Greg Herren’s latest Scotty Bradley mystery, Hurricane Season Hustle, is a stormy, suspenseful ride that pulls you into the heart of New Orleans during one of its most chaotic and dangerous times. Herren, a master of blending humor, intrigue, and the unique flavor of his hometown, delivers a story that’s as much about family secrets as it is about survival.
The title itself is a perfect metaphor for the chaos that unfolds. On the surface, it’s about a literal hurricane — a Category 2 storm that traps Scotty and his family in their Garden District estate. But beneath that, it’s about the emotional and psychological storms brewing within the house. The “hustle” hints at the frantic pace of the tale, as Scotty scrambles to uncover a killer hiding among them before it’s too late.
The plot kicks off with Scotty and his lovers taking shelter in the carriage house of his grandparents’ estate, thinking they’ll ride out the tempest safely. But when a tree crashes into the house, revealing a dead body outside, the real danger becomes clear. Forced to move into the main house, Scotty realizes that the storm outside is nothing compared to the one looming inside. With no way to escape, he must untangle a web of family secrets, grudges, and lies to figure out who the murderer is before they strike again.
What makes this book so gripping is the way Herren uses the hurricane as more than just a backdrop. It amplifies the tension, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere in which every interaction feels loaded with suspicion. The confined setting of the estate, combined with the relentless squall outside, makes for a nail-biting read. And as always, Herren’s knack for weaving in humor and heart keeps the story from feeling too heavy, even as the stakes rise.
For longtime fans of the series, this book offers a deeper look into Scotty’s family history, particularly the Diderot side. Herren doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of this lineage, including its ties to slavery and environmental exploitation. These moments of reflection add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a whodunit.
Herren’s love for New Orleans shines through on every page. A Lambda Literary Award winner, he has a gift for capturing the city’s vibrant culture and its resilience in the face of adversity. His Scotty Bradley series is a love letter to New Orleans, filled with the kind of details only a true local could provide.
Hurricane Season Hustle is more than just a mystery — it’s about family, survival, and the secrets we keep. Whether you’re a longtime fan or diving into the series for the first time, this book will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. It’s a storm you won’t want to miss.
