What do you think?
Rate this book
Herbert and Melancon #5
Uptown Blues
Andre loves three things most of all: his daddy, his trumpet, and Louis Armstrong.
But when his father is killed on the St. Charles streetcar, and Andre is the only witness, he’ll have to grow up fast.
There is one problem. The boy can’t, or won’t speak—no one is really sure which. Under pressure from all directions, Andre’s silence and eventual disappearance will spark a chain of events that quickly spiral into madness, as authorities try to piece together what happened that day on the streetcar and save Andre’s life.
Thankfully, the boy has friends. Private detectives Felix Herbert, and his crumbling but affable partner David Melancon are on the hunt for the boy, and they’ll need to act fast if they hope to find him before the killer does.
But when his father is killed on the St. Charles streetcar, and Andre is the only witness, he’ll have to grow up fast.
There is one problem. The boy can’t, or won’t speak—no one is really sure which. Under pressure from all directions, Andre’s silence and eventual disappearance will spark a chain of events that quickly spiral into madness, as authorities try to piece together what happened that day on the streetcar and save Andre’s life.
Thankfully, the boy has friends. Private detectives Felix Herbert, and his crumbling but affable partner David Melancon are on the hunt for the boy, and they’ll need to act fast if they hope to find him before the killer does.
- GenresMystery
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2021
245 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 23, 2022
A 13 year old selective mute, who was traumatised as a very young child is a gifted trumpeter. He looks at the life of Louis Armstrong to give himself inspiration and compares his poor black childhood with that of Satchmo. A very interesting storyline, with a lot of insight into the early life of Louis Armstrong.
December 9, 2021
I say to myself… what a wonderful book
What a beautifully crafted book this was. The protagonist Andre is a wonderful character and I enjoyed every moment reading about him. Thank you Seth, for a wonderful novel.
What a beautifully crafted book this was. The protagonist Andre is a wonderful character and I enjoyed every moment reading about him. Thank you Seth, for a wonderful novel.
February 6, 2022
Wow! I just love southern theme stories and especially when the author can make it so picturesque as Pevey demonstrated in Uptown Blues. I just had a reader’s intuition that I was going to love this book and love it I did!
Andre Adai spoke only when necessary. There wasn’t anything wrong with him mentally or physically he was just different. A child prodigy one might say. There were three things that were the utmost importance to Andre—his father, his trusty trumpet and Louis Armstrong, and why not? Andre and Louis both hailed from New Orleans, Louisiana. And both could play the trumpet like nobody’s business. When Andre’s father is killed tragically, one other thing he and Louis had in common were becoming waifs.
There wasn’t much Andre could look forward to in this life without his father. If it weren’t for his trumpet and talking to Louis through his mind, poor Andre might have ended up in a mental institution. Who on earth would want to kill Andre’s father? He loved his daddy so very much and could not understand how anyone could take him from him. What was to become of Andre Adai?
Private detectives Felix Herbert and David Melancon were invited to take a look into Andre’s father’s death. At first glance, it appeared as if someone on the train must have shot him, but after further inspection, the detectives discovered that someone shot the victim from far away. Andre was slated to stay with his uncle, Melph, and it would seem that that was the right call to make, however, Andre had other ideas. He grabbed his uncle’s Army jacket, collected his trumpet, and off into the world thirteen-year old Andre went without any direction and especially, without any words spoken. Herbert and Melancon had to find this young prodigy before the killer took a mind to offer the same fate to him as his father. And readers, that’s where our story soars.
OMG! I loved, loved, loved this story! I had no idea this was a series. In fact, I read it completely out of order, but no worries because it reads as a standalone. I became so engrossed in this story that I purchased the entire box set so that I can start from book one and learn how the detectives became who they are. If you love southern noir books, you’re most definitely going to love this.
What really brought it home for me was the parallels between Andre’s and Louis Armstrong’s lives. Even though Andre was born many years after Louis’s death, one would think you were reading about Louis’s life. In fact, I noticed several reviews where this parallel seemed to disturb some readers to the point they felt as though the author was taking too many creative licenses by writing about Armstrong, but my take on it was completely the opposite. I absolutely loved how he weaved Louis Armstrong’s life into Andre’s. Pevey wasn’t writing Armstrong’s memoir. A memoir is a book written specifically by the individual personally. I believe what they were referring to is a biography of which Pevey was not writing. He just used the similarities of Armstrong’s life to match his character’s and he did an amazing job with it. I couldn’t get enough.
This book definitely demonstrates that no two readers read the same. We all view stories differently and that’s perfectly ok. We’re supposed to do that, otherwise reading would truly be a boring thing to do. No matter what your view is of this story, Pevey painted a perfect canvas of words. I could see it so vividly.
To read original post, please go to: https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2022...
Thank you!
Andre Adai spoke only when necessary. There wasn’t anything wrong with him mentally or physically he was just different. A child prodigy one might say. There were three things that were the utmost importance to Andre—his father, his trusty trumpet and Louis Armstrong, and why not? Andre and Louis both hailed from New Orleans, Louisiana. And both could play the trumpet like nobody’s business. When Andre’s father is killed tragically, one other thing he and Louis had in common were becoming waifs.
There wasn’t much Andre could look forward to in this life without his father. If it weren’t for his trumpet and talking to Louis through his mind, poor Andre might have ended up in a mental institution. Who on earth would want to kill Andre’s father? He loved his daddy so very much and could not understand how anyone could take him from him. What was to become of Andre Adai?
Private detectives Felix Herbert and David Melancon were invited to take a look into Andre’s father’s death. At first glance, it appeared as if someone on the train must have shot him, but after further inspection, the detectives discovered that someone shot the victim from far away. Andre was slated to stay with his uncle, Melph, and it would seem that that was the right call to make, however, Andre had other ideas. He grabbed his uncle’s Army jacket, collected his trumpet, and off into the world thirteen-year old Andre went without any direction and especially, without any words spoken. Herbert and Melancon had to find this young prodigy before the killer took a mind to offer the same fate to him as his father. And readers, that’s where our story soars.
OMG! I loved, loved, loved this story! I had no idea this was a series. In fact, I read it completely out of order, but no worries because it reads as a standalone. I became so engrossed in this story that I purchased the entire box set so that I can start from book one and learn how the detectives became who they are. If you love southern noir books, you’re most definitely going to love this.
What really brought it home for me was the parallels between Andre’s and Louis Armstrong’s lives. Even though Andre was born many years after Louis’s death, one would think you were reading about Louis’s life. In fact, I noticed several reviews where this parallel seemed to disturb some readers to the point they felt as though the author was taking too many creative licenses by writing about Armstrong, but my take on it was completely the opposite. I absolutely loved how he weaved Louis Armstrong’s life into Andre’s. Pevey wasn’t writing Armstrong’s memoir. A memoir is a book written specifically by the individual personally. I believe what they were referring to is a biography of which Pevey was not writing. He just used the similarities of Armstrong’s life to match his character’s and he did an amazing job with it. I couldn’t get enough.
This book definitely demonstrates that no two readers read the same. We all view stories differently and that’s perfectly ok. We’re supposed to do that, otherwise reading would truly be a boring thing to do. No matter what your view is of this story, Pevey painted a perfect canvas of words. I could see it so vividly.
To read original post, please go to: https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2022...
Thank you!
March 29, 2021
A laidback easy-read thriller
There is something very melancholy running through this book. It is my first time meeting with Felix and Melanchon, and whilst I maybe wouldn't have chosen this book had I not had the opportunity to read it for free, I'm glad I did.
The story centres around Andre, who is selectively mute from traumas he has experienced. When his father is shot dead in front of him he is placed with his uncle, but soon runs away. Felix and Melanchon need to track him down before his daddy's killer can find him.
It almost feels that the investigation takes a back seat to the rich, evocative descriptions of New Orleans and the life of Louis Armstrong and I loved being immersed in it. Definitely an engaging read!
There is something very melancholy running through this book. It is my first time meeting with Felix and Melanchon, and whilst I maybe wouldn't have chosen this book had I not had the opportunity to read it for free, I'm glad I did.
The story centres around Andre, who is selectively mute from traumas he has experienced. When his father is shot dead in front of him he is placed with his uncle, but soon runs away. Felix and Melanchon need to track him down before his daddy's killer can find him.
It almost feels that the investigation takes a back seat to the rich, evocative descriptions of New Orleans and the life of Louis Armstrong and I loved being immersed in it. Definitely an engaging read!
March 10, 2021
The worst part of this book was that I finished it and now it's over. Seriously awesome book, people, and if you haven't read the other ones yet, I'm a little sad for you. Because you don't already know and love Felix Herbert and David Melancon. Still, you can read this story without having read the others and not worry about getting lost in the allusions to previous books. Instead you can start reading here and get lost in this story. You can meet and love Andre, which you certainly will. And his story... It's big and it's deep, and it comes to a most wonderful and satisfying conclusion.
But now I have to wait for the next book.
But now I have to wait for the next book.
November 27, 2021
It wasn't the read I was expecting, but I enjoyed it all the same.
It is more about a mute-elective boy who witnessed his father's murder than the detectives search for him when he runs away. The detectives' characters didn't register with me (maybe they do in the earlier books?), but the young boy, Andre stole my heart.
Well-written, although the pace is a little uneven at times.
If you're looking for a mystery that's a little different this is well worth a read.
It is more about a mute-elective boy who witnessed his father's murder than the detectives search for him when he runs away. The detectives' characters didn't register with me (maybe they do in the earlier books?), but the young boy, Andre stole my heart.
Well-written, although the pace is a little uneven at times.
If you're looking for a mystery that's a little different this is well worth a read.
April 12, 2021
Quick read
As with most mysteries, little bits of the story are revealed at a time until you pretty much know how the story will end. Easy read with just enough interest to keep me reading but nothing earth-shattering. Great descriptions of New Orleans!
As with most mysteries, little bits of the story are revealed at a time until you pretty much know how the story will end. Easy read with just enough interest to keep me reading but nothing earth-shattering. Great descriptions of New Orleans!
November 3, 2021
Three treats in one great read
Seth Pevey writes movingly about Louis Armstrong, New Orleans, and the stunning power of music to enhance and convey emotion, as 13-year-old Andre struggles to solve his father’s murder.
Seth Pevey writes movingly about Louis Armstrong, New Orleans, and the stunning power of music to enhance and convey emotion, as 13-year-old Andre struggles to solve his father’s murder.
November 4, 2021
A VERY HAUNTING STORY AND AN INTERESTING WAY THAT THE LATE GREAT LOUISE ARMSTRONG WAS INCORPORATED INTO HE STORYLINE. I THINK IT WAS BEAUTIFULLY DONE BUT I WISH HERBERT AND MELANCON HAD A BIGGER PART IN THE STORY. ;D
November 6, 2021
Young boy and trumpet finding his way
The story of a talented by who lost his father. I liked seeing New Orleans through the boys eyes. Towards the end of the story the mystery of his fathers killer becomes clear. It is an enjoy able read
The story of a talented by who lost his father. I liked seeing New Orleans through the boys eyes. Towards the end of the story the mystery of his fathers killer becomes clear. It is an enjoy able read
November 6, 2021
Descriptive snd Touching
Very different style, one of the most descriptive stories I’ve read without being tedious. Memorable characters that will live in my mind forever, spinning a very thoughtful tale. I now love Louis Armstrong and he wasn’t even involved - go figure.
Very different style, one of the most descriptive stories I’ve read without being tedious. Memorable characters that will live in my mind forever, spinning a very thoughtful tale. I now love Louis Armstrong and he wasn’t even involved - go figure.
November 23, 2021
Another Great Crescent City Mystery
Again, it's good to read a mystery that takes place somewhere other than New York or Los Angeles (yawn)! Also, the parallel between the newly orphaned "waif" and the "immortal" Louis Armstrong was an excellent choice.
Again, it's good to read a mystery that takes place somewhere other than New York or Los Angeles (yawn)! Also, the parallel between the newly orphaned "waif" and the "immortal" Louis Armstrong was an excellent choice.
November 25, 2021
Really loved this book
I loved this book. Andre's character is so unique & you just want to know more about him...it draws you into & through the book & leads you to a very satisfying ending. Read it!
I loved this book. Andre's character is so unique & you just want to know more about him...it draws you into & through the book & leads you to a very satisfying ending. Read it!
November 19, 2021
a very entertaining story..good, quirky characters. Plot was well developed and the ending was satisfying
I would recommend this work
I would recommend this work
November 4, 2021
Sad story to begin with but Herbert and Melancon find the boy and are saved by their main suspect then the whole sad story comes out. It's all explained very conveniently in the end by uncle Melph and the letter from his dead father like a summing up in a trial. The horror André went through and finally overcame to get his voice back and fulfil his dream, how his father's in laws covered for his real mother's crime and problems only to disown her and let her commit another murder and frame his uncle who saved Melancon and Herbert at the last moment all add up to make a good story and a poignant almost happy ending.
November 23, 2021
I got this book for free. I was interested in the setting, New Orleans. I have read several books set here and have been mostly pleased with the choices. This book was no exception to that rule. I actually love this book. I finished it in three days. The story connects the past to the present of this city. It created interesting characters with the language and nuance of the crescent city. Now I’m going to have to read the others in this series.
December 6, 2021
Sheer poetry in a memorable, riveting story
Seldom do I rave about a story. I’m a writer. I’m picky. Seth Pevey captured my heart from the beginning and kept me entertained throughout with his beautiful writing, an unusual and gripping story, and splashes of real life biography that had me playing whole albums of trumpets and gravelly singing while I turned the pages.
This is a story worth reading and it will always be a favorite.
And note to Laurel: did you even read the book. Your negative comments included calling the main character autistic, which the author clearly stated he is not, and your complaint about the interwoven life of Louis Armstrong is somehow your main problem with the author. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but I found no disrespect in Pevey's account, and he also clearly stated it was not based on more than his own reading, so why is that a problem. Did you think the love Andre had for his hero was not an appropriate sentiment? I fail to see your logic.
Seldom do I rave about a story. I’m a writer. I’m picky. Seth Pevey captured my heart from the beginning and kept me entertained throughout with his beautiful writing, an unusual and gripping story, and splashes of real life biography that had me playing whole albums of trumpets and gravelly singing while I turned the pages.
This is a story worth reading and it will always be a favorite.
And note to Laurel: did you even read the book. Your negative comments included calling the main character autistic, which the author clearly stated he is not, and your complaint about the interwoven life of Louis Armstrong is somehow your main problem with the author. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but I found no disrespect in Pevey's account, and he also clearly stated it was not based on more than his own reading, so why is that a problem. Did you think the love Andre had for his hero was not an appropriate sentiment? I fail to see your logic.
February 26, 2022
Beautifully crafted story with rich, human characters and a few twists, turns and lots of suspense. We are all a product of our upbringing, but our gifts and talents can compensate for life’s challenges. The juxtaposition between New Orleans during Louis Armstrong’s childhood and today is beautifully described. I enjoyed this book from start to finish, and look forward to reading other books in the series!
April 15, 2021
Must read.
I read this book straight through and love, loved it. I can’t say enough about how good this book is, you should try it for yourselves. There is so much of every emotion we all have written here. There is mystery, murder, but the emotion of love, pain and happiness wins. This book will stay with you long after you have read it. I gave it 5 stars.
I read this book straight through and love, loved it. I can’t say enough about how good this book is, you should try it for yourselves. There is so much of every emotion we all have written here. There is mystery, murder, but the emotion of love, pain and happiness wins. This book will stay with you long after you have read it. I gave it 5 stars.
June 28, 2021
Wonderful Book
The story held my interest right up until the end. Since we love Dixieland Jazz and have attended Jazz Festivals all over the country, this book this book was wonderful. The story was fast moving and had a lot of interesting characters in it. I’m looking forward to reading other books by Seth Pevey.
The story held my interest right up until the end. Since we love Dixieland Jazz and have attended Jazz Festivals all over the country, this book this book was wonderful. The story was fast moving and had a lot of interesting characters in it. I’m looking forward to reading other books by Seth Pevey.
November 25, 2021
A woeful ending.
Sometimes people say they can’t get through the start of a book and stop reading it. This book represents the opposite. It starts well and proceeds in an entertaining fashion. Then we get to the ending chapters which almost made me stop reading. Terrible predictable ending. Just not a satisfactory conclusion.
Disappointing.
Sometimes people say they can’t get through the start of a book and stop reading it. This book represents the opposite. It starts well and proceeds in an entertaining fashion. Then we get to the ending chapters which almost made me stop reading. Terrible predictable ending. Just not a satisfactory conclusion.
Disappointing.
December 17, 2021
Too sad
I had a difficult time reading this book. It is very sad. Almost anything I say would be a spoiler. I'll say there are some broken people in it and a few very good ones. Doesn't make me want to visit New Orleans.., even though my father was a professional trumpet player and his idol was Louis Armstrong, just like the 13 year old boy in the book.
I had a difficult time reading this book. It is very sad. Almost anything I say would be a spoiler. I'll say there are some broken people in it and a few very good ones. Doesn't make me want to visit New Orleans.., even though my father was a professional trumpet player and his idol was Louis Armstrong, just like the 13 year old boy in the book.
June 30, 2022
I have read a previous book in the series which I did not like, however the blurb for this one sounded interesting so I downloaded it. Andre is a compelling narrator and the main reason I enjoyed this book. The answers to the mystery are gradually revealed so you can work out what happened. The detectives are a little flat in comparison, it's really Andre's story. The main thing I didn't like was the amount of swearing by other characters.
June 15, 2021
Excellent
Mystery, suspense, sadness and great joy. Loved this book in the series too. In one scene where he is playing his instrument I got chills- so superbly described I felt what he did.
Mystery, suspense, sadness and great joy. Loved this book in the series too. In one scene where he is playing his instrument I got chills- so superbly described I felt what he did.
October 10, 2021
Didn’t love this book as much as the others. Guess I just wasn’t as interested in this storyline and found myself skipping over bits. I will read the next in the series as I do love this duo but perhaps need a little break for now.
November 7, 2021
Awesome book
Well developed story. I spent a lot of time in New Orleans while growing up. This book brought the city back alive for me. I could smell the quarter, taste the food, and felt like I was there.
Well developed story. I spent a lot of time in New Orleans while growing up. This book brought the city back alive for me. I could smell the quarter, taste the food, and felt like I was there.
November 18, 2021
Fascinating tale with great storyline.
I loved the way the story wove in and out of the lives of Louie Armstrong and Andre. It was enlightening to read about the history of Louie Armstrong. A great mystery as well.
I loved the way the story wove in and out of the lives of Louie Armstrong and Andre. It was enlightening to read about the history of Louie Armstrong. A great mystery as well.
December 26, 2021
Quirky
This book had many unexpected twists ad turns and did not reveal itself until the very end. Seth Pevey is a talented and an imaginative writer and I have enjoyed his unique characters.
This book had many unexpected twists ad turns and did not reveal itself until the very end. Seth Pevey is a talented and an imaginative writer and I have enjoyed his unique characters.
March 16, 2022
Kept me turning pages.
This is my first read by this author and I will be looking for more. The characters were real, not superheroes, but believable, relatable. Time well spent. Thank you Sent Peavy.
This is my first read by this author and I will be looking for more. The characters were real, not superheroes, but believable, relatable. Time well spent. Thank you Sent Peavy.
December 18, 2023
Excellent!
Very good twisting tale of New Orleans sons and extended family. Frequent enough twists you won’t see coming to keep the pages turning. I only read the best and this is one.
Very good twisting tale of New Orleans sons and extended family. Frequent enough twists you won’t see coming to keep the pages turning. I only read the best and this is one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews