Louis Tridico

Book received for free from GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the book!

The Ghosts of Bayou Potomac defines unique. With a special blend of irreverent humor, fast-paced international drama, and presidential historical tidbits, I can't remember a book that stands out quite as well. It's rare nowadays to find a book that explores brand new scenarios and ideas; I'm glad I found one.

More than once, I found myself laughing out loud at the humorous one-liners and scenarios Tridico puts his people into. While some of the scenarios were almost too outlandish, for the most part the wife-oggling dead presidents, the voodoo priestess in the White House, and a current President with a fantastic sense of humor brought some much needed levity to balance out the heavy international drama developing between America and China.

The whole United States/China/developing WWIII scenario present in the book kept me on the edge of my seat. It was fascinating to see the developing situation from the eyes of many different players: a glory-seeking Chinese admiral, Navy pilots on both sides just doing their jobs, Chinese drone pilots, Washington reporters, White House aides, and the President himself. Everyone had a different outlook on the whole thing and their own opinions about how best to resolve/escalate/survive it. I think I liked this so well as it is definitely something that could easily happen. Adds some very heavy emphasis to the events portrayed within.

Now, the dead presidents. These are the kind of guys I would love to hang out with and chat up. Each of our deadies offer support and advice of different kinds to our main character. They're all connected in some way to the developing situation that I found intriguing. Who would have thunk that two of these guys have any bearing on a developing confrontation with Asia?! These three former presidents were my favorite characters, I think. They were hilarious, patriotic, and just so fascinating!! The reader gets to learn some historic presidential data and really get to know our guys.

Overall, I loved this book. Even though there were a few places where the humor got a little too eye-rolling, they were few and far between. While reading this book, I laughed, was on the edge of my seat in suspense, and I learned stuff, too. This book is definitely recommended for anyone who is looking for something unique to read that will make you laugh and engaged at the same time.… (more)

Take a picture of a calm bayou. People fishing, singing, drinking and loving. Then add to this mix a horny critter, hornier humans, the critter’s VERY pregnant and crabby mate, a meth cook of the slimiest order and a bait shop. This is Fort St Jesus (aka Alcide, LA).

The critter who ends up being named Gaston (do NOT ask!) needs to find his lady love in a hurry. She needs him to help her deliver the many, many baby critters inside her. (Did I mention they talk?) He’s on his way, but in typical male fashion (sorry, guys) he gets distracted by food – particularly “smart things” – they seem to taste best. That would be -- US.

Deputy Lexie Smith is on duty but she’d rather be loving on Cam DeSalle, bait shop owner and all around nice guy. Cam would rather she was as well. His best friend Troy is in love with the sex-toy, Mary Kay saleslady and the local Catholic Church is led by Father Mike and Sister Joanie, both of Fort St. Jesus originally and determined to make it work – one religion or another.

I have a tendency to pick books with great titles and, when Fort St. Jesus Bait and Tackle came up; how could I resist? So glad I didn’t because I think this is the start of a long relationship!… (more)