Rampart Street

Storyville #3

by David Fulmer

From Shamus award winner David Fulmer comes another mystery in his acclaimed Storyville series.

 

Just returned to New Orleans and only recently having solved the case of the jass murders, Creole detective Valentin St. Cyr is reluctantly drawn into the investigation of a new murder—that of a well-to-do gentleman on seedy Rampart Street. Soon another society man turns up dead, and the only potential witness is the man who’s now keeping Justine, Valentin’s old girlfriend, as his paramour. As Valentin probes deeper, the city’s most powerful leaders pressure him to drop the investigation. What could he be getting close to, and what nerves might he unwittingly strike? Rampart Street is David Fulmer’s most heart-pounding mystery and his soulful detective’s most dangerous case yet.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Crime, 21st Century, Detective

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

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 third book in the Valentin St. Cyr mystery novels. I read the first two books in this series a few years ago and enjoyed them a lot. Not sure why it has taken me so long to get to this one. I also have the next book in the series, Lost River, on my shelves and hopefully, I'll get to it sometime soonish. These novels feature the Creole detective Valentin St. Cyr and the streets of New Orleans during the early part of the 20th century. This one takes place in 1910 after St. Cyr returns to New Orleans after a hiatus following the last novel, Jass. He is working for the "King of Storyville," Tom Anderson, doing menial tasks when he is summoned by Anderson to look into the death of a very well-to-do man named John Benedict who is shot and killed in a very seedy area of New Orleans on Rampart Street. So what was Benedict doing there? Was it a random killing? A robbery? Or something else entirely? St. Cyr reluctantly agrees to look into the case but he thinks this was just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But then another well-off man who was a partner of Benedict's is killed and thrown into the river. Are the two murders connected? As the case progresses, St. Cyr finds that the murders may be tied to a very powerful political boss in the city. So can St. Cyr solve the murders and bring the killer to justice?

Overall, another recommendation for Fulmer's series. Although this book is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. What I enjoy the most about these novels are the descriptions of New Orleans in the early twentieth century. This includes the notorious red-light district called Storyville and its denizens including the madams and prostitutes; the streets of the city including its dark alleys and "banquettes" (wooden sidewalks); its bars, restaurants, and food; its jass (jazz) music and musicians; and the people living there of all races including black, white, creole, and Italian, to name a few. The novel also shows the racism of the time which unfortunately is still very much with us today. I'll definitely be looking forward to more by Fulmer.

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

RAMPART STREET (Private Investigator-New Orleans-1900s) – VG
Fulmer, David – 3rd in series
Harcourt, 2006- Hardcover
After 15 months away, Creole Detective Valerian St. Cyr in back in New Orleans’s red-light district of Storyville. He has lost weight, no longer exhibits his usual style, nor interest in life around him. In an effort to bring him back to himself, his employer, Boss Tom Anderson, conveniences him to investigate the murder of a wealthy, white businessman found dead in Storyville. St. Cyr is warned off the investigation, but the man’s daughter asks him to continue, no matter where it leads.
*** Fulmer does a wonderful job of conveying the complex and multilayered social and political structure of life in New Orleans and Storyville during the early 1900s. His characters are rich and dimensional, his sense of place exacting. There’s a feeling of melancholy to the story so that even scenes during the day feel muted and gritty. The pace and narrative of the story bring you into the story and keep you there from the first page to the last. This is a character-driven mystery and St. Cyr is a fascinating character; one about whom you care. Rampart Street accentuates hypocrisy and greed born from power. Fulmer has maintained the quality of this series with each book and, although this book stands well along, should recommend starting from the beginning.

[Lisa Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting...especially all of the racism that is depicted in the novel (WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!!!)...Being from New Orleans, it was comforting to hear streets and neighborhoods referenced.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book from a bargain bin because of the cover--it's hard for anyone who ever lived in New Orleans not to recognize that photo. The blurb on the book jacket sold me--a mystery set in early twentieth century New Orleans? Hard to resist! Turns out to be the third book in a series about conflicted, alienated detective Augustin St. Cyr. It was meticulously researched--I did some reading on Storyville and the era, and found many of the characters and details were true-to-life. The atmosphere is perfect, if the plot has a few holes. Some of the events were so unlikely as to be a little ridiculous, but it was a fun read, and I would happily pick up a book or two of the rest of the series in the future. Good for light (if not light-hearted) mystery reading.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third Valentin St. Cyr mystery, set in early-20th Century New Orleans, finds the Creole detective tasked by the King of Storyville Tom Anderson to investigate the murder of a wealthy shipping magnate in that infamous red-light district. The case should be a simple one, but things don't add up. When the victim's daughter urges him to pursue the truth, no matter what, and when a business partner of the victim also turns up dead, Valentin finds himself out of his element, putting more than himself at risk.

This time, the whodunit isn't as much of a mystery as the why. With New Orleans as much a character as the people who live there, this is a quick read. I'm enjoying spending time there with them and am happy there are four more installments in the series.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd in the Storyville Series of 4 (I have read the first two—in order!!!); as often happens with series books, it gets more complicated, detracting from the story (my opine); nonetheless, I read late, woke up early to some more as St. Cyr, the detective is quite the character. The unfolding is very gradual and for the most part believable when it all comes together; I have requested the 4th in this series for Christmas (it’s not at any of our libraries); 2006 hardback via my spouse’s purchase from the Madison County Public Library, Berea, book sale based on an employee recommendation; 336 pgs.

[Ivan Benedict · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time is 19:12 in New Orleans. A man is shot and is found on the street. He is an important man. The family wants to know who did the murder. A detective agrees with the man’s daughter that he will try to find who is the one who murdered him. The story goes further as others arc killed. The detective himself is almost killed as he tries to find out who has done the murder. The story is very interesting, and it takes place in an interesting spot with many people of different kinds, like blacks and Italians and others. This is a fun read.

[Dennis Fischman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history, the setting, and the quality of the writing keep me coming back to this series. Valentin is a bit better drawn than your average Sam Spade, but there is just no reason that women put their lives in danger to be his lover. Both Justine and Anne Marie Benedict seem much too smart for that. It’s a genre convention , but it weakens the story.

[Lydia Gates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but I had to go back and re-read. Alot of characters toward the end; and to keep up with whom is whom. Might read more from this author.

[Redsteve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd felt that Fulmer was getting into a rut as JASS (Storyville #2) seemed kind of formulaic compared to CHASING THE DEVIL's TAIL (#1), with many similarities to the point that it felt like Fulmer was writing the same book a second time. With this novel, I feel like he is back on track, with a fine mix of history and crime, interesting characters and complex situations. Unlike the first two books, he gives the reader enough clues to figure out what what was going on (I managed to predict about 2/3 before the various reveals). As a switch, the story changes POV more often - as I recall the first two books are pretty much from St. Cyr's perspective, with the exception of various victims, and those only a few minutes before their deaths - which made for a more well-rounded story. Also, for once, Tom Anderson ("The King of Storyville") did NOT spend most of the book trying to stop St. Cyr from following his investigation to the bitter end, which I felt was more realistic as, after the previous two books, someone considerably dumber than Anderson should have figured out that was NOT going to fly. Again, Fulmer pulls no punches when it comes to race and gender relations in Louisiana in the first decade of the 20th Century. Much of this plot is driven by Americans' relations with the relatively recent Sicilian newcomers, including the anti-immigrant violence of 1891. For more details on the incidents that almost resulted in a war between the US and Italy, I suggest the nonfiction VENDETTA by Richard Gambino.

[Istiningdyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventure of detective Valentin St. Cyr in Storyville continues in Rampart Street. This time after long absence from his usual job at Storyville, the detective decides to come back. There is a murder happened at Rampart Street. It isn’t surprising considering the place, but what makes it unusual is the victim. A reputable white man found with a bullet wound in the middle of Rampart Street. Because of that, someone is asking a favor to Tom Anderson, the king of Storyville, on behalf of the victim’s family to help solve the murder case. That’s how Valentin got assigned to the case. At first, Valentin was going to end the case immediately by ruling it as random robbery. But as he digs more, turns out the case is bigger than what he anticipates.
Rampart Street is the third book in the Storyville series. Although it can be read as a standalone, I suggest reading the entire series chronologically. It wouldn’t affect the mystery because each book’s case isn’t directly connected. But that way, readers can perceive Valentin’s struggle and development as a character better.
Full review here

[Charles Kerns]

This is a historical romance, not a detective novel--without much on the cover to let you know the difference. The book, though, has tender feelings. Beware. Women's hearts flutter! Adverbs proliferate. The book does try to be tough. It says "fuck," kills people, has examples of blunt force action, but it's a softie, almost a cozy. I don't mind them for others, but I want to be warned, so I don't buy one.

Now the good news if you picked up the book, Fulmer seems to know the old New Orleans. The times when jazz started. Where Bellocq took photos of the ladies. Where crime was fun. And deadly. But Fulmer writes a bit too politely about the other side of the streetcar tracks for my tastes.

[Laura Cushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentin St. Cyr is back in Storeyville, this time investigating the death of an uptown man on Rampart street at the behest of the man's daughter. There's more to the story than just a rich man straying to the wrong side of town, and Valentin uncovers a web of intrigue stretching back 20 years and having ties with his own past. Supporting characters Justine and Beansoup are back - Justine having returned to her previous life of prostitution, and Beansoup growing up to be quite a rounder who prefers to be called Emile these days. A solid addition to the series. Recommended for historical mystery fans.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying, I started the series with this book.
I like the detective. I can't think of a character I hate. The plot is a slow ambling toward the solution. And it works. There isn't any big action sequence. The answer is obvious at the beginning, but the why is the mystery. The solution is layered and makes sense. The resolution is okay as well.
My biggest problem is the depressing overall nature of the book. Everyone seems to be moving through life convinced of its hopelessness. That doesn't make for the best read.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent --- Kind of a weak ending but still good writing. This was about three rich white guys who were killed and the daughter of one employed St. Cyr to find out what happened. Turns out that an even richer white guy had them killed. He was responsible for driving out a lot of Italians on the docks and killed his business partners who were going to expose him. In the end Mangetta and Valentin's cousin killed Henry Harris.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best thing about this mystery is the setting, New Orleans in 1910. Creole detective Valentin St Cyr moves the floridly decadent streets of Storyville and the "American" part of town. The historical setting is so good and interesting that I didn't care about the plot line as much as one would expect in a mystery. The plot needs the setting anyway; it couldn't happen this way just any where.

[Padraic · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not a mystery fan, the only way in is through locale - in this case, the forty square block piece of old weird America called the Quarter. Fulmer has it down, smells, sounds, sights and all. It's set in 1909, but you know this place is doomed. Sadly, it was doomed to become another corporate Disneyland, but that's Ok. The beignets still rock.

[Paul Secor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third of David Fulmer's Valentin St. Cyr mystery novels. The mystery part of the book is nicely done, but the real reason to read it is for the character of creole detective Valentin St. Cyr and for the way that Fulmer recreates the atmosphere of early 1900's New Orleans. If you read one of the books in the series, you'll probably end up reading them all.

[Paul Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thrilled with this series. Having family from the region, and living nearby myself, I can say unequivocally that these books capture and evoke the feeling of the famous setting in which they take place. And the mystery, our characters, and the writing, are all fantastic and wonderfully captivating. I LOVE it

[Linda Beckstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see why this writer won a Shamus Award. Very evocative of time and place. I enjoyed the use of jass slang; most of it can be understood from context. Don't usually read the genre, but may read others in the Storyville series. Very glad I read "Coming Through Slaughter" first; Rampart Street made reference to Buddy Bolden.

[Harlow Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story of Storyville in New Orleans at the turn of the last century. Great detective story in a place that was fermenting with the beginnings of jass (jazz) and having the final chapter on bordello districts in the U.S. Fulmer is a really talented writer who uses words precisely.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Valentin St. Cyr mystery. In this one the Creole dective is handed a murder to solve that people really don't want solved. All of the characters from previous books are in this one. It is an interesting read, but very much on a formula from the prior books.

[Nike Chillemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is David Fumer's second book, and the second in the Detective Valentine St. Cyr series. These historical thrillers are set in the day when electricity was just replacing the gas street lights of New Orleans and the automobile was just being introduced to its streets.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but both the second and third did not hold my attention. 75% of the both books contain so much tedious detail and then the author rushes to the conclusion. It was a struggle to get through this one

[Russell Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read of old school New Orleans around Ethernet beginning of the century. A classic look at Storyville and the American south during that time period. It's a first for me in the series but I like the writing and the character.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like this book. Having just visited New Orleans I bought this book since it's set in the area in 1910. Fun to learn about how the area has changed and not changed in the time since. Really liked Valentin st. Cyr and his approach to detective work.

[Mary Thomas]

Valentin St. Cyr mystery

[Edwina · Rating 2 out of 5]

same as for "Chasing the Devil's Tail." Since I grew up on Rampart Street in New Orleans I had to read this one!

[Kelseyjjohnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished it in two days, a great quick thriller.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

#3 Valentin St Cyr