James Lee Burke’s series featuring Detective Dave Robicheaux is now up to #22 – and since Burke has long been one of my husband’s all-time favorite authors and Robicheaux one of his favorite characters, I was happy to let him have first crack at the copy of The New Iberia  Blues I received from Simon & Schuster and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Admission: this review is based on my husband’s opinions (he likes Burke much more than I do, so this seems like a good thing!)

This novel brings back a character Robicheaux met on the streets of New Orleans twenty-five years ago, Desmond Cormier. Now a successful Hollywood Director, Cormier has maintained his connection with Southern Louisiana, owning an estate named Cyrpremort Point. Robicheaux and a young deputy are investigating the death of a young woman who is found crucified, wearing only a gold ankle chain, after disappearing from Cormier’s estate.

Familiar characters including Dave’s buddy Clete Purcel and his daughter Alafair are there to help, and we also have another appearance by the deranged hitman, Chester “Smiley” Wimple, who tortures and kills people, occasionally acting for the Mob. As my husband puts it, Smiley is a “superhumanly effective” killer. Yikes.

Throughout the investigation into the mysterious death, there are several red herrings, along with mob money, arms dealing, and kidnapping. In one memorable chapter, we learn Smiley’s backstory which led to him becoming a “murderous savant,” (again, according to my husband). Another chapter that stood out was Alafair’s kidnapping, probably by one of Cormier’s group, although it didn’t seem entirely clear who was responsible. Clete and Dave head off to the bayou for the climactic battle scene, which resolves much of the mystery. But not all: do I foresee #23 in the series?

My husband found it well-written, as expected. He also enjoyed the repetition of familiar characters in the series. One thing he just doesn’t get with this series is why the rich and famous people meekly turn the other cheek over and over and over and continually take so much crap from Robicheaux. The things he does appreciate about the series in general and this title in particular include the beauty of the language used by Burke and the literary and historical allusions (to things including  Vietnam, the life of a reformed alcoholic, and the contrast between the incredible beauty and the grime and misery of Southern Louisiana). Four stars. (My husband would probably say five, but I just couldn’t handle it, so it is a four-star from me!)