In my view the relationship of Pinch and Scrimp could have been more as Spartan women rather than the hint of Sappho. It was their friendship that was a shield against the outside world of sin and corruption. To me their friendship was more like Ruth and Naomi or Damon and Pythias. It was a true bond of pure love and friendship.

Pinch's death indicates that she died with her shield, as benefiting a Spartan woman.
And even in death, she is ready for more.

I would have preferred Scrimp's answers to her interrogators to have been more laconic.
Of all of the feminine weapons available to women, the deadliest and sharpest are their tongues.
And in reality, New Orleans has become the New Sparta. The women of New Orleans are sending their children out everyday to face death in the streets.

Female authors usually leave me cold. Well, with possible exception of Taylor Caldwell, Mary Stewart, Mary Shelly, George Sand, Ursula K. Le Guin, Rachel Carson, Harper Lee, Carson McCullers and perhaps a few dozen more. As a rule female authors get to involved with the minutia of completely useless boring details.

As a native New Orleanian, born and reared there until I left for military service in 1959.
I really appreciated Ms. LeJeune attention to the details and the minutia of life in New Orleans.
I could smell the exhaust fumes of the busses, the strong aroma of the impossible black, steaming cup of coffee and chicory.
Her use of the street cars as a crime scene is truly brilliant. She made me hear again the hollow pop of the relays and smell the ozone that the street cars make when the electric circuit is broken.
Finding the innocents there is truly heartbreaking moment.
The walk from the library to Mother's down Poydras St. is an actual walk to a great place to have lunch.
The sights, sounds and the smells of the many local neighborhoods within New Orleans are dead on accurate!
Now, I will have to include Lyn LeJeune in my list of female authors that I consistently read.

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans - read this book as tour guide to the city.
The Ghosts of New Orleans are still walking the streets. Turn any corner and there they are.

If you just want a good scary, tightly written yarn about sin, corruption, and voodoo with redemption - turn off the TV, turn off the cell phone and invite Ms. Lyn LeJeune and her friends Pinch and Scrimp in for a visit. I promise you that if Pinch likes you - she'll come and visit - often.