In the Electric Mist

Iberia Parish detective Dave Robicheaux is relentless in pursuing the truth behind a spate of murders while battling his own alcoholism. He navigates a web of corruption, personal losses, and fragile loyalties with a weary, wary demeanor. His moral compass drives him to protect the vulnerable even when it jeopardizes his safety or reputation.

Bootsie is Dave's wife, protective and pragmatic, wary of the danger around her family. She anchors the home life amidst the chaos of Elrod and the investigations, offering steadiness when Dave spirals into drink and doubt. Her concerns about their daughter Alafair ground the human cost of Dave's pursuit of justice.

Hollywood actor Elrod Sykes is flamboyant and reckless, driving drunk and causing friction with Dave. His presence complicates the investigation as his substance abuse mirrors Dave's own demons. He becomes a catalyst for personal and professional disruption while seeking redemption through the Civil War film.

Kelly is Elrod's girlfriend who becomes entwined with the local murders and the film crew. Her fatal encounter—killed by a shotgun mistaking her for someone else—serves as a pivotal event that intensifies the investigation. Her presence haunts Dave as he pieces together the truth.

Balboni is a mafia-connected financier whose ties to crime complicate the case. He denies direct knowledge of the murdered prostitute, hinting at larger networks while keeping a protective distance from the agents. His involvement reveals how organized crime lingers behind vanity projects and hometown politics.

Doucet is a criminal associate implicated in the swamp murders, linked with Balboni's circle. He operates with a mixture of charm and menace, and his eventual confrontation with Dave is a turning point in the investigation. His questionable actions reveal the brutality behind the crime ring.

Twinky LeMoyne is a companion in the criminal underworld whose role helps expose the network surrounding Balboni. He contributes to the sense of danger and the labyrinthine web of relationships within the bayou region. His presence underscores the reach of organized crime in the parish.

The ghostly General Hood appears as a guiding figure, offering Dave counsel during his darkest moments. He is later revealed to be a figment of Dave's psyche, a narrative device that frames the case as a journey through memory and guilt. His presence intertwines Civil War history with present danger.

Michael Goldman is the film producer who claims Balboni is funding the Civil War project yet denies co-producing. He brings a film-industry perspective into the investigation, highlighting the tensions between art and crime in a small parish setting. His role reveals how cinema intersects with reality in the swamp.

Rosie Gomez is an FBI agent partnered with Dave to solve the case, bringing federal resources and a different investigative approach. She navigates the complexities of the local crime scene and the suspicion-laden atmosphere of a tight-knit community. Her role emphasizes cooperation and cross-jurisdiction efforts.