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Skip Langdon #9
Mean Woman Blues
A Skip Langdon Novel
Nemesis: the rival fate never allows you to beat.
The nemesis of Skip Langdon, New Orleans police detective, is Errol Jacomine. This evangelical preacher has been leader of his own frenzied army of converts, has run for mayor of New Orleans, and now wants to become president of the United States. His campaign methods are rabble-rousing, theft, kidnapping, and multiple murder.
Skip thinks he's as dangerous as Jim Jones. She has chased him for years, no luck. Now Jacomine comes after Skip, her lover, and her friends. She must track him down. But his guise this time is so clever even his own children don't recognize him.
In Mean Woman Blues, Edgar Award-winner Julie Smith returns triumphantly to her popular series about hip New Orleans detective Skip Langdon, once again operating in sensual, sexy, exotic New Orleans.
This time Skip is able to teach Jacomine that nemesis originally meant the goddess of retributive justice.
Nemesis: the rival fate never allows you to beat.
The nemesis of Skip Langdon, New Orleans police detective, is Errol Jacomine. This evangelical preacher has been leader of his own frenzied army of converts, has run for mayor of New Orleans, and now wants to become president of the United States. His campaign methods are rabble-rousing, theft, kidnapping, and multiple murder.
Skip thinks he's as dangerous as Jim Jones. She has chased him for years, no luck. Now Jacomine comes after Skip, her lover, and her friends. She must track him down. But his guise this time is so clever even his own children don't recognize him.
In Mean Woman Blues, Edgar Award-winner Julie Smith returns triumphantly to her popular series about hip New Orleans detective Skip Langdon, once again operating in sensual, sexy, exotic New Orleans.
This time Skip is able to teach Jacomine that nemesis originally meant the goddess of retributive justice.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
350 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Julie Smith
263 books404 followersAuthor of 20 mystery novels and a YA paranormal adventure called BAD GIRL SCHOOL (formerly CURSEBUSTERS!). Nine of the mysteries are about a female New Orleans cop Skip Langdon, five about a San Francisco lawyer named Rebecca Schwartz,two about a struggling mystery writer named Paul Mcdonald (whose fate no one should suffer) and four teaming up Talba Wallis, a private eye with many names, a poetic license, and a smoking computer, with veteran P.I. Eddie Valentino.
In Bad GIRL SCHOOL, a psychic pink-haired teen-age burglar named Reeno gets recruited by a psychotic telepathic cat to pull a job that involves time travel to an ancient Mayan city. Hint:It HAS to be done before 2012!
Winner of the 1991 Edgar Allen Poe Award for best novel, that being NEW ORLEANS MOURNING.
Former reporter for the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE and the San Francisco CHRONICLE.
Recently licensed private investigator, and thereon hangs a tale.
Resident of New Orleans, Louisiana
In Bad GIRL SCHOOL, a psychic pink-haired teen-age burglar named Reeno gets recruited by a psychotic telepathic cat to pull a job that involves time travel to an ancient Mayan city. Hint:It HAS to be done before 2012!
Winner of the 1991 Edgar Allen Poe Award for best novel, that being NEW ORLEANS MOURNING.
Former reporter for the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE and the San Francisco CHRONICLE.
Recently licensed private investigator, and thereon hangs a tale.
Resident of New Orleans, Louisiana
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 13, 2014
My least favorite Skip Langdon mystery so far. I hope this is the last of Earl Jacomine and his family members. I found them and the plot tedious and ridiculous. I want more New Orleans charm.
August 26, 2017
Finally finished the Skip Langdon series. This last on has Skip being a target, working on finding whoever is stealing statues and other items from local cemeteries and once again coming face to face with her nemesis Errol Jacomine who has reinvented himself and is running another scam and plans to become the President of the US and set things to right. A great series and when by TBR pile gets a bit lower I will look into some more of Smith's books.
November 2, 2024
This was the best Skip Langdon so far. It's hot and humid in New Orleans and police detective Skip Langdon feels her nemesis Errol Jacomine has returned to cause her heartache. Now she just needs to find him and prove it. A good entertaining story even when I forgot who she is talking about or in this case writing about.
November 30, 2014
RATING: 3.5
There are certain things that you can count on—death, taxes and that the Formosan termites will return to New Orleans every May to feast on that city's structures. And in Homicide Detective Skip Langford's life, there's one other given—that her enemy and nemesis, Errol Jacomine, oh so clever and oh so evil, will some day return and when he does, he will be out to kill Skip. She's thwarted his plans more than once; but she knows that she cannot underestimate the man and his clever ways.
Jacomine's eldest son, Daniel, has just been convicted of murder and Skip is on red alert as she feels that Jacomine will be out to avenge his son. In spite of the peril in her professional realm, her personal life is going remarkably well. Her lover, Steve Steinman, has moved from LA and settled in to a new home; and their relationship only seems to grow stronger. Little does she know that Jacomine is going to jeopardize their alliance, forcing her to lie to the man that she adores and robbing him of a loved one.
Jacomine has been living under another identity in Texas. Despite the fact that he has altered his physical appearance dramatically, he is recognized. And once that happens, there's hell to pay for everyone that has had any connection to him—his younger son, Isaac; Isaac's girlfriend, Terri; Jacomine's first wife, his second wife, various business associates, Skip Langdon and so on. Basically, Jacomine sheds his false protections and leads everyone else on to a trail of tears.
Jacomine's delusions are interestingly conceived, and the book is well plotted with several interrelated threads. I didn't get much of a sense of New Orleans, but part of the reason for that is part of the book is set in Texas. The story is more about Jacomine than Skip. I found it difficult to see why she was so intimidated by him since she is essentially a strong character.
Smith does an excellent job of portraying the more vulnerable side of Skip as well as showcasing her strengths. The one character that I really felt was well done was Jacomine's second wife, Karen. At first she seems like a trophy wife, but there's a lot more substance to her than one would first suspect. She was much more richly developed as a character than Jacomine, who was more of the central focus of the book.
There are certain things that you can count on—death, taxes and that the Formosan termites will return to New Orleans every May to feast on that city's structures. And in Homicide Detective Skip Langford's life, there's one other given—that her enemy and nemesis, Errol Jacomine, oh so clever and oh so evil, will some day return and when he does, he will be out to kill Skip. She's thwarted his plans more than once; but she knows that she cannot underestimate the man and his clever ways.
Jacomine's eldest son, Daniel, has just been convicted of murder and Skip is on red alert as she feels that Jacomine will be out to avenge his son. In spite of the peril in her professional realm, her personal life is going remarkably well. Her lover, Steve Steinman, has moved from LA and settled in to a new home; and their relationship only seems to grow stronger. Little does she know that Jacomine is going to jeopardize their alliance, forcing her to lie to the man that she adores and robbing him of a loved one.
Jacomine has been living under another identity in Texas. Despite the fact that he has altered his physical appearance dramatically, he is recognized. And once that happens, there's hell to pay for everyone that has had any connection to him—his younger son, Isaac; Isaac's girlfriend, Terri; Jacomine's first wife, his second wife, various business associates, Skip Langdon and so on. Basically, Jacomine sheds his false protections and leads everyone else on to a trail of tears.
Jacomine's delusions are interestingly conceived, and the book is well plotted with several interrelated threads. I didn't get much of a sense of New Orleans, but part of the reason for that is part of the book is set in Texas. The story is more about Jacomine than Skip. I found it difficult to see why she was so intimidated by him since she is essentially a strong character.
Smith does an excellent job of portraying the more vulnerable side of Skip as well as showcasing her strengths. The one character that I really felt was well done was Jacomine's second wife, Karen. At first she seems like a trophy wife, but there's a lot more substance to her than one would first suspect. She was much more richly developed as a character than Jacomine, who was more of the central focus of the book.
January 23, 2017
Let me say up front, I love Julie Smiths books but I did not finish this book. I have read all of the Skip Langdon books and I really like the characters (except E.J.) and the books up until the last two. This book seems to focus more on the bad guy than on Skip. I want to read about Skip and her life NOT Errol Jacomine. I am so very sick of him that I could not get through the book. Seriously, he should have died or gone to prison three books ago. I heard that this might be the last book in this series so maybe there is resolution at the end. I simply could not get to it because of my total distaste for Jacomine. Such a pity... I really would have liked to see where Skip ends up.
November 4, 2017
Mean Woman Blues by Julie Smith is the 9th book of the Skip Langdon mystery series set in late-20th-century New Orleans. Skip is a homicide detective for NOPD. Her life is going well, her relationship with boyfriend Steve better than ever. She gains great publicity again, solving a grave-statue robbery case.
Her success enrages her nemesis from past cases, Errol Jacomine, former evangelical preacher who epitomizes evil. He's gone to ground, almost effectively changing his looks and identity, but when Skip and her detectives are framed with stolen goods, Skip can sense he's the mastermind behind the crimes.
Without knowing where he is or what his next move may be until very late in the case, Skip must battle the many attacks carried out by Errol's intermediaries, attacks not just on Skip, but on her friends and family. Introduced in a previous book, The White Monk re-appears with an important role: he recognizes Errol, despite the plastic surgery and new accent. The nick-of-time ID allows Skip to rescue Errol's last set of victims, in a dangerous face-off.
Her success enrages her nemesis from past cases, Errol Jacomine, former evangelical preacher who epitomizes evil. He's gone to ground, almost effectively changing his looks and identity, but when Skip and her detectives are framed with stolen goods, Skip can sense he's the mastermind behind the crimes.
Without knowing where he is or what his next move may be until very late in the case, Skip must battle the many attacks carried out by Errol's intermediaries, attacks not just on Skip, but on her friends and family. Introduced in a previous book, The White Monk re-appears with an important role: he recognizes Errol, despite the plastic surgery and new accent. The nick-of-time ID allows Skip to rescue Errol's last set of victims, in a dangerous face-off.
July 20, 2017
When I read the first book in this series I wasn't too sure about it. The female lead, police officer Skip Landon, seemed a bit weak. However she grows so much throughout the series that she ended up being one of my favorite ever protagonists. This series just gets better and better with each book and I was sad to complete it. There are great supporting characters, ones that you grow to care about just like Skip herself. Her nemesis is introduced in book 6, The Kindness of Strangers, which leads to the series climax in this final book, Mean Woman Blues. A highly recommended series!
July 7, 2018
Disappointed that Mean Woman Blues is the last book in Julie Smith's Skip Langdon series.
I knew some things about New Orleans prior to reading this series, such as Mardi Gras beads and tourists urinating on buildings, but learned other interesting trivia by reading the novels.
In Mean Woman Blues I learned about Formosan termites, their dangers and infestation of several southern states migrating also to California, New Mexico and Hawaii.
I knew some things about New Orleans prior to reading this series, such as Mardi Gras beads and tourists urinating on buildings, but learned other interesting trivia by reading the novels.
In Mean Woman Blues I learned about Formosan termites, their dangers and infestation of several southern states migrating also to California, New Mexico and Hawaii.
February 1, 2019
I found Mr. Wright a difficult character to read about. I have not doubt that those people exist since I had one in my family for a season, but it is hard to relive the lies and pain. When we lived it we had trouble because normal people cannot fathom a sociopath. This is not the authors fault but the fault of life. He was very true to life.
Skip was well rounded and likeable. I will enjoy reading more books about her.
Skip was well rounded and likeable. I will enjoy reading more books about her.
February 1, 2022
I read this series ( books1-9) in January of 2022. I love the series. The characters and the stories. I had previously read some of the author’s Talba Wallis series, where Skip Langdon made a few appearances, so I was already familiar with the character. What I love most about these novels is the New Orleans setting. The author conveys a sense of place in her writing that is so wonderful. I would recommend these books to anyone who likes a good detective novel set in Sin City.
August 23, 2018
If you enjoy novels about New Orleans detectives, the Skip Landon series is for you. Skip is a strong female character with colorful friends & enemies. Julie Smith is an excellent writer & paints a vivid portrait of NOLA in this series. I love an author who can pull me into the time and place. Smith is one of those authors. Do yourself a favor and read this entire series
January 24, 2019
A Lot of Mean Women
Skip Langston is a pretty mean cop when she wants to be and her arch-enemy Errol Jacamine has a mean ex wife and his current wife turns out to be pretty mean too.
Errol's son, Isaac, has a new girlfriend too but she is not very mean at all. Errol's granddaughter, Lovelace is not the mean type either.
Skip Langston is a pretty mean cop when she wants to be and her arch-enemy Errol Jacamine has a mean ex wife and his current wife turns out to be pretty mean too.
Errol's son, Isaac, has a new girlfriend too but she is not very mean at all. Errol's granddaughter, Lovelace is not the mean type either.
March 5, 2019
Another good story by Julie Smith. Skip Langdon is at it still, despite the threats to her career and her life. More characters are introduced, some easy to love and others easy to hate. While these stories do not keep me on pins and needles, they are interesting, well-written, intruguing mysteries. I am looking forward to seeing more of Skip Langdon.
May 22, 2019
Suspenseful, fast-paced
Well written story. Fast-paced action. Rich character development. Great plot. Will definitely read the others in the series!!
Highly recommend this book for anyone who likes strong female leads, crime thrillers, action stories, and psychological twists and turns
Well written story. Fast-paced action. Rich character development. Great plot. Will definitely read the others in the series!!
Highly recommend this book for anyone who likes strong female leads, crime thrillers, action stories, and psychological twists and turns
August 25, 2024
I am up to the 9th book in the Skip Langdon series and, people, this one asked me "What the Fuck?"...it reads like a comic book with the characters are caricatures...the dialogue was pure SOAP OPERA.....and I got 1/3 of the way through the book. I'm sorry (not). this puppy is going "on hold" until...whenever...oy
June 4, 2017
Another well told tale
Our heroine deals justice inside the special character of the city of New Orleans. The writing is tight and concise, and the resolution very satisfying. I will be waiting for the next book in this series.
Our heroine deals justice inside the special character of the city of New Orleans. The writing is tight and concise, and the resolution very satisfying. I will be waiting for the next book in this series.
January 20, 2018
What a rush
Julie Smith packs a wallop into this book. As a first time reader I am pleased to be able to sink into the story and get lost. This story is fanatical southern terrorism at a local level told to perfection.
Julie Smith packs a wallop into this book. As a first time reader I am pleased to be able to sink into the story and get lost. This story is fanatical southern terrorism at a local level told to perfection.
January 29, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It is a great story that is full of excitement and murders. I loved the plot. I love her characters and how they interact with each other. I am going to be reading more of this author's books. The author has a wonderful imagination.
May 25, 2020
Skip Langdon never believed that her old Nemesis Errol Jacomine would be out of her life and she was right. Jacomine is out to destroy Skip and is using her friends and family as a way. Theft, Murder and a taste of New Orleans all rolled up in one book - ok 1 series..
May 18, 2023
I miss NOLA
When I read Skip and her family adventures I am right there in the city of New Orleans. I really enjoyed this tour of the cemeteries. Thank you for a really good read!
When I read Skip and her family adventures I am right there in the city of New Orleans. I really enjoyed this tour of the cemeteries. Thank you for a really good read!
September 26, 2023
Ninth book in the Skip Langdon series. (got for free from Book bob)Skip is a detective in New Orleans. This book involves the end to her nemesis Errol Jacomine. Lots of different stories that interweave. Just okay.
February 27, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
March 4, 2019
Skip
The sklp Langdon series is one of my favorite series. Julie Smith has captured the feel of New Orleans in this series. I look forward to her next book,
The sklp Langdon series is one of my favorite series. Julie Smith has captured the feel of New Orleans in this series. I look forward to her next book,
May 9, 2019
Enjoyed the suspense and danger.
June 21, 2020
It has actually been some time since I read this book. I can say that... this book and ALL of the books I have gotten from BookBub... have been very much worth my time to read!!!
September 18, 2021
Glad to finally get rid of Errol ! Possibly my least favourite of the set
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
Good plot
Story developed nicely with enough sub plots to make it interesting. Sometimes it was confusing as to where you were with whom.
Story developed nicely with enough sub plots to make it interesting. Sometimes it was confusing as to where you were with whom.
August 21, 2020
Liked it. Lots of unexpected plot twists.
August 13, 2023
Neste livro a protagonista finalmente enfrenta seu principal inimigo, depois de sofrer uma tentativa de assassinato e ser desacreditada diante de seus colegas de trabalho. Muito bom.
April 28, 2015
This is the ninth And final novel in the Skip Langdon Series. I have enjoyed each of them and this one had an interesting subplot involving cemetery robberies in New Orleans. It also marked the end of the long-running confrontation between Skip and Jacomine. My only quibble- if this is indeed the last in this particular series -I wish it had tied up the major relationships -sort of a "What happened to them then.." Scenario. Recommend this way and entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews