Lafitte Lives: An Old New Orleans Bookshop Mystery
1831 New Orleans. Tobias Whitney, sexton of a St. Louis cemetery, is maintaining the tomb of Dominique You, who was associated with infamous privateer Jean Lafitte, when he discovers a hidden journal that might contain hints to Lafitte’s lost treasure. He takes it home to his wife, Mary Catherine, who can read French. Tobias and Mary Catherine have been through agony, losing three of their five children to yellow fever, and the translation turns out to be a welcome distraction from grief.
There are many literary connections in this story, which seamlessly combine fact with fiction. Tobias sold his bookshop after his children died and took the job in the cemetery. He still reads to his two remaining sons, and they are currently enjoying The Last of the Mohicans. The translated journal, transcribed by Mary Catherine into English in another leather-bound tome, is a book within a book, or more accurately a biography within a mystery, and is presented in parts as she finishes them, with the Whitneys’ story following in between.
Dominique You indicates early he is actually Lafitte’s older brother, Alexandre, and the story provided of Lafitte’s life is captivating. The journal contains surprising revelations, and You admits to the truth, even when evil or ugly, as well as pointing out the lies, exaggerations, and some of the things Lafitte did that were considered good by the people of Barataria, which is south of New Orleans. One of the most interesting anecdotes involves Lafitte’s role in helping Andrew Jackson and the American forces win the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
The mystery surrounding the treasure is enjoyable, and surprises abound, but underneath is the tale of a father and a family reeling from loss and trying to find their way forward. Highly recommended.
