The Lady on Esplanade
- Judith D Collins
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
By: Karen White
Narrator: Sophie Amoss
Penguin Audio
Royal Street Series #3
ISBN: 9780593549490
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: 11/04/2025
Format: Other My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
People and secrets from the past threaten to disrupt Nola Trenholm’s new life in New Orleans in the third novel of the Royal Street series by New York Times bestselling author Karen White.
Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.
That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late.
My Review
THE LADY ON ESPLANADE, the third installment in the acclaimed Royal Street series (a spin-off of the popular Tradd Street series) by bestselling author Karen White—who is undeniably a favorite among readers—takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
The novel and series are a treasure trove of historical richness, showcasing stunning architecture while intertwining romance, mystery, and the supernatural. The exploration of ghostly spirits is complemented by the intricate interpersonal relationships among a diverse cast of characters, creating a sense of found family that draws readers in and keeps them eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this enthralling series.
In this captivating continuation, we follow the intrepid ghost-sleuth Nola Trenholm and her skilled contractor, Beau Ryan, as they embark on the renovation of a haunted "murder house," all while uncovering the chilling secrets hidden within its ghostly inhabitants.
Introducing the Characters...
Nola Trenholm:
Nola, the main character, a resilient and recovering alcoholic from Charleston, SC, embarks on a new chapter in New Orleans, sharing her journey with the energetic and witty roommate, Jolene. As an amateur ghost sleuth and house renovator, Nola possesses a unique sensitivity to the presence of spirits. She teams up with Beau Ryan to launch a business focused on flipping historically haunted houses, each with its own intriguing tale.
Beau:
A talented contractor and preservationist with a reluctant psychic ability, Beau grapples with his gifts while navigating a complex relationship with Nola. His journey is one of self-discovery as he learns to embrace the abilities he would like to suppress.
Jolene:
Nola's best friend and an undeniable force, Jolene embodies the spirit of a true Southern belle. With her quick wit and infectious humor, she guarantees laughter and joy. A charming and sassy fashionista, she excels in entertaining and believes that it's always better to arrive fashionably late than to compromise on style. Jolene also plays a significant role in social media for a property company, blending her love for design and flair with her professional pursuits.
Cooper:
Cooper, Nola's first heartbreak from her days in Charleston, reappears in New Orleans with an interest in purchasing the Esplanade house. His arrival raises questions—does he bring with him an unsettling spirit from the past?
Adele:
Haunting Beau with her unfinished business, Adele, his mother, whose ghostly presence adds layers of mystery to the narrative. This series promises to unveil answers to the long-standing enigma surrounding her.
Sarah:
Nola's younger half-sister, Sarah, possesses psychic abilities and arrives to assist with the paranormal investigation. Her insights take a surprising turn when she reveals a vision suggesting that Beau's missing father may still be alive.
Melanie:
Nora’s stepmother, Melanie, is a realtor and psychic hailing from Charleston, SC, known for her ability to communicate with ghosts. She lives with her husband, Jack, a writer, and their family, bringing her unique perspective to the unfolding story.
Mimi:
Beau's grandmother, Mimi, serves as the matriarch, connecting the team to the rich history and traditions of New Orleans. Her folksy wisdom provides a grounding contrast to the paranormal and often dramatic events that unfold, enriching the narrative with her insights.
About the book...
A New Business Venture:
Nola and Beau are excited to announce the launch of their innovative "murder-house-flipping" business, with a notorious property located on Esplanade Avenue. This shotgun house has gained infamy due to a tragic murder and the mysterious disappearance of an entire family.
A Haunted House:
The Esplanade property stands as a prime fixer-upper, marked by the grim history of a woman's murder and the vanishing of a family. As Nola and Beau delve deeper into its renovation, they soon discover that the resident spirits become increasingly volatile, determined to keep their dark secrets hidden.
Beau's Family Tragedy:
Beau continues to be haunted by the ghostly wet footprints left by his mother, Adele, who vanished during Hurricane Katrina. Her spirit signifies that there are unresolved matters that must be addressed before she can find peace.
An Old Flame's Return:
The unexpected arrival of Cooper Ravenel, Nola's former love, adds complexity to their plans. He expresses a keen interest in purchasing the house, accompanied by the restless spirit of an angry young woman, further complicating the situation.
A Suspicious Discovery:
A shocking revelation of evidence of Beau's mother and a diamond connection that emerges amidst the chaos of Katrina. This discovery propels Nola and Beau into a deeper investigation.
Supernatural Dangers:
Nola finds herself in a race against time, needing to persuade Beau to join her in unraveling the mysteries that haunt the Esplanade house and his family before the threats escalate and endanger them all.
A Chilling Doll:
Adding to the eerie atmosphere, a creepy Madame Alexander doll mysteriously appears, intensifying the unsettling supernatural occurrences surrounding the property.
Royal Street Series...
I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire series and eagerly anticipate its continuation.
My Reviews...
The Shop on Royal Street (Royal Street, #1)
The House on Prytania (Royal Street, #2)
The Lady on Esplanade (Royal Street,#3)The Shop on Royal Street
The Lady onEsplanade (Royal Street,#3)
Book 1: The Shop on Royal Street (2022)
In the wake of a challenging chapter in her life, Nola Trenholm relocates to New Orleans, seeking a fresh beginning. However, the historic Creole cottage she acquires harbors lingering spirits that add complexity to her new journey.
Book 2: The House on Prytania (2023)
Now familiar with the spectral inhabitants of her life, Nola faces a new challenge when Beau Ryan’s long-lost sister unexpectedly reappears, threatening to unearth buried secrets from the past.
Book 3: The Lady on Esplanade (2025)
As Nola and Beau embark on the renovation of a haunted "murder house" located on Esplanade Avenue, they find themselves delving into dark secrets intricately linked to both the property and Beau's family history.
My thoughts...
The beloved cast has returned in this captivating edition! The author skillfully keeps readers engrossed with an inviting blend of mystery, romance, ghostly lore, supernatural, and humor, all brought to life by a well-crafted ensemble of characters against the alluring backdrop of New Orleans. This series continues to capture my heart!
Who can resist the allure of New Orleans? I relish revisiting my favorite spots, especially Commander's Palace. As an interior designer with years of experience, I find the setting, architecture, and rich historical details utterly fascinating. The stories of past residents and their ghostly messages only add to the allure.
The chemistry between Beau and Nora, along with the dynamics involving other characters, Cooper, and the ever-entertaining Jolene, adds a delightful layer to the narrative. Jolene's humor balances the tension, and readers will be eager to unravel the complex mystery surrounding Beau's mother, with hints that the next installment may delve into the story of his father.
The murder-flip project is rife with suspense, introducing a layer of paranormal challenges and an increasingly menacing ghost. The primary spirit haunting the Esplanade house grows more aggressive as she seeks to conceal dark secrets from the house’s past.
The narrative unfolds while she and Beau confront persistent spirits and eerie phenomena, including a mysteriously appearing Madame Alexander doll that seems to have a mind of its own.
Amid Nola's struggles with vengeful ghosts and romantic complexities, Jolene ensures that the story maintains a lighthearted tone. She serves as a reminder of the city’s charm, providing a joyful contrast to ghostly mysteries.
The plot intricately intertwines the quest for answers regarding the house's dark history with the unresolved romantic tension between Nola and Beau, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the series.
Recs...
For those who have a penchant for Southern mysteries infused with paranormal elements and rich character development, Karen White's Royal Street and the Tradd Street series are must-reads. These captivating stories masterfully intertwine suspense with a vivid sense of place, particularly evoking the enchanting atmosphere of New Orleans and Charleston. Readers will also find themselves delighted by the subtle threads of romance and the allure of family secrets woven throughout. I highly recommend!
Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 04, 2025
Praise
"Ghostly lore combines with multiple mysteries and complex love affairs to produce a tale that’s hard to put down." —Kirkus
About the Author
Photo Credit: ANDREA LINN PHOTOGRAPHY
With almost two million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 36 novels. Her latest releases include The Author’s Guide to Murder (November 2024), a collaboration with bestselling authors Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig, and the soon-to-be-released That Last Carolina Summer (July 2025) and The Lady on Esplanade (November 2025), the third book in her New Orleans-set mystery series. She grew up in London but now lives with her husband near Atlanta, Georgia.
