I just read this one of James Lee Burke's books although it is an old book. What can I say? I love the settings of his books although I have never been to New Iberia Parish or even Louisiana. No one can describe a sunset or bayou like James.How can you not like Dave Robicheau? He isn't one of the fancy detectives. He struggles with his problems like the rest of us.The confederate part was a bit odd but it did not play a large part in the book. I rate most of his books "excellent" and this is no exception.