Synopses & Reviews
The irresistible, razor-sharp second book in the post-Katrina New Orleans-set crime series featuring unforgettable and gutsy reporter Nola Céspedes
Early one morning, Times-Picayune crime reporter Nola Céspedes goes for her regular run in Audubon Park. More than the heat of the dawning New Orleans day, shes trying to outrun her growing unease with the man she's seeing, who is pushing her to get more serious. Instead, Nola finds herself at the scene of a crime when she discovers a dead body. Worse, Nola recognizes the victim: Judith Taffner, her former journalism professor at Tulane.
Not convinced Dr. Taffners murder was the random work of a psychopath, and not one to put much trust in the good ol boys of the NOPD, Nola takes it upon herself to investigate. She discovers that Dr. Taffner was working on two explosive stories, both of which would shock even this notoriously corrupt city. And when an apparently related murder occurs in the middle of New Orleans packed Jazz Fest, Nola realizes its only a matter of time before she becomes a ruthless killer's next target.
Rich with details of New Orleans and featuring an original, tough heroine as fascinating as the city itself, Nearer Home is the perfect follow-up to Joy Castros Hell or High Water, confirming her status as a talented new crime writer to watch.
"Exquisite New Orleans background . . . a flawed but plucky heroine, and skillfully paced suspense make this a stay up way past your bedtime read."
—Booklist (starred)
Review
"Castros prose is clean and to the point, and she shows considerable affection for New Orleans."—
Publishers Weekly "The highlight here is in Nolas personal relationships, which show her to be funny, flawed and formidable."—
Kirkus"Waiting for the new season of “Treme”? Castros second post-Katrina New Orleans crime novel may help you pass the time... Set during the citys annual Jazz Fest, this novel strikes just the right note."—New York Post, Required Reading Praise for Hell or High Water:
“A terrific mystery . . . I cant wait to see what Joy Castro does next.”
—Dennis Lehane, New York Times bestselling author of Mystic River
"So thick and rich with authentic New Orleans details that youll be wiping sweat off your brow and smelling the crawfish étouffée. Joy Castro has crafted a complex, conflicted, and hauntingly real heroine with Nola Céspedes."
—Alex Kava, New York Times bestselling author of The Maggie ODell series, Whitewash and One False Move
About the Author
JOY CASTRO teaches literature at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She is the author of Hell or High Water, Island of Bones and The Truth Book (selected as an ABA Book Sense Notable Book in 2005). She lives in Lincoln, NE.