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Talba Wallis #1-4
The Complete Talba Wallis Series: Vol. 1-4
MYSTERY FICTION'S MOST DYNAMIC DETECTIVE DUO--IN A BOXED SET!Now you can get the entire 4-book Talba Wallis series by Edgar-Award winning author Julie Smith (plus bonus short story) at an irresistible price. Talba, aka poetess Baroness de Pontalba, has the beauty, the brains, the computer savvy, the poetic soul, the youth, the right demographic, and the sass. Eddie Valentino’s got the detective agency. Also a short fuse and yes, wisdom. Not only do they make it work, they’ve got chemistry. “The quirky pleasure of watching the Baroness strut her stuff is worth the price of admission.” —Houston Chronicle Vol. 1: LOUISIANA HOTSHOTIn 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. Vol. 2: LOUISIANA BIGSHOTThe hottest detective duo in New Orleans is going to need every skill and ounce of courage they can summon in this intricate tale of a decades-old conspiracy only now coming home to roost, with the murder of Talba’s friend Babalu Maya. Babalu is actually Clayton Robineau, daughter of the local banker in a small Louisiana town that bears her name, a town buried under the weight of its own malevolent past. As Talba and Eddie investigate, they find that something terrible happened to Clayton as a child, an injury—both pscyhic and physical--so bizarre, so shameful and damning that almost anyone in town would kill to cover it up. Vol. 3: LOUISIANA LAMENTOne stormy day Talba gets an emergency call from Janessa, the sister she barely knows, and arrives to find a body floating in a swimming pool—the mortal husk of Allyson Brown, known in New Orleans literary circles as the Girl Gatsby. Like Gatsby, Allyson was one of those mysterious rich people who move to town, give amazing parties, and seem made of moonbeams. Investigating, Talba finds the reality behind the Gatsby glamour. Allyson was a con artist who neglected her children, ignored her bills, and lied like a Ponzi schemer. But she wasn’t the only bad actor on the local literary scene. Fellow poet Rashad leads Talba a merry chase, leaving a trail of clues in the form of poetry, while novelists engage in fisticuffs, unseemly preening, and unforgivable arrogance. The Baroness discovers just how seamy, petty, and downright murderous her fellow literati can be.Vol. 4: P.I. ON A HOT TIN ROOFYOUR LAWYER NEEDS YOU TO BAIL HER OUT? ISN'T THAT KIND OF BACKWARDS? So thinks PI Talba Wallis, on her way to Parish Prison—and indeed something’s badly amiss. New Orleans’ most dynamic detective duo have a personal interest in this one—Eddie’s lawyer daughter Angie’s been set up for a drug bust. Talba embeds herself in the house of prominent Judge Buddy Champagne as a spy, and uncovers plenty of evidence the judge is dirty—but she doesn't count on how involved she was going to get—especially with Buddy’s 14-year-old daughter Lucy. There are plenty of mysterious twists and turns on the way to an ending guaranteed to surprise—but the real joy here is in the relationships. BONUS Talba Wallis Mystery Short Story-- KID TROMBONE!The Big Easy’s premier jazz singer, Queenie Feran, thinks there’s more to her ex-husband’s death than an a
1405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2020
1555 people are currently reading
525 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 38 reviews
March 23, 2020
3.5 or so
I've actually read most if not all of these before. I wish Amazon had a function that linked multivolume books to the single volumes and would tell me "you own X out of Y of the contents of the volume already." In any case, I needed a safe choice. Reading I could enjoy and not get overly annnoyed at as thorough distraction. These worked as needed.
I've actually read most if not all of these before. I wish Amazon had a function that linked multivolume books to the single volumes and would tell me "you own X out of Y of the contents of the volume already." In any case, I needed a safe choice. Reading I could enjoy and not get overly annnoyed at as thorough distraction. These worked as needed.
October 6, 2021
Love Talba Wallis! Computer wizard and performance poet who goes to work as a PI, this character is well formed in the first book. These four books are definitely worth the read. Murder mystery and poetry set in the Big Easy. How can you go wrong.
Want to read
October 8, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon today (10/8/2020)! 🎁
April 15, 2021
These are very entertaining books! Talba Willis is a real character. In her role as a private investigator she shows imagination and determination. She's not afraid to follow whatever lead presents itself. In each successive story she becomes more capable and experienced. Much of this is because of her boss and mentor, Eddie Valentino. The relationship between Talba and Eddie is unique. Eddie actually has a lot of respect for Talba, but he seldom shows it. Instead, he frequently criticizes her, but Talba knows he always has her back.
In Talba's other role of the Baronnes de Pontalba she shines as a poet. Many of her poems are truly wonderful and heartfelt. In the last of these books, she uses this character to work magic in the lives of two girls, bringing them together to develop a friendship and to support each other. This book, P. I. on a Hot Tin Roof, definitely deserves 5 stars. It was a great way to end the series and make me eager to read the next Talba Wallis book!
In Talba's other role of the Baronnes de Pontalba she shines as a poet. Many of her poems are truly wonderful and heartfelt. In the last of these books, she uses this character to work magic in the lives of two girls, bringing them together to develop a friendship and to support each other. This book, P. I. on a Hot Tin Roof, definitely deserves 5 stars. It was a great way to end the series and make me eager to read the next Talba Wallis book!
October 31, 2020
Highly entertaining!
I received these three books free through Many Books.
My review is my way of thanking the skilled author of these modern African American fiction novels, which I found highly entertaining, is to award her with a five-star rating.
Firstly, I adore long stories.
For me, the story dragged a little at the beginning of the third volume, but not enough to reduce my five-star rating. I read to relax and to be amused.
Author Julie Smith immediately caught my attention with the highly amusing dialog such as these extracts.
Its funny:
"Oh, yes. Talba was not only under thirty, but well under twenty-five, and already she knew everything about eyes like that— everything except what they meant when they were underscored by velvet-soft pouches so big they needed a bra;
When Eddie Valentino spoke again, interrupting her silent ocular love song, she nearly did a double take. “I’ll think about it, Ms. Wallis.”
Somewhere between the lizardly hoods of his eyes and the purple luggage below was a glint of amusement. He was playing with her."
Its relatable:
And can't every parent of a teenager identify with this? "Cassandra telegraphed her a couple of hate-rays,"
Its opinionated and sensitive:
"But it occurred to her now that this woman, so strong on the outside, had internal wounds so severe she didn’t even have the self-esteem to get rid of a scrofulous piece of shit who was cheating on her."
Its frequently chuckle-aloud worthy:
"Eddie said, “Put your head in my lap.” “Do what?” “Just do it!” He pulled her down, and as she floundered, struggling for breath, she raised an outraged face in his direction. He had his head back against the seat, mouth open, eyes closed, and he was breathing heavily. Getting the hang of things, she started to move her head in a rocking rhythm. “Excuse me!” Jason said loudly, almost shouting, whereupon Eddie raised his head, faked a beautiful deer-in-the-headlights, and then there was silence, as Jason realized what he’d interrupted—or thought he had. Talba heard nothing for a moment, and then laughing, as Jason apparently told Sweet Thing the coast was clear—there were neither casing burglars nor spying PIs out there, just a couple of crazies getting off."
Its ireverant:
"If she ran into God in a dark alley, she’d probably pull out the pepper spray."
And so much more. Highly amusing and entertaining. Thank you Julie Smith and Many Books!
I received these three books free through Many Books.
My review is my way of thanking the skilled author of these modern African American fiction novels, which I found highly entertaining, is to award her with a five-star rating.
Firstly, I adore long stories.
For me, the story dragged a little at the beginning of the third volume, but not enough to reduce my five-star rating. I read to relax and to be amused.
Author Julie Smith immediately caught my attention with the highly amusing dialog such as these extracts.
Its funny:
"Oh, yes. Talba was not only under thirty, but well under twenty-five, and already she knew everything about eyes like that— everything except what they meant when they were underscored by velvet-soft pouches so big they needed a bra;
When Eddie Valentino spoke again, interrupting her silent ocular love song, she nearly did a double take. “I’ll think about it, Ms. Wallis.”
Somewhere between the lizardly hoods of his eyes and the purple luggage below was a glint of amusement. He was playing with her."
Its relatable:
And can't every parent of a teenager identify with this? "Cassandra telegraphed her a couple of hate-rays,"
Its opinionated and sensitive:
"But it occurred to her now that this woman, so strong on the outside, had internal wounds so severe she didn’t even have the self-esteem to get rid of a scrofulous piece of shit who was cheating on her."
Its frequently chuckle-aloud worthy:
"Eddie said, “Put your head in my lap.” “Do what?” “Just do it!” He pulled her down, and as she floundered, struggling for breath, she raised an outraged face in his direction. He had his head back against the seat, mouth open, eyes closed, and he was breathing heavily. Getting the hang of things, she started to move her head in a rocking rhythm. “Excuse me!” Jason said loudly, almost shouting, whereupon Eddie raised his head, faked a beautiful deer-in-the-headlights, and then there was silence, as Jason realized what he’d interrupted—or thought he had. Talba heard nothing for a moment, and then laughing, as Jason apparently told Sweet Thing the coast was clear—there were neither casing burglars nor spying PIs out there, just a couple of crazies getting off."
Its ireverant:
"If she ran into God in a dark alley, she’d probably pull out the pepper spray."
And so much more. Highly amusing and entertaining. Thank you Julie Smith and Many Books!
September 20, 2025
Sassy, smart, and fearless—Talba Wallis takes on New Orleans crime with poetic fire.
Talba Wallis—poet, tech whiz, and undercover PI—teams up with gruff detective Eddie Valentino in a series that dives deep into the heart of New Orleans crime. From hunting a dangerous predator in the music scene to unraveling a decades-old conspiracy, Talba’s cases are as personal as they are perilous. Whether she’s chasing clues through the city’s literary elite or infiltrating the home of a corrupt judge, Talba brings sass, smarts, and soul to every investigation. The Complete Talba Wallis Series: Vol. 1–4 delivers four gripping mysteries and a bonus short story packed with twists, heart, and Southern heat. Get your copy now and follow Talba into the shadows of the Big Easy.
• ASIN: B01EKKIDMM
• Publisher: booksBnimble
• Publication Date: 4/19/2016
• File Size: 10.8 MB
• Print Length: 1160 pages
• Genre: Mystery Anthologies - Private Investigator Mysteries
Talba Wallis—poet, tech whiz, and undercover PI—teams up with gruff detective Eddie Valentino in a series that dives deep into the heart of New Orleans crime. From hunting a dangerous predator in the music scene to unraveling a decades-old conspiracy, Talba’s cases are as personal as they are perilous. Whether she’s chasing clues through the city’s literary elite or infiltrating the home of a corrupt judge, Talba brings sass, smarts, and soul to every investigation. The Complete Talba Wallis Series: Vol. 1–4 delivers four gripping mysteries and a bonus short story packed with twists, heart, and Southern heat. Get your copy now and follow Talba into the shadows of the Big Easy.
• ASIN: B01EKKIDMM
• Publisher: booksBnimble
• Publication Date: 4/19/2016
• File Size: 10.8 MB
• Print Length: 1160 pages
• Genre: Mystery Anthologies - Private Investigator Mysteries
October 7, 2020
I have so much enjoyed Talba, Eddie, Angie, and Miz Clara throughout this series. The N'Awlins flavour is authentic and clear, the ease with which Julie talks about race and racial issues and non-issues is lovely, and the action, while fascinating, is secondary to some wonderfully drawn and detailed characters. There is the villainous (maybe) person you might love to hate, and the really nasty one who, fortunately, is dead, and the ever surprising stereotype-busting Eddie Valentino who watches and ponders as Talba goes full steam ahead. I have loved these books and have actively slowed my reading speed to make the final volume last longer. Thank you, Julie Smith, for some fabulous people to think about!
February 14, 2021
If you appreciate what we used to refer to as "blank verse", and are content to be hit with blasphemy on almost every page, then you may be able to keep up with the convoluted story of the self-styled "Baroness".
Personally, I was brought up on "proper" poetry - with verses, scan, rhyme, etc. Indeed, as a much younger person, I won many competitions, and even have my Cert from Trinity College of Music, London, for "verse-speaking". My personal faith does not approve of blasphemy of any kind.
I struggled through these books, simply because I wanted to find out the conclusion of each story - but will certainly not be acquiring any others!
I have given one star - simply because giving any less (i.e. zero!) would not count!
Personally, I was brought up on "proper" poetry - with verses, scan, rhyme, etc. Indeed, as a much younger person, I won many competitions, and even have my Cert from Trinity College of Music, London, for "verse-speaking". My personal faith does not approve of blasphemy of any kind.
I struggled through these books, simply because I wanted to find out the conclusion of each story - but will certainly not be acquiring any others!
I have given one star - simply because giving any less (i.e. zero!) would not count!
October 30, 2020
Talba Walis, computer genius, learning PI, by trade, and Baroness de Pontalba by wishes.
Talba Walis is a women of many talents, computer genius, and in training PI to Eddy Valentine her mentor. And poetess Baroness de Ponalba every chance she can get in front of mike or publish. It is surprising how the two careers can mix. These exciting four stories are stand alone but still have the rich mix of characters that belong to both Talba and Eddy. And it is delightful to watch how they develop throughout the stories. Lots of murders, sex, language and delightful people. Worth reading twice not just once. So much fun. Waiting for more!
Talba Walis is a women of many talents, computer genius, and in training PI to Eddy Valentine her mentor. And poetess Baroness de Ponalba every chance she can get in front of mike or publish. It is surprising how the two careers can mix. These exciting four stories are stand alone but still have the rich mix of characters that belong to both Talba and Eddy. And it is delightful to watch how they develop throughout the stories. Lots of murders, sex, language and delightful people. Worth reading twice not just once. So much fun. Waiting for more!
August 17, 2020
Talba Wallis
I totally enjoyed reading the Skip Langdon books by Julie Smith which introduced Talba Wallis to the world so I was very glad the series lived up to my expectations. Talba Wallis is exciting and a little quirky. She's a private detective and a flamboyant poet, her boyfriend, her boss and her mother and other characters all add humor and depth to the books. The cases she solves in her own way and with some help from Skip Langdon were exciting and interesting. Julie Smith has written another great series.
I totally enjoyed reading the Skip Langdon books by Julie Smith which introduced Talba Wallis to the world so I was very glad the series lived up to my expectations. Talba Wallis is exciting and a little quirky. She's a private detective and a flamboyant poet, her boyfriend, her boss and her mother and other characters all add humor and depth to the books. The cases she solves in her own way and with some help from Skip Langdon were exciting and interesting. Julie Smith has written another great series.
September 29, 2020
My God! What a voice!
The Talba Wallis stories have me totally hooked on this author. Talba is a Personality. Real, complex, straightforward, and delightful. You want to KNOW this girl and all her friends. She’s brilliant, scarred but valiant, and wholly engaging. In short, I read thes books and the little short story lagniappe in a weekend binge and don’t regret it one bit. If you like sassy, well plotted, riveting stories with totally fascinating characters, you’ve come to the right writer.
The Talba Wallis stories have me totally hooked on this author. Talba is a Personality. Real, complex, straightforward, and delightful. You want to KNOW this girl and all her friends. She’s brilliant, scarred but valiant, and wholly engaging. In short, I read thes books and the little short story lagniappe in a weekend binge and don’t regret it one bit. If you like sassy, well plotted, riveting stories with totally fascinating characters, you’ve come to the right writer.
July 24, 2021
These are as enjoyable as the Skip Langdon series!
I’d read the Skip Langdon series a year or more ago, so I already knew that I liked Julie Smith’s writing. This Talba series is outstanding! It has kept me reading and reading, until I finished all four. Talba has made a great P.I., and Eddie is a great addition! You feel like you’re familiar with, and there in, New Orleans as you read these. The characters are fully fleshed out and the stories keep you guessing. Can’t wait to read more!
I’d read the Skip Langdon series a year or more ago, so I already knew that I liked Julie Smith’s writing. This Talba series is outstanding! It has kept me reading and reading, until I finished all four. Talba has made a great P.I., and Eddie is a great addition! You feel like you’re familiar with, and there in, New Orleans as you read these. The characters are fully fleshed out and the stories keep you guessing. Can’t wait to read more!
August 17, 2022
Really grows on you.
I remember Talba Wallis from the Skip Langdon books and here, in her own series, we really do get to know her. A poetess of the highest regard in New Orleans and now a PI as well.
Been good fun reading about her exploits and how she goes "turtle" every now and then. You will have to read the books to understand that. The humorous relationship she has with her boss, Eddie, as well as her mother and boyfriend. Not giving any plots away I am afraid.
Has been a real joy to read these as I was not too sure at the start but glad I persevered.
I remember Talba Wallis from the Skip Langdon books and here, in her own series, we really do get to know her. A poetess of the highest regard in New Orleans and now a PI as well.
Been good fun reading about her exploits and how she goes "turtle" every now and then. You will have to read the books to understand that. The humorous relationship she has with her boss, Eddie, as well as her mother and boyfriend. Not giving any plots away I am afraid.
Has been a real joy to read these as I was not too sure at the start but glad I persevered.
May 21, 2020
I'm hooked on Talba Wallis!
Julie Smith has done a great job with character development. I can see Talba, Miz Clara, Eddie and all the characters in my mind as I read. The plots are good and not a lot of violence. Each book stands alone with details filled in about the characters. I read the books in order, but whatever order read all the Talba Wallis stories!
Now I need to start reading the Slip Langdon series.
Julie Smith has done a great job with character development. I can see Talba, Miz Clara, Eddie and all the characters in my mind as I read. The plots are good and not a lot of violence. Each book stands alone with details filled in about the characters. I read the books in order, but whatever order read all the Talba Wallis stories!
Now I need to start reading the Slip Langdon series.
September 28, 2020
A riveting read
Wow! What a delightfully enjoyable read, so much so that I ended up binge reading all 4 books in as many days. The plot lines in all 4 books were well constructed and the “final reveal” of the villain was always a surprise. The cast of recurring characters were so interesting that any of them could star in a “spin off” series.
Wow! What a delightfully enjoyable read, so much so that I ended up binge reading all 4 books in as many days. The plot lines in all 4 books were well constructed and the “final reveal” of the villain was always a surprise. The cast of recurring characters were so interesting that any of them could star in a “spin off” series.
January 22, 2021
I love this author. I have enjoyed everything I have read by her and the Talba series did not disappoint. I have not once figured out whodunnit which is amazing. I love the characters. The New Orleans ambience is as true as mu wonderful memories of the city. Even the bad guys are not usually totally bad. Very human. Unhesitatingly recommended.
October 19, 2025
Mysteries in New Orleans
Fun series, set in New Orleans P.I.Talba Wallis is s young poet and computer wiz working for a senior P.I. and learning the ropes. The characters are eccentric, the mysteries fast paced and exciting-you don't want to miss these! I loved the setting in New Orleans, a character in it's own right.
Fun series, set in New Orleans P.I.Talba Wallis is s young poet and computer wiz working for a senior P.I. and learning the ropes. The characters are eccentric, the mysteries fast paced and exciting-you don't want to miss these! I loved the setting in New Orleans, a character in it's own right.
June 8, 2020
I love, love, love Julie Smith's books! This bundle featuring Talba Wallis, an African-American PI in New Orleans certainly did not disappoint. Lots of interesting, well-developed characters and good editing.
October 12, 2020
Excellent
These stories are engrossing, hard to put down, very believable plots, and most of all the best character descriptions. The people and places are so interesting that the the conclusion is secondary. Very enjoyable.
These stories are engrossing, hard to put down, very believable plots, and most of all the best character descriptions. The people and places are so interesting that the the conclusion is secondary. Very enjoyable.
October 18, 2020
Outstanding series
I read one and just had to go back and read the whole series. I really could not stop reading them. I’m sorry they are over. Definitely going to read more by this author!
I read one and just had to go back and read the whole series. I really could not stop reading them. I’m sorry they are over. Definitely going to read more by this author!
December 7, 2020
Julie Smith didn't disappoint with this series. New Orleans is full of characters, probably like no other town, and she marched out several of them. Talba being the star! Well written and carefully plotted.
December 13, 2021
Amazing characters
Talba Wallis is the kind of PI everyone should get to know.
She provides heart, comedy and extraordinary skills.
Julie Smith has created a world I want to visit.
Talba Wallis is the kind of PI everyone should get to know.
She provides heart, comedy and extraordinary skills.
Julie Smith has created a world I want to visit.
September 19, 2025
Engrossing
I find that words cannot describe these novels! Its full of twists and has so many Interesting plots and you cannot master them. My salute to Julie Smith! Well worth reading and hard to put down!
I find that words cannot describe these novels! Its full of twists and has so many Interesting plots and you cannot master them. My salute to Julie Smith! Well worth reading and hard to put down!
Want to read
February 8, 2020TheFussyLibrarian
October 5, 2020
Kept my interest throughout
I thoroughly enjoyed the Talba Wallis series. Talba is as rich and layered a character as her mother is predictable and reliable.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Talba Wallis series. Talba is as rich and layered a character as her mother is predictable and reliable.
January 3, 2021
Interesting stories
The stories were really interesting and I had trouble putting them down. I am glad all four stories were available.
The stories were really interesting and I had trouble putting them down. I am glad all four stories were available.
February 16, 2021
Wonderful Characters
Julie Smith's Talba Wallace series has everything a crime mystery reader wants. I'm smitten, and I want more. I want to keep hanging out with her characters.
Julie Smith's Talba Wallace series has everything a crime mystery reader wants. I'm smitten, and I want more. I want to keep hanging out with her characters.
May 6, 2021
This is a great set of novels!
I enjoyed reading these books because I believe the situations are realistic enough that they could be true. Julie Smith is a great writer!
I enjoyed reading these books because I believe the situations are realistic enough that they could be true. Julie Smith is a great writer!
June 16, 2021
This character is refreshing. Is honest until her boss teaches her to lie. They are Private Detectives. Has murder and family disfunction. Fun read.
July 27, 2021
Great read
The series was very good kept you guessing who did it. Will be reading more of Julie Smith books. Also made you feel at home in New Orleans.
The series was very good kept you guessing who did it. Will be reading more of Julie Smith books. Also made you feel at home in New Orleans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews