NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK“Can’t wait for the next Evanovich? Louisiana Hotshot’s Stephanie Plum with Tabasco, dawlin’.” -The Clarion Ledger The FIRST book in the Talba Wallis series by Edgar-Award winning author Julie Smith WANTED: HOTSHOT P.I. WITH NEAR SUPER-HUMAN SKILLS.Confirmed grump Eddie Valentino placed the ad. Hotshot twenty-something Talba Wallis knew exactly how to answer it.And … exactly how to answer it.
And thus was born the dynamic duo of New Orleans private detectives—one cynical, sixty-five-year-old Luddite white dude with street smarts, and one young, bright-eyed, Twenty-First century African-American female poet, performance artist, mistress of disguise, and computer jock extraordinaire. Think Queen Latifah and Danny DeVito.
In Louisiana Hotshot, their job is to hunt down a sociopath and pedophile who’s molested the fourteen-year-old daughter of their client, hangs out on the ragged edges of the rap and recording industries, and has more powerful allies than a Cabinet member.
But both detectives have unfinished business from the past—in Eddie’s case, something he deeply regrets; in Talba’s, a personal mystery, one so frightening no one will help her investigate. But she knows she won’t sleep till she solves it—and the truth will change her forever.
“Smith generates plenty of tension as the savvy veteran and the eager novice combine their talents. But it is Smith’s evocation of her beloved New Orleans and her deft exploration of her characters’ intimate relationships that will lure readers to this series.” -Publishers Weekly
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Good information about New Oreans. Interesting characters.
I enjoyed the mystery and Eddie and Talba’s personalities. It seemed like the story dragged a bit but I would probably read another book in the series. Although I do prefer the Skip Langdon series
Not the best I’ve read….but not the worst either. Don’t think I would buy another book by this author.
I love anything by this author.
Southern charm in an unusual private investigative gig. It shows how young people can get wrapped up in crime under the guise of rap music thugs.
Lots of vibrant characters and action
Another five star read from Smith; keep them coming.
I enjoyed this bbook immensely. Easy tead, highly enjoyable.
Great read!
Great book!!
Kept me on my toes waiting to find out what happens next!
This book just wasn’t doing it for me. The actual writing was quite respectable (hence 2 stars instead of 1). The lead character seemed OK, if maybe a little weird with her poetry and a little full of herself, but her PI partner was so depressed I was reaching for the Prozac just reading about him (again, pretty good writing to accomplish that …
I enjoyed this book. It is unusual.
I love this book I’ll read it to my bones fall of
Hooked from the very beginning. Talba is such an intriguing character, very complex with so many facets. There are multi layered plot lines intertwining with hold your breath moments throughout. Give it a shot. Good chance you’ll like it!
Ah, Talba! This poet works her way through another series of twisted adventures and relationships with the cty of New Orleans as the real star.
I love this series. It’s just fun.
I couldn’t put it down! Good story line and good writing.
Kept me interested. Hard to put down. Interesting characters. Love that it’s set in Louisiana.
I loved this book! I really enjoy reading Julie Smith’s books. I felt like I was friends with the characters, the good ones and was always wondering what was going to happen next in the plot. This book is the beginning of the one series of books that take place in New Orleans, Louisiana. I highly recommend this book if you like mysteries.