WALKER — A mother-and-son writing team from Walker is launching a new Southern mystery series filled with friendship, travel, secrets, and suspense.
Louisiana authors H. Truax and L. Craig released their debut mystery novel, The Happiest Place to Die, on July 15. The 422-page novel is the first installment in The October Girls Mysteries, a new series blending Southern charm, lifelong friendship, humor, travel, and unexpected twists.
The Happiest Place to Die follows three lifelong Louisiana friends, Gayle LeBlanc, Carol Boudreaux, and Lynn Thibodeaux, who have made a tradition of taking an annual girls’ trip together.
This year, they invite their friend Karen Robichaux to join them, hoping the getaway will lift her spirits after a difficult season. What begins as a much-needed vacation quickly becomes a murder investigation when Karen is found dead.
As secrets surface and suspicion spreads, Gayle, Carol, and Lynn must determine whom they can trust and uncover the truth before another life is lost.
Drawing inspiration from Louisiana culture, close friendships, family relationships, and a lifelong love of mystery fiction, Truax and Craig created the story for readers who enjoy compelling characters, atmospheric settings, unexpected twists, and mysteries with emotional depth.
“Our goal was to write a mystery that keeps readers turning the pages while also making them feel like they are part of the friendship between Gayle, Carol, and Lynn,” Truax said. “These women support one another, argue with one another, laugh together, and refuse to walk away when things become dangerous.”
“At its heart, the story is about friendship, loyalty, and the secrets people carry with them,” Craig added. “We wanted the characters to feel like women readers might know, or women they would enjoy taking a trip with.”
The authors said their different creative strengths helped shape the novel. Craig brought heart, humor, and Southern wit to the story, while Truax developed its atmosphere, suspense, and psychological tension.
Truax owns and operates a boutique and cafe, while Craig is retired from the local school district.
The Happiest Place to Die is available in paperback and Kindle formats through Amazon and is also included through Kindle Unlimited. Signed paperback copies are available locally through Sugarcane Market Boutique & Gift Shop while supplies last.
Readers can also visit The October Girls Mysteries online for bonus content, character introductions, recipes, behind-the-scenes extras, series updates, and more information about the authors.
