Casting Bones captures culture and corruption of New Orleans
Casting Bones
A new voodoo mystery series set in New Orleans
by Don Bruns
Severn House
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 01 October 2016
Having lived in New Orleans, I can honestly say Don Brun's depiction of New Orleans with its culture, food and corruption rings true. Bruns introduces readers to a New Orleans where the rich feed on the poor, and African Americans are an easy scapegoat. Politicians, judges, and the police are all looking out for number one, while vast numbers of tourists are only interested in the decadent diversions New Orleans has to offer.
Quentin Archer is a rare cop, a straight cop who had to leave his job in Detroit when an attempt to out drug trafficking cops, including his two brothers went awry. His wife was murdered as a warning, and he daily receives threatening phone calls. Quentin isn't willing to take the easy "out" of accusing a young ex-con for the murder of a judge. He wants to find the truth. Quentin's integrity makes Solange, a talented mambo, willing to share what she has discovered of the crime spiritually, despite the risks.
Casting Bones captivates the reader, pulling them into a New Orleans at once dark and colorful, where magic still weaves its way through life and its residents remain loyal despite the corruption of leaders. Casting Bones is a magnificent mystery that focuses on a very pertinent topic - the issue of private prisons and the corruption they encourage. Take a trip to the Big Easy and explore its depths in Casting Bones - if you like serious police procedurals you won't be disappointed.
5/5
I received a copy of Casting Bones from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Description
Introducing New Orleans homicide detective Quentin Archer in the first of a brand-new mystery series.
When a prominent New Orleans judge is brutally murdered, former Detroit cop Quentin Archer is handed the case. His enquiries will lead him into a world of darkness and mysticism which underpins the carefree atmosphere of the Big Easy. Interrogating crooked police officers, a pickpocket, a bartender with underground contacts and a swamp dweller, Archer uncovers some troubling facts about the late judge’s past. But it’s only when he encounters a beautiful young voodoo practitioner that he starts to make headway in the investigation.
Voodoo queen Solange Cordray volunteers at the dementia centre where her mother lives. When she starts reading the mind of one of her patients, she learns that a secretive organization known as Krewe Charbonerrie may be behind the murder of the judge. And the second murder. And the third . . .
