James Lee Burke’s most beloved character, Dave Robicheaux, returns in this New York Times bestselling mystery set in the towns and backwoods of Louisiana: an “enthralling yet grim novel that…will captivate, start to finish” (Publishers Weekly).Dave Robicheaux is a haunted man. From the acts he committed in Vietnam, to his battles with alcoholism, to the sudden loss of his beloved wife, Molly, his … of his beloved wife, Molly, his thoughts drift from one irreconcilable memory to the next. Images of ghosts pepper his reality. Robicheaux’s only beacon remains serving as a detective in New Iberia, Louisiana.
It’s in that capacity that Robicheaux crosses paths with powerful mob boss, Tony Nemo. Tony has a Civil War sword he’d like to give to Levon Broussard, a popular local author whose books have been adapted into major Hollywood films. Then there’s Jimmy Nightengale, the young poster boy of New Orleans wealth and glamour. Jimmy’s fond of Levon’s work, and even fonder of his beautiful, enigmatic wife, Rowena. Tony thinks Jimmy can be a US Senator someday, and has the resources and clout to make it happen. There’s something off about the relationship among these three men, and after a vicious assault, it’s up to Robicheaux to uncover the truth “in the barn-burner of a climax” (Booklist, starred review).
Complicating matters is the sudden death of the New Iberian local responsible for Molly’s death; namely that Robicheaux’s colleague thinks Robicheaux had something to do with it. As Robicheaux works to clear his name and make sense of the murder, a harrowing study of America emerges: this nation’s abiding conflict between a sense of past grandeur and a legacy of shame, its easy seduction by demagogues and wealth, and its predilection for violence and revenge. “It has been almost five years since James Lee Burke’s last Dave Robicheaux novel, and it was absolutely worth the wait” (Associated Press).
more
I love to read about dear old Dave.
Like the depiction of the Cajun back country mores
All his books are fabulous. This one is no exception.
James Lee Burke is one of my favorite writers. I never miss one of his books.
Realistic to some degree. I grew up in New Iberia area and could relate to the type of characters and places he described.
Love all of Burke’s books.
Lots of action and violence. Very well written.
ANOTHER GREAT READ BY jAMES lEE bURKE
James Lee Burke is an awesome writer! His characters continue to engage us!
Reading James Lee Burke is like sipping Southern Comfort. Or fine wine. He never disappoints.
Immersed in New Orleans Cajun tradition.
I have read almost all of Burke’s novels and I thoroughly enjoyed each of them. He is at the head of my list of favorite crime fiction authors. He is certainly the master of this form. There is much in each book that goes far beyond being just crime fiction; I think of his as a very wise philosopher.
I love James Lee Burke’s writing. It is very lyrical and this book meets the same quality of lyrical writing as his others. However, it might just be me, but I’m getting a bit tired of Robicheaux. His character is still true to form and original but after so many books, the detective is getting old and coming up with new scenarios seems to be a problem. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good book, as are all JLB’s books, I may just be tired of them.
This book like all of JL Burke’s book. Robichueaux legend lives on.
I usually like this author’s work, but was not even able to finish this one. Way too dark and depressing for me.
I’d read anything written by James Lee Burke. Years ago I watched the movie version of ” In the Electric Mist” and immediately went out and bought 3 Dave Robicheaux novels. The characters come alive and the stories are excellent. What I like most is Burke’s ability to create an atmosphere and to make the main characters so self effacing and real. His introspection is unsparing. Just wish he could write faster. One of my very favorite authors.
I love the morality centered focus of Dave, in almost all his decisions. I love that he is world wise, street smart and very protective, loyal to friends and family. He is flawed, but I can fully relate to him.
excellent,best writer
A good read. Like visiting an old friend I hadn’t seen in a while – Dave Robicheaux.
Just another awesome book by Burk