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Nola Cespedes Mysteries #2
Nearer Home: A Novel
Early one morning, Times-Picayune crime reporter Nola Cespedes goes for her regular run in Audubon Park. More than the heat of the dawning New Orleans day, she’s trying to escape her growing unease with the man she’s seeing. Instead, Nola finds herself at the scene of a crime—and she knows the victim: Judith Taffner, her former journalism professor at Tulane.
Not one to put much trust in the good old boys of the NOPD, Nola takes it upon herself to investigate. She discovers that Taffner was working on two explosive stories, both of which would shock even a city known for corruption. And when an apparently related murder occurs at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Nola realizes it’s only a matter of time before she becomes the killer’s next target.
Rich with details of New Orleans and featuring an original, tough heroine as fascinating and complicated as the city itself, Nearer Home is the engaging and powerful follow-up to Hell or High Water.
Not one to put much trust in the good old boys of the NOPD, Nola takes it upon herself to investigate. She discovers that Taffner was working on two explosive stories, both of which would shock even a city known for corruption. And when an apparently related murder occurs at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, Nola realizes it’s only a matter of time before she becomes the killer’s next target.
Rich with details of New Orleans and featuring an original, tough heroine as fascinating and complicated as the city itself, Nearer Home is the engaging and powerful follow-up to Hell or High Water.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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412 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 10, 2017
Not quite as engaging as the first Nola Céspedes mystery, but well worth a read if you're already familiar with her (if not, start with Hell or High Water). There's not a whole lot of development for Nola in this book, but it's a good, solid mystery. I'm hoping there will be a third installment, because I really want to know what happens to this plucky reporter (and her mini-me protégé).
August 31, 2013
This book was excellent....it kept your attention. I would recommend this book. It was a great mystery. First time that I have read this author but I will look for more books by her. I received this book from Goodreads.
September 1, 2022
Crisp, smart writing. Marvelous story and feeling, albeit, in my opinion, the plot twists were predictable. Written in first person, the protagonist is a Spanish-speaking female investigative journalist. The story locale is New Orleans. The resulting cultural flavor combinations seemed authentic and I found the portrayal treatments very entertaining and enlightening. The book's rendition and performance of the audio book is excellent. The action, time, place, and current events of this novel takes place at approximately the date the book was written. As in at least one other book of Ms. Castro's I have read (two as of this review) political positions and analysis are an added and refreshing feature.
The depth and depictions of Ms. Castro's female characters thoughts, struggles, fears, powers, and relationships, held my interest. Conversely, however, in my opinion the lack of similar treatment for her male characters was noticeable. All male characters were diminished, ascribed, or prejudged to have some flaw, be they boring, condescending, ineffective, violent, ambitious, or simply dunderheaded. One male character was adjudicated by a female character to have behaved so egregiously that, much to the chagrin and sorrow of a third character, neither his name or behavior flaw could be revealed. This over-the-top sexist writing throughout the book frankly lowered my overall rating. Ms. Castro has the prerogative to write books in any way, for any audience, for any reason she chooses. But such low-brow regard for men seems beneath her ability and intellect. If literature as a reflection of society is overladen with sexist male-dominated writing - and in my opinion it is - doing the opposite shows little regard for pressing forward to right the wrong.
Yet, Ms. Castro's voice, in my opinion, is pertinent and needs to be heard. I remain a fan of Ms. Castro's writing and will continue to read her work when the opportunity arises.
The depth and depictions of Ms. Castro's female characters thoughts, struggles, fears, powers, and relationships, held my interest. Conversely, however, in my opinion the lack of similar treatment for her male characters was noticeable. All male characters were diminished, ascribed, or prejudged to have some flaw, be they boring, condescending, ineffective, violent, ambitious, or simply dunderheaded. One male character was adjudicated by a female character to have behaved so egregiously that, much to the chagrin and sorrow of a third character, neither his name or behavior flaw could be revealed. This over-the-top sexist writing throughout the book frankly lowered my overall rating. Ms. Castro has the prerogative to write books in any way, for any audience, for any reason she chooses. But such low-brow regard for men seems beneath her ability and intellect. If literature as a reflection of society is overladen with sexist male-dominated writing - and in my opinion it is - doing the opposite shows little regard for pressing forward to right the wrong.
Yet, Ms. Castro's voice, in my opinion, is pertinent and needs to be heard. I remain a fan of Ms. Castro's writing and will continue to read her work when the opportunity arises.
December 7, 2017
Again, I liked the story Nola was investigating, but she herself is kind of an asshole.
She’s unethical, self-destructive, uses people and then complains about their feelings for her, claims to want a normal life and “one man” when she complains how after a YEAR her defacto boyfriend’s affection is “too much”.
I know it makes for a compelling character to have them know their issues and shortcomings, but when they purposefully and continually choose them over and over again, it gets old fast. “I know I shouldn’t do this but...”Then don’t.
I guess kudos to being able to write a character I dislike but still keep the story itself interesting.
She’s unethical, self-destructive, uses people and then complains about their feelings for her, claims to want a normal life and “one man” when she complains how after a YEAR her defacto boyfriend’s affection is “too much”.
I know it makes for a compelling character to have them know their issues and shortcomings, but when they purposefully and continually choose them over and over again, it gets old fast. “I know I shouldn’t do this but...”Then don’t.
I guess kudos to being able to write a character I dislike but still keep the story itself interesting.
February 10, 2020
I really like Joy Castro’s mysteries so far and the fact that she’s a local author makes it even better. I liked all the details about New Orleans and the own character’s background. The summary at the end that tied up all the loose ends and the thoughts of the author in the main characters words about New Orleans and society was great too. Good read.
October 30, 2021
Not as intriguing as the first Nola novel
I felt this book had several twists, but there were several loose ends, including the final pages. I recommend reading He'll or High Water, but this book isn't a necessary follow up, and skipping it won't be a big deal. Save your money and go on.
I felt this book had several twists, but there were several loose ends, including the final pages. I recommend reading He'll or High Water, but this book isn't a necessary follow up, and skipping it won't be a big deal. Save your money and go on.
October 29, 2018
Should be 3.5 stars but I love New Orleans !
December 30, 2018
It was a quick read. I could not connect with any of the characters. Towards the end you kind of figure out who it is.
April 8, 2019
Y'know. It's a crime novel. Nola was kind of irritating but maybe I need to read the first book to get more context and backstory for her.
July 28, 2013
Irony at its finest, a perfectly beautiful morning turns into a nightmare…
During her early morning run through Audubon Park in New Orleans, Nola Cespedes discovers the dead body of a former professor of hers along the path. The victim, Dr. Judith Taffner, was a professor in the journalism department at Tulane University. And Nola now works as an investigative journalist for the Times-Picayune newspaper.
Nola quickly finds herself embroiled in a case that causes her sadness, because of the fact that the professor is dead; but also excitement, because of her nose for news. After giving her statement to the police, Nola wants to discover the professor’s killer as soon as possible, and heads for the victim’s office at Tulane. Managing to break in, she finds a flash drive that the victim has left behind.
Nola becomes more and more convinced that Dr. Taffner’s death was more than a bit shady and, as she doesn’t have a whole lot of faith in the New Orleans Police Department, Nola involves herself even more deeply than she should.
Visiting the home of the deceased is just the first step to get material for her story, as Nola becomes a veritable super-snoop. On the flash drive she confiscates, Nola finds that Dr. Taffner had been working on a couple of stories that were beyond shocking. As Nola tries to figure out the case, another murder takes place that seems to be related at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Soon, Nola realizes that this killer may just be coming after her.
Filled with detailed writing that shows the reader every path and every doorstep in the amazingly unique city of New Orleans, this writer has done an great job of bringing the reader into each and every scene. (Honestly, you can smell the New Orleans cuisine in the air). With a tough main character who is not at all charming but gets the job done, readers will be beguiled by this exceptionally good mystery. (Amy Lignor written for Suspense Mag)
During her early morning run through Audubon Park in New Orleans, Nola Cespedes discovers the dead body of a former professor of hers along the path. The victim, Dr. Judith Taffner, was a professor in the journalism department at Tulane University. And Nola now works as an investigative journalist for the Times-Picayune newspaper.
Nola quickly finds herself embroiled in a case that causes her sadness, because of the fact that the professor is dead; but also excitement, because of her nose for news. After giving her statement to the police, Nola wants to discover the professor’s killer as soon as possible, and heads for the victim’s office at Tulane. Managing to break in, she finds a flash drive that the victim has left behind.
Nola becomes more and more convinced that Dr. Taffner’s death was more than a bit shady and, as she doesn’t have a whole lot of faith in the New Orleans Police Department, Nola involves herself even more deeply than she should.
Visiting the home of the deceased is just the first step to get material for her story, as Nola becomes a veritable super-snoop. On the flash drive she confiscates, Nola finds that Dr. Taffner had been working on a couple of stories that were beyond shocking. As Nola tries to figure out the case, another murder takes place that seems to be related at the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Soon, Nola realizes that this killer may just be coming after her.
Filled with detailed writing that shows the reader every path and every doorstep in the amazingly unique city of New Orleans, this writer has done an great job of bringing the reader into each and every scene. (Honestly, you can smell the New Orleans cuisine in the air). With a tough main character who is not at all charming but gets the job done, readers will be beguiled by this exceptionally good mystery. (Amy Lignor written for Suspense Mag)
July 1, 2013
This review is based on an ARC I received from Goodreads.
Nola Cespedes is an investigative journalist for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. During an early morning jog, she discovers the body of a former professor who was clearly the victim of a violent death. This is the start of a deep crime investigation, which spans many layers of individuals throughout New Orleans.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Nola is an interesting character. One of my favorite things about Nola is that she is imperfect. I don't know if I'd like her if she were my neighbor, but I really enjoy the character. Her flaws made her more realistic to me as I read the book, and I found her to be a refreshing character.
Overall, the plot was pretty good. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I did find it hard to believe that Nola was first on the scene at a couple of murders. In a city the size of New Orleans, I found this a bit implausible. It's what gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 for me.
The author does a fantastic job describing the settings within the book. I've been to New Orleans several times, and I felt she really captures the nuances of the city as I remember them and as I had experienced them as a visitor. I felt transported there while I was reading.
One of the strongest features of this book for me was the pacing. The author writes the story at a pace that was quick enough to keep me engaged, but slows down enough to be wonderfully descriptive. It was a perfect pace for me.
Overall, a very enjoyable crime mystery. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Nola Cespedes is an investigative journalist for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. During an early morning jog, she discovers the body of a former professor who was clearly the victim of a violent death. This is the start of a deep crime investigation, which spans many layers of individuals throughout New Orleans.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Nola is an interesting character. One of my favorite things about Nola is that she is imperfect. I don't know if I'd like her if she were my neighbor, but I really enjoy the character. Her flaws made her more realistic to me as I read the book, and I found her to be a refreshing character.
Overall, the plot was pretty good. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I did find it hard to believe that Nola was first on the scene at a couple of murders. In a city the size of New Orleans, I found this a bit implausible. It's what gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 for me.
The author does a fantastic job describing the settings within the book. I've been to New Orleans several times, and I felt she really captures the nuances of the city as I remember them and as I had experienced them as a visitor. I felt transported there while I was reading.
One of the strongest features of this book for me was the pacing. The author writes the story at a pace that was quick enough to keep me engaged, but slows down enough to be wonderfully descriptive. It was a perfect pace for me.
Overall, a very enjoyable crime mystery. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
July 16, 2013
When we parted ways with Times-Picayune crime reporter Nola Céspedes at the end of Joy Castro’s masterfully executed debut piece of literary crime fiction Hell or High Water, she was most certainly NOT in a good mental state. While researching an in-depth piece about the shocking number of sexual predators that managed to slip through the cracks immediately after Hurricane Katrina wrought its devastation upon New Orleans, Nola came face to face with some of the most threatening and intimidating individuals that the city had to offer. In the process of finishing the article that she hoped would help to propel her career forward, she was forced to come face to face with some long buried personal demons of her own. When her two worlds ultimately overlapped and collided, things did not end well.
Nearer Home picks up roughly one year later and surprisingly finds most every area of Nola’s life to be on the upswing. With the help of a professional she’s slowly working towards a place of mental stability. She’s left her roommate behind and moved out of her shared apartment and into a swanky condo that’s three times as large. For the first time in a long time she’s got herself a steady, faithful boyfriend that absolutely adores her. And yes, she even got that promotion at work that she so desperately wanted. Why then, does she seem so damn unhappy and why does she continue to make such dangerous, irresponsible decisions?
READ MORE:
http://www.typographicalera.com/neare...
Nearer Home picks up roughly one year later and surprisingly finds most every area of Nola’s life to be on the upswing. With the help of a professional she’s slowly working towards a place of mental stability. She’s left her roommate behind and moved out of her shared apartment and into a swanky condo that’s three times as large. For the first time in a long time she’s got herself a steady, faithful boyfriend that absolutely adores her. And yes, she even got that promotion at work that she so desperately wanted. Why then, does she seem so damn unhappy and why does she continue to make such dangerous, irresponsible decisions?
READ MORE:
http://www.typographicalera.com/neare...
August 19, 2017
A most excellent 5 star read!
loved the book from the first page!
Even though it is book #2 in the series I had no trouble at all figuring out what was going on.
I will still read the first book in this wonderful series “Hell or High Water”
Nola Cespedes is a Crime reporter living in post Katrina New Orleans, working for the Times Picayune Newspaper and nursing physical and psychological hurts from years gone by.
One morning as she is jogging in Audubon park she comes across a dead body, and not just any dead body but her former journalism professor at Tulane, Dr. Judith Taffner.
Nola is not convinced that the dead woman was killed by a serial killer as the Police suspect and so she decides to do a little investigating on her own.
She soon discovers Dr. Taffner was involved with two very serious stories that would shock even the NOPD and could have lead to her death.
Needing more information she seeks the help of Dr. Taffner’s husband who she almost becomes involved with, complicating her investigation and the relationship with the man that she has been seeing.
Nola is smart and spunky just the kind of gal I would like to meet and hang out with.
I loved the characters, the story, the setting and the way the author writes, taking me right back to the New Orleans I love and where I once lived.
A great story and easily one of my new favorite authors.
I won this on goodreads for a fair and honest review
loved the book from the first page!
Even though it is book #2 in the series I had no trouble at all figuring out what was going on.
I will still read the first book in this wonderful series “Hell or High Water”
Nola Cespedes is a Crime reporter living in post Katrina New Orleans, working for the Times Picayune Newspaper and nursing physical and psychological hurts from years gone by.
One morning as she is jogging in Audubon park she comes across a dead body, and not just any dead body but her former journalism professor at Tulane, Dr. Judith Taffner.
Nola is not convinced that the dead woman was killed by a serial killer as the Police suspect and so she decides to do a little investigating on her own.
She soon discovers Dr. Taffner was involved with two very serious stories that would shock even the NOPD and could have lead to her death.
Needing more information she seeks the help of Dr. Taffner’s husband who she almost becomes involved with, complicating her investigation and the relationship with the man that she has been seeing.
Nola is smart and spunky just the kind of gal I would like to meet and hang out with.
I loved the characters, the story, the setting and the way the author writes, taking me right back to the New Orleans I love and where I once lived.
A great story and easily one of my new favorite authors.
I won this on goodreads for a fair and honest review
February 11, 2016
Nearer Home is a tale of murder and too many coincidences, and journalist Nola Cespedes is too close to all of them.
When Nola discovers the body of her former journalism professor she realises she has a scoop on her hands - first on the scene, and a chance to take everything in, as grim as it is, before the police arrive.
But as she looks for a motive for the murder, Nola uncovers a couple of stories the dead woman was working on herself - stories that may have resulted in her own tragic demise. Nola begins her own investigation, hoping it will lead to her professor's murderer.
Set against the backdrop of New Orleans post-Katrina, the settings are atmospheric - both evocative and menacing, depending on what part of the city Nola is visiting.
As a reader knowing little about the culture, currents and undercurrents of New Orleans, I found this aspect of Joy Castro's novel fascinating. Nola's personal story is equally as fascinating as the murder she is investigating, and we meet her young friend from the Big Brother/Big Sister program and her mother (albeit briefly). I instantly fell in love with Nola's sensitive, soothing mother.
Towards the end I began to suspect the culprit (or culprits... not wanting to give anything away) but by then the book was almost done, and I was duly satisfied with the journey.
When Nola discovers the body of her former journalism professor she realises she has a scoop on her hands - first on the scene, and a chance to take everything in, as grim as it is, before the police arrive.
But as she looks for a motive for the murder, Nola uncovers a couple of stories the dead woman was working on herself - stories that may have resulted in her own tragic demise. Nola begins her own investigation, hoping it will lead to her professor's murderer.
Set against the backdrop of New Orleans post-Katrina, the settings are atmospheric - both evocative and menacing, depending on what part of the city Nola is visiting.
As a reader knowing little about the culture, currents and undercurrents of New Orleans, I found this aspect of Joy Castro's novel fascinating. Nola's personal story is equally as fascinating as the murder she is investigating, and we meet her young friend from the Big Brother/Big Sister program and her mother (albeit briefly). I instantly fell in love with Nola's sensitive, soothing mother.
Towards the end I began to suspect the culprit (or culprits... not wanting to give anything away) but by then the book was almost done, and I was duly satisfied with the journey.
August 25, 2013
Joy Castro's latest crime thriller, NEARER HOME, is the second in the Nola Céspedes series. This time the protagonist, a 28-year-old Latina reporter at the Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans, is the first person to come across the body of a murdered journalism professor on a local jogging path. The search for the professor's murderer takes her from homes in the Lower Ninth Ward to the spacious horse ranch of a U.S. Senator, and what she unearths leads her into personal dangers she doesn't expect. Readers will re-discover some of the familiar friends who people Nola's life but will also be challenged to examine some political issues not focused on in the first novel. As always I was absorbed in Castro's work from the first page, and as a writer I appreciated and learned from her talent for detail and poetic yet piercing prose. Castro also seems to have tightened the structure of her novels since her debut thriller; this second effort moves at a quicker pace with fewer narrative tangents. I read every book Joy Castro writes, and I'm never disappointed.
January 26, 2016
This is the second book in the Nola Cespedes series. Nola is a crime reporter for a newspaper in New Orleans. While out jogging one morning she discovers her former university professor’s body. Nola begins to investigate and discovers that her professor was working on a couple of stories that may have gotten her killed. We see a lot of development in this book with Nola and her little sister (sister as in the organization Big Sisters) as Nola seems to be developing some maternal instincts.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the first one in the series, Hell or High Water (four stars out of five). I don’t think the mystery was as interesting and I was disappointed that the author didn’t give a lot of description of well-known and not as well-known landmarks and locations in New Orleans other than she mentioned Lake Pontchartrain several times. I give this book three stars out of five.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the first one in the series, Hell or High Water (four stars out of five). I don’t think the mystery was as interesting and I was disappointed that the author didn’t give a lot of description of well-known and not as well-known landmarks and locations in New Orleans other than she mentioned Lake Pontchartrain several times. I give this book three stars out of five.
August 12, 2013
Joy Castro continues the story of Nola, a crime reporter who seems to constantly battle against herself. On the surface, Nola seems to have an ideal life - a great job, a mother who adores her, great friends, and now a boyfriend. But somehow, she can't seem to allow herself to enjoy happiness and continually makes choices hat could jeapordize her life and the people in it. I was not a huge fan of Castro's first book starring Nola (hell or High Water) but I could not put his one down. I found Nola to be a much more likeable character. Unlike book 1 where it seemed her personal struggles left her with little more than hostility and resentment, book 2 begins to show Nora's underlying compassion for others. Ian definitely looking forward to a third Nola book from Joy Castro!
December 23, 2013
Stay with me for a moment. There are a few things that irk me when I read - coming in mid-series; characters who speak in a language I don't; stories set in New Orleans. Why do they irk me? Who knows? But Nearer Home has all of these elements and I loved the book.
Castro's writing is hypnotic and her New Orleans is far from the bouganvillea draped cliches so often associated with the city. I don't know how many of the characters came from the previous book but, with very few exceptions, the cast was easy to follow. For me, the murder mystery was entertaining enought but it took a backseat to the really well done internal headspaces Castro handled.
I highly recommend Nearer Home and I will definitely read more of her books.
Castro's writing is hypnotic and her New Orleans is far from the bouganvillea draped cliches so often associated with the city. I don't know how many of the characters came from the previous book but, with very few exceptions, the cast was easy to follow. For me, the murder mystery was entertaining enought but it took a backseat to the really well done internal headspaces Castro handled.
I highly recommend Nearer Home and I will definitely read more of her books.
July 2, 2015
I enjoyed reading "Nearer Home". It started out with an incredibly well crafted, beautifully lyrical opening and then became more standard fare mystery story with lots of good complications to the plot, keeping you guessing as to who-dunnit. My one criticism is that some of it felt a little contrived in terms of Nola's character with her relationship with her lover and as a big sister to a girl in the Big Brother/Big Sister program. It does make her likable and complicated at the same time, but it doesn't unfold in what feels like a natural progression of the story but as a something thought out in the outline ahead of time, and Castro is plugging it in as planned.
July 20, 2013
Even better than the first one (Hell or High Water)! Nearer Home continues the complex story of strong, independent, intelligent Latina firecracker Nola Céspedes, a journalist navigating the dangerous side of post-Katrina New Orleans. This writer does not water her stories down in stereotyped, 6th-grade vocabulary. Expect a smart read. If you don't know what "subaltern" means, look it up, and then revel in the fact that the main character has a voice. A powerful voice.
December 6, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Joy Castro at last year's Southwest Florida Reading Festival. She is an inspiring speaker, in addition to being a great writer. "Nearer Home" is her second Nola Cespedes mystery. Nola, a writer for the Times-Picayune, is out for a run and stumbles across a body. She know the woman, one of her professors from Tulane. Nola sets out to get a story, and ends up putting herself in jeopardy. A page-turner!
January 6, 2014
The second of Joy Castro's Nola Cespedes mysteries, this one builds on the previous story. If there was a bit too much reminiscing for my tastes--enough that it detracted somewhat from the mystery--it also dealt well with the issues from the first book. Nola has issues, but she's working to deal with them. And while she makes bad choices from time to time, there's a clear sense of progress which makes those choices bearable. She's reckless, but not dumb. I look forward to reading more.
August 12, 2016
Joy Castro keeps the reader on their toes, as usual , with her writing. At times though, the storyline dragged on for a bit; but not long enough to put the book down. If you like reading stories from the south-especially New Orleans, you will enjoy this book. Joy Castro has you living life as if you were there. I do enjoy her books.
August 19, 2013
The second mystery featuring Times Picayune reporter Nola Cespedes, who is investigating the murder of one of her least favorite college professors. Nola is growing as a character, though still fighting some childhood demons. All the New Orleans references are fascinating to someone who lived there but hasn't visited in years.
January 11, 2014
Nola still has some rough edges but I really enjoy her as a character. I can't wait to see what happens next. As a mystery novel, this is a mediocre effort, but as a character driven story, it really works for me.
August 26, 2013
Interesting mystery taking place in New Orleans. The main character is a reporter from the major newspaper, who stumbles on the body of a former professor. Doubting the notoriously corrupt New Orleans police dept, she investigates on her own. Good characterization.
October 27, 2013
Ho hum detective novel with most of the predictable events. Interesting characters not fully developed, but certainly had potential. I didn't take much away from this read, and am already having difficulty remembering most of it.
October 30, 2013
This was a well-written novel based on a reporter in post-Katrina New Orleans. The author did an excellent job of developing the characters as well as describing the environment, both physical as well as cultural. Looking forward to reading more by Castro.
February 23, 2017
Really, really enjoyed this one. Really enjoyed being able to see the development in the Nola character and the case(s) her investigative crime journalism took her to in this 2nd in the series.
July 24, 2013
Not anywhere near as good as the first one in the series, but still well-written and engaging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews