What do you think?
Rate this book
Talba Wallis #4
P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof
When PI Talba Wallis gets a frantic phone call from Orleans Parish Prison, the last person she expects to hear from is her boss's lawyer daughter, Angie. Popped for drug possession, Angie insists the drugs were planted. She's a target for representing a neighborhood group protesting the illegal commercial use of a marina by its owner, Judge Buddy Champagne. According to Angie, the judge is dirty--and he's the one who had her set up.
Talba and her boss, Eddie, are outraged--knowing Angie as they do, they pull out all the stops for her. And when Talba goes undercover as a housekeeper for Judge Champagne, she finds a household straight out of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, with the judge playing Big Daddy. The weak son and the hot daughter-in-law are in residence, being "between jobs." Big Mama's absent, though--she died some time ago, and the judge is now adding his fiancee to the mix. That would be Miss Kristin LaGarde, an impossibly lovely, and possibly innocent, young lady who seems hopelessly in love with the old coot.
Talba dredges up lots of interesting material; such as that someone was accidentally electrocuted at the marina and that the judge is in bed with certain bail bondsmen. She finds evidence of bribes and kickbacks. He's dirty all right. When the story breaks and the scandal deepens, Judge Champagne winds up dead. And, to her surprise, Talba is asked to investigate. Did politics kill the judge? Or was it his own family?
Talba and her boss, Eddie, are outraged--knowing Angie as they do, they pull out all the stops for her. And when Talba goes undercover as a housekeeper for Judge Champagne, she finds a household straight out of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, with the judge playing Big Daddy. The weak son and the hot daughter-in-law are in residence, being "between jobs." Big Mama's absent, though--she died some time ago, and the judge is now adding his fiancee to the mix. That would be Miss Kristin LaGarde, an impossibly lovely, and possibly innocent, young lady who seems hopelessly in love with the old coot.
Talba dredges up lots of interesting material; such as that someone was accidentally electrocuted at the marina and that the judge is in bed with certain bail bondsmen. She finds evidence of bribes and kickbacks. He's dirty all right. When the story breaks and the scandal deepens, Judge Champagne winds up dead. And, to her surprise, Talba is asked to investigate. Did politics kill the judge? Or was it his own family?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2005
525 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
About the author
Julie Smith
259 books403 followersAuthor of 20 mystery novels and a YA paranormal adventure called BAD GIRL SCHOOL (formerly CURSEBUSTERS!). Nine of the mysteries are about a female New Orleans cop Skip Langdon, five about a San Francisco lawyer named Rebecca Schwartz,two about a struggling mystery writer named Paul Mcdonald (whose fate no one should suffer) and four teaming up Talba Wallis, a private eye with many names, a poetic license, and a smoking computer, with veteran P.I. Eddie Valentino.
In Bad GIRL SCHOOL, a psychic pink-haired teen-age burglar named Reeno gets recruited by a psychotic telepathic cat to pull a job that involves time travel to an ancient Mayan city. Hint:It HAS to be done before 2012!
Winner of the 1991 Edgar Allen Poe Award for best novel, that being NEW ORLEANS MOURNING.
Former reporter for the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE and the San Francisco CHRONICLE.
Recently licensed private investigator, and thereon hangs a tale.
Resident of New Orleans, Louisiana
In Bad GIRL SCHOOL, a psychic pink-haired teen-age burglar named Reeno gets recruited by a psychotic telepathic cat to pull a job that involves time travel to an ancient Mayan city. Hint:It HAS to be done before 2012!
Winner of the 1991 Edgar Allen Poe Award for best novel, that being NEW ORLEANS MOURNING.
Former reporter for the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE and the San Francisco CHRONICLE.
Recently licensed private investigator, and thereon hangs a tale.
Resident of New Orleans, Louisiana
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 5, 2016
I've read this more than once, and picked an arbitrary date for the review.
P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof is a great example of a book that straddles the various mystery sub-genres. Is it hard boiled? Comic? Cozy? Yep, it is. Brilliant characters and a a feel for a New Orleans that makes me believe that's what New Orleans is really like.
P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof is a great example of a book that straddles the various mystery sub-genres. Is it hard boiled? Comic? Cozy? Yep, it is. Brilliant characters and a a feel for a New Orleans that makes me believe that's what New Orleans is really like.
March 19, 2025
Out of my reading comfort zone. Btw, Skip Langdon is a six-foot female cop.
Setting: New Orleans and vicinity
Setting: New Orleans and vicinity
August 4, 2018
Poem is a goen
Julie Smith is good for gold in writing a mystery and in writing poetry, her unique style of writing entertains in the way few can carry the south in young,middle, or those gracously ageing. This storey starts in a leaser stroll pacing into a jog twisting turning and finally coming into once again aleaser stroll into the final stretch,with caracters that flow , mystify and jell until all blended giving us a mystery fit for a Barnes. Kat
Julie Smith is good for gold in writing a mystery and in writing poetry, her unique style of writing entertains in the way few can carry the south in young,middle, or those gracously ageing. This storey starts in a leaser stroll pacing into a jog twisting turning and finally coming into once again aleaser stroll into the final stretch,with caracters that flow , mystify and jell until all blended giving us a mystery fit for a Barnes. Kat
March 30, 2019
Great read!
First one by this author, but not the last. Interesting locale, qwirky characters and a plot with twists and turns.
First one by this author, but not the last. Interesting locale, qwirky characters and a plot with twists and turns.
Want to read
August 5, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
July 31, 2018
Really enjoy the healthy relationship of Talba, Eddie, Miz Clara and Darryl - boyfriend. It is great to read a book the main character is someone I would like to meet.
The stories to me are believable and has more character development than most. No further word about Anthony or Janessa, but enjoyed all of the others.
Julie Smith's books are a challenge for me to put down. Got to keep reading to make sure everyone is safe.
The stories to me are believable and has more character development than most. No further word about Anthony or Janessa, but enjoyed all of the others.
Julie Smith's books are a challenge for me to put down. Got to keep reading to make sure everyone is safe.
June 25, 2018
Her Grace does it again
When Eddie’s daughter gets arrested for having drugs in her car, Talba goes on the case not only to prove the drugs were planted, but also to expose the crooked judge who ordered the plant. She goes undercover in his house as a maid and that’s when murder happens. A great read.
When Eddie’s daughter gets arrested for having drugs in her car, Talba goes on the case not only to prove the drugs were planted, but also to expose the crooked judge who ordered the plant. She goes undercover in his house as a maid and that’s when murder happens. A great read.
July 8, 2020
I've read it before so deleted it.
June 4, 2018
A corrupt judge plants narcotics in the car of Talba's friend Angela and has her arrested since she is representing a group of people who oppose his shrimp business near their homes. Talba goes undercover as a maid in this judge's mansion to find evidence that he is crooked. Unfortunately she becomes attached to a young lady and part of her family. Murders result and Tabla investigates to find the murderer.
I've read a number of Julie Smith's books, many of which take place in New Orleans. The dialogs are good, including lots of Louisiana flavor. This one has a little more warmth and tenderness, especially toward Lucy, the judge's daughter. It's a good cozy murder mystery.
I've read a number of Julie Smith's books, many of which take place in New Orleans. The dialogs are good, including lots of Louisiana flavor. This one has a little more warmth and tenderness, especially toward Lucy, the judge's daughter. It's a good cozy murder mystery.
June 17, 2018
PIOn A Hot Tin Roof was an AWESOME READ!!
Julie Smith, pulls you into the heart and soul of New Orleans, with her stories!! In this one, Talba gets involved in a murder, or 2. She trys to help out a young lady, who's family is involved in the whole thing. Bad people, pop up all over the story. You almost need a scorecard to keep track...lol. Skip Langdon is right there, too! I was fascinated with this book, as I have been to New Orleans and to my Nephew's Grandmother's house, in Covington!! Can never miss with a Julie Smith book!!
Julie Smith, pulls you into the heart and soul of New Orleans, with her stories!! In this one, Talba gets involved in a murder, or 2. She trys to help out a young lady, who's family is involved in the whole thing. Bad people, pop up all over the story. You almost need a scorecard to keep track...lol. Skip Langdon is right there, too! I was fascinated with this book, as I have been to New Orleans and to my Nephew's Grandmother's house, in Covington!! Can never miss with a Julie Smith book!!
June 6, 2018
Just when you think it can't get any better
Miz Smith does it again. Couldn't put it down and that's why my head is hurting from lack of sleep. Can't wait to read more from Julie Smith. I think I'll rest up some first though. If the Skip Langdon stories are as good as these where, and I'm sure they are, I'm going to need it.
Miz Smith does it again. Couldn't put it down and that's why my head is hurting from lack of sleep. Can't wait to read more from Julie Smith. I think I'll rest up some first though. If the Skip Langdon stories are as good as these where, and I'm sure they are, I'm going to need it.
June 7, 2018
I so recommend this book this is fantastic
This book has some Quiet Moments in it and some jolting moments and also I did not want to put it down! It is fantastic I truly truly think anybody would enjoy this book.
This book has some Quiet Moments in it and some jolting moments and also I did not want to put it down! It is fantastic I truly truly think anybody would enjoy this book.
April 16, 2021
I simply loved this book! Talba Wallis was in fine form, especially as the Baroness de Pantalba. Her poetry is very moving. And her P. I. work was outstanding, too. Everything about this book is written so very well! The characters came alive, and Talba's ability to relate to such a variety of people gives her a decided advantage in her work to ferret out the truth. Most of the time she is unafraid to tackle any challenge. And Eddie Valentino, her boss, is usually supportive of her schemes, although he loves giving her a hard time about everything.
The settings for the action in the book are painted with the brush of a master. Every detail helps make the places come alive. From the opulence of a mansion to the squalor of a shrimp processing plant. It feels like you are right there, experiencing the sights and smells.
The amazing thing about this book is that even though it is a multi-dimensional mystery, with plenty of unsavory characters and crimes galore, there is a tender side, too. Two little girls and a kitten are ready to steal your heart. And Talba does wonders with both of them, who are dealing with their own difficulties. This is definitely a five star book!
The settings for the action in the book are painted with the brush of a master. Every detail helps make the places come alive. From the opulence of a mansion to the squalor of a shrimp processing plant. It feels like you are right there, experiencing the sights and smells.
The amazing thing about this book is that even though it is a multi-dimensional mystery, with plenty of unsavory characters and crimes galore, there is a tender side, too. Two little girls and a kitten are ready to steal your heart. And Talba does wonders with both of them, who are dealing with their own difficulties. This is definitely a five star book!
July 10, 2020
Smart, sassy, and a li'l bit crazy
Coming in late to the game. I picked this up because I liked the catchy title - with a nod to Tennessee Williams.
This author knows how to paint a location perfectly and makes her characters come alive. I've never been to NO but feel like I have thanks to this story. Talba Wallis is a charming and smart PI working her way through the job of her life. Thank you Julie Smith, for introducing me to Talba (and Skip). I'm going to be collecting more of your stories. This book is as good as it gets!
Coming in late to the game. I picked this up because I liked the catchy title - with a nod to Tennessee Williams.
This author knows how to paint a location perfectly and makes her characters come alive. I've never been to NO but feel like I have thanks to this story. Talba Wallis is a charming and smart PI working her way through the job of her life. Thank you Julie Smith, for introducing me to Talba (and Skip). I'm going to be collecting more of your stories. This book is as good as it gets!
September 21, 2020
PI Talban took on a case for a attorney who was charged with drug possession. She said she was set up. While shes trying to help her case , She poses as a maid to try to get information on a man named Buddy - a crocked judge. She finds out that those who live in this house are very dysfunctional . Later she finds out that a old crime family is somehow involved in the mess. A crocked shrimp business and lots of family money also involved in the case. Will Talban find out who did the killings and the truth about the shrimp business before someone else dies.
August 22, 2024
So glad to have found Julie Smith and her great characters. What a delight. Granted the books I am reading are nineteen years old but still fresh. This is a Talba Wallis, #4 in the series. Talba works for Eddie Valentino a PI out of New Orleans. They started off, with, a time will tell kind of work relationship which soon blossomed into a good, we are family. This time around Talba gets a collect call from the Orleans Parish Prison. It's Angie, Eddie's daughter who is a lawyer. She was busted for drugs. They were planted. Now Eddie and Talba have to find out who and why. good read.
January 26, 2019
Wow, a cozy mystery about a dysfunctional family in New Orleans. If you think your family is dysfunctional believe me it has nothing on this one. Talba a PI and poet gets involved with this family when her boss's daughter gets framed for drugs by a crooked judge. She goes undercover as a maid for the judge and his family until the murder. At one point or another you think each member of the family and extended family is guilty.
September 22, 2020
pi On a Hot Tin Roof
This was a great read about a judge who paid off cops and himself a crooked judge. Every one wanted him dead so who killed him? It is interesting how close to home the killer is. My two favorite characters are the fourteen year old daughter of the judge, Lucy , and the ten year old daughter of Talba's boyfriend, Raise. Their stories are interesting. Theybecome best friends. Find out how these two girls meet and why they became best friends.
This was a great read about a judge who paid off cops and himself a crooked judge. Every one wanted him dead so who killed him? It is interesting how close to home the killer is. My two favorite characters are the fourteen year old daughter of the judge, Lucy , and the ten year old daughter of Talba's boyfriend, Raise. Their stories are interesting. Theybecome best friends. Find out how these two girls meet and why they became best friends.
July 16, 2021
This is the second time I read this book. Something I very seldom do. Too many good books out there waiting for a reader. Ms Smith is one of the top female writers in the country for a very good reason. She tells a great story with just the right amount of the good things we look for in a story. Mostly they are so readable and realistic that you live them along with the characters who will stick in your minds for days. Highly recommend this and all her other books.
October 7, 2018
Oh Wow! The Baroness gets in trouble
Talk gets into a mess going undercover. Then there's so many twists and turns and confusing information in this book. I kept having to go back a few pages to reread, just to stay on top of things. I'm so disappointed that this is the last Talba Wallis book. Julie, you could easily do another 6 books in her! I have loved her stories.
Talk gets into a mess going undercover. Then there's so many twists and turns and confusing information in this book. I kept having to go back a few pages to reread, just to stay on top of things. I'm so disappointed that this is the last Talba Wallis book. Julie, you could easily do another 6 books in her! I have loved her stories.
August 23, 2019
Hot
Great book. Kept me guessing the whole time trying to figure it out. Changed sides on who done it seems earl times. Never came up with right one till end when she revealed who done it. Sounds like a crazy town to visit especially at Mardi Gras I highly recommend it. Great characters fun stuff going on and interesting people and all the things that going on around them.
Great book. Kept me guessing the whole time trying to figure it out. Changed sides on who done it seems earl times. Never came up with right one till end when she revealed who done it. Sounds like a crazy town to visit especially at Mardi Gras I highly recommend it. Great characters fun stuff going on and interesting people and all the things that going on around them.
December 24, 2020
I llove this series, with its complex characters that are developed beautifully by Julie Smith. Angie calls from jail and soon Talba is embroiled, in what I thought to be the best read in this series. This is a rollercoaster of a book, epacked full of deception and murder in which Talba dawns an apron to get to the heart of the matter, finding herself deep in Judge Champagne family’s drama.
December 14, 2021
Deadly relations
What a weird mystery, greed, of course. But a real convoluted and surreal grouping of family interests and preference. Seems like 3 family’s collide in a perfect storm and poetry is the only sanity available. Great story, heartfelt characters and a whirlwind mystery, enjoy.
What a weird mystery, greed, of course. But a real convoluted and surreal grouping of family interests and preference. Seems like 3 family’s collide in a perfect storm and poetry is the only sanity available. Great story, heartfelt characters and a whirlwind mystery, enjoy.
June 3, 2023
Another home run!
I really enjoyed reading this latest of the Tales Wallis PI series. Taliban goes under cover to help solve a set up involving her friend, and ends up with a double murder to solve. We see some of the famous poetry The Baroness performs, as well as being introduced to Talba's troubled young poetry protege. Waiting for more Talks Wallis stories.
I really enjoyed reading this latest of the Tales Wallis PI series. Taliban goes under cover to help solve a set up involving her friend, and ends up with a double murder to solve. We see some of the famous poetry The Baroness performs, as well as being introduced to Talba's troubled young poetry protege. Waiting for more Talks Wallis stories.
June 7, 2018
An interesting family
This series gets better with each book.Talba Wallis (aka the Baroness) puts herself in danger to help a friend who has been set up. She lands in the middle of a family that is just a little bit dysfunctional.
This series gets better with each book.Talba Wallis (aka the Baroness) puts herself in danger to help a friend who has been set up. She lands in the middle of a family that is just a little bit dysfunctional.
November 30, 2018
Best yet for the Baroness. .
I've enjoyed the Talba Wallis series enough to come back for more, at least when they're free or under a buck. Other books were o.k., but I found really good story telling in this one. Even the poems at the end.
I've enjoyed the Talba Wallis series enough to come back for more, at least when they're free or under a buck. Other books were o.k., but I found really good story telling in this one. Even the poems at the end.
June 26, 2019
Talba Wallace is always entertaining!! She's true to her friends, and can't stay away from trouble. Thankfully, Eddie and Skip Langdon have her back and her mother is always ready to give advice or lend a hand. Another great read from Julie Smith, l hope you enjoy it as much l did!!
July 21, 2019
The Baroness
Once again the Baroness made me wonder and laugh! Now because it's the last one for now I have to start over by reading the "Skip Langdon Series"! Looking forward to it!
Once again the Baroness made me wonder and laugh! Now because it's the last one for now I have to start over by reading the "Skip Langdon Series"! Looking forward to it!
November 25, 2019
Fun well written novel
I enjoyed reading this mystery. This is the first Julie Smith novel I have read. Characters, good and bad , developed well. I didn't realize it was a midway novel in a series until I read the notes. Stands well as a single story.
I enjoyed reading this mystery. This is the first Julie Smith novel I have read. Characters, good and bad , developed well. I didn't realize it was a midway novel in a series until I read the notes. Stands well as a single story.
June 19, 2020
Talba is working undercover as a maid in a Judge's house, only to report his illegal deals and have him turn up dead. She is hired by his fiance to find out if it is murder or suicide. What she finds is a family in crisis.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews