Right to Sing the Blues

by John Lutz

Book Overview

AN ALO NUDGER MYSTERY New Orleans is off Alo Nudger's beaten path; the St. Louis private detective likes the comforts of home. But he also loves jazz, and when he's given a round-trip ticket to the Crescent City by legendary clarinetist Fat Jack McGee, who needs to talk to him, Nudger is willing to take a flyer. Fat Jack has a problem, maybe two: A singer named Ineida, whose father is a very important man in New Orleans, and a pianist named Hollister. Hollister plays the blues just fine, but there's something about him that disturbs Fat Jack. In fact, now that Hollister and the girl are an item, Fat Jack's scared. It doesn't take long before Nudger is, too....

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812506464
• ISBN13: 9780812506464
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Proficient and well crafted private eye novel

This is an entry in the established and long -running private eye series featuring "Aloysius(Alo)Nudger " an operative based in St Louis .This time around he is away from his normal stamping grounds and working a case in New Orleans . A prominent jazz musician and nightclub owner "Fat Jack McGee" hires Nudger to do some checking on a brilliant young pianist ,Wille Hollister who is showing an interest in an singer at his club ,one Ineida Mann ,who just happens to be the daughter of THE local crime boss and McGee is anxious not to run any risks of trouble It looks as if his fears are well founded as Alo uncovers the disturbing news that a woman -usually a singer -has vanished in each of the last towns that Hollister has played .Indeed, we are told explicitly that Hollister is a killer and are privy to his thoughts and how an abusive childhood has warped his feelings towards women The tale expertly winds towards its unexpected conclusion as Nudger faces threats from Ineida's father and his enforcers not to mention a corrupt policeman in that worthy's pay Nudger is a likeable protagonist -an ex cop with a nervous stomach who is constantly swallowing antacid tablets ,and a man perennially on the edge economically what with business being slow and having a rapacious ex wife to contend with . The New Orleans atmosphere is well evoked and the author's love of jazz -reflected in the taste of his compassionate and humane protagonist -comes across strongly This breaks no new ground for the private eye genre but its a treat for those who like the genre .Give it a go