Tag Archives: Louisiana

Episode 178: Interview with Stephanie Soileau, author of Should the Waters Take Us

August 24, 2026Author InterviewAcadians, Last One Out Shut Off the Lights, Louisiana, Should the Waters Take Us, Stephanie SoileauTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“Should the Waters Take Us by Stephanie Soileau is filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking scenes, fascinating time jumps, and a setting so precisely rendered that it’s palpable.” —Patrick Ryan, author of Buckeye

When you get that kind of recommendation, you read the book! I have been fan-girling Stephanie Soileua since 2020 for her debut short story collection, Last One Out Shut Off the Lights. Then this year, her debut novel, Should the Waters Take Us, hit shelves, and I was completely bowled over. Our conversation in the episode covers her twenty-year journey to write this book, the disappearing bayous of Louisiana, a group of characters you won’t forget, and so much more. It’s a must listen. Thank you for joining me, Stephanie!

Stephanie recommends: Bayou Farewell, by Mike Tidwell; Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer; The Hill by Harriet Clark; Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore; Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; the works of Jesmyn Ward

Follow Stephanie on Instagram.

Click here for more information about the cover art by Aloysius Patrimonio.

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Episode 161: Interview with Danielle Arceneaux, author of Glory Daze

April 2, 2025Author Interviewdanielle arceneaux, glory be, glory broussard, glory daze, Louisiana, Mystery Series, Pegasus Books, pegasus crime, Simon and SchusterTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

One of my favorite mystery series just got a brand-new installment! Glory Daze by Danielle Arceneaux has officially launched, and I couldn’t be more excited. In this highly anticipated follow-up to the award-winning Glory Be, Glory Broussard is drawn into the mystery of her ex-husband’s death—this time with an unexpected ally by her side.

Compelling, humorous, and heartfelt, this book delivers everything I love about Glory: her sharp wit, her resilience, and the way she always seems to stumble into trouble. In this episode, we dive into what makes Glory such a complex yet relatable character, whether this book fits into the Cozy Mystery genre, what Danielle is working on next, and, of course, where to find the best muffuletta in Louisiana (tune in to find out). Oh, and I may have gone on a little tangent about my love of Pyrex!

Tune in for a fantastic conversation. Thank you so much, Danielle! Follow Danielle Arceneaux on Instagram @darceneaux.

Danielle recommends, The Most by Jessica Anthony. Place your holds here for the Glory Broussard books.

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E135: Interview with Danielle Arceneaux, author of Glory Be

December 22, 2023Author Interviewdanielle arceneaux, glory be, glory broussard, Louisiana, Mystery, Mystery Series, pegasus crime, Simon and SchusterTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Top Shelf is ending 2023 with the glorious Glory Be, a fantastic mystery by debut author Danielle Arceneaux. Glory Be is “Murder She Wrote” with an African American lead. Instead of Cabot Cove, readers will find themselves in Lafayette, Louisiana and you will want to take that journey! Glory Be is the first in a vivid and charming crime series set in the bayou, introducing readers to the hilariously uncensored amateur sleuth Glory Broussard. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club. For this episode Danielle Arceneaux talks about writing her debut, what’s next for Miss Glory herself and so much more. Glory Be is a must read, a perfect gift, and a series we all look forward to. Thank you so much for joining me Danielle!

Danielle Arceneaux recommends: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman; The Housekeepers by Alex Hay

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