The Reluctant Gangster: On the Road with Merry, #5

By M. H. Wilkie

Intrepid boomer woman and solo traveller Merry works her magic once again, this time in New Orleans — or Nawlins, as it’s known to the locals.

Sounds of jazz, smells of exotic foods, gorgeous French architecture — Merry finds all these, and something more.

A young boy is running with bad company and doesn’t know how to break away from them. Through a chance meeting with Merry and an elderly trumpet player, he finds his independence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. H. Wilkie
• Release date: Oct 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519992185

Book preview

The Reluctant Gangster

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"Welcome to Nawlins! said Bessie. This your first visit?"

Yes, said Merry with a smile. Nawlins! They really do say it like that!  And I can't wait to explore. I've seen quite a lot of America, but somehow never got to New Orleans until now.

Bessie laughed as she poured coffee. Merry felt she'd lucked out with this charming bed and breakfast on a little side street, near enough to the action but, as she'd learned last night, quiet enough to sleep. And this warm friendly woman who owned it was a bonus.

I hope y’all like jazz, said Bessie, busying herself preparing the other tables for guests who hadn't come down for breakfast yet. 'Cause there's plenty of that all round!

I certainly do, replied Merry. That's one of the things I've been looking forward to — jazz in the street! And I hear you folks have lots of festivals and street parties.

Bessie laughed again.

Honey, Nawlins is one big street party!

If this coffee is typical, I'm going to be a happy woman! Merry savoured the dark, strong brew Bessie had served. Where would you suggest I start?

Well, if you're interested in street festivals you've arrived at a good time. Today it's the Freret Street Festival — it's kind of the unofficial start to the festival season and it’s a doozie. Explaining how to get to the festival site, Bessie said she hoped Merry was wearing some comfortable shoes.

It's eight blocks long, and so busy with stuff to look at and do — and music to listen to — you don't realize how far you've walked till you get home and collapse!

Sounds good to me, Bessie! Thanks for telling me about it.

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Watching the passing streetscape from the St. Charles Streetcar, Merry savoured again the atmosphere that had given New Orleans its nickname, The Big Easy.