Book excerpt: In the sultry heart of Louisiana, amidst the vibrant chaos of Mardi Gras, a seasoned hitwoman finds herself drawn back to the tangled roots of her past. In the heart of New Orleans, Charli Babineaux, a skillful hitwoman, finds herself entangled in a web of corruption, murder, and family secrets when she returns home for her grandmother's funeral. As she navigates the dangerous underworld of her past, Charli uncovers a chilling conspiracy that claimed her father's life and now threatens her own. With the help of her ex-lover, Lenny, a devoted ER doctor, Charli begins to unravel the sinister connections between the powerful Gaspard crime family, corrupt politicians, and her own family's hidden history. As the body count rises and the threats against her escalate, Charli must confront the demons of her past and the shocking truths that lie buried in the bayous of Louisiana. From the gritty streets of the French Quarter to the haunted swamps of the countryside, Charli races against time to expose the mastermind behind the conspiracy and avenge her father's murder. But with every step, she finds herself drawn deeper into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where the lines between friend and foe blur, and the price of justice may be her own life. In this gripping tale of mystery, romance, and revenge, an intricate plot filled with twists, turns, and shocking revelations that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final, explosive conclusion. “Roux the Day” is a thrilling novel that marks the beginning of an electrifying new series featuring the unforgettable heroine, Charli, and her quest for truth in a city where secrets never stay buried for long.