Two and a half. I wanted more exploration into black Atlanta, something very central to the book. More development of Joes love interest. Unsatisfied with the characterization of the Captain's wife--that felt too easy, or at least too easily handled. I loved Joe, Willie, and especially the titled, flawed dying crapshooter. ( )

Writer David Fulmer has carved out a very thoughtful niche for himself with his satisfying mystery novels that are steeped in blues and jazz lore. His previous novels Jass and Rampart Street followed detective Valentine St. Cyr through the Storyville section of New Orleans as Buddy Bolden and King Oliver began to turn brass bands into jazz bands. For this novel, Fulmer moves north pre-Depression Atlanta, which is finally shaking off the effects of the Civil War and coming into its own as a center of blues and hillbilly music. Former detective turned sneak-thief Joe Rose pulls into town as a major jewel heist goes down. Soon, his acquaintance, pimp and rounder Little Jesse lies dying from a drunken cops bullet. Street singer Blind Willie McTell (yup, that McTell) begins to compose the epic song of the title as he keeps a vigil at Little Jesse's bedside and encourages Rose to find the killer. Meanwhile, Rose and his lady are being framed for the heist by a racist cop and the clock is ticking for him to find the answers. Fulmer always cooks up a satisfying story and this is no exception. Just like his Storyville novels, the city of Atlanta becomes a character - divided between black and white, rich and poor, old and new, the city is revealed in all its contradictions. Fans of the blues should not miss this beautifully written story. ( )

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