Pirate's Alley by Thomas J. Leveque is about Nanette Chretien, who arrives in New Orleans with a pen and family documents linked to her ancestor Gerard Chretien, a captain at the Battle of New Orleans. Gerard arranged protection for his newborn son, Prosper, amid threats from rival families and pirate forces led by Jean Lafitte. Nanette investigates the Chretien family history with her cousins, tracking Prosper's movements through letters, property records, and heirlooms. But Nanette and her cousin Jenny are abducted by men seeking information about the family’s past. Finding them becomes the focus of efforts by relatives and Detective Sergeant Antoine Durel. The events of 1815, including Gerard’s strategies to protect Prosper, affect the present-day search, connecting historical actions, family lineage, and ongoing threats across Lake Charles and New Orleans.

“...Colonel Jackson cannot hope to beat the British without the help of Jean Lafitte and his pirates... And I’m told, you’re the key to the pirates.” Thomas J. Leveque’s Pirate Alley is a wonderful story of family legacy and the shadows history casts over the present. Leveque’s Louisiana settings burst with life through cinematic descriptions. The characters themselves lean perfectly into moments of connection and trouble that feel authentic, whether over gumbo or courthouse drama, or in piecing together Gerard Chretien’s 1815 correspondence, which casts their present decisions in a new light. I love historic societies, and the Daughters of 1812 represent a dedication to heritage, for better or for worse, through the preservation of genealogical and historical records. With a careful balance of historical and contemporary detail, memorable characters, and a good mystery, Pirate Alley is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Very highly recommended.

Pirate’s Alley by Thomas J. Leveque follows Nanette Chretien (Nan), who travels to Louisiana in search of her past, hoping to learn more about her family history and understand a tale she has heard all her life. On her visit, she meets Jimmy, Johnny, and Jenny—cousins she didn’t know existed —and each is trying to get their lives back on track while dealing with their own personal struggles. As Nan applies to a heritage group tied to the War of 1812, she begins to face quiet resistance and receives odd warnings that make her uneasy. The story moves back and forth between modern Louisiana and life in the early 1800s, when Gerard Chretien and other characters made choices that shaped future generations. As old records and family stories come together, Nan wonders how deep she should dig before trouble catches up with her.

Pirate’s Alley by Thomas J. Leveque merges modern mystery with historical storytelling in a way that builds steadily. I enjoyed seeing how the author draws on Louisiana’s culture, food, music, and traditions to give each chapter a strong sense of place while also adding family tension to the story. The back-and-forth timeline did a great job of showing how the past continues to influence the present. The author skillfully weaves suspense and questions about identity with emotional moments. It feels like the author is very interested in how families navigate silence and long-held secrets, and this is evident in the tone and pacing. Readers who love stories about ancestry, history, and deep family roots will connect with the story, especially those who appreciate uncovering the truth one piece at a time.