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Reviewed by Michelle Mollohan for Readers' Favorite
Alabaster Bayou: If Death Had a Face It Would Be Hers by Kerry D. Redford tells the tale of Celestine Clemence, a violet-eyed vixen on a vendetta. She is the illegitimate child of a voodoo practicing Creole woman, Mary Ann, and her lover, the rich and powerful white Senator Dylan Vaughn. Celestine grew up learning the Creole ways from her mother and grandmother. Her mother died tragically when Celestine was just a teenager. Heartbroken and enraged that her father killed her mother in order to silence her, Celestine flees New Orleans. She quickly learns that her captivating beauty makes her a target for unscrupulous men and, instead of becoming a victim she hones her skills and uses her looks to achieve her needs. Celestine preys on unsuspecting men, using them and dispensing of their bodies with relish. Celestine gets her biggest rush when she exacts the revenge on her father that she has dreamed about for years. Celestine considers ending her dark ways as she falls in love, but finds she actually enjoys the thrill of the kill. Will Celestine choose love or killing, or will she juggle both sides of her persona?
Celestine Clemence is a refreshing strong female character, using her feminine wiles to exact punishment on wicked men rather than letting them dominate her. Alabaster Bayou: If Death Had a Face It Would Be Hers by Kerry D. Redford is a page-turning thrill ride. The dance between Celestine and the detectives who are trying to solve the murders keeps the anticipation going throughout the novel. Celestine's inner struggle with her need to kill and her desire to be loved is reminiscent of the inner dilemmas we all face. Alabaster Bayou is a refreshing change of pace.
