When a plane crashes near his New Orleans home, a boozing ex-cop named Dave Robicheaux rescues the only survivor, a young Salvadoran girl. But then Dave begins to suspect that the crack-up was no accident. So he undertakes an investigation of New Orleans' sleazy underbelly, to the dismay of numerous crime lords, drug sellers and assorted lowlifes. In particular, reptilian narcotics dealer Bubba Rocque -- one of Dave's childhood buddies -- wants to put a stop to the snooping.
Although Dave enjoys being a detective again, his world collapses when his efforts result in the murder of his loving wife. Enraged and undaunted, Dave becomes more determined than ever to bring everyone involved in the crimes to justice... dead or alive.
