Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Hell or High Water by Joy Castro, a story of post-Katrina New Orleans, is a terrific read. Journalist Nola Cespedes, the mouthy, quirky and flawed heroine, immediately grabs the reader with her dialogue and headstrong activities.  Though you probably wouldn't do what she does, you can't help but love her.  The book is fast paced, dealing with a kidnapping/murder, the criminal world of New Orleans, and flashbacks into the past.  The language is brisk and snappy, reflecting contemporary dialogue, but what really shines is New Orleans itself.  I love books with a strong sense of place, and this is truly outstanding.  History, physical place, and characters combine in a fresh and totally non-touristy picture of the city. Differences in socio-economic backgrounds play a large part in establishing the theme of the book, characterized by Nola's search for her own identity.
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4 comments:

  1. R G RoseApril 30, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    You might like the Bill Slider series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles which are fast-paced police procedural type of mysteries. BCPL does own them, too.

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  2. UnknownMay 1, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    Doris-After consulting Novelist it appears a few of these authors may be of interest to you: Max Collins' Cold Burn,Peter Lovesey's Skeleton Hill (series) and Anne Perry's novels. I checked Goodreads and found Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs novels may appeal to you because they take place in England during the early 1900's which is historical. Maisie is a nurse turned psychologist and private investigator and her latest novel Leaving what is most loved, she investigates the death of an Indian immigrant. She has a 4 or 5/5 rating on Goodreads from those who like mystery, suspense and an author with a long history of literary merit.

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  3. UnknownMay 2, 2013 at 7:09 AM

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  4. PeggyMay 7, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Doris
    The New Orleans setting of Castro’s mystery is unique so you might like to try Carolyn Haines’ HALLOWED BONES which is also a mystery and deals with New Orleans. Haines has written some 12 books in her Bones series most of which are set in the Mississippi delta.

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