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Lafitte Lives: An Old New Orleans Bookshop Mystery
Secrets can’t stay buried forever—but maybe some should.
In bustling, multicultural 1831 New Orleans, Tobias Whitney, the sexton of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, uncovers a journal sealed inside the tomb of Dominique You—war hero of the Battle of New Orleans, privateer, and half-brother of the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. Convinced that the journal holds the key to Lafitte’s lost treasure, Tobias turns to his sharp-witted and outspoken wife, Mary Catherine, to translate its cryptic French passages.
Tobias and Mary Catherine discover secrets they could not have imagined—secrets that could change their lives forever. But is it really the truth? As the journal warns, Never trust a pirate!
Lafitte Lives blends meticulous historical research with a page-turning mystery, bringing the legend of Jean Lafitte to life while telling the redemptive story of Tobias's grief and Mary Catherine's quest to help him overcome it.
In bustling, multicultural 1831 New Orleans, Tobias Whitney, the sexton of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, uncovers a journal sealed inside the tomb of Dominique You—war hero of the Battle of New Orleans, privateer, and half-brother of the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. Convinced that the journal holds the key to Lafitte’s lost treasure, Tobias turns to his sharp-witted and outspoken wife, Mary Catherine, to translate its cryptic French passages.
Tobias and Mary Catherine discover secrets they could not have imagined—secrets that could change their lives forever. But is it really the truth? As the journal warns, Never trust a pirate!
Lafitte Lives blends meticulous historical research with a page-turning mystery, bringing the legend of Jean Lafitte to life while telling the redemptive story of Tobias's grief and Mary Catherine's quest to help him overcome it.
- GenresMysteryHistorical
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2026
7 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Christi Keating Sumich
5 books61 followersChristi Keating Sumich is a lifelong resident of New Orleans. She is married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother of three grown children (plus a daughter-in-law). She has a soft spot for “unconventionally attractive” animals who need homes. Her claim to fame is being the winningest contestant on Hollywood Squares.
She holds a PhD in history from Tulane University and a master’s degree in English. She
has taught history classes at Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans.
Christi’s writing combines her fascination with history with her love of the mystery genre. Her debut novel is Lafitte Lives (Level Best Books, February 2026), a historical mystery centered around her ancestor, the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. Lafitte Lives is the prequel to the Old New Orleans Bookshop Mysteries, featuring characters from Lafitte Lives. The Swamp Ghost is the first book in the series (Level Best Books, September 2026).
Christi and her mom, Sharon Keating, are the co-authors of Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For (Wellfleet Press, August 2024) and The Brandy Milk Punch (Louisiana State University Press, March 2025), part of the Iconic New Orleans Cocktail Series.
She holds a PhD in history from Tulane University and a master’s degree in English. She
has taught history classes at Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans.
Christi’s writing combines her fascination with history with her love of the mystery genre. Her debut novel is Lafitte Lives (Level Best Books, February 2026), a historical mystery centered around her ancestor, the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. Lafitte Lives is the prequel to the Old New Orleans Bookshop Mysteries, featuring characters from Lafitte Lives. The Swamp Ghost is the first book in the series (Level Best Books, September 2026).
Christi and her mom, Sharon Keating, are the co-authors of Hauntingly Good Spirits: New Orleans Cocktails to Die For (Wellfleet Press, August 2024) and The Brandy Milk Punch (Louisiana State University Press, March 2025), part of the Iconic New Orleans Cocktail Series.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 3, 2026
🏴☠️📜 🪦🗡🎩
Review:
A sorrowful, diligent cemetery sextant finds a secret journal at the tomb of a pirate and a treasure awaits him in Christi Keating Sumich’s toast to a real-life pirate and 1830’s New Orleans. 🥂
⚰️📖Tobias Whitney has suffered some losses in his life including the family bookshop and part of his beloved family. He is ghosting through life now as the sextant for St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 even though he still has a wife and remaining two sons. A mysterious journal is the catalyst to his re-entry into the land of the living.
✍️ 🕵️♂️Fiery Mary Catherine Whitney slowly translates Dominique You’s journal from French so Tobias can learn the truth about an 1812 War hero and privateer’s famous brother and the Lafitte treasure. While impatiently waiting for the translated pages and reading them a little at a time, Tobias starts to dream again and engage with his two sons and his wife, but also feel the trickle of unease that someone is watching his every move. Do they know he has the journal? Are they waiting for him to lead them to the treasure?
Mary Catherine won’t be rushed and grows quite enigmatic even though Tobias feels the fervor of getting closer to the truth.
An immersive read when the historical backdrop touches all the senses and pulls the reader into Tobias’ world and the world of Dominque’s journal. Christi K Sumich did her research and shows her love of New Orleans and Lafitte history in this thoughtful, engaging historical mystery.
I rec'd a print ARC from Level Best Books, the author and Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 for the Partners in Crime Book Tour on 4.28.26.
Review:
A sorrowful, diligent cemetery sextant finds a secret journal at the tomb of a pirate and a treasure awaits him in Christi Keating Sumich’s toast to a real-life pirate and 1830’s New Orleans. 🥂
⚰️📖Tobias Whitney has suffered some losses in his life including the family bookshop and part of his beloved family. He is ghosting through life now as the sextant for St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 even though he still has a wife and remaining two sons. A mysterious journal is the catalyst to his re-entry into the land of the living.
✍️ 🕵️♂️Fiery Mary Catherine Whitney slowly translates Dominique You’s journal from French so Tobias can learn the truth about an 1812 War hero and privateer’s famous brother and the Lafitte treasure. While impatiently waiting for the translated pages and reading them a little at a time, Tobias starts to dream again and engage with his two sons and his wife, but also feel the trickle of unease that someone is watching his every move. Do they know he has the journal? Are they waiting for him to lead them to the treasure?
Mary Catherine won’t be rushed and grows quite enigmatic even though Tobias feels the fervor of getting closer to the truth.
An immersive read when the historical backdrop touches all the senses and pulls the reader into Tobias’ world and the world of Dominque’s journal. Christi K Sumich did her research and shows her love of New Orleans and Lafitte history in this thoughtful, engaging historical mystery.
I rec'd a print ARC from Level Best Books, the author and Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 for the Partners in Crime Book Tour on 4.28.26.
April 3, 2026
“How many mysteries could one book hold?”
Lafitte Lives by Christi Keating Sumich is an engaging frame narrative that will both entertain and mystify. It is 1831 in New Orleans, and Tobias Whitney is the sexton at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2. He diligently tends the graves and grounds, noxious smells notwithstanding. This job is perfect for the grieving Tobias, providing him with much-needed solitude and quiet time to read his favorite book for a short spell every day. He lives nearby with his wife, Mary Catherine, and his two sons. Life for Tobias is melancholy and lacks any adventure that he always loves to read about.
When Tobias investigates an anomaly with the marble and nameplate on the front of the tomb of a recently interred individual, his entire life and that of his family begin to shift.
This historical mystery develops at a slow burn, which is perfect to build suspense all the way to the epilogue. Lafitte Lives oscillates between Tobias’s story and that of Captain Jean Lafitte, providing readers with more than enough action, lively characterization, and plot twists to fill the high seas. No spoilers because this story must be experienced with plenty of anticipation at the turn of every page.
“Secrets won’t stay hidden forever, Nor should they.”
Christi Sumich is a historian who lives in New Orleans, offering the expertise and enthusiasm to craft such a rollicking story.
Several themes emerge across the chapters, such as truth, treasure, healing, and hope. What is the true story of Jean Lafitte? Can treasure mean more than an X on a map that leads to untold riches? What if healing can come from discovery and excitement for a life worth living? All this and more exist between the pages of Lafitte Lives. But let us not forget that this story is ultimately a mystery that unfolds and then swivels just when you think all has been revealed.
“Two dead men, yet only one can live.”
If you love a good mystery with a heavy dose of history about the dynamic Captain Jean Lafitte and about family, love, friendship, pirates, privateers, voodoo, and revenge, then Lafitte Lives will be the perfect addition to your to-read list.
Lafitte Lives by Christi Keating Sumich is an engaging frame narrative that will both entertain and mystify. It is 1831 in New Orleans, and Tobias Whitney is the sexton at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2. He diligently tends the graves and grounds, noxious smells notwithstanding. This job is perfect for the grieving Tobias, providing him with much-needed solitude and quiet time to read his favorite book for a short spell every day. He lives nearby with his wife, Mary Catherine, and his two sons. Life for Tobias is melancholy and lacks any adventure that he always loves to read about.
When Tobias investigates an anomaly with the marble and nameplate on the front of the tomb of a recently interred individual, his entire life and that of his family begin to shift.
This historical mystery develops at a slow burn, which is perfect to build suspense all the way to the epilogue. Lafitte Lives oscillates between Tobias’s story and that of Captain Jean Lafitte, providing readers with more than enough action, lively characterization, and plot twists to fill the high seas. No spoilers because this story must be experienced with plenty of anticipation at the turn of every page.
“Secrets won’t stay hidden forever, Nor should they.”
Christi Sumich is a historian who lives in New Orleans, offering the expertise and enthusiasm to craft such a rollicking story.
Several themes emerge across the chapters, such as truth, treasure, healing, and hope. What is the true story of Jean Lafitte? Can treasure mean more than an X on a map that leads to untold riches? What if healing can come from discovery and excitement for a life worth living? All this and more exist between the pages of Lafitte Lives. But let us not forget that this story is ultimately a mystery that unfolds and then swivels just when you think all has been revealed.
“Two dead men, yet only one can live.”
If you love a good mystery with a heavy dose of history about the dynamic Captain Jean Lafitte and about family, love, friendship, pirates, privateers, voodoo, and revenge, then Lafitte Lives will be the perfect addition to your to-read list.
April 29, 2026
LAFITTE LIVES wins for the most nose-wrinkling first chapter I’ve ever read, and author Christi Keating Sumich masterfully engages the readers’ senses while explaining a very real historical problem of cemeteries in places that are at sea level. This mix of historical fact and fiction of 1800s New Orleans makes LAFITTE LIVES a fascinating, atmospheric read.
Told as a story within a story (that *SURPRISE* then adds another story), LAFITTE LIVES allows the author’s meticulous research and marvelous imagination to take flight and thoroughly entertain. The primary story is of main character Tobias, who when we meet him, is numbed by his grief. It is here that readers learn the tragedies of his life with his wife, Mary Catherine, who is a spitfire of a woman and the most memorable of characters. The secondary story is told via a journal, allegedly penned by Dominique You, the brother of Jean Lafitte.
As Dominique is wont to say, again and again: never trust a pirate. I would extend that to say: never trust a pirate or someone who doth protest too loudly that he is—or isn’t—one. Careful readers will find plenty of hints as to why we should (or shouldn't) believe Dominique, and it’s clear that *something* is afoot. But even if one figures out the mystery of the journal, there’s a terrific twist at the end that is sure to satisfy.
LAFITTE LIVES is in no way a traditional mystery, and the action of LAFITTE LIVES happens only as Dominique summarizes events and Jean Lafitte’s adventures. At times, this gets tedious and frustrating as the promises of “telling that tale later” fell short. There are only the smallest elements of danger for the real-world characters, though the specter of Yellow Jack (yellow fever) is always looming. But just like Tobias anxiously awaits the translations of each chapter of the journal, so do readers. And with Mary Catherine stringing Tobias and us all along, in her very intentional way (and while berating those cheeky, saucy kids), we can’t stop turning the pages.
Having very little knowledge of Jean Lafitte, early on, I skipped to the Afterword, hoping to learn a little of what is fact versus fiction. SCORE! What enriching contextual information is found there, and it solidifies that Sumich is an accomplished historian. Happily, she’s an equally skilled writer who uses a robust vocabulary and rich details to evoke feelings and moods. BONUS: the book is gloriously, cleanly edited, which makes reading go smoothly.
Ultimately, the stories within LAFITTE LIVES are ones of healing, though some characters’ wounds are more obvious than others’. I’m excited that there is a new series springing from this book (Old New Orleans Bookshop series), and it sounds like Mary Catherine (and Tobias and their bookstore, Chapter and Verse) will be taking a more prominent role. Watch for the first installment, THE SWAMP GHOST, in September, 2026. I am IN.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
“Strange, he often mused, that spending his days surrounded by the dead was the only way he could cope with the living.”
Told as a story within a story (that *SURPRISE* then adds another story), LAFITTE LIVES allows the author’s meticulous research and marvelous imagination to take flight and thoroughly entertain. The primary story is of main character Tobias, who when we meet him, is numbed by his grief. It is here that readers learn the tragedies of his life with his wife, Mary Catherine, who is a spitfire of a woman and the most memorable of characters. The secondary story is told via a journal, allegedly penned by Dominique You, the brother of Jean Lafitte.
As Dominique is wont to say, again and again: never trust a pirate. I would extend that to say: never trust a pirate or someone who doth protest too loudly that he is—or isn’t—one. Careful readers will find plenty of hints as to why we should (or shouldn't) believe Dominique, and it’s clear that *something* is afoot. But even if one figures out the mystery of the journal, there’s a terrific twist at the end that is sure to satisfy.
LAFITTE LIVES is in no way a traditional mystery, and the action of LAFITTE LIVES happens only as Dominique summarizes events and Jean Lafitte’s adventures. At times, this gets tedious and frustrating as the promises of “telling that tale later” fell short. There are only the smallest elements of danger for the real-world characters, though the specter of Yellow Jack (yellow fever) is always looming. But just like Tobias anxiously awaits the translations of each chapter of the journal, so do readers. And with Mary Catherine stringing Tobias and us all along, in her very intentional way (and while berating those cheeky, saucy kids), we can’t stop turning the pages.
Having very little knowledge of Jean Lafitte, early on, I skipped to the Afterword, hoping to learn a little of what is fact versus fiction. SCORE! What enriching contextual information is found there, and it solidifies that Sumich is an accomplished historian. Happily, she’s an equally skilled writer who uses a robust vocabulary and rich details to evoke feelings and moods. BONUS: the book is gloriously, cleanly edited, which makes reading go smoothly.
Ultimately, the stories within LAFITTE LIVES are ones of healing, though some characters’ wounds are more obvious than others’. I’m excited that there is a new series springing from this book (Old New Orleans Bookshop series), and it sounds like Mary Catherine (and Tobias and their bookstore, Chapter and Verse) will be taking a more prominent role. Watch for the first installment, THE SWAMP GHOST, in September, 2026. I am IN.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
March 25, 2026
Lafitte Lives is one of those historical mysteries that sweeps you straight into its world from the first page, carrying you through the heat, colour, and restless energy of 1830s New Orleans. There’s a richness to the setting that feels almost tactile—the crowded cemetery paths, the blend of languages and cultures, the sense that every street corner hides a story waiting to be unearthed.
Tobias Whitney makes for a wonderfully human centre to the novel. As sexton of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, he’s a man surrounded by the dead yet quietly haunted by his own grief, and the discovery of a sealed journal in Dominique You’s tomb becomes the spark that unsettles everything he thought he understood. The mystery of Jean Lafitte’s lost treasure is enticing, of course, but what gives the book its heart is the way Tobias and his sharp, spirited wife Mary Catherine navigate the secrets buried within those pages. Their partnership—prickly, affectionate, and full of unspoken tenderness—brings a lovely emotional depth to the unfolding intrigue.
The journal’s warning, Never trust a pirate, hangs over the story like a shadow, and the authors use it beautifully. Every revelation feels like a step deeper into uncertain territory, where truth and myth blur and the past refuses to stay politely in its grave. The blend of meticulous research and page‑turning suspense makes the novel feel both grounded and delightfully unpredictable.
What lingers most, though, is the redemptive thread woven through Tobias’s journey. Beneath the treasure hunts and cryptic clues lies a quiet story about loss, resilience, and the people who help us find our way back to ourselves.
Atmospheric, engaging, and full of charm, Lafitte Lives is a richly told mystery that breathes new life into old legends while offering something far more intimate at its core.
With thanks to Christi Keating Sumich, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Tobias Whitney makes for a wonderfully human centre to the novel. As sexton of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, he’s a man surrounded by the dead yet quietly haunted by his own grief, and the discovery of a sealed journal in Dominique You’s tomb becomes the spark that unsettles everything he thought he understood. The mystery of Jean Lafitte’s lost treasure is enticing, of course, but what gives the book its heart is the way Tobias and his sharp, spirited wife Mary Catherine navigate the secrets buried within those pages. Their partnership—prickly, affectionate, and full of unspoken tenderness—brings a lovely emotional depth to the unfolding intrigue.
The journal’s warning, Never trust a pirate, hangs over the story like a shadow, and the authors use it beautifully. Every revelation feels like a step deeper into uncertain territory, where truth and myth blur and the past refuses to stay politely in its grave. The blend of meticulous research and page‑turning suspense makes the novel feel both grounded and delightfully unpredictable.
What lingers most, though, is the redemptive thread woven through Tobias’s journey. Beneath the treasure hunts and cryptic clues lies a quiet story about loss, resilience, and the people who help us find our way back to ourselves.
Atmospheric, engaging, and full of charm, Lafitte Lives is a richly told mystery that breathes new life into old legends while offering something far more intimate at its core.
With thanks to Christi Keating Sumich, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 2, 2026
4.5
*Thank you to Partners in Crime tours for including me on this tour !
Robin Hood, stash, “privateer”…
1831.
Tobias, sexton at St Louis Cemetery No 2 has just found a journal sealed behind a nameplate on the tomb of Dominique You. Dominique was the 1/2 brother of pirate Jean Lafitte.
The journal tells the “tale of Lafitte’s life after the world thought he was dead.” Just how and why did he fake his death ??? Tobias is CERTAIN the journal will also reveal the location of Lafitte’s “lost treasures.”
Lafitte’s life story is revealed in tidbits, as Tobias’ wife translates the journal chapter by chapter. I enjoyed the slow reveal - my interest was sparked to learn more of his fascinating story. Meticulous research of the 19th Century is apparent. Vivid descriptive writing portrays the NOLA scenes. Historical myths and legends of “Privateer” Jean Lafitte are evident. I was intrigued to learn more about Jean Lafitte. Don’t skip the author’s afterward - it’s very informative.
My favorite characters were the fictitious characters of Tobias and his wife Mary Catherine. Tobias was very grief-stricken. I also liked his connection to the Chapter & Verse Bookshop. Mary Catherine was a spitfire - feisty and candid!
I visited NOLA yearly for approx 10 years. I have walked Chartres St, Bourbon St, Bienville St , seen the Cabildo, blacksmith shop, Old Absinthe House, the Cathedral, voodoo shops etc, etc, etc. I toured Lafayette Cemetery No 1. I wonder if it would be similar to St Louis No 2 ?? I always enjoy reading books set in NOLA. I could see the NOLA parts of the story in my mind. Great memories! Slide to see photos of locations mentioned in the book.
Count me in for future books!
Can’t go wrong with a mystery set in NOLA…. You have my attention already!
*Thank you to Partners in Crime tours for including me on this tour !
Robin Hood, stash, “privateer”…
1831.
Tobias, sexton at St Louis Cemetery No 2 has just found a journal sealed behind a nameplate on the tomb of Dominique You. Dominique was the 1/2 brother of pirate Jean Lafitte.
The journal tells the “tale of Lafitte’s life after the world thought he was dead.” Just how and why did he fake his death ??? Tobias is CERTAIN the journal will also reveal the location of Lafitte’s “lost treasures.”
Lafitte’s life story is revealed in tidbits, as Tobias’ wife translates the journal chapter by chapter. I enjoyed the slow reveal - my interest was sparked to learn more of his fascinating story. Meticulous research of the 19th Century is apparent. Vivid descriptive writing portrays the NOLA scenes. Historical myths and legends of “Privateer” Jean Lafitte are evident. I was intrigued to learn more about Jean Lafitte. Don’t skip the author’s afterward - it’s very informative.
My favorite characters were the fictitious characters of Tobias and his wife Mary Catherine. Tobias was very grief-stricken. I also liked his connection to the Chapter & Verse Bookshop. Mary Catherine was a spitfire - feisty and candid!
I visited NOLA yearly for approx 10 years. I have walked Chartres St, Bourbon St, Bienville St , seen the Cabildo, blacksmith shop, Old Absinthe House, the Cathedral, voodoo shops etc, etc, etc. I toured Lafayette Cemetery No 1. I wonder if it would be similar to St Louis No 2 ?? I always enjoy reading books set in NOLA. I could see the NOLA parts of the story in my mind. Great memories! Slide to see photos of locations mentioned in the book.
Count me in for future books!
Can’t go wrong with a mystery set in NOLA…. You have my attention already!
April 22, 2026
A mysterious journal brings a grieving father back to the land of the living.
Lafitte Lives is the first book in author Christi Keating Sumich’s new historical cozy series, the Old New Orleans Bookshop Mysteries, and it sets a marvelously suspenseful tone for its intriguing tale. With its vivid characters, well-known events, and familiar landmarks, the story brings the local legends of Jean Lafitte to vibrant life.
Tobias Whitney is a man half-alive, working as the sexton at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, the job he landed after the loss of his family’s bookshop in the aftermath of the yellow fever outbreak three years earlier. But the unexpected discovery of a handwritten journal at the tomb of Dominique You, the purported half-brother of the famed pirate Jean Lafitte, changes everything for him. The mysteries it poses by its claims that Jean Lafitte faked his death captures Tobias’s imagination, and his inability to decipher the French text forces him to reconnect with his feisty, hardworking wife, Mary Catherine, who, though grieving like her husband, has had to remain present and move on for the sake of their two sons, Shane and Connor.The story within a story reveals Lafitte’s life as an exciting tale of pirates, privateers, love, betrayal, and loyalty to the new nation of the United States. While the journal claims to want to set the record straight on Lafitte’s life, it’s written by a pirate, and it repeatedly warns not to believe anything a pirate says. As Tobias starts his journey back into life, there is the lure of pirates’ gold in the journal’s pages, but the real treasure is Tobias’s rescue and return to his family.
I recommend LAFITTE LIVES to readers of historical fiction and cozy mysteries.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
April 27, 2026
I enjoyed this mystery that is full of history. Darkly atmospheric, the writing captures the essence of New Orleans in the 1830’s. Tobias Whitney has found peace and escape from family tragedy working as the sexton of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2. His routine is disturbed when he discovers a journal hidden in the tomb of Dominique You, the pirate Jean Lafitte’s brother. With the introduction of the journal the pace accelerates as the journal reads like an adventure story. The mystery is discovering the treasure and in part who actually wrote the journal as pirates can’t be trusted.
The characters were fascinating and each brought something different to the story. Tobias was struggling to find his way after the tragedy. The journal and uncovering the treasure seemed to bring him back to life. I really liked Mary Catherine and the way she interacted with and showed her love for her family. The fact that she was educated and vital to the translation was one of my favorite parts. It is through the journal that Jean Lafitte comes to life and I found it interesting that it painted him as a privateer and not a pirate. But his adventures had me questioning which one he really was and if the journal could be trusted.
From the sights and smells of a New Orleans cemetery to pirate adventures all of my senses were engaged as I was immersed in the story. The story was extensively researched and I enjoyed reading the details in the Afterword. The afterword made the story even more interesting and I found myself going back to the story and revisiting parts of the journal.
I recommend this book to readers that enjoy pirate tales or historical mysteries.
Thanks to Partners In Crime VBT for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters were fascinating and each brought something different to the story. Tobias was struggling to find his way after the tragedy. The journal and uncovering the treasure seemed to bring him back to life. I really liked Mary Catherine and the way she interacted with and showed her love for her family. The fact that she was educated and vital to the translation was one of my favorite parts. It is through the journal that Jean Lafitte comes to life and I found it interesting that it painted him as a privateer and not a pirate. But his adventures had me questioning which one he really was and if the journal could be trusted.
From the sights and smells of a New Orleans cemetery to pirate adventures all of my senses were engaged as I was immersed in the story. The story was extensively researched and I enjoyed reading the details in the Afterword. The afterword made the story even more interesting and I found myself going back to the story and revisiting parts of the journal.
I recommend this book to readers that enjoy pirate tales or historical mysteries.
Thanks to Partners In Crime VBT for the free, gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 1, 2026
An engaging mystery set in a lush and vivid historical setting--I was both entertained and informed. Though I came to this book knowing virtually nothing about either Jean Lafitte or New Orleans in general during this time period, the premise was intriguing and the story did not disappoint. For someone with a love of historical facts, the author's note at the end was perhaps the best part. I appreciated that the author took the time to explain her research as well as her personal connection to the history, and that she enumerated in detail which characters and events were historical and which were fictional.
The pacing does lag for a while beginning with the early chapters of the journal, but later picks up and builds to a strong conclusion. Unfortunately, the fact that most of the Jean Lafitte storyline is told through the journal means there is a lot of summarization and a sense of distance from the events, but like the pacing, that does improve toward the end. My only other wish would have been for a more period-accurate narrative voice. The prose was well-written--especially the evocative sensory descriptions of the city--but had a contemporary feel.
I will also say that it's always enjoyable when a novel can make me change my mind about it. Through the majority of the book, I thought the constant repetition of "never trust a pirate" and "we were privateers, not pirates" was excessive, until the last chapters made it clear that what seemed like a flaw was actually intentional and meaningful.
Overall, this is a strong debut and I look forward to reading future works from this author.
The pacing does lag for a while beginning with the early chapters of the journal, but later picks up and builds to a strong conclusion. Unfortunately, the fact that most of the Jean Lafitte storyline is told through the journal means there is a lot of summarization and a sense of distance from the events, but like the pacing, that does improve toward the end. My only other wish would have been for a more period-accurate narrative voice. The prose was well-written--especially the evocative sensory descriptions of the city--but had a contemporary feel.
I will also say that it's always enjoyable when a novel can make me change my mind about it. Through the majority of the book, I thought the constant repetition of "never trust a pirate" and "we were privateers, not pirates" was excessive, until the last chapters made it clear that what seemed like a flaw was actually intentional and meaningful.
Overall, this is a strong debut and I look forward to reading future works from this author.
April 5, 2026
I gave Lafitte Lives by Christi Keating Sumich four stars.
The story follows Tobias, the caretaker of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, who discovers the journal of Dominique You—half-brother of Jean Lafitte—hidden inside You’s tomb. Believing the journal may lead him to Lafitte’s lost treasure, Tobias enlists his wife, Mary Catherine, to translate it from French to English. What follows is a gradual unraveling of the past through the journal’s contents.
As someone who descends from two men who were reportedly part of Lafitte’s crew, I found this book especially fun and engaging. There’s something extra meaningful about reading a story that brushes up against your own family lore, and this one definitely delivered that connection.
This book also felt very well researched, which added to the authenticity of the story and made the historical elements even more enjoyable.
I really enjoyed the way Lafitte’s journal was revealed piece by piece as Tobias read through it. That unraveling added a sense of mystery and momentum that kept me turning the pages. It felt like uncovering history right alongside the characters.
This book has inspired me to create a timeline comparing Lafitte’s life with the lives of my own ancestors, which is always a sign that a story has truly sparked my curiosity beyond the final page.
A great blend of history and storytelling—especially enjoyable for anyone with a personal or genealogical connection to the era.
The story follows Tobias, the caretaker of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, who discovers the journal of Dominique You—half-brother of Jean Lafitte—hidden inside You’s tomb. Believing the journal may lead him to Lafitte’s lost treasure, Tobias enlists his wife, Mary Catherine, to translate it from French to English. What follows is a gradual unraveling of the past through the journal’s contents.
As someone who descends from two men who were reportedly part of Lafitte’s crew, I found this book especially fun and engaging. There’s something extra meaningful about reading a story that brushes up against your own family lore, and this one definitely delivered that connection.
This book also felt very well researched, which added to the authenticity of the story and made the historical elements even more enjoyable.
I really enjoyed the way Lafitte’s journal was revealed piece by piece as Tobias read through it. That unraveling added a sense of mystery and momentum that kept me turning the pages. It felt like uncovering history right alongside the characters.
This book has inspired me to create a timeline comparing Lafitte’s life with the lives of my own ancestors, which is always a sign that a story has truly sparked my curiosity beyond the final page.
A great blend of history and storytelling—especially enjoyable for anyone with a personal or genealogical connection to the era.
April 20, 2026
This is a different kind of mystery. Rather than a murder and police investigation, this is a literary mystery of an historical nature. That is, what really happened to the man who called himself Jean Lafitte? While some of his exploits are known, Sumich supposes many more, such as a plan to free Napoleon.
This is the fiction style of a novel within a novel. The outer novel is the discovery of a journal and the work the Whitneys do to understand the writing and make something of it. The inner novel is the one the Whitneys wrote, the privateer adventures of Lafitte based on the journal contents. While the inner novel of Lafitte has some exciting scenes, the outer novel has no suspense but is rather the day to day life of the Whitneys firmly set in New Orleans of the 1830s. There is a twist at the end, however, that made for a surprising conclusion to it all.
This is a novel for readers who would like a thinking person's mystery rather than one filled with suspenseful action. The Author's Note at the end identifies the historical facts Sumich used as a framework for her novel.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is the fiction style of a novel within a novel. The outer novel is the discovery of a journal and the work the Whitneys do to understand the writing and make something of it. The inner novel is the one the Whitneys wrote, the privateer adventures of Lafitte based on the journal contents. While the inner novel of Lafitte has some exciting scenes, the outer novel has no suspense but is rather the day to day life of the Whitneys firmly set in New Orleans of the 1830s. There is a twist at the end, however, that made for a surprising conclusion to it all.
This is a novel for readers who would like a thinking person's mystery rather than one filled with suspenseful action. The Author's Note at the end identifies the historical facts Sumich used as a framework for her novel.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 12, 2026
A stunning debut that brings 1831 New Orleans to vivid, multicultural life. Sumich introduces Tobias Whitney, a cemetery sexton who discovers a sealed journal in the tomb of Dominique You, half-brother to the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. When he enlists his sharp-witted wife Mary Catherine to translate the cryptic French, they uncover secrets that could lead to lost treasure or deadly danger. What elevates this above standard historical mystery fare is Sumich's scholarly rigor: her PhD in history from Tulane informs every detail, from the architecture of St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 to the complex racial and cultural dynamics of pre-Civil War New Orleans. The marriage between Tobias and Mary Catherine feels authentic and tender, their partnership driving the narrative as much as the mystery. The prose is elegant, the pacing assured, and the resolution satisfying. For readers who love their mysteries with deep historical roots and genuine emotional resonance, this is a treasure. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
April 29, 2026
From the initial setting you knew the story is going to have some mystery. It is 1831 New Orleans, and Tobias Whitney who is the sexton in charge of St Louis Cemetery has discovered a journal in the crypt of a famous war hero and former pirate and also the brother of the famous pirate Jean Lafitte. Tobias himself is an honest, hard working man who takes his duties seriously and taking this journalist troubles him. His wife begins the translation as it is in French, and it uncovers a story of the lives of tge two brothers in great detail.
The story combines Tobias’s life as it is, his sorrows at the loss of his children and how he is trying to cope with his employment, and the story and great historical detail which is the background of Jean Lafitte’s life. Told in detail, a lot of it is harsh, but that period was always harsh towards anyone who was different. Combining many elements love and revenge, superstitions and voodoo practises this was an enthralling read, bringing history alive.
The story combines Tobias’s life as it is, his sorrows at the loss of his children and how he is trying to cope with his employment, and the story and great historical detail which is the background of Jean Lafitte’s life. Told in detail, a lot of it is harsh, but that period was always harsh towards anyone who was different. Combining many elements love and revenge, superstitions and voodoo practises this was an enthralling read, bringing history alive.
April 24, 2026
Lafitte Lives by Christi Keating Sumich has the Da Vinci Code movie vibe all throughout the read. It's dark, mysterious, and adventurous. Something found that holds such historical value...and the secrets it has hidden make for a grand read. Like the movie I mentioned, this book has secrets that have to be sorted and whether or not they're true is a whole different story. But what if they hold truth..? The big what if hangs in the atmosphere as I dug through this incredible tale. Pus, due to the pirates relationship it also mad emerges think of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Never know what the dead men will tell or where they will send you next. If you're looking for a read this is exciting, dangerous, unexpected, and puzzling then this is definitely it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical mystery adventure and meeting all the characters.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
April 24, 2026
Lafitte Lives by Christi Keating Sumich is a historical mystery and suspense read by the author. The book takes place in 1831 with our MMC named Tobias who is a caretaker of a graveyard, aka a sexton. Tobias finds something on a nameplate and marble gravestone one day and we go into the mystery of Captain Jean Lafitte, a very famous pirate captain. Tobias wants to find the treasure of Lafitte and he utilizes his wife, Mary Catherine to help find out what is written in the pages of the journal. I love the message that follows the reader throughout the book, Never Trust a Pirate. Truer words were never said and I love that becomes a very critical message in this one. The story is very interesting if you like historical reads and also love any type of mystery book featuring a journal read. The story was interesting as not too many books have anything about Lafitte in them so that was a bonus.
March 5, 2026
Lafitte Lives, like a simmering pot of jambalaya, blends together a savory story of one of the most notorious and famous citizens of New Orleans, as told by a cemetery sexton being returned to the land of the living by a cryptic and audacious biography of pirate/privateer Jean Lafitte. The novel is equal parts adventure, redemption, history, and mystery, making for a bubbling concoction of deliciousness. Sumich takes the reader into the streets, alleyways, and lives of early 19th century New Orleans, as we follow the twisting tale of Lafitte and the bounty that he possesses, a prize that could transform the lives of Tobias the cemetery sexton, his wife, Mary Catherine, and their two boys. The reality is that the true treasure is this book and you will be forever enriched for reading it.
April 24, 2026
This book was a fantastical blend of pirates and history. But beyond that it was a story of a man full of grief learning to heal and forgive. I was hooked from beginning to end, hoping like Tobias I was to find treasure at the end of the story. I too had the same reaction as Tobias at the end of the story. Such a beautiful reveal.
I loved the back and forth between the present and Mary Catherine’s transcriptions. Throughout the whole book I could help but wish I was bilingual and could be transcribing fun pirate adventures. It also made me think that after everything they’d been through, this was something both Mary and Tobias deserved.
Read it for the history. Read it for the adventure. Read it for the healing. Whatever your reason, read it.
I loved the back and forth between the present and Mary Catherine’s transcriptions. Throughout the whole book I could help but wish I was bilingual and could be transcribing fun pirate adventures. It also made me think that after everything they’d been through, this was something both Mary and Tobias deserved.
Read it for the history. Read it for the adventure. Read it for the healing. Whatever your reason, read it.
April 27, 2026
I will forever be a fan of historical fiction, yes they are entertaining but it is the story behind the story from the authors. How they researched or came up with the idea. I found the author’s family ties fascinating regardless of if the lineage works out or not.
It took a beat to get into it at the front end, understand the setting and characters. The story starts out so heartbreaking as you read about the cemetery sexton. It was so descriptive and I found it interesting having had visited a cemetery in New Orleans.
The intrigue of the found journal adds to the tale that is unfolding as it is transcribed. But also the retelling of Jean Lafitte’s escapades in the 1820-30s. I was only vaguely familiar with the historic character, so I learning a bit of history while reading, win win!
I loved the love story woven into both timeframes, the retelling of Jean and of the Whitneys. Great ending, still a little mysterious but wonderful closure for the Whitneys.
It took a beat to get into it at the front end, understand the setting and characters. The story starts out so heartbreaking as you read about the cemetery sexton. It was so descriptive and I found it interesting having had visited a cemetery in New Orleans.
The intrigue of the found journal adds to the tale that is unfolding as it is transcribed. But also the retelling of Jean Lafitte’s escapades in the 1820-30s. I was only vaguely familiar with the historic character, so I learning a bit of history while reading, win win!
I loved the love story woven into both timeframes, the retelling of Jean and of the Whitneys. Great ending, still a little mysterious but wonderful closure for the Whitneys.
March 5, 2026
Christi Sumich's debut novel, Lafitte Lives, is the rollicking tale of pirate Jean Lafitte, who wrecked havoc in the first three decades of the nineteenth century. The historical record about Lafitte remains unsettled, so Sumich took liberties, devising a complex and entertaining story. As her novel opens, a sexton in a New Orleans cemetery, who suffers from depression, finds a hidden journal that may have been written by Lafitte's brother, and that claims to tell the story of Lafitte's adventures. Will the journal reveal where Lafitte has hidden treasures? Readers will race through the book, trying to unravel what is true and what is not. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2026
Do you like adventure? Then this book is perfect for you! A well researched, pirate adventure from someone who has a personal connection to the story.
Christi weaves the story of the famous pirate Jean Lafitte in New Orleans with a man looking to find his way after tragedy. I loved the how a family comes together to tell the story of the pirate, his family, and his extraordinary life. It also has the main character Tobias fighting his way through grief through the story of the pirate.
Plus, the twist at the end will leave you shook! It did for me! I loved how well researched this book was and it still kept up the excitement of an Errol Flynn pirate story.
Christi weaves the story of the famous pirate Jean Lafitte in New Orleans with a man looking to find his way after tragedy. I loved the how a family comes together to tell the story of the pirate, his family, and his extraordinary life. It also has the main character Tobias fighting his way through grief through the story of the pirate.
Plus, the twist at the end will leave you shook! It did for me! I loved how well researched this book was and it still kept up the excitement of an Errol Flynn pirate story.
April 30, 2026
Tobias Whitney used to run the family bookshop, but now he’s the sexton of a New Orleans cemetery. His job is tending the graves, including those of his three youngest children. It’s 1831, and one day Tobias discovers a journal sealed in the tomb of the half-brother of notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. Tobias’s wife knows French and can translate the book, but her goal is to pull her husband out of his depression. She convinces him to rewrite the story as an adventure tale. Lafitte’s journal warns readers to never trust a pirate, but the story is intriguing, the research is fascinating, and watching Tobias overcome his grief is heartwarming. I loved this novel.
March 23, 2026
The story behind the Pirate Jean Lafitte is remarkable (make sure you read the author's notes at the end, because she's a historian, and she specifies what is historically accurate and when she uses her imagination). I really enjoyed the mix of history and fiction. Sumich's writing is so immersive that you will feel like you are in 1830s New Orleans. As much as I enjoyed Lafitte's character, Mary Catherine was my absolute favorite. She has heart and spunk! I look forward to reading her next book in this series!
March 17, 2026
Could not put this book down!! I felt like I was truly transported back in time, and I was excited to finally unravel the mystery alongside Tobias and Mary Catherine. 5 stars is not enough. I could not recommend this book more! Whether you are a lover of history, adventure, or mystery, or just a good story, this one is for you!
April 20, 2026
This is a beautifully written book. The sensory detail and the pacing that build along with the story all add to the experience. It is a story within a story. I picked it up for the pirate tale, but I ended up loving Whitney's story just as much, if not more. I will definitely read the next in the Old New Orleans Bookshop Mysteries.
March 18, 2026
Lafitte Lives is a fantastic tale and a real page turner! Sumich's writing thoroughly transports you to 1830s New Orleans. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and triumph of the human spirit. Christi Sumich's debut novel is an excellent one. Lafitte Lives is a must read!
March 17, 2026
*I received an arc on NetGalley.*
I did not expect this to be a dnf. This was just not for me… It’s written well, but I just can’t get into it. I feel like it’s too wordy and slow paced.
I did not expect this to be a dnf. This was just not for me… It’s written well, but I just can’t get into it. I feel like it’s too wordy and slow paced.
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