 13-year-old Gus LeGarde, summertime always means Loon Harbor, his grandparents' idyllic fishing resort on Great Pond. The season is a grand tradition of swimming, boating, and new adventures with his best friends, twins Siegfried and Elsbeth. But this summer, everything changes when a new lodge down the shore threatens the resort - and triggers a chain of events that will transform Gus and his friends forever.

Customers are leaving Loon Harbor in droves for The Seven Whistles, owned by the wealthy LaFontaines. The Baton Rouge family arrives with better amenities and a much larger staff - among them Wilhelmina "Willy" DuPont, a young black girl whose family works for the LaFontaines. Gus and the twins immediately bring Willy into their circle - but their friendship is soon challenged when events at The Seven Whistles take a terrifying turn.

A mysterious figure haunts the windows of women and young ladies at both camps, escalating from peeper to dangerous stalker. Then the LaFontaines' spoiled and demanding daughter goes missing - and Willy's innocent older brother is arrested.

Gus soon discovers that dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of the LaFontaine family, and the stakes are higher than ever imagined as they race to exonerate Willy's brother and find the real perpetrator - before he finds them.

The author's alternate suggested listening order for the LeGarde Mysteries series:

1. Double Forté 2. Upstaged 3. Mazurka 4. FireSong 5. Tremolo 6. Don't Let the Wind Catch You 7. The Liar's Gallery 8. Spirit Me Away 9. Under the Ice 10. Lady Blues 11. Voodoo Summer

©2016 Aaron Paul Lazar (P)2017 Aaron Paul Lazar

The Frailty of Innocence

Aaron Paul Lazar’s Voodoo Summer explores the innocence of children. The plot follows preteens through the vastly different realities of their home life and the outside world. More often than not, the collision guides children’s social compass as they mature.

The book’s main character, 13-year-old Gus LaGarde, has had a few run-ins with the harsh realities of the world before his adventure starts during the Summer of 1966. He’s no stranger to the evils of arson and murder, but now rape, incest, and racial bigotry have been added to the list of his ethical dilemmas when he meets Willy. Their budding friendship immerses him into the taboos of the South, and Gus takes on bullies of all ages to preserve his perception of right and wrong.

I recommend Aaron Paul Lazar’s, Voodoo Summer: a Gus LeGarde Mystery, for any reader looking to remind themselves of the frailty of innocence. - N. Coney

“I requested this audiobook from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.”

Great teen book

Where does Voodoo Summer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the bottom because I felt it was for a juvenile audience.

Would you recommend Voodoo Summer to your friends? Why or why not?

I felt it would be appreciated by teens more.

Which scene was your favorite?

At the end when Gus beats up the bully.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's sad how cruel kids can be to one another.

Any additional comments?

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review”.

Different but the Same

The story is different; the adventure is different; some of the characters are different; the events are different; but the story, excitement, the thrill of the adventure, all of the characters, the mystery throughout the story, the life events, are all the same as always, making the book (audio) as wonderful as all the rest,

Exciting

Would you listen to Voodoo Summer again? Why?

Yes, could not wait to see what happen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Willie, she was so vulnerable

Have you listened to any of Erik Synnestvedt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Willie cried for the first time

Any additional comments?

Wonderful book, certainly suspenseful enough you don't want to put it down

Good YA Mystery

Intriguing plot when Gus was young. Spending the summer with Elsbeth and Siegfried at his grandfather. and the lake. Willy was in a canoe that overturns and Gus dives in,to right it. Finding a voodoo dolls with pins in it after she rows away. A plot that touches on racial, a new resort coming in and the changes that happen that summer for these three. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

Exquisitely enthralling entertainment...

This story is the 11th book in the Gus LeGarde series but can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone masterpiece of mystery featuring Gus as a young teen full of innocence and admirable values. The story is set in 1966 with Gus and his two best friends, Siegfried and Elsbeth, all vacationing with their families at his grandparents’ idyllic resort, Loon Harbor. The author paints an enticing picture of a simpler time replete with characters both warm and wicked that captivate the reader and guide us on a journey full of twists and turns, emotional epiphanies, and exciting exploits. There is plenty of suspense and danger; there are heart-warming friendships, estimable loyalties, and detestable deeds which are all deliciously combined to compel the reader/listener to savor each word of this absorbing adventure. As would be expected with a story unfolding from the perspective of a 13-year-old hero, there is no offensive language. There are persons of despicable character, but they are integral to the plot. There are unsavory situations and instances of violence, but none are graphically depicted. The talented narrator adds even more dimension to the story. Through voice, enunciation, and accents, he deftly imparts a unique individuality to each character. Overall, this is a gripping tale that can be enjoyed by a wide audience from young adult to seniors. Aaron Lazar is a creative and masterful storyteller who has gifted us, once again, with a beguiling and memorable entertainment experience.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and the above is my voluntary and unbiased review.

Voodoo Summer

I enjoyed this book.I really wish I'd have read them in order.This one goes back to when Gus and the twins were 12.They are at a summer place with neighbors who are gentile southern on the outside.Many dark things happen.A young girl disappears and a we find out why Siegfried is a bit slow.Erik Synnestvedt was the perfect narrator.I was provided this book for review by the author, narrator or publisher.

A Really Fine Gus LeGarde Mystery

This is the story of Gus LeGarde spending another summer at his grandparents' lakeside resort. Gus is now age thirteen. He experiences many darker adventures this summer. Gus is growing up and sees more of the evil in the world. Along the way, he enjoys the simple pleasures of good food and making new friends. Gus discovers a renewed appreciation for the love of his parents and family. Of course Gus and his friends go through heart-pounding adventures and have new mysteries to uncover!

For fans of the Gus LeGarde series, Siegfried Marggrander's boating accident and brain injury occur in this book. This event is referred to in the adult Gus LeGarde series books.

This is a not a children's book. This mystery is not cozy. It is appropriate for adults and older teens. This audiobook is really good! It is well-written and filled with adventure and mystery!

awesome

Any additional comments?

I loved this book. So much so that I just bought book one and will buy the whole series. I am in the car for 6 hours a day for my job and I found myself sitting In my driveway when I was done with work still listening because I didn't want to stop. the narrator was also great. I highly recommend it. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Voodoo

Voodoo Summer brings together mystery, betrayal, and family relationships with Gus LeGarde and his twin friends. They spend most summers of their youth at Gus’s grandparents lodge in Maine. The story takes place in the 60’s, a simpler time with no cell phones, computers and gaming machines. They spend all their free time going swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring. A new Lodge, The Seven Whistles, has opened next door and the children become friends with Willy, a servant at the new Lodge. The four of them investigate a peeper, disappearances , voodoo and the mysterious details of the owners of The Seven Whistles. This is an excellent listen, with the narration done perfectly. The German accents even sounded just like my Mothers who immigrated from Germany. I would love to hear more of this series.
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”