What do you think?
Rate this book
Glory Broussard Mystery #1
Glory Be
The first in a crime series set in the Louisiana bayou, introducing the uncensored amateur sleuth Glory Broussard.
t’s a hot and sticky Sunday in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Glory has settled into her usual after-church routine, meeting gamblers at the local coffee shop, where she works as a small-time bookie. Sitting at her corner table, Glory hears that her best friend—a nun beloved by the community—has been found dead in her apartment. When police declare the mysterious death a suicide, Glory is convinced that there must be more to the story and, with her reluctant daughter, with troubles of her own, in tow, launches a shadow investigation in a town of oil tycoons, church gossips, and a rumored voodoo priestess. As a Black woman of a certain age who grew up in a segregated Louisiana, Glory is used to being minimized and overlooked. But she’s determined to make her presence known as the case leads her deep into a web of intrigue she never realized Lafayette could harbor.
t’s a hot and sticky Sunday in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Glory has settled into her usual after-church routine, meeting gamblers at the local coffee shop, where she works as a small-time bookie. Sitting at her corner table, Glory hears that her best friend—a nun beloved by the community—has been found dead in her apartment. When police declare the mysterious death a suicide, Glory is convinced that there must be more to the story and, with her reluctant daughter, with troubles of her own, in tow, launches a shadow investigation in a town of oil tycoons, church gossips, and a rumored voodoo priestess. As a Black woman of a certain age who grew up in a segregated Louisiana, Glory is used to being minimized and overlooked. But she’s determined to make her presence known as the case leads her deep into a web of intrigue she never realized Lafayette could harbor.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
About the author
Danielle Arceneaux
4 books121 followersDanielle Arceneaux is a public relations veteran that lives in Brooklyn, NY with her border terrier, Birdie, and an ungovernable cat. When not writing, she enjoys traveling around the world to fly fish.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
November 17, 2023
Glory Broussard is an older Black woman who grew up during segregation in Lafayette. Louisiana. She spends her Sunday mornings in church and the afternoons in the local coffee shop as a small time bookie. When her best friend, an activist nun, is found dead of an apparent suicide and the police quickly close the case, Glory refuses to accept that her friend would take her own life so she sets out, with the aid of her daughter, Daphne, to find out what really happened.
Glory Be is the first in a new cozy mystery series by Danielle Arceneaux and I have to say I loved every minute of it. The story is full of interesting descriptions of the area as well as looking at how Black people are most often the group most impacted by environmentally hazardous projects. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the story moving and the reader guessing and, despite the serious nature of some of the issues explored, there’s a nice touch of humour running throughput. But the best thing about the story is Glory B, herself, a complete force of nature, brash and outspoken but also loyal, brave, and good-hearted, especially when it comes to friends and her daughter.
I listened to the audio version of the novel narrated by Bahni Turpin who does an excellent job bringing the story and its characters to life. A terrific start to this new series and I will definitely be watching out for future additions.
Thanks to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this book in exchange for an honest review
Glory Be is the first in a new cozy mystery series by Danielle Arceneaux and I have to say I loved every minute of it. The story is full of interesting descriptions of the area as well as looking at how Black people are most often the group most impacted by environmentally hazardous projects. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the story moving and the reader guessing and, despite the serious nature of some of the issues explored, there’s a nice touch of humour running throughput. But the best thing about the story is Glory B, herself, a complete force of nature, brash and outspoken but also loyal, brave, and good-hearted, especially when it comes to friends and her daughter.
I listened to the audio version of the novel narrated by Bahni Turpin who does an excellent job bringing the story and its characters to life. A terrific start to this new series and I will definitely be watching out for future additions.
Thanks to Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this book in exchange for an honest review
October 19, 2023
I love stories set in Louisiana, especially in places I have visited so it was a nice surprise to find this mystery set in Lafayette. I don’t know the area well but I do know enough of the history to know where the story is authentic and this felt real; I could picture the people Glory knew and the places she visited. Glory herself is perfectly flawed and it’s refreshing to not have the cute, young business owner who stumbles upon a mystery and clues just fall into her lap. Glory is older, is an entrepreneur of sorts, and works for every clue she finds, all the while fighting off gossip about her other issues. The mystery itself wasn’t quite cozy either; it had just enough of a edge to make it believable, if a little sordid. There was humor and great one-liners, too: “Just because you’re holy doesn’t mean you have any class”. I loved everything about this story and can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #spotifyaudiobooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #spotifyaudiobooks for an honest review.
October 7, 2023
“People are complicated, even the good ones.”
I really liked this kick off to a mystery series! The MC had me cracking up, reminded me of my grandmother. And you definitely can’t go wrong with Bahni Turpin as the narrator!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really liked this kick off to a mystery series! The MC had me cracking up, reminded me of my grandmother. And you definitely can’t go wrong with Bahni Turpin as the narrator!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 20, 2024
Probably more like a 3.5 or 3.75 stars?
This is honestly a really strong amateur detective novel perfect for folks who want an older, flawed protagonist. I really thought Glory was a great character. Her and her daughter are EXTREMELY flawed but I thought this book explored some really interesting ideas and the mystery went in directions I was not expecting.
Watch my full review here: https://youtu.be/Fgsj8jUKcwQ
This is honestly a really strong amateur detective novel perfect for folks who want an older, flawed protagonist. I really thought Glory was a great character. Her and her daughter are EXTREMELY flawed but I thought this book explored some really interesting ideas and the mystery went in directions I was not expecting.
Watch my full review here: https://youtu.be/Fgsj8jUKcwQ
October 9, 2023
I’m a fan of mystery series with amateur sleuths and here we have an introduction to a brand new series starring Glory Broussard from Latayette, Louisiana!
This was good. It was a great intro that didn’t bog the reader down with a barrage of characters and their backgrounds! It kept its focus on Glory and the mystery at hand.
Glory is an older, spirited, independent character who is hilarious and takes no crap!
Looking forward to more in this series.
This was good. It was a great intro that didn’t bog the reader down with a barrage of characters and their backgrounds! It kept its focus on Glory and the mystery at hand.
Glory is an older, spirited, independent character who is hilarious and takes no crap!
Looking forward to more in this series.
October 20, 2023
A fun find on my library's new shelf. I liked the normal life feel of the series. While the cover is amazing, upon finishing the book I'm confused by it. Glory is a bit of a mess but she is enjoyable, and Arceneaux is a good writer with a great sense of humor. Would pick up the next book.
Content warnings: unsavory business and violence
Content warnings: unsavory business and violence
April 21, 2024
#GloryBe #BookReview
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good cozy mystery. But I’ve found that many are not written well or are always centered around comfort food (sweets) or pets, and they read like YA books. Furthermore, there aren’t many Cozy mysteries with Black characters that are specifically written for Black readers.
However, this is one of the BEST I’ve read. It’s light, well written, with a touch of humor, a well developed plot and interesting characters.
Glory, the amateur sleuth in this book, is quite a feisty and bold character, that made me laugh out loud at times and reminded me of my own mother.😃
I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the second book this Fall.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good cozy mystery. But I’ve found that many are not written well or are always centered around comfort food (sweets) or pets, and they read like YA books. Furthermore, there aren’t many Cozy mysteries with Black characters that are specifically written for Black readers.
However, this is one of the BEST I’ve read. It’s light, well written, with a touch of humor, a well developed plot and interesting characters.
Glory, the amateur sleuth in this book, is quite a feisty and bold character, that made me laugh out loud at times and reminded me of my own mother.😃
I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the second book this Fall.
July 20, 2024
Listened to the audiobook (Bahni Turpin is an excellent narrator) and loved it. Just a light, whodunnit set in Louisiana. Can’t wait for Arceneaux’s next book this fall.
March 15, 2024
This is a very enjoyable contemporary mystery set in Lafayette, Louisiana featuring Glory Broussard, a black woman of a certain age who is surviving after divorce as the local bookie operating out of the local black-owned coffee shop. She attends one of the local Catholic church's regularly, is active in, if not embraced by, the local Red Hat group, and she does not believe for a second that her best friend, the nun Sister Amity, had commited suicide by hanging. After her daughter Delphine, a NYC lawyer in the middle of a divorce, arrives for Amity's funeral, the two of them work together not only to prevent the town from condemning Glory's house due to neglect and hoarding conditions, but also to prove not only that it was murder, but who murdered Amity. Oh and improve life for the black community along the way.
You can't help but like Glory and her daughter, their relationship bring a wonderful warmth and even spice to the story. Plenty of characters and potential plot lines are introduced to be explored further in future series books. I gave it an extra half star for the wonderful cover.
You can't help but like Glory and her daughter, their relationship bring a wonderful warmth and even spice to the story. Plenty of characters and potential plot lines are introduced to be explored further in future series books. I gave it an extra half star for the wonderful cover.
March 31, 2024
This was such an easy read, I did the audiobook and followed along with the ebook. I would say it would be a good introduction to mystery books for someone who is interested in getting into the genre. I enjoyed it.
March 24, 2024
3.75 ⭐🤌🏾📖✨
March 5, 2024
This cozy mystery is such fun! A fresh setting, interesting characters and good writing that never sounds cliche or silly. I highly recommend Glory Be with one warning. There is a low life character who is involved with dog fights. There is no graphic description, but a dog dies and one of my GR friends felt she couldn't continue because of that. I understand, it's brief but still...
June 7, 2024
This was fun. I had a smile on my face through most of it. I look forward to the next one.
March 4, 2024
Glory Be is narrated by the incredible Bahni Turpin and is a cozy mystery that takes place in the Louisiana Bayou.
This story follows Glory, an older Black woman who grew up during segregation in Lafayette, Louisiana. After finding her best friend dead, which the police ruled a suicide, Glory decided she’d find out the truth with the help of her daughter Delphine (cue shenanigans).
Glory is absolutely hilarious. She’s got her own flaws, and she’s so stubborn…can’t tell her anything lol. Glory also makes some questionable decisions, but that’s to be expected with an amateur sleuth who is also the local bookie.
The author does a really fantastic job of diving into the Black community and highlighting the repercussions Black folks face when it comes to hazardous projects.
Overall, this was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what trouble Glory gets up to next.
This story follows Glory, an older Black woman who grew up during segregation in Lafayette, Louisiana. After finding her best friend dead, which the police ruled a suicide, Glory decided she’d find out the truth with the help of her daughter Delphine (cue shenanigans).
Glory is absolutely hilarious. She’s got her own flaws, and she’s so stubborn…can’t tell her anything lol. Glory also makes some questionable decisions, but that’s to be expected with an amateur sleuth who is also the local bookie.
The author does a really fantastic job of diving into the Black community and highlighting the repercussions Black folks face when it comes to hazardous projects.
Overall, this was a great start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what trouble Glory gets up to next.
November 30, 2023
I had high hopes for what seemed to be a cozy with a social justice angle - and one of the Washington Post’s ten best mystery novels of 2023. It started well. There’s a lot to like. Glory is a wonderful character. But - and this is a trigger warning not a spoiler - Glory encounters an illegal dogfighting ring fairly early on. It wasn’t a necessary scene (there are other ways to show someone is a “bad guy”).
When I read fiction, including crime novels, I absolutely do not want to read about any living creature being tortured. There’s too much of that in the real world.
A disappointing 2.5 stars.
When I read fiction, including crime novels, I absolutely do not want to read about any living creature being tortured. There’s too much of that in the real world.
A disappointing 2.5 stars.
October 23, 2023
While the Lafayette, Louisiana locale sets this pleasant mystery apart for this resident of said city, I think the best thing about the book is the mother-daughter relationship. Glory and Delphine jump into the investigation and it brings out their best parts. Glory is able to establish a new career of town sleuth, while Delphine tries to sort out her situation while back at home. This is a smooth read that will be of particular interest to residents of Lafayette.
October 24, 2023
This was a nice palate cleanser.
Easy to read with a good storyline.
Easy to read with a good storyline.
October 25, 2023
Hoorah for Glory Broussard!! May she return in many, many books!
May 1, 2024
A really delightful read! I picked this up from the library on a whim since I liked the setting, and I'm glad I did because I enjoyed Glory soooo much. Her narration was just so entertaining and distinct. I wish I'd been keeping track of some good quotes because there were many excellent, funny turns of phrase in there. I can't think of any other murder mystery protagonists that are an older, Black woman deeply unimpressed with the world, and it was really refreshing and memorable.
The mother-daughter relationship in this story was so real and lovingly rendered. It was very easy to sympathize with her daughter, Delphine--Glory's antics, judgemental quips, and insights inspire equal parts exasperation and affection. I feel like switching POVs between the two really emphasized Glory's dramatics, too. Glory's chapters are like soap operas, and Delphine's are like modern prestige television; no less emotional turmoil, but a great deal more subtle about it.
There was also a good deal of some heavy musings in this book that I think were quite poignant and grounded things. At the heart of the story ultimately is a murder, and the victim and her life aren't just glossed over in favor of writing a fun little romp, although there was plenty of fun to be had. I guess I appreciated the demonstration that you don't have to be pretentious to say something profound. Thankfully, I did remember to flag one passage that I liked a lot since I think it's a good example of Glory's more introspective moments: "She wanted her faith to be like the beams of a lighthouse, clear and strong and definite. Instead, they were more like the headlights of her Honda CR-V, able to take her a short distance and then another short distance. She just had to hope that that was good enough to deliver a person home." I just loved that. Aren't we all going a short distance, and then another short distance, and then another.
The reveal of the murderer felt a bit cheesy and rushed, but I don't even care because I just enjoyed the journey to that point so much. I hope my library picks up the next book in the series since I would love to hear more of Glory's voice.
The mother-daughter relationship in this story was so real and lovingly rendered. It was very easy to sympathize with her daughter, Delphine--Glory's antics, judgemental quips, and insights inspire equal parts exasperation and affection. I feel like switching POVs between the two really emphasized Glory's dramatics, too. Glory's chapters are like soap operas, and Delphine's are like modern prestige television; no less emotional turmoil, but a great deal more subtle about it.
There was also a good deal of some heavy musings in this book that I think were quite poignant and grounded things. At the heart of the story ultimately is a murder, and the victim and her life aren't just glossed over in favor of writing a fun little romp, although there was plenty of fun to be had. I guess I appreciated the demonstration that you don't have to be pretentious to say something profound. Thankfully, I did remember to flag one passage that I liked a lot since I think it's a good example of Glory's more introspective moments: "She wanted her faith to be like the beams of a lighthouse, clear and strong and definite. Instead, they were more like the headlights of her Honda CR-V, able to take her a short distance and then another short distance. She just had to hope that that was good enough to deliver a person home." I just loved that. Aren't we all going a short distance, and then another short distance, and then another.
The reveal of the murderer felt a bit cheesy and rushed, but I don't even care because I just enjoyed the journey to that point so much. I hope my library picks up the next book in the series since I would love to hear more of Glory's voice.
February 1, 2024
Fun entertaining mystery. First in a proposed new series. I’ll look forward to more Glory and Delphine in the future.
October 1, 2023
Glory Be by Danielle Arceneaux is a mystery following Glory Broussard in Lafeyette, Louisiana, after her best friend, a nun, is found dead in her apartment.
Glory is a fascinating multidimensional character. She’s a complex woman who has her strengths and her struggles, but she loves fiercely, and will do anything to find out what happened to her best friend, Amity. I love that she’s a middle age Black woman and has a lifetime of experience shaping the woman she is, sometimes quite strongly. Her daughter, Delphine, is also fascinating, and has own complex life she’s leading, and I loved seeing the perspectives of the two women.
The mystery itself is satisfying. Glory is not an investigator, nor is Delphine, so their methods are imperfect and get them into situations. Despite it, Glory solves the murder with just a few mishaps. I also liked that there was only one death–no wild string of related murders here–but there was plenty of suspense and intrigue.
I listened to the audiobook. Narrator, Bahni Turpin, truly elevated this story. Her pacing and voices were perfect and I found myself searching for more books with her as a narrator.
Overall, fantastic mystery with a fantastic sleuth. I can’t wait to read more.
Favorite quote: “This isn’t law school, Delphine, this is Louisiana.”
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to listen to this book as an ARC to review.
Glory is a fascinating multidimensional character. She’s a complex woman who has her strengths and her struggles, but she loves fiercely, and will do anything to find out what happened to her best friend, Amity. I love that she’s a middle age Black woman and has a lifetime of experience shaping the woman she is, sometimes quite strongly. Her daughter, Delphine, is also fascinating, and has own complex life she’s leading, and I loved seeing the perspectives of the two women.
The mystery itself is satisfying. Glory is not an investigator, nor is Delphine, so their methods are imperfect and get them into situations. Despite it, Glory solves the murder with just a few mishaps. I also liked that there was only one death–no wild string of related murders here–but there was plenty of suspense and intrigue.
I listened to the audiobook. Narrator, Bahni Turpin, truly elevated this story. Her pacing and voices were perfect and I found myself searching for more books with her as a narrator.
Overall, fantastic mystery with a fantastic sleuth. I can’t wait to read more.
Favorite quote: “This isn’t law school, Delphine, this is Louisiana.”
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to listen to this book as an ARC to review.
March 7, 2024
this is basically a slightly judgmental, southern Black church woman in book form. i know this lady. i admittedly sometimes am this lady to an extent (the southern Black church woman part. not the judgmental part. unless you’re talking about judging actual book covers because in that part…im very judgmental 😂)
this was cute. i personally wouldn’t label it as a “mystery” as the author has. to me, it’s just a nosey southern woman. now dont get me wrong…she had the absolute right to be nosey. but as an avid thriller/mystery reader, this wasn’t that to me. 😂
but i still really enjoyed ! can’t wait for book two.
this was cute. i personally wouldn’t label it as a “mystery” as the author has. to me, it’s just a nosey southern woman. now dont get me wrong…she had the absolute right to be nosey. but as an avid thriller/mystery reader, this wasn’t that to me. 😂
but i still really enjoyed ! can’t wait for book two.
March 5, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I listened to this on audiobook and it was so good! Glory is hilarious and had me LOL throughout the whole thing. I highly recommend the audiobook, the narrator brings the characters to life in a fun way.
I’m excited for the 2nd book in the series this fall.
I listened to this on audiobook and it was so good! Glory is hilarious and had me LOL throughout the whole thing. I highly recommend the audiobook, the narrator brings the characters to life in a fun way.
I’m excited for the 2nd book in the series this fall.
June 4, 2024
Delightful. I really liked the characters, setting, and writing style. Can’t wait for the second installment to drop…🦐🍲🗝️
April 15, 2024
Cozy and comical mystery. These characters were true characters, in the sense that they had very vibrant personalities. There were a few more muted characters personality wise but I appreciated them as well for balance. Glory was something else. As much as you wanted to try to talk some sense into her, I also just enjoyed the shenanigans. There was a preview at the end for the next installment in the series and I plan to pick that one up to for a listen.
October 16, 2023
Thanks to Spotify & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was fine, but it just didn't do it for me. Glory Broussard is a good character, and I'm interested in her backstory, but it was presented almost as though the reader is supposed to be familiar with it already. The mystery part was good enough, and Glory moving through her world was pretty entertaining and made for a decent cozy. Perturbing, then, to suddenly be faced with a pretty raunchy sex scene in the B plot featuring Glory's daughter, Delphine, and a local cop (both are married to other people, btw). I don't mind a raunchy sex scene here and there, but this came out of nowhere and was a bit much for the story (and furthered the plot not at all aside from keeping Delphine conveniently away from the action at a key moment).
I was also a bit taken aback by an order of Catholic sisters who seem not to observe any of the usual vows (not to mention a celebrity priest making gourmet pasta in his mod apartment, but having worked in a rectory, that feels a little more true to form lol).
Arceneaux can definitely improve if she decides to focus more on Glory and less on Delphine, or leave Delphine's love life out of the story. There will be plenty of cozy fans who skip through the book to avoid Delphine's lusty adventures (at least in my library).
Bahni Turpin's voice acting was quite good.
This book was fine, but it just didn't do it for me. Glory Broussard is a good character, and I'm interested in her backstory, but it was presented almost as though the reader is supposed to be familiar with it already. The mystery part was good enough, and Glory moving through her world was pretty entertaining and made for a decent cozy. Perturbing, then, to suddenly be faced with a pretty raunchy sex scene in the B plot featuring Glory's daughter, Delphine, and a local cop (both are married to other people, btw). I don't mind a raunchy sex scene here and there, but this came out of nowhere and was a bit much for the story (and furthered the plot not at all aside from keeping Delphine conveniently away from the action at a key moment).
I was also a bit taken aback by an order of Catholic sisters who seem not to observe any of the usual vows (not to mention a celebrity priest making gourmet pasta in his mod apartment, but having worked in a rectory, that feels a little more true to form lol).
Arceneaux can definitely improve if she decides to focus more on Glory and less on Delphine, or leave Delphine's love life out of the story. There will be plenty of cozy fans who skip through the book to avoid Delphine's lusty adventures (at least in my library).
Bahni Turpin's voice acting was quite good.
November 26, 2023
Lots of people obviously like this book. I did not. Here's why.
The detective is a grouchy, ignorant, prejudiced, humorless hypocrite with no apparent skills. She stumbles her way through and accidentally comes upon the murderer. This leads her to decide to be a detective.
The other characters are largely irrelevant including her lawyer daughter and her sister. Amid environmental racism, the plot comes down to the most trite possible outcome, a love triangle.
Is the fact that the triangle is between a priest and two nuns supposed to be scandalous? I worked in and around the Catholic Church for three decades and nothing is more routine than relationships between priests and nuns. Other than perhaps relationships between priests and men, but that's another story.
Louisiana has generated some fabulous, atmospheric mystery stories. This is NOT one of them.
The detective is a grouchy, ignorant, prejudiced, humorless hypocrite with no apparent skills. She stumbles her way through and accidentally comes upon the murderer. This leads her to decide to be a detective.
The other characters are largely irrelevant including her lawyer daughter and her sister. Amid environmental racism, the plot comes down to the most trite possible outcome, a love triangle.
Is the fact that the triangle is between a priest and two nuns supposed to be scandalous? I worked in and around the Catholic Church for three decades and nothing is more routine than relationships between priests and nuns. Other than perhaps relationships between priests and men, but that's another story.
Louisiana has generated some fabulous, atmospheric mystery stories. This is NOT one of them.
December 27, 2023
***1.5***
The only mystery is why only two attempts on her life. It's been a while since taking a massive dislike to the mc w/i the first page. Some reviewers found this book humorous. I never smiled once.
1/2* for Bahni Turpin's narration, brilliant per usual.
The only mystery is why only two attempts on her life. It's been a while since taking a massive dislike to the mc w/i the first page. Some reviewers found this book humorous. I never smiled once.
1/2* for Bahni Turpin's narration, brilliant per usual.
November 9, 2023
Well-developed characters but pacing issues throughout. TBD if I come back for the sequel next year.
January 17, 2024
not worth a try
“Glory Be” is amateur writing.
The story is Unbelievable, Simplistic and not engaging.
Tried as I did I could not finish it.
“Glory Be” is amateur writing.
The story is Unbelievable, Simplistic and not engaging.
Tried as I did I could not finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews