By Bill Loehfelm Doing the Devil's Work: A Novel (Maureen Coughlin Series) [Hardcover]

Maureen Coughlin #3

by Bill Loehfelm

A gripping third chapter for one of the most unforgettable and compelling heroines in crime fiction"You have a temper, Officer Coughlin, and a propensity for violence . . . You're a bit of a hazard. To others. To yourself."Maureen Coughlin is a bona fide New Orleans cop now, and, with her training days behind her, she likes to think she's getting the lay of the land. Then a mysterious corpse leads to more questions than answers, and a late-night traffic stop goes very wrong. The fallout leaves Maureen contending with troubled friends, fraying loyalties, cop-hating enemies old and new, and an elusive, spectral, and murderous new nemesis-and all the while navigating the twists and turns of a city and a police department infected with dysfunction and corruption. Bill Loehfelm is a rising star in crime fiction. And his Maureen Coughlin is the perfect complicated, strong-willed, sympathetic (except when she's not), and as fully realized in Loehfelm's extraordinary portrayal as the New Orleans she patrols. The first two installments in this series won Loehfelm accolades as well as fans, and Doing the Devil's Work only ups the ante. It's even faster, sharper, and more thrilling than its predecessors. Taut and fiery, vibrant and gritty, and peopled with unforgettable characters, this is the sinuous, provocative story of a good cop struggling painfully into her own.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense

Unknown Binding

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

Praise for the Maureen Coughlin series:

“Not only has Loehfelm created the most compelling, complex patrol cop in the genre—part take-no-prisoners badass, part too-sensitive-for-the street rookie—he has also re-energized New Orleans as a setting for the best in crime fiction, going well beyond the clichés … —edgy, dangerous, but pulsing with life. Maureen Coughlin is as good as it gets.” - BOOKLIST

“After being warned about falling in love with the power of the job, [Maureen Coughlin] finds herself wrestling with ethical issues that fictional cops, especially fictional female ones, rarely talk about, leaving that stuff to real-life cops--and smart guys like Bill Loehfelm.” —The New York Times.

"Our heroine has both a strong will and a finely tuned moral compass… Loehfelm has created a wonderfully flawed heroine in Coughlin… [Loehfelm’s] love for New Orleans is evident in his descriptions, from the greasy spoon the cops favor for gumbo to the rollicking frat bars of the French Quarter. Dialogue doesn't get much snappier, and the complicated plot ... is deftly handled. This series just keeps getting better." —Kirkus

Bill is the author of seven novels, most recently, THE DEVIL'S MUSE, the new Maureen Coughlin novel, from Sarah Crichton Books/FSG.

Bill's other novels are the stand-alone thrillers, FRESH KILLS (2008), and BLOODROOT (2009).


Loehfelm lives in New Orleans with his wife, the writer AC Lambeth, where in addition to writing he plays drums in a band and practices yoga, both with mixed results.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book. Bill Loehfelm writes about New Orleans with tenderness and grit, two qualities mirrored by his unforgettable protagonist, Maureen Coughlin. Compelling, whip-smart and completely original, DOING THE DEVIL'S WORK will take your breath away.

[Olivia Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was pretty uninteresting until the book's last quarter (maybe even less). Could tell it was going to lead to something but it took way too long.

[Killer Nashville · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Jane Tennison of Prime Suspect had a daughter, I’m convinced it would have been Maureen Coughlin, the complicated and strong-willed heroine of Bill Loehfelm’s unfolding series. If readers loved the first two novels from Loehfelm, then they are sure to enjoy this third installment in the series, “Doing the Devil’s Work“.

In the latest adventure, the story follows Coughlin, a recent waitress turned novice cop, who now works as an officer with the New Orleans Police Department. Loehfelm introduces Coughlin’s first on-the-job face-off with none other than, Bobby Scales, an old enemy from the previous installments.

Fortunately, Loehfelm doesn’t cut his audience any slack in the suspense department. Dangerous events lead to Maureen Coughlin’s world being turned upside down.

Here’s how the craziness unfolds: Matthew Quinn of the Sixth District helps his sociopathic millionaire friend, Caleb Heath, connect with Bobby Scales for gun storage,and then Madison Leary, a schizophrenic, slices off the group’s loose ends. Oh, and don’t forget to mention the three dead bodies, a dirty cop, and an extremist group of lawmen assassins, the Watchmen Brigade.

In simple terms, Loehfelm produces a riveting plot full of corrupt police departments, fractured allegiances, and old grudges resurfacing from the underbelly of New Orleans.

Breathless, the reader is left with Loehfelm’s unconventional heroine ruminating on the edge of a beach near Alabama – a sanctuary from the claws of the FBI, Sixth District, and the media. Though her job may be on the line, Maureen Coughlin’s work is far from over.

Reviewer: Briana Goodchild is on the verge of becoming a bibliophile. Like any book reader she enjoys a strong cup of tea and an enticing story to match. Occasionally, when diving into the Mystery Genre, caffeine is required.


Killer Nashville's Review of Doing the Devil's Work
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews

[Timothy Neesam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This competent police procedural set in New Orleans features a strong main character with a mostly-sketched supporting cast and a mildly improbable plot. What starts as a routine traffic stop careens into a story involving Aryan terrorists who kill cops. With an atmospheric NOLA backdrop set mostly at night, Doing the Devil's Work is saved from being ridiculous by focusing on the motivations of Officer Maureen Coughlin, who is young, has a mercurial temper, a penchant for violence and spends most of the book totally out of her depth. The book is good enough for me to search out other books featuring this main character. Recommended for those who like their police procedurals atmospheric, with a rich, complicated main character.

[Dan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Loehfelm can tell a story and he can write. Taken together these two attributes mean Sarah Crichton Books has served up another enjoyable novel for us. Of course, this was published in January, 2025 at which time I bought it. Somehow it hid on my shelves until this week when I plucked it down. I wanted something that had been waiting for a while. I am trying to work on the backlog while also reading newly bought books. Imagine my surprise when I discovered "Devil's Work" is set in New Orleans, which I had just read about. Several of this year's books have been about or set in NOLA. Did my subconscious knowingly guide my hand? Difficult to know. Whatever forces were at work I thank them for a fine pick to read on these 90+ degree days while I avoid the many tasks in the yard or around the house. A strong story makes it so much easier to justify slacking off.

As it turned out, this is the third book in the 'Maureen Coughlin' series and I have read the previous two. They have been good enough that I will allow myself to purchase #4 & 5 once I get a bit more room on the shelves. Another couple of years should do it, granted the Reaper finds other work to do.

Recommended

[Stephen Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maureen Coughlin is now a full-fledged NOPD cop -- and with it comes the increasing difficulty of walking the line in a city of old school corruption, power and influence. It all starts with Coughlin using her nose -- literally -- to find a corpse in a dilapidated shack, and a questionable police traffic stop. From there, the story unfolds into an investigation that touches street violence, militias, and questions about one of the oldest and most powerful families in New Orleans.

In the midst of the investigation, Coughlin is exposed to the world of corruption, both minor and major, in the NOPD. She faces her own difficult and complex choices about friendship, loyalty and morality.

The third book in this series -- the second set in New Orleans. As with The Devil in Her Own Way, Loehfelm, the "other" main character is the City of New Orleans. Loehfelm portrays the City with all its richly nuanced aspects, far more complex and compelling than the city tourists see.

[M. Sprouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the 5 books I've read this year, it being January, it had the least interesting start and the best ending of them all. This novel seem to get bogged down in the misery and baggage that the protagonist, Maureen, brings to the table. She seems very one dimensional and usually real people are a bit more complex. Sure it feels like New Orleans, equal parts sleaze, charm, Katrina and beauty. However, I'd vote for just a tad less negativity and grit and a bit more hope and humor. So 2 stars for the first half and 4 stars for the last half equals 3 stars for me a "I like it" rating. Take this review with a grain of salt as I admit, I didn't read the previous books in the series and perhaps if I did, I'd have a better understanding.

[Sans Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up because of the New Orleans setting and upcoming trip planned for New Orleans. Thought that I'd read it some time ago but found that I only remember the first couple of chapters so suspect I did not finish it for some reason. While I enjoyed the mystery and will go back to reread some of Loehfelm's other Maureen Coughlin books just because of the setting, I found myself frequently frustrated by the main character. For a someone described as a tough cookie, Coughlin sure doubts herself a bunch and caves to the desires and poor choices of others! Also, while New Orleans can be a pretty gritty city, there is a flip side to this that makes people love it, too. There's nothing but the grittiness in Loehfelm's books.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maureen Coughlin is an outsider on the New Orleans Police Department but she is determined to make a place for herself on the force. When an investigation raises some red flags about her fellow officers, Maureen looks the other way -- but she's not happy about it. Is being a team player and making a new start worth sacrificing her professional ethics?

[Shiela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is getting better with each entry. Well constructed and well balanced - descriptive/dialog, action/meditation, personal/professional, rehashing past/ setting ground for future. I especially like how Maureen is getting rooted and falling in with New Orleans. Though I still want to shake her, put my hand over her mouth and make her wise up!

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in this series. Great characters, great setting. I was worried how the plot would resolve but Loehfelm seems content to table set for future books but in a way that doesn’t feel cheap. He’s one of the few white male writers I know who can write believable female and non-white characters.

[Lale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and easy read, like the last one. It's always fun to dive back into New Orleans for a bit, although I felt that this book used less name-dropping than its predecessor.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the lead character in these books. She is flawed and fabulous.

[Sandy Pfefferkorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Maureen Coughlin series. Maureen is now a full-fledged cop.

[Tory · Rating 1 out of 5]

rather than try putting books in a 'not interested' folder, I'm going to claim I read them and give a low rating. Putting in not interested, the algorithm seems to think I like the book.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maureen Coughlin is a rookie cop, past her initial training period, out on patrol sometimes alone, sometimes with fellow officers Quinn and Ruiz. She's called to a scene with a dead body in an abandoned house - unusually, the unidentified victim is white, throat cut, wearing an 88 (Heil Hitler) belt buckle. The building belongs to the spoiled son of one New Orleans wealthiest real estate developers. The son denies any knowledge of the victim. A later traffic stop nets her an odd couple, again poor white, mail and female, man potential trouble, woman either stoned or mentally ill, with a bunch of stolen purses. They are both taken in to be booked, but the woman walks away from the hospital where she is taken and the man escapes and is found later with his throat cut.

There are connections between the two dead men and an armed white supremacist militia group, and perhaps with the the wealthy landlord and a cop. It all gets pretty complicated as Maureen tries to thread her way through the swamp of New Orleans corruption and departmental politics without getting herself or fellow officers in trouble. And then trouble comes to her in a nearly deadly fashion.

Coughlin continues to be an interesting, complex character and the New Orleans scene is terrifically well done.

[Jami Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

To anyone who has ever seen, smelled or tasted New Orleans this is a must read. I have read very few books that capture the essence of all sections of The Big Easy from the posh house parties to the late night alleyways and dives. Mr. Loehfelm does an amazing job continuing the character evolution of Maureen Coughlin. I am thoroughly enjoying reading about her and experiencing her development through this amazing series of books.

If you love mysteries and novels that include characters with an edge that can not only survive, but thrive in a city like New Orleans, then you must read this book! And if you are trying to decide whether you should start this book series or not...the only answer is HELL YES!

Can't wait to see what's next

[Mainlinebooker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough sordid underbelly of New Orleans is exposed in this crime novel featuring the intrepid cop,Maureen Coughlin, who has transferred from Staten Island to Louisiana to try to settle down and have some permanence in her life. From the finding of a mysterious corpse, to the questionable presence of a man and woman in a pick up truck, life turns upside down and the politics of the city get exposed. The hard hitting cops display explicit language which helps to create the seamy world she is exposing.

[Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Main character goes thru a long of conflict trying to decide what is the right thing to do whether to back up fellow officers or tell the truth. She has some unresolved emotional conflicts from her past. She is a bit violent and enjoys it and drinks and smokes a little too much. The plot involved police corruption along with home grown terrorists and local scumbags. Wasn't sure how it all tied together at first and the ending was a bit unresolved. Not sure that I liked how the author left the main character hanging but it sets it up for another book.

[Don Gorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maaureen Coughlin is a very cool protagonst. New Orleans is a very cool city for almost any story. Those two factors really drive this book, which has its up and downs, plusses and minuses. Loehfelm does a great job of letting us get inside of OC (officer Coughlin), recognizing her many strengths and weaknesses. The police procedural rolls along, but some of it is fairly preposterous. Good action here, two other good characters besides Maureen, and that wonderful New Orleans filter that gives the whole deal a really nice feel. An interesting excursion.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously the most realistic portrayal of NOLA I have read as of yet. I can't wait to see what Maureen gets into next. Her evolution from New York to the Big Easy is one to which any former lost soul can relate. Little speed bumps keep popping up for our girl as she keeps her nose to the ground in her police work. The percocet for her ankle is gonna bite her in the ass though. Don't think we didn't catch that lil' teaser!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the third book about this woman cop...I was not able to get the first two for me e-reader, but I am definitely going to go to library and get them in hardcover...the story was great, and I really like Maureen! New Orleans character and flavor only add to the authenticity of this book!! Great read!

[Chuck Vial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things get even rougher for Maureen Coughlin as she slowly sinks into the muck of New Orleans crime and corruption. Her second novel set in NOLA feels very much like The Empire Strikes Back, and I'm very excited to see Maureen's version of Jedi later this year!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maureen Coughlan learns about the moral dilemmas of being a New Orleans cop in this excellent series entry. One of my favorite recent mystery series.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't convinced by the first two books in this series, but I'm glad I held in there. I'm hooked on Maureen Coughlin; Loehfelm has clearly hit his stride.

[Neliza Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/...

[P R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho-hum. No plot twists or characters that draw you in. Read this one for New Orleans setting.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Maureen Coughlin Loehfelm has created a protagonist with enough f her own character flaws to make her interesting without making her seem like an oddity.

[Briant · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up on this book on page 162 of 305 - at a point where the storyline just seemed to be going in circles with no apparent movement forward.

[Lynn Kearney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Maureen Coughlin and will be interested to see how she develops when time and cynicism take their toll.