The Crime Czar

""Tubby was not accustomed to being treated like a lunatic. As a member in good standing of the Louisiana Bar, he could treat other people that way. But the title of lawyer was supposed to earn you a measure of respect--maybe even trepidation."" Trouble is, instilling fear in others doesn't come naturally for Tubby Dubonnet, the New Orleans lawyer who would rather eat shrimp scampi at Uglisich's (sic) than sit in his office and service his infrequent clients. In Dubonnet's fifth outing, he's moved to drastic action when his college wrestling buddy, Dan, dies from wounds received trying to save Dubonnet's life (which fans will remember from 1997's terrific Shelter from the Storm). The shooter, a nasty piece of work named Willard LaRue, is still on the loose, working for a corrupt public official, and Dubonnet comes up with a scheme to nab him while helping elect an honest judge. Although Dunbar's latest has a certain air of lassitude (especially after the high drama of its predecessor), Dunbar still catches the rich, dark spirit of New Orleans better than anyone. (Oct.)