Winner of the 1991 Edgar Allan Poe Award for best novel and the FIRST mystery in the highly acclaimed Skip Langdon series, New Orleans Mourning falls deliciously between the psychological suspense of Laura Lippman and the delicate drama of Tennessee Williams.“Smith is a gifted writer.” –Washington Post Book WorldMURDER, MARDI GRAS–AND MORE SECRETS THAN BEADS…It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and … GRAS–AND MORE SECRETS THAN BEADS…
It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and civic leader and socialite Chauncey St. Amant has been crowned Rex, King of Carnival. But his day of glory comes to an abrupt and bloody end when a parade-goer dressed as Dolly Parton guns him down. Is the killer his aimless, promiscuous daughter Marcelle? Homosexual, mistreated son Henry? Helpless, alcoholic wife Bitty? Or some unknown player? Turns out the king had enemies…
Enter resourceful heroine Skip Langdon, a rookie police officer and former debutante turned cynic of the Uptown crowd. Scouring the streets for clues, interviewing revelers and street people with names like Jo Jo, Hinky, and Cookie, and using her white glove contacts, the post-deb rebel cop encounters a tangled web of brooding clues and ancient secrets that could mean danger for her—and doom for the St. Amants.
Langdon, with her weight worries, insecurities, and yet overall toughness has long been a favorite of those who like their female sleuths bold, smart, and refreshingly human.
“Smith finds secrets and potential in nearly all corners of New Orleans.” –NPR
“Julie Smith writes like jazz should sound—cool, complex, and penetrating right to the heart.” –Val McDermid, best-selling author of the Tony Hill series
“Though her plot careens with as many twists and turns as a car chase through the French Quarter, it is Smith’s rotating focus on the complex viewpoints of her fully formed characters that gives her sixth novel its psychological and emotional depth … [A] rich, tightly structured narrative.” –Publishers Weekly
“Murder at the Mardi Gras and the flavor of New Orleans … Old secrets are highlighted in this wonderful story that is as filled with topical information as it is with a great story about murder and history. Smith writes with authority about her city.” -Ocala Star Banner
Fans of Ace Atkins, Tana French, Sue Grafton, and Marcia Muller will love Skip Langdon’s pluck and charm.
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I was immediately hooked by this book – the characters are all so vividly drawn, their motivations complex and writing beautiful! Not a simple “A + B = C did it” sort of mystery – this was true tale with all the twists and turns. By the time you found out who did it, that was less important than the story and people in it – and that was a good …
Those of you who have read my reviews probably realize that I love mystery series and usually review the first book in the series since I like to read them in sequence for the development of the characters and their relationships. I like this series because I lived in New Orleans for a while and the venues are familiar, and I like Skip Langdon. …
I enjoy all of Julie Smiths books but find they’re a little slow to get into. The starting chapters don’t seem to be related but then it all comes together and I look forward to reading another
This was book one in the series and it proves you don’t have to read in order. This book was more about the status of people in New Orleans and what you can get away with if you are high enough. It introduces Skip Langdon and her baggage with a little bit of mystery.
GREAT BOOK
you can’ty go wrong with julie smith all well written all interesting all amusing
It’s a joy to read a master.
Skip Landon is a fantastic character. Julie Smith is a brilliant writer.
For some reason, I could not get into this book, although I have read a few of the Skip Langdon books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Loved it. Julie Smith is great and I live that she writes about New Orkeans
There aren’t many mystery authors I will actually pay money for, this is one. New Orleans is the star here.
The first book in a great series…I have enjoyed all the Skip Langdon books – transported to the French Quarter…so realistic..truly a fantastic series.
Always eager to see another title. Great reads, takes me on a vacation!
Be warned, the ending will be disappointing.
I started this series out of order, so it was great to get the first in the series to see where the characters have developed from. Skip Langdon is a great character and the family interactions are interesting. New Orleans is alive and actively present in every page. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed learning about Mardi Gras. The family saga was juicy and weird. Good age turner.
Skip Langdon is sort of like a car crash: you just can’t look away.
Skip comes across as really angry with a chip on her shoulder, but as you read farther you realize she is just scared. Skip is really insecure, and has so many self-doubts it’s amazing she can even semi-function. She spends most of her time berating herself. Believe it or …
great new author
I read the book in one day to see how it ended
I would read them phone book if Julie Smith wrote it. I love all her characters. Each one is different from the other leading characters