Tin Roof Blowdown - James Lee Burke

Tin Roof Blowdown is author James Lee Burke's seventeenth Dave Robicheaux mystery, so obviously I am a little late to the party here, but I am glad I finally got on board. The good news is, if you are new to the series there is comprehensive background information provided to get you up to speed. Burke is a vivid writer and can bring a setting to life as well as anyone I have read. He also knows how to keep you glued to a story. Tin Roof Blowdown is set in New Orleans during and immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Robicheaux is living outside the city, working for the New Iberia sheriff's department when the hurricane hits. He is called in to help investigate the killing of two looters who have broken into one of New Orleans leading mafia leader's home. The two surviving looters have made off with the score of a lifetime and the gangster of course wants it back. Following the money leads Robicheaux on a series of suspenseful twists and brings in several colorful characters. One of the most colorful of all is New Orleans itself. Burke does a great job painting the picture of death, confusion, and frustration that was (and to some extent still is) post Katrina New Orleans. He is obviously well versed in the rhythm of the city and the characters that inhabit it.