What are the best new orleans novels in the fiction genre?

One of the best is 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole. It vividly portrays the unique characters and the eccentric atmosphere of New Orleans. Another great one could be 'The Moviegoer' by Walker Percy which also captures the essence of the city in a very nuanced way.

I'm not sure about the exact best - selling ones all the time, but 'A Confederacy of Dunces' has been extremely popular over the years. Its unique characters and vivid portrayal of New Orleans life have made it a classic that sells well.

There's also 'The Awakening' which is set in New Orleans and its surrounding areas. It tells the story of a woman's struggle for self - realization. The setting of New Orleans, with its mix of different cultures and social norms, provides a rich backdrop for the story's exploration of female identity and liberation.

The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. It's set in New Orleans and explores themes of alienation and self - discovery. The main character's experiences in the city are central to the story, and you get a sense of the unique culture and atmosphere of New Orleans.

I'm not entirely sure what 'Gaunteieer Fiction' specifically is. But there are many works that are set in New Orleans and have a touch of the extraordinary. For example, 'The Witching Hour' also by Anne Rice. It delves deep into the dark and mysterious side of New Orleans, with its old mansions and secretive families. It has elements of magic, mystery and family drama all intertwined, which could potentially be part of this 'Gaunteieer Fiction' concept if it involves the unknown and the fictional.

A lesser - known but great New Orleans novel is 'City of Refuge' by Tom Piazza. It focuses on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the city. It shows how the people of New Orleans coped, their resilience, and how the city itself changed. It gives a very real and emotional look at the city during that difficult time.

Julie Smith's Skip Langdon series is also excellent. In 'Huck Finn's Blood', Skip has to deal with a mystery that involves family secrets and the unique cultural aspects of New Orleans. Smith does a great job of making the city a character in itself. The reader gets a sense of the local traditions, the food, and the different types of people who call New Orleans home, all while following Skip's investigation.

The people of New Orleans East in novels are often portrayed as having a strong sense of community. There could be stories of neighborly help during tough times, like after a hurricane. The area's music, especially jazz and blues, also plays a role, with characters perhaps being musicians or music enthusiasts, and the music becoming a backdrop to the story, adding rhythm and mood.

Some notable New Orleans fiction novels include 'The Feast of All Saints' by Anne Rice. It's set in the city's antebellum era and offers a rich look at the different social strata. Then there's 'Jitterbug Perfume' by Tom Robbins, which has elements of New Orleans' unique culture woven into its strange and wonderful story. And 'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers tells a more contemporary story set in the city.

New Orleans' history of crime and corruption also features prominently. There have been real - life events like the mob activity in the past. In fiction novels, this can be exaggerated or used as inspiration. So you might have a story where the protagonist is trying to solve a crime that is linked to an old - time New Orleans crime syndicate. The city's past also includes disasters like floods, which can be used to create a sense of chaos and danger in the story.