Rating: 
Summary: Good story marred by liberal anti-South misconceptions
Review: The premise is good and the lead character is a smart, spunky college girl. Wilhelm's writing is as smooth as ever. There are nice characterizations and some suspense. However... The black characters in this book are typical white liberal stereotypes rather than real people. Having just read Stephen L. Carter's excellent The Emperor of Ocean Park, and Percival Everett's Erasure, the cliches were all the more obvious. Also, New Orleans has rarely been depicted through such a narrow lens. When the action moves South, the book feels as if it were written thirty years ago. If Wilhelm really visited New Orleans before writing this book, she must have "seen" only what matched her preconceived notions and ignored the reality of a vibrant multicultural city. Also, in a scene in a Southern mansion, Wilhelm has the girl bemoan that "the money spent on one of the crystal chandeliers in the ballroom would have fed a million people for a year..." and other such asides throughout the book show that Wilhelm really doesn't understand basic economics--building such mansions did feed many architects, craftsmen, carpenters, importers, transporters, glassblowers, candlemakers, caterers, servants, etc. and their families. Such flaws as these partially ruin what was otherwise an entertaining read.
Rating: 
Summary: Suspensful, exciting, smart!
Review: This book had me riveted from start to finish. The lead females were smart and never once made the kind of idiot mistakes so many writers feel are necessary for female lead characters. They decide their own fates and they decide them well. They are victim to circumstances but they never allow themselves to be victimized or controlled by them. These characters are excellent role models for women of all ages. The book seems predictable, but only till the next page. The plot twists and turns under the superb guidance of Ms. Wilhelm until you are just breathless with it. I heartily recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: I didn't hate it
Review: This was my first Kate Wilhelm novel. I may choose to read more. I enjoyed Lee Donne, the main character because she was smart, and she didn't succumb to stupid romantic subplots that so often ruin these books. I liked the premise of the book as well: mystery meets history. I was bothered, however, by the typical Southern stereotypes portrayed. I am a Southener, and I can assure you that, for example, a bar patronized by tourists, would never have the television turned to a white power spouting racist politician. Come on, this is New Orleans. Tourism is its bread and butter. And, if Ms. Wilhelm had spent any time there, she would know that New Orleans is a huge melting pot of cultures that typically have melded to make it a fascinating place. It is a place where differences are appreciated. Furthermore, I tired of the descriptions of the houses and how disgusted Lee became with the fabulous richness "built on the backs of slaves." I felt it was overkill. I appreciate what Ms. Wilhelm was trying to say about how racism still rules some areas of the South. I would never try to deny that it exists here. But I took offense in the fact that she stereotyped all Southeners by the 1% of crazies, whackos, and idiots that also happen to reside here with the those of us who want racism and hatred to end not just in the South, but everywhere. Basically, this fact overshadowed what was a well-written and really fun read. Overall, I enjoyed the novel.
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