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Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans: Shelly's Journey Begins
"Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans" is author Sherrie Miranda’s prequel to her page-turner, debut thriller, "Secrets and Lies in El Salvador". Shelly Dalton Smith is a naïve, twenty-three-year-old from Upstate New York who moves to New Orleans to prepare for a photo project in war-torn El Salvador. Shelly arrives in New Orleans, broken and traumatized and therefore unable to trust her own instincts. New Orleans represents the fresh start Shelly needs, but she soon finds that almost everyone in New Orleans harbors a secret. She’s unprepared for life in “The Big Easy,” and her world is turned upside down as she navigates “the city that care forgot.” With fast-paced chapters and beautifully detailed conversations and descriptions, we see New Orleans through Shelly’s innocent eyes as she realizes the sheltered life she had lived was a lie. She experiences sexism and witnesses racism, police brutality, FBI visits, death threats, and two people’s captivity by her former boss. Through her misadventures and exciting plot twists, Shelly focuses on fighting injustice, ultimately finding her authentic voice as an empowered adult. When she finally leaves New Orleans, she is forever changed. The novel is a wild ride through the underbelly of 1980s New Orleans and is filled with quirky characters, sinister abusers, and thrilling secrets and revelations.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2020
7 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Sherrie Miranda
2 books149 followersSherrie Miranda is an author who writes in order to create more peace and understanding in the world. She is a teacher who has taught students from many countries of the world. She is also a life and writing coach and hopes to soon find a way to help seniors and troubled teens write their life stories.
She loves to travel and first traveled to other countries before finally deciding to see some of the U.S., places that foreigners she met had been to, but that she hadn't.
She is happily married to a retired teacher who identifies himself first, as a musician. They hope to someday travel together to places where she reads her novel(s) and speaks to people about writing and life while Angelo plays his piano and entertains the audience.
Life has much to offer so she always encourages young people to hang in there and know that things WILL get better.
She loves to travel and first traveled to other countries before finally deciding to see some of the U.S., places that foreigners she met had been to, but that she hadn't.
She is happily married to a retired teacher who identifies himself first, as a musician. They hope to someday travel together to places where she reads her novel(s) and speaks to people about writing and life while Angelo plays his piano and entertains the audience.
Life has much to offer so she always encourages young people to hang in there and know that things WILL get better.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 14, 2021
Subtitled ‘Shelly’s Journey Begins’, this book is a prequal to the authors debut thriller ‘Secrets and Lies in El Salvador’, which I’ve also read and reviewed. Both books are well worth anyone’s cash and time.
Set in New Orleans at the start of the 1980s, this story reveals a city seen through the eyes of a caring and intelligent but naïve, young woman who arrives there already traumatised and damaged by her home life and an event she cannot forget.
What is most surprising about this emotionally fragile woman is her combination of fear of known risks and her courage in facing them. That her life events have failed to embitter her, failed to make her selfish and isolated comes as a pleasant surprise. She is warm, approachable, kind and loving in spite of her experience, and this brings an element of much-needed hope into a book that exposes the corrupt, self-serving, prejudiced underbelly of a dangerous city in a country that still harbours the wild survival nature of its past.
We are introduced to a police force mostly comprised of ignorant white men with no concern for law, justice or peace-making. Men who are casual about the lives of women and of anyone not of their own perceived class or colour. We meet bosses who illustrate a complete lack of knowledge of how to run a business properly and who place no value on those who do the work that brings in the income they so clearly believe they deserve. And, lurking poorly concealed in the murky underworld, the FBI takes on its usual role of upholding the prejudices and concerns of the white, wealthy, religious, hypocrites who truly run the country.
The city we travel through with Shelly, often on foot, is shown as superficially vibrant but basically a dangerous and dark place where the authorities prey on those they are employed to protect, where misogyny, racism, and prejudice are rife.
For Shelly, the journey is an introduction to the realities of life in southern, urban USA, where life is cheap, especially for women and the underprivileged, and where hypocrisy rules above real concern and fellow feeling. She navigates the dangerous streets with courage, gradually growing less concerned about her own vulnerability and more outraged at the treatment of the poor, immigrants, and those with darker skin tones.
But this story is not all about the inhumanity of the human race. There is love here, generosity, friendship, support and, most essentially, humour.
It’s far from an easy read for anyone with empathy. And many readers, including those in America, perhaps even in the city itself, will be appalled at the revelations the book contains. Others will shrug, indifferent, and continue to live lives concerned only with the ambition and selfishness the daily search for the sacred dollar seems to instil in so many.
I seem to have recently read a series of books I feel the world should read. This is one in that class.
Set in New Orleans at the start of the 1980s, this story reveals a city seen through the eyes of a caring and intelligent but naïve, young woman who arrives there already traumatised and damaged by her home life and an event she cannot forget.
What is most surprising about this emotionally fragile woman is her combination of fear of known risks and her courage in facing them. That her life events have failed to embitter her, failed to make her selfish and isolated comes as a pleasant surprise. She is warm, approachable, kind and loving in spite of her experience, and this brings an element of much-needed hope into a book that exposes the corrupt, self-serving, prejudiced underbelly of a dangerous city in a country that still harbours the wild survival nature of its past.
We are introduced to a police force mostly comprised of ignorant white men with no concern for law, justice or peace-making. Men who are casual about the lives of women and of anyone not of their own perceived class or colour. We meet bosses who illustrate a complete lack of knowledge of how to run a business properly and who place no value on those who do the work that brings in the income they so clearly believe they deserve. And, lurking poorly concealed in the murky underworld, the FBI takes on its usual role of upholding the prejudices and concerns of the white, wealthy, religious, hypocrites who truly run the country.
The city we travel through with Shelly, often on foot, is shown as superficially vibrant but basically a dangerous and dark place where the authorities prey on those they are employed to protect, where misogyny, racism, and prejudice are rife.
For Shelly, the journey is an introduction to the realities of life in southern, urban USA, where life is cheap, especially for women and the underprivileged, and where hypocrisy rules above real concern and fellow feeling. She navigates the dangerous streets with courage, gradually growing less concerned about her own vulnerability and more outraged at the treatment of the poor, immigrants, and those with darker skin tones.
But this story is not all about the inhumanity of the human race. There is love here, generosity, friendship, support and, most essentially, humour.
It’s far from an easy read for anyone with empathy. And many readers, including those in America, perhaps even in the city itself, will be appalled at the revelations the book contains. Others will shrug, indifferent, and continue to live lives concerned only with the ambition and selfishness the daily search for the sacred dollar seems to instil in so many.
I seem to have recently read a series of books I feel the world should read. This is one in that class.
February 20, 2021
This book "Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" is the first book I have ever read about crime scenes.
Honestly, it's non-fiction incorporated into fiction. Such that, the author beautifully knows how to write about what she has lived.
Embedded with the skills to twist the reader's focus, thereby, putting him or her in suspense. How I love that hehe
I shall be grabbing a paperback version of this soon. So I can keep it safe in my bookshelves.
Honestly, it's non-fiction incorporated into fiction. Such that, the author beautifully knows how to write about what she has lived.
Embedded with the skills to twist the reader's focus, thereby, putting him or her in suspense. How I love that hehe
I shall be grabbing a paperback version of this soon. So I can keep it safe in my bookshelves.
April 10, 2021
This is a great book that tells a story that is insightful, tragic, educational, and inspirational at the same time. It was great to see how Shelly's worldview evolves throughout the book as she is confronted with different challenges that is thrown at her. I really enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes and learning a lot about a time when I was a teenager.
The backdrop of New Orleans in most of the story made it engaging for me, since I loved its rich history. There was a wonderful use of New Orlean's landmarks and different groups to educate people about sexism and racism. I would definitely recommend this book to those that love a good story and to learn about journey through life that is different than theirs.
The backdrop of New Orleans in most of the story made it engaging for me, since I loved its rich history. There was a wonderful use of New Orlean's landmarks and different groups to educate people about sexism and racism. I would definitely recommend this book to those that love a good story and to learn about journey through life that is different than theirs.
December 1, 2020
CRIMES AND IMPUNITY IN NEW ORLEANS
Breaking out. Shelly Dalton Smith, university age and longing and needing to get away from her family, receives an invitation to take portraits of Salvadorans during the Civil War in that country. Eager to develop her photographing skills and discover her own life, she spends several months in New Orleans where she prepares to head to El Salvador sponsored as not a war photographer but a portrait taker, whatever that might mean. New Orleans provides a series of stiff social shocks to Shelly, as she learns to watch herself in a dangerous area and manages to slide through several attempts to whisk her into unfathomable darkness.
Breaking out. Shelly Dalton Smith, university age and longing and needing to get away from her family, receives an invitation to take portraits of Salvadorans during the Civil War in that country. Eager to develop her photographing skills and discover her own life, she spends several months in New Orleans where she prepares to head to El Salvador sponsored as not a war photographer but a portrait taker, whatever that might mean. New Orleans provides a series of stiff social shocks to Shelly, as she learns to watch herself in a dangerous area and manages to slide through several attempts to whisk her into unfathomable darkness.
June 22, 2022
Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans is an outstanding book rendering a realistic and shocking vision of life in New Orleans. The main protagonist, Shelly, is a highly intelligent young woman who yearns to go to El Salvador to work as a photo journalist. This is easier said than done since she doesn't have a lot of money. First, she has to conquer a few unspoken obstacles that commonly face young people today. Then she has to save enough money in New Orleans, where she has decided to work, to get started out. She hopes to earn the trust of an organization that will choose her as a photographer.
As Shelly works hard to fulfill her dreams, she witnesses the obstacles that others face in the Southern United States of America. Some of these obstacles include police misconduct, managerial exploitation of employees, and various forms of discrimination.
Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans appeals to intelligent readers who enjoy strong, thoughtful female protagonists aiming to make a difference in the world. I'm so glad I read this book, and I look forward to reading all of Sherrie Miranda's books!
As Shelly works hard to fulfill her dreams, she witnesses the obstacles that others face in the Southern United States of America. Some of these obstacles include police misconduct, managerial exploitation of employees, and various forms of discrimination.
Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans appeals to intelligent readers who enjoy strong, thoughtful female protagonists aiming to make a difference in the world. I'm so glad I read this book, and I look forward to reading all of Sherrie Miranda's books!
November 29, 2020
From Amazon: 5 *s
Review: Shelly’s journey in “the city that care forgot.”
Sherrie Miranda’s new novel “Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans” puts the reader into a whirlwind of political protests, abusive police, sexist attitudes towards women, and “good old boys” racism in 1980’s New Orleans. Miranda’s second novel follows Shelly, the young northerner, as she quickly finds out that she “isn’t in Kansas anymore” while encountering a slew of picturesque, colorful characters. Reading her book makes you wonder if justice and respect for blacks, immigrants, and women can be reality in America.
"Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08KMHNNDK
Review: Shelly’s journey in “the city that care forgot.”
Sherrie Miranda’s new novel “Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans” puts the reader into a whirlwind of political protests, abusive police, sexist attitudes towards women, and “good old boys” racism in 1980’s New Orleans. Miranda’s second novel follows Shelly, the young northerner, as she quickly finds out that she “isn’t in Kansas anymore” while encountering a slew of picturesque, colorful characters. Reading her book makes you wonder if justice and respect for blacks, immigrants, and women can be reality in America.
"Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08KMHNNDK
April 5, 2023
An informative and eye-opening story
Through the voice of the protagonist Shelly, the author captures historical events and heartfelt devastation experienced upon many social levels still unresolved globally in today's world. Shelly's character and desire to make the world a better place and help others less fortunate to promote equality, honesty and peace, keeps the reader supporting her determination in spite of some bad choices. Through her mistakes we see her grow in wisdom and even perhaps heeding other's advise for survival and staying under the radar to continue her valiant crusade in uncharted waters..
Through the voice of the protagonist Shelly, the author captures historical events and heartfelt devastation experienced upon many social levels still unresolved globally in today's world. Shelly's character and desire to make the world a better place and help others less fortunate to promote equality, honesty and peace, keeps the reader supporting her determination in spite of some bad choices. Through her mistakes we see her grow in wisdom and even perhaps heeding other's advise for survival and staying under the radar to continue her valiant crusade in uncharted waters..
November 6, 2025
This book was incredible. I read this all in the same day - couldn’t put it down. Each and every chapter kept me so involved, wanting more and needing to find out the rest. The ending shocked me. It was one of those books that sent you into panic and on the edge of your seat.
November 6, 2025
This story was such a stunningly written story with characters that were created with enough depth and detail that they made me feel like I was standing in the same room with them as their story unfolded as the pages were turned until the very end!
November 6, 2025
Very fascinating! I am very glad I read it!!
November 6, 2025
LOVE it! The author has such a dazzling way of keeping you engrossed with words.
November 6, 2025
I was very impressed. I loved the accurate portrayal of relationships and the characters that felt really real
November 6, 2025
Unquestionably dazzling story! Couldn’t put this book down from start to finish! Unexpected twists and turns throughout which will keep you hooked!
November 6, 2025
A wholesome and professionally written work. I would like to know when the author is releasing their next book.
November 6, 2025
Awesome read. It is a splendid story that I have loved reading. I cannot wait to read the rest. I highly suggest this story to everyone.
November 6, 2025
It's been a while since I've read such an excellently written book, in which the author also has complete control over the story arc along with the cast of characters. Credit for that!
November 6, 2025
Well written but grammar needs to be worked on
October 15, 2020
My 1st review:
5.0 out of 5 stars She has lived this story
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
The author is writing about what she has lived. It is accurate picture of New Orleans in the 1980s, and today in a certain way. Hope she gets the attention of those who want to learn about New Orleans on the ground level.
"Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08KMHNNDK
Author, Sherrie Miranda's husband made the trailer for "Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans." He wrote the music too.
https://youtu.be/S6ouOzddZb8
5.0 out of 5 stars She has lived this story
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
The author is writing about what she has lived. It is accurate picture of New Orleans in the 1980s, and today in a certain way. Hope she gets the attention of those who want to learn about New Orleans on the ground level.
"Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans" follows the dramatic story of naive, sheltered Shelly going to “The Big Easy” to prepare for El Salvador, but has no idea she will encounter sexism and witness racism as well as illegal activities by government agents.
https://www.amzn.com/dp/B08KMHNNDK
Author, Sherrie Miranda's husband made the trailer for "Crimes & Impunity in New Orleans." He wrote the music too.
https://youtu.be/S6ouOzddZb8
December 8, 2020
No review or rating
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews