Showing results by author "Vito Zuppardo" in All Categories

Mario DeLuca, a respected New Orleans detective for over 20 years, has put many criminals behind bars, and there is not a one that wouldn’t want to see him dead. Felipe Cruz, in court, promised he would get even with Mario - one day. He still controls the streets of New Orleans from a prison cell and makes good on his promise.

Ride along with the New Orleans police department as the officers work together to solve unusual happenings in this unique, historic city. You’ll meet Zack Nelson, a former police officer, now living in a retirement center because of his daughter-in-law’s illness. While he’s not keen to move, he does so temporarily to help his son, Tom, and Patty cope with the medical issues.

5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews. Wow! Book #8 in the series is another page-turner. Can Mario bend the rules enough to solve this case? Detective Mario DeLuca never thought he would hear from his ex-fiancée, Kate Fontenot, again. But when she asks for his help with an urgent matter, he can't turn her away. Together with Detective Howard Blitz, they are assigned to investigate a case at Rockford Auction House. As they dig deeper, they realize they are being watched by multiple agencies and a dangerous criminal organization involved in human trafficking. Howard, who is believed to be an assassin, ...

In 1967, in the quaint town of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Eli Fletcher stands out as the star quarterback for his high school team. With his charming looks and talent on the field, he has caught the attention of every mother in town who sees him as a potential husband for their daughters. But despite his popularity, Eli has always felt a void due to never knowing his father and having distant family members. His mother Fran had high hopes for Eli to follow in the footsteps of Father Robicheaux, who had been like a mentor to him throughout childhood. However, as Eli shows little interest in ...

The streets of New Orleans are filled with the sounds of jazz until the first light of day, and so is the story of Voodoo Lucy. At twenty-eight years old, Lucinda (Lucy) Jones bids farewell to Tupelo, Mississippi, where she has suffered abuse from her alcoholic father for as long as she can remember. She hopes to carve out a new life in New Orleans with her own money made through small-time cons. When Lucy gets involved with a dangerous drug lord and decides to testify against a killer, though, things take an unexpected turn. With allies on both sides of the law and a powerful drug gang ...

5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I have read all the True Blue Detective series, a reviewer said. I couldn’t put it down! A page-turner. If you are from New Orleans or have visited, you will enjoy this immensely. Mario DeLuca, drugged and unable to respond, is unsure if he's living through a reality or one of his recurring nightmares in which an unknown man is chasing him. Chief Parks sends Mario to Las Vegas for a convention but has other motives—she has received news that her sister in Las Vegas thinks she's spotted her missing daughter, Sophia, who disappeared over six years ago. Mario decides to ...

Meet Detective Mario DeLuca, a homicide detective from the Vieux Carré Eighth Police District of New Orleans. He's not always faithful to police protocol, but he gets the job done—one way or another. In this third book in the True Blue Detective series by author Vito Zuppardo, an expert on New Orleans' history and a former resident of the city, Mario joins forces with an undercover cop, Howard Blitz alongside forensics expert Olivia Johansson of the New Orleans Police Department, as they try to protect Olivia after she was drugged and nearly killed for no apparent reason. Mario and ...

A triple homicide in a restaurant—just another workday for Detective Mario DeLuca. Join Detective Mario DeLuca and his partner, Howard Blitz, as they go deep into the streets of New Orleans to solve a triple homicide in one of the city's restaurants. Mario battles with his own demons while investigating the crime and trying to comprehend the tragedy. He also takes a stroll down memory lane to visit an old neighbor from his youth, discovering secrets held by Irish Bayou. At the same time, he is comforted by both Howard's and his own tenacity and kindness. The two detectives are excellent ...

From a beloved master of crime fiction, True Blue Detective features Mario DeLuca, the hard-boiled detective of the New Orleans French Quarter. A detective with something to prove and desperate for justice. Mario DeLuca always wanted to be a cop and put bad guys behind bars. Can he bring law and order to the streets of New Orleans, or will his dream of bringing the city’s worst thugs to justice cost him more than he ever dreamed? This story is a prequel, taking place immediately before the events in the first book of the True Blue Detective series. The series has action, drama, mystery, ...

Based on True Events My first stroke of luck came from the Stardust Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, which unbeknownst to me was owned by mob bosses. FRANK “LEFTY” ROSENTHAL, the inspiration for the book “Casino” by NICHOLAS PILEGGI, managed all its operations.Based on True Events. I'm the host of the most exclusive High-Stakes Gaming event, flying to casinos all over the world. My travels took me everywhere, ensuring that the most extravagant VIPs had everything they desired: plush suites, private jets, and stretch limousines. I provided them with every amenity you can think of (...

5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow, such excitement it had me turning the pages faster and faster. Tragedy strikes the New Orleans Police Department. A recent shooting involving a police officer from the True Blue squad deeply affects Detective Mario DeLuca, who has a personal connection to the officer. Struggling with the heavy emotional toll of his job and personal life, he finds himself on edge. Meanwhile, Howard, a longtime friend of Mario's, joins forces with him in their dangerous battle against the mob. With the assistance of Julie Wong, they fight back against those determined to take them down ...

Mario DeLuca and Howard Blitz, two detectives from the Eighth District in New Orleans, are known for their unorthodox methods. In this fourth installment of the True Blue Detective series, our trusty duo is back at it again as they throw traditional crime-solving techniques out the window in pursuit of justice on the streets. Five Star Reviews says it all: “Street Justice. The way it was done in the old days.” The two officers find themselves caught up in a dangerous situation involving a cartel demanding twelve million dollars and threatening Mario's life if their demands aren't met. ...

5-⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews Voodoo Lucy is someone you don’t want on your bad side! Lucy aims to right the wrongs of her past in New Orleans. In the center of the historic French Quarter, Voodoo Lucy is still alive and well as Lucinda Jones continues on with her skillful adventures. Lucinda's many relationships are entwined with Felipe Cruz, a drug dealer; Detective Mario DeLuca; and Stella James, a romantic interest that comes and goes. As Lucy's nightmares grow worse, she discovers the source and takes revenge using her voodoo art by making a doll that frightens her target. After getting ...

Lucinda Jones paced around the room, debating which kind of criminal she’d need more for her task: a drug kingpin or a mafia boss? They had both been summoned to this mysterious rendezvous. Lucy surveyed her thick black book of contacts who frequented Club Twilight during its off-hours. When someone asked for Lucy’s help in resolving their dilemma, she never said no—but there was always a caveat. She might come calling for assistance one day. It had been ten years since two men came begging for Lucy's aid; and now Lucinda was due to collect on that debt. Indebtedness to Lucinda Jones ...

Lucy Jones is living the good life in the French Quarter until she finds herself staring down the barrel of a gun. Voodoo Lucy is the Queen of the French Quarter and money is no problem for her; thanks to both legal and illegal activities, she has enough capital to give back generously to New Orleans. When Mayor Sam Algarotti challenges her to run for city council, Lucy agrees – seeing it as an avenue to further expand business interests and fill her pockets some more. But things take an unexpected turn when dirt from her past surfaces. The tumultuous relationship between Lucy and Stella ...

What’s worse than murder and mayhem? Voodoo dolls and a heist, for starters. After overcoming the challenges of her past, Lucy finally has the freedom to explore the mysteries of New Orleans's French Quarter. Offering a safe refuge for abused women, she relies on voodoo magic to get her way. She tells herself that it's all for the greater good of the community, and works towards creating positive change in her own unorthodox way. But when an old flame returns with a request for help, Lucy discovers that her previously-held control over her dark side is slipping away. Caught between two ...

Is trust possible in a world where betrayal is widespread, and death is the ultimate outcome. After years of chasing Otto Ricci, Detectives Mario DeLuca and Howard Blitz finally caught their target. They watched with satisfaction when Ricci was finally arrested. Mario feels victorious as the defendant slowly crumbles in court. Summoned as a witness, he is more than eager to testify against the man responsible for so much crime on the streets of New Orleans. But then, the unexpected happens. As the case begins, the judge announces his decision to recuse himself from the proceedings. It is no...