Desiree's Daughter

A novel by Jimmie Martinez

In the sultry shadows of Antebellum New Orleans, Desiree's Daughter unravels the haunting legacy of a family caught between secrets, seduction, and survival.
Desiree's Daughter Book Cover

Critical Acclaim

A poignant and chilling drama with intriguing twist. Martinez's simple, composed prose bursts with vibrant colors, and he vividly captures the ethnically diverse and erotic atmospherics of New Orleans.

— Kirkus Review

A lush, evocative portrait of New Orleans and the women who carry its secrets.

— Southern Gothic Book Club

About the Book

This Southern Gothic story blends historical fiction with poetic language, narrating a powerful tale of love, rebellion, and women's sacrifices in their struggle for social justice and the restoration of their legal rights denied in the 19th century.

In antebellum Louisiana's moss-covered splendor, every secret comes with a price.

Colette, the golden-haired adopted daughter of the Société Madame Desiree de Valcourt, becomes the darling of New Orleans society until her heritage is questioned, which threatens to ruin her world. Torn between love, family, and survival, she must confront a truth powerful enough to destroy her life.