Hell or High Water Audiobook

" I was drawn in by the narrator's storytelling and her exquisite descriptions of New Orleans. For a visitor, it gives an interesting glimpse into life before and after Katrina from someone not flooded out but still greatly affected by the storm and it's aftermath. I found Nola believable and someone I would like to read more about her life and what happens after the end of the book. "

" Although I found the book readable and enjoyed it, I have a bit of a quibble about it being promoted as a crime thriller. It really isn't. There's a crime at the heart of the story, but the main story doesn't really function as a crime novel. It's much more a personal growth sort of story with a crime involved. "

" The descriptions of tourist New Orleans made my mouth water for beignets, po-boys and etouffee. The descriptions of the dark underside of New Orleans made me want to hide my kids and hide my wife. "

" Interesting story set in post-K NOLA...the main character, annoyingly named NOLA really irritated me throughout most of the book, until I figured out what the hell was going on with her, then it became less annoying. The author makes fun references to many well know NOLA landmarks and I can picture it all so easily... "

" Excellent read. Complex story, well written, good feel of New Orleans. The heroine is sometimes difficult to like but very realistic and interesting. I listened to the audible version and didn't care for the narrator's voice. "

" Looking foward to Nola's future investigations and character development. Loving this new strong, smart, and witty Latina who is not afraid to dive into the gritty under belly of her investigative journalism in the rich and flavorful setting that is New Orleans. "

" engaging, with a wonderful depth of character for both the heroine and the city of New Orleans. an impulse buy I do not regret. "

" Utterly compelling and difficult to put down. And my lord, did it make me hungry -- all those descriptions of New Orleans food. Beautifully written. "

" I could get behind a series of Nola mysteries--and I am not a fan of series characters in general. Especially mystery series featuring the same character. Nola has the depth of character to keep things interesting in a continuing series. "

" Castro provided incredible description of New Orleans and created a really interesting and dark main character in Nola. This had more grit than I had expected, but I found it really enthralling and hard to put down. I'm glad to hear there's a sequel in the works! "

" Takes the reader to very dark places, but gives you real facts about the nature and world of sexual offenders. The heroine, Nola, is one of the most interesting and well-drawn I've read in a while. Plus the city of post-Katrina New Orleans is a character . "

" My mother LOVED this book, one of the best she's read. I won't have time for it for awhile, but look forward to it as a treat. I've just started. Joy Castro writes great dialogue in this book. And of course her sentence-craft is exquisite. "

" Excellent. This author knows and loves New Orleans and has written an intriguing and exciting book. "

" Interesting book...too many New Orleans story digressions though. I didn't really like the main character at all...whiny, lazy, no control. "

" I would say a 3.5. I just loved Nola-- abrasive and imperfect as she was! "

" There is some unexpected behavior for a murder mystery character which is not particularly well dealt with on a moral and ethical level--the story is written competently, but I am unsure if I would read another book by this author because of this. "

" I simply loved this book. Now THIS is what you can call "literary fiction"! Full review to follow... "

" Love the idea of this story. It should have been more suspenseful given that the main character goes around interviewing sex offenders. "

" September selection for book club. Story was well written and captivating. Literally could not put the book down once I started. Looking forward to discussion next month (will update review !). "

" This is a good novel. I wouldn't call it a mystery, but a powerful story with a surprise ending. I like Castro's strong voice and lucidity on matters of race, sex, and social justice. "