Gary's Reflections: The French Quarter and my new Murder Mystery

We just released my newest novel, "A Penalty in Blood". It's a good old fashioned murder mystery set in New Orleans. I can't tell you how much fun I had writing it. It's got a little of everything - mysterious deaths, jealousy, betrayal, good food, fun, excitement, -even a professional hit-man mixed in for good measure.

You'll love the main characters, New Orleans Homicide Detectives James "Gator" McNeal and Alisha Montgomery. They're smart, fun loving -and very good at what they do.

I chose New Orleans as the setting for my murder mysteries because I've spent a lot of time there over the years . I really love it there, especially the "Vieux Carre", or French Quarter. It is a city that takes pride in being a place of fun times, good food and good company. And, for me, it has lived up to that reputation very well.

-As they say in 'Nawlens: Laissez les bons temps rouler" ("Let the good times roll")

It is also filled to the brim with history, something else that makes the place special for me. I have walked on the river beach where Europeans first landed and founded the city in 1718, examined the barracks where troops from 5 separate countries were billeted at different times, stood on the ramparts where General Andy Jackson's ragtag troops decimated a British Army sent to occupy the great city (an army, by-the-way, which was fresh from defeating Napoleon). I have enjoyed cocktails in a bar which was once the blacksmiths shop where the pirate Jean Lafitte sold his loot. And I have sipped Mint Julips sitting on the deck of a River Boat steaming up and down the Mississippi River.

The food in New Orleans has evolved into a mix of Creole and Cajun and is uniquely good. Something to look forward too. Try the Jambalaya and you'll be hooked -but don't overlook the many other great dishes and foods, like gumbo, crawdads and Muffaletta's.

Oh, and did I mention, the bars are open 24 hours a day in the French Quarter...

It was made for me!

I plan on making it back there, with some good friends in tow, someday. I am not sure when, but perhaps next year. In the meanwhile I have my pictures and many, many fond memories to treasure. If you have not been there, I highly recommend at least one visit (not in the summer, though. It is too hot and humid and that cuts down on the enjoyment).

Here are a few pictures from some of my visits to that "Disneyland for adults".