What a fun and entertaining story. Are some of the characters unbelievable? Yep. Is the incompetency of the FBI a little scarey? Absolutely. So what, I'm enjoying the ride. This story does however, highlight important life lessons such as family values, loyalty, forgiveness, an eye for an eye, and always pay your taxes.

Some have complained the story jumps to different POVs. I think it's necessary for this to be a well-rounded gangster tale. As far as the characters are concerned, I'm lovin' me some Cain and Merrick. Both have beauty, smarts, strength, and loyalty; what's not to love? I could feel Cain and Emma's chemistry in the flashbacks, so it's obvious they had a strong bond before Emma split. And that scene with Danny and Cain with a belt? ...not for the squeamish and Cain definitely needs her own theme song. I hope Muriel and Shelby get together. Despite where their loyalties lie, they seem like a perfect match.

My only dislike was that while reading, I had a difficult time visualizing what the Casey Clan, Merrick, and Emma looked like. Perhaps it's because they don't fit stereotypical roles like the other characters of whom I had no problem visualizing. Okay, I'm done. 'Nuff said!

I said I wasn't going to do it, but I'm off to read the next books in the series. I'm hooked, what more can I say. ( )

An ok story of separation and reconciliation. In the context of a New Orleans organized crime family. Not quite enough foundation laid for Emma's emergence as a leader when Cain is shot. And as the book ends, one wonders what got into Emma to run away to Montana in the first place (was the FBI's lie really that persuasive?). BTW, what is this attraction to Montana by characters living in New Orleans (Burke's Dave Robicheaux, etc.)? I hope that we get more involvement with Emma's father. (Is it Montana or Wisconsin; I am not sure.) ( )