All I Have is Blue

Skinny #3

by James Colbert

In his Skinny series James Colbert has created a refreshing different type of mystery novel, one that captures the seedy backstreets of New Orleans without exposing the reader to extensive samples of street lingo and bloody violence. The New Orleans cop who calls himself Skinny (introduced in Skinny Man), his partner Mike Theriot and his girlfriend Ruth find themselves involved with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms after Skinny and Ruth see a boat sinking on the Mississippi River. Skinny rescues 10-year-old Dwayne but can't save his father, the captain of the ship. Because the boat exploded, ATF agent Gratzke questions them, then releases Dwayne into Skinny and Ruth's care. They take him to his aunt's house, but she is killed and Dwayne runs away. Skinny is next contacted by a DEA agent who suspects the boat of drug running. Dwayne, the sole witness, is anxiously sought by many, including an ex-con hood who owns a string of nightclubs. Skinny and Ruth set out to find and protect Dwayne when they realize that the boy is being hunted not just for information but also by someone who wants him silenced. Thoughtful, quirky Skinny and down-to-earth Ruth make this somewhat convoluted story enjoyable and exciting.

Genres: Mystery

Audio Cassette

First published July 1, 1992

Reviews

[Andrew Vachss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent stylist with a sweet, hard-core soul.

[Spencer Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent modern thriller with lots of NOLA atmosphere, but fairly forgettable.