This is by James Lee Burke, who written many fine books about police detective Dave Robicheaux who lives in a small bayou settlement in Louisiana, not far from, but worlds away from, New Orleans. Dave is a great character; he has a lot of problems, a lot of baggage and a few sturdy virtues. He's not somebody you'd want to know in real life. Dave's a violent man.
Tin Roof Blowdown is about living in south Louisiana when Katrina destroyed the city. There is a whole crime-book plot, or several, really, to keep the book moving but it's largely about living with that kind of destruction. It's at a bit of a remove, though. It's not exploitative, the book doesn't constantly hit you over the head with the tragedy of New Orleans, but that tragedy is expertly woven into the fabric of the book just like it is now woven into the fabric of all our lives.
As a long time music fan and someone who got married in New Orleans, I was heartbroken when the city went under. That heartbreak runs through this book.
In a more objective literary sense, the plotting in this book is outstanding, the dialogue is great and the characterizations are vivid and believable. There are people in this book you'd never want to be, and some of the characters and events are downright disturbing. James Lee Burke has a lot in common with Dennis Lehane; an unshakable sense of place and a willingness to dig deep into both the place and the souls of the characters. Recommended.
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