The Southern Cross (Paperback)

Dale Blanchet is a criminal investigative reporter in New Orleans. In 2010, he's attacked, just like the people he writes about every day. He can't believe it's happening to him, but then, he's rescued by an unlikely ally: the long-dead pirate Jean Lafitte. Dale takes responsibility for Lafitte, in exchange for the pirate's brave rescue of a man in peril. But is the man claiming to be Lafitte crazy, or is he somehow really the legendary pirate?

In this homage to New Orleans, author Richard Aucoin basks in the beauty of his native city and retells her history through the hijinks of Blanchet and Lafitte. Blanchet feels a surprising kinship with his new friend, and the so-called Lafitte may end up a mascot of the famed Big Easy. In a tale of uproarious mystery, the pair do their best to find Blanchet's attackers, bring a family back together, and heal a wounded city.

"From the riverfront to the exotic streets of New Orleans, Aucoin takes us on a life-changing jaunt with newspaper reporter, Dale Blanchett, as he encounters and befriends the notorious pirate, Jean Lafitte. Then, the charmingly egotistical Lafitte character unfolds to be a forgotten freedom fighter, worthy city mascot and unexpected moral messenger. With loads of chuckles, this fun romp will have the reader hungering for a trip to New Orleans, a stroll through the French Quarter and Crab Cakes Benedict. A good read " -Donna Abney, Executive Vice President Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

""The best adventure story since of the Pirates of the Caribbean with an authentic New Orleans Story."" -Ken Branscum, Author of "The Chronicles of Cain, The Black Circle" and "The Tower of Ruin "