Review: Calling the Dead by Ali Vali
A Thrilling Story About a Serial Killer in Post-Katrina New Orleans
Dec 14, 2008
Detective Sept Savoie was introduced in Vali's other series, the Cain Casey saga, and is now the main character in this new, intriguing story of love and murder.
The Location: New Orleans
Ali Vali's home town, she paints New Orleans in vivid detail, both in its pre and post Katrina character. The city itself becomes a character as Det. Savoie tracks the serial killer. There are times when the reader flinches at the honest, bleak vision Vali paints of post Katrina Louisiana, as houses remain empty with large markers on the door showing the number of dead that were inside. But, at the same time, she shows the sense of hope when Savioe's own family continues to rebuild their home with help from the entire family. It may be slow, but it is progress, and Vali shows the power of hope that really exists there even now.
The restaurants, powerhouse families and shops Vali mentions have all been based on real places and people. She has come into contact with them, and it shows in the gorgeous descriptions. Her serial killer, vividly imagined and chillingly real, moves through the depths of New Orleans, and even at the very end, the reader can picture exactly where the killer stands as he prepares to take another life.
Love in Calling the Dead
The love interest in this novel is Keegan Blanchard. As usual, Vali balances her female characters with fabulous strength as well as human failings. While Keegan is strong and intelligent, she is also human in her dealings with fear and confrontation. The love between family members is also relevant in this text, as one of Det. Savoie's own comes under scrutiny. Indeed, it is family that gets all of the characters through the destruction and aftermath that was Hurricane Katrina, and which irrevocably changes all of their lives forever.
Love is even the catalyst of the serial killer's twisted doings, giving a strange perspective and insight into the disturbing mind of the killer.
Ali Vali briefly touches on class in this novel as well, which is a huge part of the culture in Louisiana. While one character comes from an affluent, well placed family, the other comes from the poorer neighborhoods where the hurricane took it's biggest toll. And while dealt with in only a tangential way, Vali handles it with aplomb and honesty, showing that while the class level may differ, the love between the families does not.
The Author, Ali Vali
Ali Vali and her partner live in New Orleans. She is a vibrant author with a wicked sense of humor who always stops to speak with her fans. Her previous novels include the Cain Casey saga, as well as a multitude of short stories in anthologies and her novel about surviving and dating after cancer, Carly's Sound.
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