"The New Iberia Blues" by James Lee Burke

I've never had the pleasure of visiting Louisiana, but I always imagine it smells like a well-ventilated snake exhibit. I found that the more I let myself imagine a humid, musky and green environment, the more real this book became.

Now, I have the worst habit of not reading about the books I read before I read them. I go from sight to consuming like I'm competitively eating.

So when I realized this is installment #22 of a successful mystery series, I briefly debated abandoning it. Then I abandoned that idea.

The audiobook, masterfully narrated by Will Patton (think white Assistant Coach in "Remember the Titans"), is captivating and can stand alone as a mystery novel. Even though I was missing the details of the backstory, enough information was given for me to understand main character Dave Robichaux. The only reason I give it 3.5 stars is because noir murder mysteries just aren't my jam.

The best part was the twisted Elmer Fudd vigilante. Underestimate him at first sight, and he'll blow up your car....with you in it.

Song: "Maltese Cross" by Spitfire Interstate, Adam Hyman, and Ted Steel. Because of the reappearing tattoo motif that helps Dave track down the murderer.