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Eric Wilder
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Big Easy: a riveting rollercoaster ride and utterly addictive Wyatt Thomas New Orleans paranormal crime thriller (French Quarter Mystery Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Eric Wilder (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 622 ratings

"Forget about it, Wyatt. It's the Big Easy."

Step into the sultry streets of New Orleans and enter a world of voodoo, mystery, and murder in this gripping crime thriller. N.O.P.D. homicide detective Tony Nicosia faces the biggest challenge of his career: a sadistic killer who revels in the ritualistic murder of his victims. With voodoo as the only link, Tony turns to French Quarter private investigator Wyatt Thomas and voodoo mambo Mama Mulate, to unravel the mystery and bring the killer to justice.

As Tony and Mama delve deeper into the world of voodoo, they discover a shocking truth: the killer is none other than a former U.S. senator and a prominent member of New Orleans’ high society. With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, Tony must navigate the treacherous waters of local politics and corruption to stop the killer before it is too late.

Meanwhile, Wyatt and Mama are hired by a wealthy patron to locate his mother’s grave, leading them on a dangerous journey through the city’s underbelly. Wyatt’s client’s attractive daughter Celeste, enamors him, further complicating the situation. As the tension builds to a heart-stopping climax, Wyatt finds himself in the crosshairs of two N.O.P.D. officers determined to take down the voodoo killer, even if it means sacrificing innocent lives.

Will Wyatt survive, and will Tony and his team solve the case before the killer strikes again? Find out in this riveting crime thriller set in the Big Easy.

“Reads like a collaboration between Charlaine Harris and James Lee Burke.”

“A funny, upbeat, sometimes creepy, hellishly fast read.”

“A roller-coaster of intrigue set in that exotic, erotic Mecca known as New Orleans.”

“A murder mystery that steeps the reader in home-cooking down south, Creole and voodoo.”

“Loved the integration of magic with real-life along with a dash of local cuisine.”

“Every page vibrates with the pulse of the city - the heat, the booze, the cuisine, the sex, the excess, the hedonism, the voodoo.”

“Went ahead and bought the whole series. You have to read the series. You won't be disappointed.”

“While I couldn’t wait to see how it ended, I was sorry when it did.”

“Great characters, mile-a-minute plot, wonderful ending.”

“This should be on the must-read list for mystery fans!”

“I could almost smell those sweating bodies, had a feeling I could touch the tomcat’s fur, and taste the gumbo.”

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  1. Book 1 of 15
    French Quarter Mystery
  2. Print length
    333 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 1, 2010
  6. File size
    1.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 15 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

Big Easy - Book 1 of the French Quarter Mystery series

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is rich in Nawlins-specific content which informs the plot and stimulates the senses. Place descriptions are authentic, the dialogue often witty. When the characters go to dinner the readers will get hungry." -Foreword Reviews

About the Author

Eric Wilder grew up in Louisiana listening to his grandmothers' tales of  ghosts and voodoo. He is the author of the French Quarter Mystery Series featuring sleuth Wyatt Thomas, and the Buck McDivit Mystery Series. He is also the author of several best-selling regional cookbooks, including Lily's Little Cajun Cookbook, in which he shares both recipes, stories, and even a few tall tales. He lives in Edmond, Oklahoma where he continues to write and fantasize about his next spicy dish of etouffee.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004A90G6K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gondwana Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 333 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 15 ‏ : ‎ French Quarter Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 622 ratings

About the author

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Eric Wilder

Eric Wilder

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Eric Wilder is an American author known for his gripping mystery novels set in New Orleans. He was born and raised in Louisiana, where he discovered his love for storytelling at a young age. After completing his education, Wilder spent several years in the oil and gas industry before pursuing a career as a writer.

Wilder's breakthrough came with the publication of Big Easy which introduced readers to his signature blend of suspense, action, and local color. The book was an instant success, drawing critical acclaim and a devoted following. Wilder followed up with a collection of thrillers set in the heart of New Orleans.

Wilder's writing is characterized by his deep knowledge of the city and its unique culture, as well as his skillful use of suspense and plot twists to keep readers on the edge of their seats. His books have been praised for their authenticity, vivid descriptions, and compelling characters.

Today, Eric Wilder is a respected author with a loyal fanbase and a reputation for delivering topnotch thrillers that transport readers to the heart of New Orleans. His works include the French Quarter Mystery series, the Paranormal Cowboy series, the Oyster Bay Mystery series, and many other titles. He continues to write and publish new material.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
622 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this paranormal crime thriller for its captivating mystery plot, featuring a colorful cast of characters and great descriptions of New Orleans. The writing style is well-executed, with one customer noting the author's credible job with dialect, while another appreciates how it captures the sights of the city. They find the book easy to read and thoroughly engaging, with one review highlighting the thorough research on Voodoo in Louisiana. The flavor of New Orleans permeates every page, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting styleDescriptionKnowledge of voodologyEase of useFlavor
69 customers mention "Readability"69 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with one customer noting it's a page-turner.

"It was a good read" Read more

"...I found it a real page turner and enjoyed it immensely...." Read more

"...Awesome job, Mr. Wilder, because this was indeed a story worth telling and reading." Read more

"...Wyatt Thomas, the screwed up but persistent, private detective is very likeable. The cop Tony Nicosia is terrific...." Read more

44 customers mention "Character development"38 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, finding them easy to identify with and featuring a colorful cast, with one customer noting that the main character Wyatt has many abilities.

"Really loved the setting and characters. Looking forward to book 2! It was a bit on the wacky side with some of the choices some characters made." Read more

"...There are good characters in this book. Wyatt and Mama Mulatte (sp?) are two of them, but there's more...." Read more

"...is Eric Wilder can write - he tells a good story, he creates really interesting characters, and his descriptions of life in New Orleans' French..." Read more

"...I like the characters. I take exception to the criticism I read about author errors...." Read more

32 customers mention "Writing style"23 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with one customer noting the author's spot-on descriptions and another highlighting the crackling dialogue.

"...Eric Wilder writes in a concise, easy-to-read manner that gives the reader just enough details to make the story enjoyable...." Read more

"...the French Quarters of New Orleans, I feel that the author was spot on with his description, the novel's ambience and some of the vernacular cracked..." Read more

"...Those authors who put out badly written, badly edited, badly formatted work are a disgrace to all of us and contribute to the skepticism a lot of..." Read more

"...Eric Wilder is a talented writer that constantly reminds us of these odd moments, the ever unusual nature of this area filled with spirits, history,..." Read more

27 customers mention "Description"27 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed descriptions of New Orleans, with one customer particularly noting the vivid portrayal of food scenes.

"Really loved the setting and characters. Looking forward to book 2! It was a bit on the wacky side with some of the choices some characters made." Read more

"...The book takes place in post-Katrina New Orleans, such a unique city, and someone is murdering street people in the French Quarter...." Read more

"...But where Wilder really shines is in his skill at creating atmosphere, which is easy to do when you know New Orleans and the French Quarter as well..." Read more

"At last! A book that has plenty of atmosphere and excellent description - not too much but enough - so that you can feel it, taste it, see it...." Read more

17 customers mention "Knowledge of voodology"14 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's educational content about Voodoo in Louisiana, with one customer noting the thorough research and another highlighting the well-explained Voudon religion.

"...That aside I enjoyed the color in the book and was able to recall this remarkable place that haunts my memory once more...." Read more

"...The Voudon religion is very well explained and gives great insight, especially if you are a novice to the subject...." Read more

"...I was especially taken by the NOLA vibe and details about life in the Big Easy...." Read more

"...I loved the vivid descriptions of the food, culture and areas of New Orleans! Several plots are woven into this complex mystery." Read more

9 customers mention "Ease of use"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to load and thoroughly enjoy reading it.

"Although I don't normally read police/murder mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed Big Easy...." Read more

"...From scene to scene it was easy to follow...." Read more

"Nice! Evocative and provocative, "Big Easy" also is an easy, while compelling, read...." Read more

"Easy to load, book just doesn't seem to move along in story. I always finish a story but this one just does not hold my interest...." Read more

8 customers mention "Flavor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's flavor, particularly noting how the New Orleans atmosphere permeates every page, with one customer specifically mentioning the gumbo scenes.

"...It’s even half believable. Oh and lots of good food that will have you drooling. Looking forward to more of these books." Read more

"A mystery full of local flavor. The author does a great job of portraying the city if New Orleans and some of its customs...." Read more

"...It has lots of culture and spice from the area...." Read more

"...Otherwise it was a very interesting read & captures the flavor of New Orleans" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Wineandchocolat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprised
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really loved the setting and characters. Looking forward to book 2! It was a bit on the wacky side with some of the choices some characters made.
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  • Lisa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    It was a good read
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Big Easy, A Review
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read the sample of this book about a year ago and was put off by the brutal opening and set it down. Since then, I've read many indie ebooks, and had run out of books and authors who grabbed me right away. I had read Eric Wilder's two sequels to Big Easy and found them brilliant, so I decided to give Big Easy another try. After I got through the first chapter, I found the groove again and finished Big Easy in two nights. I found it a real page turner and enjoyed it immensely. There were a lot of typos in this book that I don't remember from the next two, and I was considering giving it 4 stars because of that. But by the time I reached the end, I found the story telling so good, I had to give it 5 stars. Mr. Wilder is a brilliant story teller. There was much criticism of his need fpr proof reading and an editor for this book, but I have seen far, far worse from traditional publishing. And for 99 cents, I don't think you could get better reading value. Editing is expensive. If you want better editing, stand behind indie authors. Buy their books. Review the story, not the typos. And be prepared to pay a lot more.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Patti Bray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Big Easy voodoo murders
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Although I don't normally read police/murder mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed Big Easy. The book takes place in post-Katrina New Orleans, such a unique city, and someone is murdering street people in the French Quarter. Detective Tony Nicosia is assigned to solve these homicides. The killer has left grisly clues that indicate these deaths have a connection with voodoo, and all are strangely connected to a nearby mission. Unschooled in voodoo, Nicosia enlists the help of Wyatt Thomas and Mama Mulate, a powerful voodoo mambo, to help stop this deranged killer or killers. The story progresses through several unexpected twists and turns, especially towards the end of the book.

    Eric Wilder writes in a concise, easy-to-read manner that gives the reader just enough details to make the story enjoyable. I liked the way he wove the story around real restaurants/bars in the French Quarter and nearby areas. He apparently is very familiar with New Orleans and its culture, and did quite a bit of research on voodoo. I liked everything about the book, including the cover depicting the tomb of Marie Laveau, the most famous voodoo queen. Having everything that could translate into a good movie, I could easily see this book being adapted to a film version.
    23 people found this helpful
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  • Shelley Young
    4.0 out of 5 stars Laissez bon temps rouler - Let the good times roll!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the first time I'm leaving a review and was asked questions beforehand. I answered those questions compared to other novels I've read, so if anyone doesn't agree, this is why.

    Now on to the review!

    I purchased this novel after I saw a couple of tweets about it on Twitter. Being my family is from Louisiana, and some from New Orleans, I jumped on it like a beignet laid hot and sweet on a plate! I knew this was risky, as I didn't know the author and I had trouble liking some indie books I've purchased. Turns out this is a book to keep in my Kindle library to enjoy again at another time.

    There are good characters in this book. Wyatt and Mama Mulatte (sp?) are two of them, but there's more. From someone who's spent time in the French Quarters of New Orleans, I feel that the author was spot on with his description, the novel's ambience and some of the vernacular cracked me up with laughter, making me feel like I was home!

    A murder has taken place and two detectives are searching for the killer. It leads them to Wyatt and into the realm of Voodoo (lightly), and anyone from home know that Voodoo is just as synonymous to New Orleans as jazz, Bourbon Street and a good bowl of gumbo. I loved the subplot! I'm not giving away any spoilers, but I think many of the readers would enjoy it, too. Things get a little hot and steamy and the plot does thicken. Will the detectives survive this case? Has Wyatt and Mama Mulatte gotten in too deep? You won't hear the answers from me. You have to read it to find out.

    As always here's what I liked most about this book. The plot! This isn't one of those stories where you knew what's coming before you get close enough. The suspense and tension causes you to turn the page. We're talking straight out survival mode and a few of the characters are conjuring spells to ensure they stay alive. But people are still dying and two detectives must realize that sometimes you have to pay attention to things even if you don't want to believe in the supernatural. Especially when you're surrounded by one or more people who may want to do you harm. Do you trust your gut or do you listen to the voodoo mambo and what she has to say?

    The pace of this novel was great. I read it in two sittings and hated when the story ended. The good thing is this author has more books to follow up behind this one. Yay! No waiting, except for the time it takes to download to my Kindle.

    Awesome job, Mr. Wilder, because this was indeed a story worth telling and reading.
    17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Toya Richardson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Voodoo Meets Crimefighters
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the first book of Eric's that I've read, and it certainly won't be the last. His style of writing pulls you right in to the story and you can almost imagine yourself on the streets of New Orleans. It centres around a private detective, a Voodoo priestess & 2 police detectives. I also love the way he has several sub-plots going on.

    It kept me hooked from start to finish. I don't normally go for crime novels, but Eric has changed my mind. Can't wait to read another.
    Report
  • Finu
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not a series for me
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love books about New Orleans and the whole voodoo mythos but this just didn't work for me and I found myself skim reading. It's not badly written but I couldn't connect with the characters.
    Report

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