Lost River: A Mystery of Storyville, New Orleans

Storyville #4

by David Fulmer

Autumn 1913. Valentin St. Cyr has been absent from his Storyville stomping grounds for some months, trying to make it in the straight detective world and make a go of it with his longtime love, Justine. But then a man is found dead in a district brothel. The madam immediately turns to the Creole detective for help. He resists, but when several more bodies turn up, Valentin can’t help but come to the aid of the place—and the people—he tried to leave behind.
Just when he has the case wrapped around his finger, it turns out Valentin has been played. The police captain thinks he’s meddling and may be guilty of murder. He’s on the run, and Justine has turned her back on him, retaliating with a handsome young fellow in a very sporty car. But is she being lured into a trap too?
Taking us back to his acclaimed and much-loved Storyville series, award-winning author David Fulmer marks a heart-pounding return to the streets of early-1900s New Orleans with Lost River.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, Thriller, Detective, Southern

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

David Fulmer has been a writer and producer for over twenty-five years.

Series:
* Valentin St. Cyr Mystery
* Eddie Cero Mystery

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book of the Valentin St. Cyr mystery novels. I really enjoy this series which feature the Creole detective Valentin St. Cyr and takes place in the New Orleans of the early twentieth century. This one takes place in 1913 after St. Cyr has been missing from the streets of Storyville (the red-light district of New Orleans) for a few years. St. Cyr had formerly been in the employ of the "King of Storyville", big Tom Anderson, but had been trying to make it straight in the detective world by working for a group of established lawyers in the city. He was doing this not only for himself but for his long-time love Justine who had also left the life of Storyville behind her. But then some murders start taking place in the district with bodies being left in or near some notorious brothels. Valentin wants to stay away but he feels he is the only one that can stop the murders which are hindering business in the district. So can he stop the killing and get the city back to normal? And why are the murders happening and who is behind them?

This was another compelling read in the series that I would recommend. Even though these novels are part of a series they can definitely be read and enjoyed on their own. Fulmer really has a knack for giving the reader a feel for the New Orleans of the time as he describes the streets of the city, the brothels and denizens of Storyville, the musicians and jass (jazz) music, the restaurants and bars, and the other residents both down-and-out and well-to-do. I'll be looking forward to reading more in this series if I can find them.

[Trilby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is one in a series of mysteries featuring Valentin St. Cyr, a multiracial detective working the seedy side of New Orleans. In this installment, however, St. Cyr has gone over to the Dark Side, that is, attorneys who work for the wealthy. But (and here the plot thickens), he is drawn back into Storyville, the red light district, because of the murder of a brothel client which looks suspiciously like a hit.

The evocation of time and place, 1913 Storyville, is done well: the underworld King (St. Cyr's former employer), the hypocritical johns, the bordellos (from "mansions" to stews), the madams, the bars and restaurants serving Storyville's players, the corrupt politicians and police. What did was not done realistically, however, were the prostitutes. Then, as today, woman and children working in the sex industry lived always in fear of violence, disease, exploitation. We see little of this in Fulmer's storied Storyville--a common failing by many male authors in the handling of this subject.

For about half of the book, the evolving mystery drew me in. However, shortly into the last half, I figured out whodunnit and who were the accomplices. Sadly, this insight, followed by the preposterous denouement, damaged my appreciation for the novel. For me, a mystery needs to stay a mystery until near the end, and villains need to be at least a little credible.

Read this novel for an visit to old New Orleans. But if you want mystery and suspense, try other novels that do these much better.

[Redsteve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things have changed between this book (set in 1913) and RAMPART STREET (Storyville #3). St. Cyr is no longer "fixing things" for Tom Anderson, the King of Storyville, and is now employed by a firm of respectable New Orleans attorneys, abandoning most of his old contacts. He is back together with Justine in a state of relatively respectable domestic (but unmarried) bliss. However, while the Creole detective may be willing to abandon Storyville, it does not mean that Storyville is willing to let him go. Even before the murders begin (there are ALWAYS a series of murders in these books), "the District" appears to be on a downward slide, with an aging Anderson seemingly losing control over his "Empire of Sin." This is the first book of the series where you actually feel sympathetic for the King of Storyville. As always, Fulmer combines meticulously researched history with an engaging mystery. Solid 4 stars, although some parts of the plot seemed more than a bit contrived.

NOTE: This was supposed to be the last book of the series, but as of this re-read, there are now three more novels (the next, THE IRON ANGEL, was published 6 years after this one).

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the third Valentin St. Cyr mystery, set in the early 1900s in New Orleans, I found the remaining four books in the series online and quickly ordered them. These trade paperbacks are a bit taller, published by a different press, different than the first three books, and apparently, quality control is not prioritized with regards to typesetting and proofing. Typos, poor scene breaks in a number of spots, extra words, missing words, and other oddities marred this book.

Another strike against it is typical for many ongoing series when the author has to catch new readers up on character backstories and the events from the previous books. In this case, it comes across as filler and I hope Fulmer found more interesting ways to insert these info dumps in the remaining three titles. In addition, there are brief scenes that seem to have been included to pad the page count as they are little more than a quick check-in with a character without advancing either story or character development.

And yet, once I got to the back half of the book, I found Valentin's latest case as compelling as ever. The case revolves around the murders of three wealthy men found at or in a high level house of prostitution that have one thing in common: they're all owned by the same man. The victims were all shot and each has a long cut on his face. Is a madman on the loose in Storyvill, the red-light district, or is something more sinister at work? Valentin's efforts to solve the mystery and end the killing causes trouble between him and his live-in lover, former prostitute Justine who had thought Valentin was finished with Storyville and its problems.

I'm still enjoying this series, but the feeling of padding and a lack of freshness in the telling keep this from being as good as the earlier three.

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this weren’t the last book in the series, I would regretfully have to say goodbye to it anyway. Valentin is too much of a superhero, including his appeal to women and his ability to handle a gun, for me to believe in him. Plus he does not deserve Justine. To his credit, he knows it. But he goes on and makes decisions that could get her killed, or at least, drive her away forever. I will miss the Storyville environment but I won’t look for more by this author.

[Jill Schrupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to my 2021 reading list.

This story kept my intrigue throughout, great storyline and great characters. It moved along at a great pace. I could picture the scenes as I read them, this would make a great movie plot I think. While being part of a series (book 4) I didn't feel lost with having to know the back story from the previous books, but I definitely would go back and read them.

I would recommend this book and this author!

[Jerry MeCaskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another St. Cyr novel that has plenty of atmosphere. St. Cyr is so wonderfully drawn by Fulmer. A great story.

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The battle between the blue and the scarlett.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

09.20.2020: this is the last of the Storyville Series: I have read/really liked all the others; found in my (large) pile of books: I thought I had read all of this series, but apparently not...; 09.26.2020: another intriguing New Orleans mystery with unfolding drama every section of this book; part of the reason I like this author is the very short sections with action unfolding every page; 2009 hardback purchased (years ago) or gifted to me; 317 pgs.

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Sentence: No one called him Buddy.

Ex-cop, ex-investigator for New Orlean’s Storyville red-light-district boss, Tom Anderson, Valentin St. Cyr has moved to River Road with Justine, ex-prostitute and long-time love. Justine wants them to stay out of Storyville, get married and have a real life. It seemed possible, with Valerian now working for up-scale attorneys, until someone started randomly killing. The victims, who are shot, marked with a cut and left to be found in Storyville. Valentin, almost in spite of himself, is drawn back to stop the murders.

I’m so glad Fulmer has brought Valentin back as he is just a wonderful character. He is of mixed blood, intelligent, stilled and yet insecure in his relationship with Justine. Justine is a wonderful match for him in her street smarts and instincts from having been a “dove,” but determined to find a real life with Valentin. Even if one has not read the previous books, Fulmer provides enough backstory that a new reader understands the characters; not something at which all authors excel.

I love his sense of time and place. Through Fulmer’s writing we see the live of every economic stratum, from the wealthy to the squalid, and a city that holds onto old traditions while moving into an industrial age of motorcars and electric lights.

The story is very well plotted. There are wonderful twists and turns, suspense, and a bit of spite. All the elements combine into a recipe for a very enjoyable read. I just hope we don’t have to wait another two years for Valentin’s next case.

LOST RIVER (Hist. Mys-Valentin St. Cyr-New Orleans, LA-1913) – VG
Fulmer, David – 4th in series
Houghton, Mifflin Harcourt, 2009, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780151011872

[Laura Cushing · Rating 3 out of 5]

The year is 1913, and someone's committed a series of murders in Storyville. This time though, Valentin St. Cyr isn't right on the case- he's retired and working for laywers, living a quiet life with Justine outside the District. But they can't stay away from their Storyville roots, and soon he and Justine are drawn back into the thick of things. Lovable rounder wannabe "Beansoup" is back, nearly grown up now and calling himself "Each." It's nice to see him get a bit of time and growing up in this book, helping Valentin in a more direct manner than he did in his youth. The mystery itself is a bit bland and convoluted - I read it more to find out where my favorite characters from the series wound up than to find out whodunit. A pretty satisfying ending, though it did leave me wondering if there will be another book- there's still four more years before Storyville historically folded, so it's possible. Not a good introduction to the series - I wouldn't start with this book, obviously - but worth reading if you read the other books for completion's sake.

[Istiningdyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost River is the fourth book in the Storyville series, which follows the adventures of Detective Valentin St. Cyr. Valentin finally decided to stay away from Storyville. He stopped being Anderson’s right hand man. Instead, he worked for several law firms and did their dirty works, keeping those rich white people reputation clean. However, his retirement plan changed when a series of murder was happening (again) at Storyville. At first, he declined the request to help solving the mystery. But in the end, he took the case. Although he said that he did it as a favor, Justine knew that he just couldn’t stay away from Storyville. Justine had warned him not to take the case but Valentin didn’t listen. Causing Justine to rethink about their relationship. Not to mention, a mysterious and handsome young man seems to keep appearing everywhere Justine goes.
Full review here

[Connie Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely "summer reading". I was enjoying the storyline and liking the characters right up to the climax of the book. What a letdown! The "sinister plot" turned out to be naive and totally unbelievable. The book was a worthwhile read in that it provides a wonderful description of turn of the century New Orleans red light district. The author really does know how to bring his setting alive with very colorful descriptions of sights, sounds and smells, but the climax was like air slowing leaving a balloon without so much as a pop.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Fulmer and as such, my first experience with this series. I thought it was really enjoyable. Fulmer's writing and characters painted a wonderful sort of sepia-tone canvas of Storyville and New Orleans. I will definitely read other titles in the series. The book would have easily gotten four stars from me if the ending hadn't seemed a little weak. The strong thread of plot that had carried the reader through seemed to have frayed a bit at the very end. Otherwise, a good read!

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up this books because all mystery readers get in ruts and I was trying to find some new authors to explore. I also love New Orleans so the setting was appealing. Oh no. I trudged through this book and it took two weeks to finish it. A new league record. I'm a 24 hour mystery reader. I cared nothing about this characters and the mystery seemed too tortured to be convincing. The villainess did have an interesting feminist perspective but the author did little to exploit it.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery book set in New Orleans Autum of 1913. Valentin St. Cyr is a Creole detective who is solving a series of murders in the Storyville, Red Light district. We know who the villian is early on, but how the plot unwinds is still captivating. I will probably read more of this series, but the prior novel's villian is in this one so don't read them out of turn.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed David Fulmer's Storyville series. He creates a fine mystery and does a wonderful job of capturing early 1900s New Orleans in this series. I had the pleassure of reading this during a trip to New Orleans, so the locations and history of the city were all fresh in my mind, making the reading that much more enjoyable! I am sad to see this series end.

[Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love David Fulmer's books, and I was very excited when this came out because my favorites are his Valentin St. Cyr mysteries. I have to give this only 3 stars however, because the book kind of fell apart at the end. Most of the story was great, but the way it was wrapped up was pretty lame.

[Jay Cardam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this mystery! Having read the previous three in the series, I was already looking forward to reading it, but it turned out to be the page turner that the others didn't quite do for me. By far the best of the series! I thoroughly enjoyed this four book series and hope there will be more.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 4th & final -for now : ( St Cyr/Storyville Mysteries!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THESE BOOKS!
Go ahead & read them, in order, & I promise you'll enjoy them!
I've been waiting patiently for 6 years now for book 5 -at least I hope there will be a book 5!

Enjoy!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, but predictable, Valentin St. Cyr book. Set in New Orleans, so of course I like it.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, a great read. The old New Orleans/Storyville location is always intriguing!

[Viccy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series. Valentin St. Cyr is trying to move his life away from the Red Light District in New Orleans without much success.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

#4 Valentin St Cyr

[Alexandra McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the books in this series.

[Tracey Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Valentin St Cry character.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting into this. It just didn't hold my attention. Probably had nothing to with the writing.

[Paul Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you David Fulmer. Thank you Valentin, Justine, Each/Beansoup, Tom Anderson and King Bolden. I loved every word of all four books. Just fantastic.