Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 5/4/2016 + 1187 more book reviews

Very engaging novel set in the New Orleans of 1907. The novel's protagonist, Valentin St. Cyr, is a Creole detective trying to unravel the murders of several prostitutes in Storyville, New Orleans' notorious red-light district. The mystery of who committed the crimes makes a very engrossing story and I was surprised who the culprit turned out to be. But overall, the most interesting part of the novel is the rich detail of New Orleans and its inhabitants during that time period. These include Buddy "King" Bolden who was a key figure in the development of a New Orleans style of rag-time music, or Jass, which later came to be known as jazz. Bolden is a main character in the novel, a lifelong friend of St. Cyr, and a suspect in the murders.

Then there is Storyville with its notorious madams such as Lulu White and Emma Johnson and the photographer, E.J. Bellocq, who captured the life of the prostitutes working there on film. Jelly Roll Morton, the early ragtime pianist also plays a role in the story.

Overall, I would recommend this one to anyone interested in New Orleans and the early history of jazz and the city.

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