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Talba Wallis #1
Louisiana Hotshot
Confirmed grump Eddie Valentino placed the ad. Hotshot twenty-something Talba Wallis knew exactly how to answer it.
And thus was born the dynamic duo of New Orleans private detectives, one cynical, sixty-five-year-old Luddite white dude with street smarts, and one young, bright-eyed, Twenty-First century African-American female poet, performance artist, mistress of disguise, and computer jock extraordinaire. Think Queen Latifah and Danny DeVito.
In Louisiana Hotshot, their job is to hunt down a sociopath and pedophile who’s molested the fourteen-year-old daughter of their client, hangs out on the ragged edges of the rap and recording industries, and has more powerful allies than a Cabinet member.
But both detectives have unfinished business from the past—in Eddie’s case, something he deeply regrets; in Talba’s, a personal mystery, one so frightening no one will help her investigate. But she knows she won’t sleep till she solves it—and the truth will change her forever.
And thus was born the dynamic duo of New Orleans private detectives, one cynical, sixty-five-year-old Luddite white dude with street smarts, and one young, bright-eyed, Twenty-First century African-American female poet, performance artist, mistress of disguise, and computer jock extraordinaire. Think Queen Latifah and Danny DeVito.
In Louisiana Hotshot, their job is to hunt down a sociopath and pedophile who’s molested the fourteen-year-old daughter of their client, hangs out on the ragged edges of the rap and recording industries, and has more powerful allies than a Cabinet member.
But both detectives have unfinished business from the past—in Eddie’s case, something he deeply regrets; in Talba’s, a personal mystery, one so frightening no one will help her investigate. But she knows she won’t sleep till she solves it—and the truth will change her forever.
335 pages, Hardcover
First published May 18, 2001
1776 people are currently reading
1915 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
February 6, 2015
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Talba Wallis is a smart, sassy, computer whiz who applies for a job with a private detective agency run by Eddie Valentino. She shows off her computer skills by handing him a folder with his personal info. Julie Smith writes well drawn characters across racial lines--Talba is black and Eddie is white.
One quote from the book that I liked: "... a shrimp po'boy was still finer than nightingales' tongues."
This is book 1 of the series.
One quote from the book that I liked: "... a shrimp po'boy was still finer than nightingales' tongues."
This is book 1 of the series.
January 25, 2015
At one level - a fun and over-the-top detective novel about a PI in New Orleans. At another level, I found deeper elements that made a big impact.
What touched me the most was the vivid description of PI Talba Wallis's response to family - her sense of outsiderhood, and the very keenly observed trajectory she followed when triggered (into her shell). Plus the way she slowly works herself out of the withdrawal.
On the other hand, there were times when I felt as if some of her blackness was almost painted on. I'm curious whether anybody else felt this way. What I thought the writer did well was to observe the way white people responded and reacted to the black characters including Talba.
What touched me the most was the vivid description of PI Talba Wallis's response to family - her sense of outsiderhood, and the very keenly observed trajectory she followed when triggered (into her shell). Plus the way she slowly works herself out of the withdrawal.
On the other hand, there were times when I felt as if some of her blackness was almost painted on. I'm curious whether anybody else felt this way. What I thought the writer did well was to observe the way white people responded and reacted to the black characters including Talba.
Read
August 31, 2016Well, I quit. Can't spend precious reading time on a book that's a chore. I got to 26% and I couldn't take the dialogue-- "What'cha talking' about? I'm here with ya." --over and over. If it was used sparingly, I would still get that idea that this is supposed to be a "New Orleans" accent. No need to bang me over the head with it.
But more importantly, I did not care about any of the characters. I don't mean that they were too mean, but they just didn't come alive. And I did not like reading about an older PI guy with constant obsessive thoughts about his health and relationships. It was so weird.
And I normally like character driven books, even if it is a mystery, so side plots do not bother me. But in this novel I had no interest in his family issues.
No thanks.
But more importantly, I did not care about any of the characters. I don't mean that they were too mean, but they just didn't come alive. And I did not like reading about an older PI guy with constant obsessive thoughts about his health and relationships. It was so weird.
And I normally like character driven books, even if it is a mystery, so side plots do not bother me. But in this novel I had no interest in his family issues.
No thanks.
September 17, 2017
Terrible
Why does the writer feel the need to constantly bring up someone's color or race. A really great writer with a good story wouldn't spend time doing this unless it has is relevant to the story and in this case the race of these characters has nothing to do with, and actually deterred us from following what could have been a great story.
Why does the writer feel the need to constantly bring up someone's color or race. A really great writer with a good story wouldn't spend time doing this unless it has is relevant to the story and in this case the race of these characters has nothing to do with, and actually deterred us from following what could have been a great story.
June 10, 2015
Very enjoyable and entertaining read. If you like mysteries and New Orleans, I feel you will enjoy this Julie Smith series.
March 8, 2016
Ummm, really good editing........as for the rest, where to start? I understand it's billed as a humorous New Orleans Murder, but I seriously missed most of the humor. She insults both the New Orleans police department and all Sheriff departments everywhere, saying that Sheriffs aren't "real" cops, and portraying the police department as thoroughly bought and paid for by a rich, local rapper to cover his brother's crimes. I sure hope she never needs their assistance, in the future, or that none of them have read her book.
Veteran PI, Eddie, is so wrapped up in his own personal angst that he pays little attention to his neophyte PI wannabe, or the case. Talba, the neophyte in question, has her own issues and until the very end not much is done towards bringing a child rapist/murderer to justice and without the police that would have gone badly, too.
In real life Talba's career as a PI would have ended there. Already surrounded by police who don't know she is there, she stands and shoots "at" the bad guy, but would more likely have hit one of the cops on the far side of the circle and then been shot dead herself because they would have no idea if she was a good guy, or a bad guy, just that she appeared out of nowhere with a gun.
The dialogue is stilted, the narrative wooden and there are a lot of really weird, and not in a funny way, metaphors that don't really belong anywhere.
The only character I could really care about was her boyfriend Darryl, a truly kind, caring, with you to the end, kind of guy. We need more Darryl's in the world!
Veteran PI, Eddie, is so wrapped up in his own personal angst that he pays little attention to his neophyte PI wannabe, or the case. Talba, the neophyte in question, has her own issues and until the very end not much is done towards bringing a child rapist/murderer to justice and without the police that would have gone badly, too.
In real life Talba's career as a PI would have ended there. Already surrounded by police who don't know she is there, she stands and shoots "at" the bad guy, but would more likely have hit one of the cops on the far side of the circle and then been shot dead herself because they would have no idea if she was a good guy, or a bad guy, just that she appeared out of nowhere with a gun.
The dialogue is stilted, the narrative wooden and there are a lot of really weird, and not in a funny way, metaphors that don't really belong anywhere.
The only character I could really care about was her boyfriend Darryl, a truly kind, caring, with you to the end, kind of guy. We need more Darryl's in the world!
November 12, 2011
You like unusual, flamboyant, poetical, characters in your mysteries? Meet Baroness Pontalba. You like strong female detectives, willing to step in when it's required? Meet Talba Wallis. You want atmospheric, moody, exotic and even dangerous settings in your crime fiction? Meet New Orleans. Read Louisiana Hotshot.
Julie Smith, author of over a dozen good novels already, has fashioned a top-notch story with a vast cast of eccentric, often lovable, sometimes dangerous, characters and put them into out of the ordinary action. And, if the resolution is a little out of focus, it certainly is consistent in tone and true to the characters and the situation.
Poets, whether in New Orleans or elsewhere, generally don't make much money. And even with her exotic good looks, her undeniable talent, the Baroness Pontalba requires something a little more substantial to maintain her life style. She's gaining considerable respect in the avant guarde circles of smoky clubs and loose societies of struggling writers, but that respect and even acclaim doesn't pay the bills. So the Baroness, as Talba Wallis (almost her real name), cranks up her top-of-the line computer skills and answers an ad for a young computer nerd. Turns out, a small private investigative agency operated by Eddie Valentino placed the ad and Talba soon has a day job, her investigator's license, and is neck deep in an investigation of a nasty child abuse case.
Eddie Valentino is white, old, from New Jersey, and comes with an unusual family. He hates computers. Talba Wallis is black, native New Orleans, and comes with an unusual family. She's a computer whiz. The case starts with a very angry woman who tells Valentino that her young daughter was raped at a party by a man known only as Toes. The case is complex, convoluted and you'll have to read to book to learn more. Anyway, it is the writing, the atmosphere and the characters that make this an outstanding novel, a great read. I look forward eagerly to more encounters with Eddie and the Baroness, mama, Angie and the rest.
Julie Smith, author of over a dozen good novels already, has fashioned a top-notch story with a vast cast of eccentric, often lovable, sometimes dangerous, characters and put them into out of the ordinary action. And, if the resolution is a little out of focus, it certainly is consistent in tone and true to the characters and the situation.
Poets, whether in New Orleans or elsewhere, generally don't make much money. And even with her exotic good looks, her undeniable talent, the Baroness Pontalba requires something a little more substantial to maintain her life style. She's gaining considerable respect in the avant guarde circles of smoky clubs and loose societies of struggling writers, but that respect and even acclaim doesn't pay the bills. So the Baroness, as Talba Wallis (almost her real name), cranks up her top-of-the line computer skills and answers an ad for a young computer nerd. Turns out, a small private investigative agency operated by Eddie Valentino placed the ad and Talba soon has a day job, her investigator's license, and is neck deep in an investigation of a nasty child abuse case.
Eddie Valentino is white, old, from New Jersey, and comes with an unusual family. He hates computers. Talba Wallis is black, native New Orleans, and comes with an unusual family. She's a computer whiz. The case starts with a very angry woman who tells Valentino that her young daughter was raped at a party by a man known only as Toes. The case is complex, convoluted and you'll have to read to book to learn more. Anyway, it is the writing, the atmosphere and the characters that make this an outstanding novel, a great read. I look forward eagerly to more encounters with Eddie and the Baroness, mama, Angie and the rest.
September 19, 2019
Outstanding
Hooked from the very beginning. Talba is such an intriguing character, very complex with so many facets. There are multi layered plot lines intertwining with hold your breath moments throughout. Give it a shot. Good chance you'll like it!
Hooked from the very beginning. Talba is such an intriguing character, very complex with so many facets. There are multi layered plot lines intertwining with hold your breath moments throughout. Give it a shot. Good chance you'll like it!
June 2, 2024
First time reader. Now a fan. We are in New Orleans following Talba Wallis a sassy, ebony, fledgling private detective by day and by night she is Baroness Pontalba a poet famous in the cafe society. some one is killing local black girls and Talba and her boss Eddie Valentino plan to find the killer. enjoy.
June 14, 2013
Ah, New Orleans. The drug that is the heat and scents, the music and moans, life and death and destiny. The heart of a world both magical and profane. Where “church ladies” still wear hats and movements in the dark often presage the advent of violence and death.
Julie Smith knows New Orleans. She knows it beauty and it’s darkness. The sound of a young girls voice, raised in a pure gospel song. The poverty, the loss, the scent of fresh blood and death. Julie first caught my attention with “New Orleans Mourning” and that attention has never wavered. Her words paint the soul of New Orleans and it’s people, a painting by Diane Millsap rendered into nouns and verbs, vibrant and thrumming with life.
Julie’s newest character, The Baroness de Pontalba, also known as PI Eddie Valentino’s humble assistant Talba Wallis, is one of those characters I find myself instantly liking. A smart, sassy computer geek with potential to spare – if only she could drag herself out of New Orleans and find a real job. Living with mamma, Miz Clara, is fine and dandy with the Baroness, but she really has to get a job. When she does, with the erstwhile Eddie Valentino, what happens is by turn exciting, terrifying, funny and fascinating. It is, all-in-all, exactly what I would expect from the amazing Julie Smith.
When I have gone looking for new books by Julie, I have always searched for “Skip Langdon” by name, her famous New Orleans policewoman character. Therefore, I have missed the Talba Wallis series, a situation I have every intention of rectifying immediately. Talba is smart and accomplished, but she is also deeply damaged by a past she cannot remember and that no one seems to want to fill her in on. As she begins to have flashes of memory regarding her early life, the seemingly simple case she is working on with Eddie heats up to something that quickly spins out of control. The story is by turns heartbreaking and uplifting and I look forward with great eagerness to read the next installment and the next.
Julie Smith knows New Orleans. She knows it beauty and it’s darkness. The sound of a young girls voice, raised in a pure gospel song. The poverty, the loss, the scent of fresh blood and death. Julie first caught my attention with “New Orleans Mourning” and that attention has never wavered. Her words paint the soul of New Orleans and it’s people, a painting by Diane Millsap rendered into nouns and verbs, vibrant and thrumming with life.
Julie’s newest character, The Baroness de Pontalba, also known as PI Eddie Valentino’s humble assistant Talba Wallis, is one of those characters I find myself instantly liking. A smart, sassy computer geek with potential to spare – if only she could drag herself out of New Orleans and find a real job. Living with mamma, Miz Clara, is fine and dandy with the Baroness, but she really has to get a job. When she does, with the erstwhile Eddie Valentino, what happens is by turn exciting, terrifying, funny and fascinating. It is, all-in-all, exactly what I would expect from the amazing Julie Smith.
When I have gone looking for new books by Julie, I have always searched for “Skip Langdon” by name, her famous New Orleans policewoman character. Therefore, I have missed the Talba Wallis series, a situation I have every intention of rectifying immediately. Talba is smart and accomplished, but she is also deeply damaged by a past she cannot remember and that no one seems to want to fill her in on. As she begins to have flashes of memory regarding her early life, the seemingly simple case she is working on with Eddie heats up to something that quickly spins out of control. The story is by turns heartbreaking and uplifting and I look forward with great eagerness to read the next installment and the next.
September 11, 2020
Compelling
A different take on a crime type book that I found very appealing. Read it straight thru in a couple of days. I really liked it and recommend it highly.
A different take on a crime type book that I found very appealing. Read it straight thru in a couple of days. I really liked it and recommend it highly.
September 4, 2017
I liked this strange little New Orleans mystery starring Talba Wallis, aka The Baroness, who lives with her aging but still scary mother and does computer work during the day and poetry at night. At first for a lark, but then more seriously, she becomes the assistant to a cantankerous but lovable middle aged Italian American private detective. Their two New Orleans (his, Italian American, hers, African American) are both explored as they collaborate on their first case. I liked the way their detecting seemed more realistic, with many false starts and a lot of confusion. But I liked the characters even more: The Baroness is the most interesting, with some question in her childhood that her family refuses to tell her about. I felt that Smith's racial and social class portrayal of New Orleans is a great side benefit to a mystery that is already interesting.
October 15, 2012
I liked this book. But it felt like it ended too soon. Talba Wallis is a complex character and too many things were left unexplained. If this were not part of a series the book would have to be rated much lower. It does not stand well on it's own. It could if Talba was not so complex. I suspect Miss Smith was asked to create a series on this character not a single novel. I must decide if I am willing to commit to the series. Right now, just finishing the book, I am irritated because the story is not finished. And I am more curious about Julie Smith's other New Orleans character, Skip Langdon. I know I want to dig into that series.
July 5, 2019
Every Character is a Character
Each person in this story is a hoot. The language changes for each interaction. Lots of interest is generated by good people trying to recover from doing bad things. The style of writing makes for easy reading, and just the right level of detail is supplied. The character of different ethnic groups is on display and feeds the plot. A very enjoyable read.
Each person in this story is a hoot. The language changes for each interaction. Lots of interest is generated by good people trying to recover from doing bad things. The style of writing makes for easy reading, and just the right level of detail is supplied. The character of different ethnic groups is on display and feeds the plot. A very enjoyable read.
June 8, 2015
Not my cup of tea
I usually read a book in about three days max. This one took me two weeks! I just could not stay with it. There were none of the usual errors. The editing was great. I guess the fact that it went on and on just lost me. I am sure that most will enjoy it. Thank goodness that we don't all love the same things.
I usually read a book in about three days max. This one took me two weeks! I just could not stay with it. There were none of the usual errors. The editing was great. I guess the fact that it went on and on just lost me. I am sure that most will enjoy it. Thank goodness that we don't all love the same things.
August 1, 2015
Alexander McCall Smith she's not
After starting reading this book I figured the writer was trying to do what author Mr. Smith did with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The main character, Talba Wallis, didn't ring true as an African American character. I read up to the 6th chapter and couldn't go any further.
After starting reading this book I figured the writer was trying to do what author Mr. Smith did with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The main character, Talba Wallis, didn't ring true as an African American character. I read up to the 6th chapter and couldn't go any further.
February 24, 2017
I wanted to like this book because I love New Orleans. The thing that irritated me was the dialogue. Would have been better written in third person rather than a 70+ author trying to sound like a twenty year old
March 25, 2018
4 Star
Have read later in series but not this one. Like the MC. Her turtle mode reactions to stress seem very credible.
Have read later in series but not this one. Like the MC. Her turtle mode reactions to stress seem very credible.
November 11, 2018
Story okay, but the style not for me. The ‘dialect’ writing was a distraction and for the most part over done.
October 6, 2019
Meh......it passed a few hours. The protagonist is quite a chars though.
February 27, 2023
**CONTAINS SPOILERS**. It took me far too long to finish this book because I really couldn't connect with any of the characters. The main thing that agitated me was the overuse of reminders that the main character, Talba, was black. I felt that the ethnic language was forced to a certain degree. It's almost like the author was itching to throw in the racist attack that happened to Talba, and then to leave her without processing it was odd. Eddie was unlikable, and I detested that Talba immediately imprinted on him despite his borderline racist, sexist, and abusive ideas and behavior. Talba was unlikable as well, but her behavior became more understandable as her story and memories evolved. Overall, I didn't enjoy the book until the last chapter, maybe because I really wanted to finish it. The way the author described Talba's anxiety and Eddie's panic attacks throughout the book was stressful, especially since the reader doesn't understand the source of their traumas until well over halfway through the story.
What redeemed the storyline was Talba becoming the hero. In a way, she needed to be the hero in order to remember her past. Which was needed to justify the whole story. And I can appreciate the character development of every character involved in the plot. Talba and Eddie are almost two sides of the same coin. Talba was a victim of childhood trauma that altered the lives and relationships of her entire family. Eddie created trauma that nearly destroyed himself and his family. So, in that way, I can see why they would be drawn to each other despite their obvious differences. The buildup of suspense was worth it for the ending. It's beautiful that the author inserted so much of New Orleans scenery and culture into the story. The vibe of the city was accurately portrayed, making it a great backdrop for a story about culture, crime, and a rich display of the arts.
When writing about race and culture relations, there is a fine line to walk between accurately portraying things as they are and exploiting things as they are for entertainment. I'm not sure where this story falls on that line.
What redeemed the storyline was Talba becoming the hero. In a way, she needed to be the hero in order to remember her past. Which was needed to justify the whole story. And I can appreciate the character development of every character involved in the plot. Talba and Eddie are almost two sides of the same coin. Talba was a victim of childhood trauma that altered the lives and relationships of her entire family. Eddie created trauma that nearly destroyed himself and his family. So, in that way, I can see why they would be drawn to each other despite their obvious differences. The buildup of suspense was worth it for the ending. It's beautiful that the author inserted so much of New Orleans scenery and culture into the story. The vibe of the city was accurately portrayed, making it a great backdrop for a story about culture, crime, and a rich display of the arts.
When writing about race and culture relations, there is a fine line to walk between accurately portraying things as they are and exploiting things as they are for entertainment. I'm not sure where this story falls on that line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
Louisiana Hotshot by Julie Smith is the first book in the Talba Wallis series. African American poet and performance artist Talba Wallis joins private investigator Eddie Valentino's agency and starts working on a case wher a 14 year old girl was molested by someone associated with the rap recording industry. They are hired by the mother to find the perpetrator but soon find themselves in danger when one of their leads is killed before they are able to speak to her, and they find that the rapist has powerful friends. A great start to the series. It seemed a bit strange to start off with, as Talba is an odd, quirky character but she seems to grow on you as the book progresses. She has a high profile in the performance art circuit and is known as the Baroness and she also has terrific computer skills, which are an asset to her detective work. Talba is also worried about her past as nobody seems to want to talk about her father and seem to be keeping secrets about him from her. I love the way Eddie has taken her under his wing and they both seem a good fit for the agency. After a slow start, the book gets better and better and draws you in. Entertaining and enjoyable.
April 1, 2021
This story is nothing like what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a crime story set in New Orleans, but instead that seemed to be only the subplot. The main story was about this young woman who takes a job with a private investigator and proceeds to make a name for herself. Her boss is totally screwed up and makes her life hell most of the time. But deep down they like each other. He's an old, fat white man and she's a healthy, young black woman.
Both of these characters are fighting demons from their past, and coming to grips with them is the major plot line of the story. They do it in different ways. At the end of the story I think they have mostly reconciled their past with the present, but with these two characters you can't be sure of anything. There are three more books to read and find out.
This book has charm, but the language takes some getting used to. I've never known anyone who talked like them. I guess it's all part of the fun of reading the book.
Both of these characters are fighting demons from their past, and coming to grips with them is the major plot line of the story. They do it in different ways. At the end of the story I think they have mostly reconciled their past with the present, but with these two characters you can't be sure of anything. There are three more books to read and find out.
This book has charm, but the language takes some getting used to. I've never known anyone who talked like them. I guess it's all part of the fun of reading the book.
March 21, 2020
I've been stockpiling Julie Smith's books forever -- they show up frequently on my "buy today for free" email lists. Finally decided I should read one and see if I really WANT to hoard them...
Yep...they are infinitely hoardable and a perfect read for uncertain, dark days.
In the Talba Wallis series, Talba, our girl detective is a tall, substantial, super intelligent computer genius/bohemian-dressing performance art poet. I loved her from her mama still living in the old house in the hood and I loved Talba's -- or The Baroness' as she prefers to be known, flamboyant purple and scarlet flowing pants, skirts, embroidered jackets and sequined hats. I loved her protective older brother and her very cool boyfriend.
Heck, I even loved her cranky, slightly racist old Italian PI boss. What's not to love!
Yep...they are infinitely hoardable and a perfect read for uncertain, dark days.
In the Talba Wallis series, Talba, our girl detective is a tall, substantial, super intelligent computer genius/bohemian-dressing performance art poet. I loved her from her mama still living in the old house in the hood and I loved Talba's -- or The Baroness' as she prefers to be known, flamboyant purple and scarlet flowing pants, skirts, embroidered jackets and sequined hats. I loved her protective older brother and her very cool boyfriend.
Heck, I even loved her cranky, slightly racist old Italian PI boss. What's not to love!
July 15, 2020
I feel I’m being overly generous with giving three stars. The author has written many books and I can see her age as growing up in a much different era.
I liked the (virtual) dust jacket write up of the book it sounded fast paced and interesting. The concept of a sassy young headstrong gal and an aging old man sounded like a fun match up in partners.
However, reading the book left me rather embarrassed. It seemed that all characters and institutions in the book were of the most negative stereotypes imaginable. The families had secrets that were off the hook. The reconciliations were unbelievable, based on the level of previous deceit.
If this first book had panned out, I’d intended to read the second book “Louisiana Big Shot”. I am choosing to decline. It’s interpretation, I’m sure. I never intended to write a negative review, but this is evidently what I wrote.
I liked the (virtual) dust jacket write up of the book it sounded fast paced and interesting. The concept of a sassy young headstrong gal and an aging old man sounded like a fun match up in partners.
However, reading the book left me rather embarrassed. It seemed that all characters and institutions in the book were of the most negative stereotypes imaginable. The families had secrets that were off the hook. The reconciliations were unbelievable, based on the level of previous deceit.
If this first book had panned out, I’d intended to read the second book “Louisiana Big Shot”. I am choosing to decline. It’s interpretation, I’m sure. I never intended to write a negative review, but this is evidently what I wrote.
February 6, 2020
The jury is still out for me on Julie Smith. I read one of her books years ago and was disappointed. Giving her a second chance with this one...I dunno. On the plus side, she creates original and likeable characters, and that's a strong plus. On the negative -- this was the introduction to two characters who will presumably be continued in a series, but even so, i kept being frustrated that they were spending so much time on their personal issues and not nearly enough in trying to find the kidnapped girl. Then when she finally did get back to the plot...it wasn't that good a plot. So -- try her one more time or give up on her? I do like the New Orleans setting, and I like the characters. Maybe.
December 17, 2020
What a hoot! How refreshing to read of an older PI who gets headaches from computers and hires a young black woman as his assistant. She’s smart as a whip, writes poetry, and is somewhat known in New Orleans as the Baroness de Pontalba. Eddie is an old curmudgeon, and he and his new assistant, clash every so often, like every time they meet face to face. He’s an ex-cop, she a graduate of Harvard.
The book is filled with scenery of NOLA, and some interesting tidbits of actual history. Remember the old Tennessee Williams play/movie, Streetcar Named Desire? (Stellllaaaaaa!!!!!) Well, there WAS a streetcar line called the Desire line. Who knew? I love it when I can learn something from a fun book.
I look forward to reading the next in the series to see what else Talba gets into.
The book is filled with scenery of NOLA, and some interesting tidbits of actual history. Remember the old Tennessee Williams play/movie, Streetcar Named Desire? (Stellllaaaaaa!!!!!) Well, there WAS a streetcar line called the Desire line. Who knew? I love it when I can learn something from a fun book.
I look forward to reading the next in the series to see what else Talba gets into.
June 8, 2021
"Ran out of steam"
I thought I was onto a winner when I read the opening chapters. New Orleans always makes a great setting. Eddie and the Baroness were as different as chalk and cheese, but stranger combinations have proved to be successful in the crime-fighting business in literature. Then around halfway through everything seemed laboured, even indulgent, and the early blazing fire became a slow burn. Despite several attempt in the final third to pick up the pace and relight my fire with frantic action, my enthusiasm never returned to the same level. In the end, I decided this was good, but not great.
I thought I was onto a winner when I read the opening chapters. New Orleans always makes a great setting. Eddie and the Baroness were as different as chalk and cheese, but stranger combinations have proved to be successful in the crime-fighting business in literature. Then around halfway through everything seemed laboured, even indulgent, and the early blazing fire became a slow burn. Despite several attempt in the final third to pick up the pace and relight my fire with frantic action, my enthusiasm never returned to the same level. In the end, I decided this was good, but not great.
September 15, 2021
I think that it’s a shame that anyone would give a book a bad review because the characters used curse words.The world is full of different types of people with different beliefs and upbringings, grow up and meet them. If a different form of language offends you , avoid this story. This is not a book you will enjoy. Don’t give the author a bad review. That’s like saying you don’t like chocolate chip cookies because there is chocolate in them.
This is a very well written, incredibly well edited story. I really enjoyed the various ethnic groups. I really , really enjoyed this book and look forward to more. Well DONE Ms. Smith!
This is a very well written, incredibly well edited story. I really enjoyed the various ethnic groups. I really , really enjoyed this book and look forward to more. Well DONE Ms. Smith!
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