Finalist in the Book Excellence Awards. The oath Detective Cadillac Holland swore to defend his home against foriegn and domestic enemies is put to the test when evil men from both sides of the border threaten to start a war on the even of Mardi Gras, an election, and the first Super Bowl in Saints’ history. When Detective Holland’s friends and family are also put at risk, he is forced to find a … forced to find a way to keep the peace between local heroin dealers and a violent Mexican drug cartel, outsmart a shadowy defense contractor who has resurrected the intelligence operation that nearly got Holland killed in Iraq, and take on a high-ranking Federal official willing to turn the streets of New Orleans into a bloodbath to cover the tracks of a deal he made with the Devil.
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An intriguing detective story set in New Orleans. I have not read the previous 3 and wish I have. Although enough background is given the characters and their history with each other is an important part of the story. Cadillac Holland is my new favorite detective- gritty and will stop at nothing to keep his family and city safe. In this story he is trying to uncover who is behind the “strange going- ons” to mimic a gang war. I love that the corruption and the “seedy” side of the city are written honestly and compassionately. The city of New Orleans and it’s food and unique atmosphere star in this story. However, it got tiresome to read about the Saints, the super bowl and references to Katrina. It became redundant and detracted from an otherwise fast-paced story. A great story with interesting characters that I recommend to those who love a great police drama.
Probably not where I should have started with this series. I havent read books 1-3 so I do wish I had done that so I got a better feel for everything. I had a unique opportunity to read this one and I am willing to go back and read the first at some point. I actually like Cadillac. He’s a get in the dirt type and isn’t necessarily swayed by “butt out” or “stop looking” warnings. He is somewhat a mystery though and thats to be expected from being a former intelligence operative in any capacity. I liked the mystery and it kept me intrigued through the book although I jumped into the deep end instead of starting at the shallow end haha. I recommend it but again suggest reading from the beginning.
A thrilling suspense that drew me in from the first page. I loved how unpredictable and exciting the story was with so many twists and turns!
Cooter ‘Cadillac’ Holland is the kind of character that I really find quite intriguing. He has a shady past from his military background and now as a New Orleans Detective is trying to put all his skills to use to protect his city and state.
The book opens up with Detective Holland being called to a what should be a simple arson scene. However, things aren’t adding up, especially when he’s informed that there have been 3 other arson scenes like this one that have for some reason been approved to demolish the next day.
Things progress and soon he finds himself toeing a line between doing what is legal and keeping his job and reverting back to his days as a black ops to help defeat an old adversary that is now trying wage war on the New Orleans streets during Mardi Gras.
I really liked this book. Cooter is a guy who doesn’t take no for an answer and will do whatever necessary to solve a mystery that is put before him. Including engaging in gun fights and trying to pit the real enemies against each other.
What I will say that stopped me from giving this 5 stars is the story itself is so wordy! There is so much detail going on in this book, most I feel isn’t necessary. However, what I can tell from the way the author wrote this novel is his love for New Orleans. Yes there are tons of details that I feel don’t adequately progress the story and just seem to stall out, but I feel the love that H. Max Hiller has and the devastation that was felt and still felt years after Hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
When detective Cooter ( Cadillac) Holland has sworn to uphold the law on home land and foreign soil. When he finds out there is a war brewing on both sides of the border . A shadow government is threatening his life yet again . He is forced to bring out his skills he learned from the special forces training and go after the ones starting the wars . Can New Orleans handle the onslaught that is about to happen or will it go down burning .
This story has some great characters to fall in love with .Cadillac Holland is a man who doesn’t take no for an answer. He will do anything to keep his family and friends safe. We get to see him at his best and his worst as he fights the foes that are trying to take him down . He is trying to put the random things happening around him together . He is strong but also he is hiding something in his heart that is in his past . He is a great puzzle solver that will do what it takes to get the job done. We also get to meet his best friend Tony who Cadillac knew form Iraq. They are such a good team Tony helps keep the criminals at bay . Together these two are a great pair that can do almost anything to stop the wars that are brewing . There are so many other characters that you will fall in love with .
This is the first book of the series I have read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well written and complex and you can’t help but caring for each and every one of them. The story is set in New Orleans which is a character all on its own . There is also a sup plot surrounding food . It plays a big part in this story . This is a long book but you can read it in a weekend . I had a bit of trouble at the beginning but after about 4 chapters I was hooked and couldn’t put it down . So if you want a really good mystery with some great odd ball characters check it out . I promise you will like it .