Evangeline of the Bayou

Narrator Tara Sands commits herself enthusiastically to this supernatural adventure, pitching her narration to perfectly match the excitement of chasing a banshee through a Louisiana swamp. Young Evangeline Clement wants nothing more than to become a renowned haunt huntress like her mama and gran. When she and Gran are called to the aid of a woman overtaken by a dark force, Evangeline must rely on her training and heart. Sands imbues every character with verve and Southern accents just this side of outrageous. The villainous Laurent is an especially delicious presence, but Evangeline is the highlight, with Sands making the young huntress's spunk and vulnerability clearly evident. N.M. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

April 15, 2018
Take bits from the worlds of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Nancy Drew, and set the story in New Orleans, and you've got this compelling tale of Evangeline. Descended from a long line of haunt huntresses--women who aid people plagued by supernatural beings--Evangeline Clement will soon turn 13 and eagerly awaits the appearance of her animal familiar: confirmation of her destiny. Evangeline has lived with Gran, also a haunt huntress, since her mother was killed by a werewolflike rougarou when Evangeline was a tiny baby. Evangeline assists Gran with gathering herbs, mixing potions, and eradicating harmful supernatural creatures. On the current mission, Gran travels to the Midsomers' home to save Mrs. Midsomer from transforming into a rougarou at the next full moon. Evangeline befriends Julian, the Midsomers' son, who helps save his mother but who also exhibits characteristics that suggest he's on the spectrum and that make him a difficult companion. Julian refuses to believe anything about why Gran and Evangeline have come...until he sees with his own eyes. Readers will enjoy learning about the magical creatures Evangeline encounters and will appreciate the challenge of foreseeing what Evangeline can't. The closing glossary of haunts is amusing in its own right. The book adheres to the white default.A worthwhile read about a strong girl who embraces the power of knowledge but also heeds Gran's advice to "trust your gut." (Supernatural mystery. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2018) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2018
Grades 3-6 In the swamps of Louisiana, apprentice haunt huntress Evangeline is about to turn 13, and her familiar still hasn't revealed itself to her, a necessary development if she's to become a full-fledged haunt huntress, or swamp witch. Despite her deficiencies, Evangeline's gran is taking her along on a mysterious job in New Orleans, deliciously set in a Garden District mansion. There the lady of the house (Mrs. Midsomer) is suffering from an illness that Gran soon identifies as the aftereffects of a rougarou (werewolf) bite. And with the full moon a day away, the haunt huntresses don't have much time to save her from becoming a rougarou herself. First-time author Eldredge delivers a finely tuned tale that integrates humor and suspense, light mythology, and magic. Hints of New Orleans culture appear in the background, but the story focuses on Evangeline's quest to discover her true abilities and her commitment to helping her gran. Both spirited and plagued by self-doubt, Evangeline makes an interesting protagonist, whom readers will rally behind.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)