We Don't Talk About Emma

by J. D. Barker, E.J. Findorff

Genres: Crime Fiction; Psychological Thrillers; Vigilante Thrillers

Synopsis

When is cold-blooded murder justified?

New Orleans Detective Nikki Mayeaux has decided it’s when a technicality sets a serial rapist free.

Jaded and frustrated, this latest injustice brings her to a boiling point. She arrives at the monster’s home intending to end his reign of terror, only to find someone else got there first. His throat slit, his lifeless body left in the front seat of his car.

Only one person wanted him dead more than her - his final victim - a girl of only sixteen who has vanished in the seedy underbelly of the French Quarter where residents will go to great lengths to protect their own, even when their own is a killer.

When is cold-blooded murder justified?

End a killer.

End a cop.

Sometimes, both.

Release date: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Hampton Creek Press

Print pages: 416

Sample

Thriller; Crime fiction; New Orleans; Detective; Serial rapist; Vigilante justice; Murder mystery; French Quarter; Police procedural; Moral dilemma; Legal thriller; Suspense; Revenge; Cold case; Corruption; Noir; Southern gothic; Female detective; Justice system; Technicality; Victim; Underworld; Seedy underbelly; Community secrets; Missing person; Teenage victim; Ethical conflict; Psychological thriller; Gritty crime; Louisiana; Dark mystery; Jaded cop; Frustrated detective; Boiling point; Reign of terror; Slit throat; Crime scene; Vanished victim; Protective community; Moral ambiguity; Justified murder; Cop thriller; Killer instinct; Law enforcement; Legal loophole; Vengeful victim; Street justice; Criminal underworld; Moral gray area; Police corruption; Deadly secrets; Unsolved crime; Violent retribution; Twisted justice; Cop on the edge; Dark undercurrent; Bayou noir; Crescent City crime; NOLA mystery; Courtroom drama; Legal injustice; Femme fatale; Hard-boiled detective; Southern mystery; Urban crime; Deadly intent; Moral compass; Undercover operation; Police brutality; Crooked cops; Gumshoe detective; Street-smart sleuth; Deadly pursuit; Lawless streets; Criminal minds; Dark alleyways; Bourbon Street; Jazz noir; Mardi Gras mystery; Creole crime; Voodoo vengeance; Swamp justice; Bayou bloodshed; Carnival killer; Mississippi River murder; Plantation secrets; Cajun conspiracy; Streetwise detective; Backroom deals; Deadly decision; Moral quandary; Ethical dilemma; Cop vs. killer; Justice served cold; Deadly intentions; Dark motivations; Twisted morality; Deadly consequences; Fatal choices; Ultimate justice