•The year is 1950 and the novel takes place in New Orleans, which is often called « The Big Easy ».
The main character is the seventeen-years-old Josie Moraine, who works as a part-time bookseller, as well as cleaner of the french quarter’s brothel where her mother, Louise, used to work. This exceptionally clever and resourceful young woman dreams of a college education, where she would be able to satisfy her love for books and stories. Moreover, she wants to study far enough to leave this city and most of all her mother, who just appeared again in her daughter’s life as well as several problems. Louise couldn’t behave less like a mother and only visits her daughter when she needs money or her help in any kind. However, Josie is surrounded by different complex characters who bring her support and help her to grow up, but there are also those who are definitely determined to make her misfortune…
The novel centers on the murder of a library’s customer, in which Josie’s mother may be involved. Even if twists and turns are created mostly by men- Patrick, Josie’s long-time friend who hides an unexpected secret, her mother’s gangster boyfriend Cincinnati, Jesse, a mysterious young man who refers to Josie as « Motor City » and more…- the heart of the story is the colourful and powerful women such as the prominent Willie, the head of the brothel who cares for Josie more than her mother, Dora, a red-haired prostitute who only wears green clothes…
Josie musts deal with a world where her body is evaluated over her mind. Will she finally succeed in becoming the hero of her own life?

•New Orleans is for sure a grandiose place to set this action-packed story!
As the author says: « It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there is a story lurking around every corner ».

•I really enjoyed this story, where a lot happens! Some of you might know it under the french book’s title of « Big Easy ». Have you ever heard it?