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Talba Wallis #3
Louisiana Lament
Allyson Brown, the Girl Gatsby, is a woman of wealth, hostess of fabled parties, patron of the arts--especially of poets. Found floating in her own swimming pool, shot to death.
Poet and fledgling detective Talba Wallis gets an urgent call from the sister she barely Janessa. To Girl Gatsby Janessa is close friend. But this call isn't an invitation to an elegant literary salon. Janessa wants off the hook as the principal murder suspect.
Investigating, Talba and her irascible boss, Eddie, find the reality behind the Gatsby glamour. Allyson was widely hated, a con artist who neglected her children, failed to pay her bills, and lied to everyone she wanted something from. The one person she loved may have ushered her to her death.
The case takes Talba and Eddie from literary parties to Gulf Coast bait shops, from biker bars to abandoned wharves, and finally, to the story of another Gatsby, which may yield answers, or greater mysteries.
Louisiana Lament is Talba's journey through the not-so-genteel Southern literary scene, where backbiting and petty jealousies abound, and mint juleps are served with canapés of carnage.
Poet and fledgling detective Talba Wallis gets an urgent call from the sister she barely Janessa. To Girl Gatsby Janessa is close friend. But this call isn't an invitation to an elegant literary salon. Janessa wants off the hook as the principal murder suspect.
Investigating, Talba and her irascible boss, Eddie, find the reality behind the Gatsby glamour. Allyson was widely hated, a con artist who neglected her children, failed to pay her bills, and lied to everyone she wanted something from. The one person she loved may have ushered her to her death.
The case takes Talba and Eddie from literary parties to Gulf Coast bait shops, from biker bars to abandoned wharves, and finally, to the story of another Gatsby, which may yield answers, or greater mysteries.
Louisiana Lament is Talba's journey through the not-so-genteel Southern literary scene, where backbiting and petty jealousies abound, and mint juleps are served with canapés of carnage.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
704 people are currently reading
888 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 92 reviews
June 8, 2020
I'd had this book on my "To Be Read" pile for a while. After reading P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I decided to read it next. And yes, that means I'm reading out of order.
This time, Talba Wallis and Eddie Valentino have a double murder on their hands -- and one of the suspects is a sister Talba didn't know she had. Janessa was doing some painting/interior decorating for one of the victims around the time that the body was found.
While "P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof" had its literary basis in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the parallels in this tale are straight out of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. In fact, the characters reference the book themselves as they deal with numerous wealthy dilettantes in New Orleans.
The book wasn't quite a fair play puzzle, as we didn't see very many clues that would have pointed toward the ultimate reveal. It was quite a surprise, in fact.
The setting is as much a character as the people in it this time out, as we visit several New Orleans neighborhoods in the course of Talba's investigation. I enjoyed learning more about Talba and Eddie, and their families, and look forward to reading other titles in the seriesl
This time, Talba Wallis and Eddie Valentino have a double murder on their hands -- and one of the suspects is a sister Talba didn't know she had. Janessa was doing some painting/interior decorating for one of the victims around the time that the body was found.
While "P.I. on a Hot Tin Roof" had its literary basis in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the parallels in this tale are straight out of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. In fact, the characters reference the book themselves as they deal with numerous wealthy dilettantes in New Orleans.
The book wasn't quite a fair play puzzle, as we didn't see very many clues that would have pointed toward the ultimate reveal. It was quite a surprise, in fact.
The setting is as much a character as the people in it this time out, as we visit several New Orleans neighborhoods in the course of Talba's investigation. I enjoyed learning more about Talba and Eddie, and their families, and look forward to reading other titles in the seriesl
May 17, 2019
Louisiana Lament by Julie Smith is the 3rd book in the Talba Wallis mystery series set in New Orleans. I've read books in Smith's other series, one featuring New Orleans cop Skip Langdon and the other San Francisco lawyer, Rebecca Schwarz. This was my first exposure to Talba Wallis.
Wallis is a PI who works for Eddie Valentino. In a previous book she had met her sister, Janessa (same father, different mother). Janessa had told Talba in no uncertain terms that she didn't want anything to do with her. Suddenly she gets a call from Janessa to come help her. On arrival, Talba discovers the dead body of Alyson Brown, Janessa's employee. We discover later that Alyson's daughter has also been murdered. Janessa and her friend, Nathan are both suspects.
Talba persuades her boss to take on the case and this begins the investigation into the murders or murder / suicide. One other aspect of Talba's character that needs to be highlighted is that she is a published poet, under the pseudonym of the Baroness of Pontalba. The story uses poetry at times provide clues to the mystery, an interesting aspect of the story.
There are no shortage of suspects' Alyson's son and other daughter, Janessa and Nathan, Alyson's business partner, etc. it's a meandering story that wanders between Talba and Eddie as they track down the suspects to gather clues. You get a nice picture of parts of New Orleans as the investigation is followed.
It's an interesting story. I found New Orleans interesting and also the main characters. I do find it interesting that Talba is black and the author is white and I wonder how accurate her portrayal of that culture is. At any rate, while not perfect, it is an interesting story and mystery. I will check out the other books in the series. (3 stars)
Wallis is a PI who works for Eddie Valentino. In a previous book she had met her sister, Janessa (same father, different mother). Janessa had told Talba in no uncertain terms that she didn't want anything to do with her. Suddenly she gets a call from Janessa to come help her. On arrival, Talba discovers the dead body of Alyson Brown, Janessa's employee. We discover later that Alyson's daughter has also been murdered. Janessa and her friend, Nathan are both suspects.
Talba persuades her boss to take on the case and this begins the investigation into the murders or murder / suicide. One other aspect of Talba's character that needs to be highlighted is that she is a published poet, under the pseudonym of the Baroness of Pontalba. The story uses poetry at times provide clues to the mystery, an interesting aspect of the story.
There are no shortage of suspects' Alyson's son and other daughter, Janessa and Nathan, Alyson's business partner, etc. it's a meandering story that wanders between Talba and Eddie as they track down the suspects to gather clues. You get a nice picture of parts of New Orleans as the investigation is followed.
It's an interesting story. I found New Orleans interesting and also the main characters. I do find it interesting that Talba is black and the author is white and I wonder how accurate her portrayal of that culture is. At any rate, while not perfect, it is an interesting story and mystery. I will check out the other books in the series. (3 stars)
March 14, 2018
"Never answer the phone on the night of a huricane."
This is the second book I've read in the Talba Wallis series. Ms. Wallis' character is superbly further developed. The poetry of the "Baroness", Ms. Wallis' other role, is woven into the story and the character becomes more important. the mystery kept me guessing right along with all the characters who were trying to solve it.
This is the second book I've read in the Talba Wallis series. Ms. Wallis' character is superbly further developed. The poetry of the "Baroness", Ms. Wallis' other role, is woven into the story and the character becomes more important. the mystery kept me guessing right along with all the characters who were trying to solve it.
January 14, 2019
If you enjoy a good who-done-it, you will love this book. Unfortunately for me, I had not read the first two books in the series but I will continue reading the others. Talba is a poet and she works for Eddie as a PI. Talba's half sister, Janessa;who she recently found out about and only met once called her for help because she had just found a dead body. Talba, her boss Eddie and his daughter Angela; a lawyer work pro bono for Janessa who is one of the police's main suspects in the murder. What follows is the discovery of another body, two missing suspects and clues that keep leading to different people. One victim was hated by all and the other, her daughter; was loved by all. The book kept you intrigued and completely confused on who was the murderer and with some family dynamics, humor and poetry.
April 10, 2021
Eddie shows a new, more refined and educated side in this story. Sometimes hard to equate with reality. Talba also shows signs of maturity and gaining experience as a private investigator. Eddie's daughter Angie blossoms as a beautiful and provocative woman who can be a downright serious attorney. This story seemed to be as much about relationships as it was about a mystery, especially Talba's relationship with her half-sister Janessa.
As usual there are many possible suspects in the crime story. Talba and Eddie have their work cut out for them. They play different roles to get the information they need, and their undercover work is fun to watch. In the end it doesn't seem to have mattered because the ending is a total surprise. Another treat in this book is poetry by the Baroness de Pontalba.
As usual there are many possible suspects in the crime story. Talba and Eddie have their work cut out for them. They play different roles to get the information they need, and their undercover work is fun to watch. In the end it doesn't seem to have mattered because the ending is a total surprise. Another treat in this book is poetry by the Baroness de Pontalba.
December 22, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read in this new spinoff, and I know I’m approaching them out of order. I’m thoroughly enjoyed the colorful, talented, and resourceful Talba, who we first met in the Skip Langdon series. In this book Talba and her boss Eddie investigate a very perplexing double murder that kept me guessing to the end. The only thing that bothered me was the profusion of characters whose names start with A: Audrey, Allyson, Austin, Angie, and Arnelle. I had to think a little harder to keep them all straight.
July 11, 2024
I so like Julie Smith and her Talba Wallis series. Good story good writing. Talba is a poet who works as a Private Investigator to pay the bills. We got Louisiana in the summer time. We got a wealthy woman, hostess of fabled parties, patron of the arts. Found shot to death floating in her swimming pool. Talba and her boss Eddie investigate at the urging of Talba's half sister, who she barely knows.
June 4, 2018
Thuroughly enjoyed this book
Oh man, the scene in the class room, the one with the guns, awsome! Brilliant! I like to read series in order and back to back, and had already enjoyed the first two, but I really don't care to take time to do reviews. But I have to share how much I enjoyed Louisiana Lament. Miz Smith can shore wip up some characters.
Oh man, the scene in the class room, the one with the guns, awsome! Brilliant! I like to read series in order and back to back, and had already enjoyed the first two, but I really don't care to take time to do reviews. But I have to share how much I enjoyed Louisiana Lament. Miz Smith can shore wip up some characters.
June 15, 2018
Louisiana Lament was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING READ!!
First, I have to say, that I am pretty sure, that I had already read this book. Probably some time ago. But, I love this Author's writing! I found lots of things I forgot, especially the ending!! Lots of new people for Talba and of course murders to solve!! Can never miss, picking up a book by Julie Smith!!!
First, I have to say, that I am pretty sure, that I had already read this book. Probably some time ago. But, I love this Author's writing! I found lots of things I forgot, especially the ending!! Lots of new people for Talba and of course murders to solve!! Can never miss, picking up a book by Julie Smith!!!
August 3, 2014
Another fun read....Talba Wallis, PI, showcasing New Orleans...very much fun to read..interesting plot. Recommmened A+++
August 1, 2019
A Truly Great Story
The characters in this book are unique and wonderful. The action never stops as Talba answers the phone during a hurricane, and begins another wild adventure. This is a book I will re-read often for the entertainment value of all the interactions as the investigation continues.
The characters in this book are unique and wonderful. The action never stops as Talba answers the phone during a hurricane, and begins another wild adventure. This is a book I will re-read often for the entertainment value of all the interactions as the investigation continues.
December 10, 2020
One of the best!
I love reading Julie Smith’s mysteries. They have become my go to reads when I am stressed or just tired. They are easy to read when I am busy being able to read bits and pieces. That is a positive, not that it is not interesting. This book was one of the best, with many twists and turns. Talba kept me amused the entire way.
I love reading Julie Smith’s mysteries. They have become my go to reads when I am stressed or just tired. They are easy to read when I am busy being able to read bits and pieces. That is a positive, not that it is not interesting. This book was one of the best, with many twists and turns. Talba kept me amused the entire way.
July 4, 2024
Twisting tale of lovers and friends whose passions lead to murder.
You need a score card to keep straight who is sleeping with whom, who are just friends, mentors, and crushes. Along with all this soap opera there is a murder or two, or maybe a suicide, or maybe an accidental death. Hard to say, and hard to figure out.
You need a score card to keep straight who is sleeping with whom, who are just friends, mentors, and crushes. Along with all this soap opera there is a murder or two, or maybe a suicide, or maybe an accidental death. Hard to say, and hard to figure out.
January 14, 2018
Fun read but a convoluted plot.
I enjoyed the characters and it had an interesting feel to it. While there were moments of humor, I'm not sure I'd call it humorous. As I said in the plot and motivation were more convoluted than I liked.
I enjoyed the characters and it had an interesting feel to it. While there were moments of humor, I'm not sure I'd call it humorous. As I said in the plot and motivation were more convoluted than I liked.
September 8, 2018
New Orleans mystery
A good story intelligently written, funny with a neat twist at the end. Written in such a way you feel like your in Louisiana, great for holiday read or easy weekend cosy, funny and heartwarming.
A good story intelligently written, funny with a neat twist at the end. Written in such a way you feel like your in Louisiana, great for holiday read or easy weekend cosy, funny and heartwarming.
September 26, 2018
Talba once again encounters her sister, Janessa. This time Janessa has been accused of killing her boss and has turned to Talba for help. Luckily, Talba works with a PI and solicits his help. This is a very good book with a wealth of surprises. I promise you'll enjoy it!
February 2, 2019
Talba
I really like Julie Smith and her new Orleans series and this one was a good read. This one was about the sexy, smart ppl talba wallas!. she discovered that she has a half sister who is in trouble! I did miss skip Langdon!
I really like Julie Smith and her new Orleans series and this one was a good read. This one was about the sexy, smart ppl talba wallas!. she discovered that she has a half sister who is in trouble! I did miss skip Langdon!
October 23, 2019
Can She Do It?
Can Talba Wallis clear her sister of a double homicide charge? Can she and her boss find the young man who hasn't been seens since the murders? And who really did kill the mother and daughter? Read it and find out. You'll be glad you did!
Can Talba Wallis clear her sister of a double homicide charge? Can she and her boss find the young man who hasn't been seens since the murders? And who really did kill the mother and daughter? Read it and find out. You'll be glad you did!
November 3, 2019
Complicated Mystery
I did enjoy this mystery, however there were so many characters, a too complex plot, comparisons to The Great Gatsby, even more confusing as the genders were switched on all comparisons, need I go on?
I did enjoy this mystery, however there were so many characters, a too complex plot, comparisons to The Great Gatsby, even more confusing as the genders were switched on all comparisons, need I go on?
November 15, 2019
You're gonna love this one!
Of all the twisted, screwy, plots this one finally got the best of me. I don't know how she comes up with a plot like this , I would love to see the outline for this , you will be running around in circles . I loved it!
Of all the twisted, screwy, plots this one finally got the best of me. I don't know how she comes up with a plot like this , I would love to see the outline for this , you will be running around in circles . I loved it!
May 16, 2020
Loved it!
I loved it. I do recommend it. This is well written and holds ones attention. The two Pig's do get along well, he's respectful of her as a woman....it is an involved story, a little hard keep with.. but good!
I loved it. I do recommend it. This is well written and holds ones attention. The two Pig's do get along well, he's respectful of her as a woman....it is an involved story, a little hard keep with.. but good!
September 4, 2020
Another good book in this series. Tabla Wallis is a true baroness who is a great poet and is becoming a better PI with each case that she works. She and Eddie make a great team. Look forward to the next book in this series.
September 4, 2020
Why I loved Louisiana Lament!
The characters were amazingly real to me! Each one was like a person I had known in my lifetime! Some were friends, some were relatives . I want to visit them again and again!
The characters were amazingly real to me! Each one was like a person I had known in my lifetime! Some were friends, some were relatives . I want to visit them again and again!
May 23, 2017
Again just an outstanding read.
March 20, 2018
Enjoyed the book. Talba is one of my favorite characters. The author does a good job writing the series. Each book could also stand alone. Will continue with this series.
March 21, 2018
Superior whodunit!
Plot, blocking for storyline, excellent! It took everything I had to keep from going forward to peek to see who the killer was.
Plot, blocking for storyline, excellent! It took everything I had to keep from going forward to peek to see who the killer was.
June 19, 2018
Nice Read
I haven't decided what there is that I like about these books.There's mystery,suspense and thrills.But there's also a whole lot of laughter.
I haven't decided what there is that I like about these books.There's mystery,suspense and thrills.But there's also a whole lot of laughter.
July 10, 2018
Just a air brain mystery set in a city I love, New Orleans. Good reading for when you don’t want to think but just be entertained.
July 30, 2018
Found it to be an enjoyable read, recommend consideration.
July 31, 2018
Enjoyable reading. Kind of long though. And I got lost in some of the language. But the story had some quirky characters, you either love them or hate them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews