Creole Belle provides ample evidence why so many critics, fans, and fellow authors consider James Lee Burke to be the best in the business. Convalescing in New Orleans, troubled detective Dave Robicheaux is visited by Tee Jolie Melton, who leaves him an iPod containing a single tune: ''Creole Belle.'' Obsessed with the song, Dave is caught in a confluence of events when Tee Jolie's sister is found dead and an oilwell blowout threatens the bayou.