DEAD RECKONING

on new orleans

A number of things changed after I wrote this novel, the most important being the devastation that came upon the Gulf Coast in the form of Hurricane Katrina.

I can't even imagine the horror that befell New Orleans and the other cities along the hurricane's path. But once the waters began to recede and hurricane and flood victims starting pouring into cities and neighborhoods around us, I realized I might need to adjust DEAD RECKONING slightly to accommodate Katrina's impact.

Given the go-ahead by my editors, I did make minor changes to the novel. However, because there was no way of knowing how far New Orleans would have climbed back on her feet, I could make only general guesses as to how far along the recovery would have progressed by July 2006. I have no doubt the city will be rebuilt, and it's my sincere hope that those for whom New Orleans is home will be able to return.

on the blue note

The Blue Note is a fictional restaurant located in the French Quarter. While my characters are not native New Orleanians, I didn't feel comfortable sending them outside the touristy French Quarter to a real club or restaurant. But I could see The Blue Note quite clearly in my mind -- dark, a little smoky, sensual with the bluesy-jazz.