The Glass Rainbow: A Dave Robicheaux Novel

I have read the entire Dave Robicheaux series and have to admit that The Glass Rainbow is hands-down the best I've ever read. When I got to the last line I found myself saying "is this it? This can't be the end." This novel was well written from first to the last line and kept me at the edge of my seat till the very end. All I can say is "Mr. Burke, I hope you've started writing the follow-up to this novel because I'm going to be chewing my nails until it comes out." I pre-ordered this novel and will pre-order the next. Hope I don't have to wait too long. Thank you Mr. Burke. Thank you and please, keep writing.

we get the kindle versions. Love James lee burke. His new Orleans Louisiana stories are dead on with the descriptions of the city and events are similar to the news. Good reading material. Thanks.

The latest Detective Dave Robicheaux novel by James Lee Burke is a literary masterpiece! Every facet of this gifted writer's arsenal is "above and beyond" the myriad of writers looking upward in his direction. Burke's plot... Burke's mystery... Burke's environmental descriptions from water-to land-to-weather are pure unadulterated poetry. The author's descriptive verbiage in creating a touching, caring, character... is as effective as his transcendental depiction of despicable, villainous characters. Perhaps his best characterization in the book is that of his best friend and life savior... former fellow cop and now troubled private eye... big Clete Purcel. Clete through the gifted magic of Burke's literary skills is brought to life for the reader from many different angles. Some traits and nuances are passed along individually... where at other times they're intertwined... thus portraying at times a lovable character... at times a man of monstrous strength... at times a degenerating alcoholic... at times a savior of innocent lives... at times a suicidal sad sack... and at times the redeeming conscience that keeps Dave Robicheaux from cashing it in.

The crime(s) at the heart of the story are the murder of "seven girls and young women whose bodies had been found in ditches and swamp areas since 2005." Two of the young girls stir the hearts and undeterred interest of Robicheaux and Purcel. The author takes the reader on an unrelenting ride throughout Louisiana's past and present... and the ride is painted in the Technicolor of every leaf... every plant... every tree... every cloud... and every raindrop... as only Burke can do. You'll look into every eye of every psychopath and come away with a view that couldn't be beat with 3D glasses. Robicheaux's daughter Alafair, who's taking a break from Stanford Law School, is romantically involved with one of the suspects in these grisly but as yet unsolved crimes. The fact that her new boyfriend has a live-in pal who's an ex-con author with a reputation for being a prison-yard "love toy"... only makes Dave queasier... and ultimately also creates problems between him and his daughter.

As the investigation escalates we find out that all cops can't be trusted... some have many secrets that need to be kept hidden... professional "cleaners" and mercenaries that not only kill at will... but make things disappear... tests Dave's mental health... as well as ol' Clete's. And Clete... to me... is the star of this saga... and if a movie is ever made of this book... that would be the role to fight over. Here's a sampling of his character description: "CLETE WAS THE LIBIDINOUS TRICKSTER OF FOLKLORE, THE ELEPHANTINE BUFFOON, THE BANE OF THE MOB AND ALL MISOGYNISTS AND CHILD MOLESTERS, THE BRAIN-SCORCHED JARHEAD WHO TALKED WITH A DEAD MAMASAN ON HIS FIRE ESCAPE, THE NEMESIS OF AUTHORITY FIGURES AND ANYONE WHO SOUGHT POWER OVER OTHERS, A ONE-MAN DEMOLITION DERBY WHO HAD DRIVEN AN EARTH-GRADER THROUGH THE WALLS OF A MOBSTER'S PALATIAL HOME ON LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN AND SYSTEMATICALLY GROUND THE ENTIRE BUILDING INTO RUBBLE." "A STRIPPER HE HAD BEFRIENDED DOSED HIM WITH THE CLAP. HE HAD BEEN SHANKED, SHOT, GARROTED, AND TORTURED." And yet later on a simple statement such as: "IN THE DASH LIGHT, THE RAINDROPS ON CLETE'S FACE LOOKED LIKE BEADS OF WATER ON A PUMPKIN."... Is just as telling.

This is a must read book for any person appreciative of excellent literature regardless of your favorite genre. As Clete said so plainly... and yet so eloquently to Dave... "WE'RE THE BEST. ONE IS NO GOOD WITHOUT THE OTHER." If you enjoy reading... you should not be without this book!

Dave Robicheaux runs into a crazed and totally deranged family that threatens not only himself, his friends, but his family. Twists and steady turns keep the pace quick and fast. Very interesting and fun. Largely plausible.

James Lee Burke is one of Americas finest contemporary authors in my estimation. His writing is atmospheric, poetic and poignant His stories strong and his discussion of the human condition superb
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My two star rating is used to express my unhappiness at James Lee Burke's "junior high school journalism" ending. Actually I enjoyed this book 5 stars worth. I have read most of Burke's novels and I enjoy and look forward to each one. However the lazy ending left me feeling unhappy, even angry. I am sure it is difficult for an author to stay motivated. Burke let us down with this bad ending. My advice is to read the ending first and then decide if the rest of the book is worth your time. That is what I will do in the future.

James Lee Burke still has the socerer's ability to draw you into the spell of the bayou country and the colorful characters. Love Clete Purcel, may he live long and well. Some of Dave's musings a little oblique but why wonder about the words of the master. More please.

Burke is my favorite American author, along with Elmore Leonard and Jim Harrison. If you are new to Burke, dont go crazy and try to read all of his books, just be content to read 2 or 3 a year. They are a dish meant to be savored not devoured.

I'm another huge Burke fan who was disappointed in this work, especially the weird ending. But before going into what's wrong, a reminder that Burke is still one of the finest descriptive writers there is. He's uncanny at putting you in the middle of a scene even with just a paragraph and the man could write a phone book that would be a joy to read.

SPOILER WARNING

Still, it may be time for Dave to ride off into the the sunset. In the 2-star reviews you'll find one that asks some relevant questions. Here are a few more:
- How did the editor(s) miss Mr. Burke's apparent typos, where he referred to Jefferson Parish (in metro New Orleans) when he clearly meant Jefferson DAVIS Parish, which is 160 miles west of N.O.?
- Given Dave's long association with the New Iberia Sheriff's Office, wouldn't he presumably have known the deputy murdered outside his home? He treats the guy's death like he was a stranger.
- With all that was going on at the time, wouldn't Dave's seeing the deputy looking as if he's asleep set off some warning bells?
- Is it realistic that within minutes the bad guys would be able to get a wrecker to Dave's house to take away the murdered deputy's cruiser?
- Is it realistic that Dave would be able to do the things he does given his age?

These are the kinds of things that jar you out of this story. Not good.

Bottom line: this series is like a favorite garment that's starting to fray and come loose at the seams: still serviceable, always comfortable and sometimes even fun, even if you can see the flaws and know it'll soon be time for the trash can.

Having purchased and read every book by Burke including his weak first three, he again outdid himself with this new Robicheaux: few writers capture the tension of dangerous encounters that Burke does and his characters leap out of the pages. I did not want The Glass Rainbow to end.

James Lee Burke has a mastery of the english language that is superior to most writers. The depth of the characters is greater than I've read in a long time. When 50 years have passed his writing will still be timeless and fulfilling for the reader. I always look forward to reading one of his novels and recommend them to all I speak to about books and reading. You can litterally see, feel, and taste what he writes about. Buy this and all other books by Burke!

While reading all of Mr. Burke's writings about Louisiana and Det. Dave Robicheaux, I feel as if I am literally one step behind solving the cases, but still far enough away not to get shot or assaulted.
Great read!!

The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke is another jewel for Dave Robicheaux fans! It makes you thirsty for the beauty that is in the wet lands of Louisiana and is a great story. Please keep writing Mr. Burke!

combining a mournful appreciation and expression of the natural beauty of Louisiana, with a strange delight in extreme violence by both protagonists and villains, this is a typical and entertaining Robicheaux tale ..broadly predictable but still suspenseful..characters are drawn in quirky outline but basically undeveloped and simplistic

Once again James Lee Burke has give "Dave" his voice. What would reading a book be without a good reason to keep a dictionary close at hand and your ears open for those voices Burke makes so eloquent! A great read.

Dave and Clete follow a decadent family in their disreputable doings until they discover a past neither of them had suspected. Twenty something Alafair has become involved with the family and plays a central part in the solution. For Robicheaux fans this is a feast of descriptive and narrative literature. It is followed in close succession by "Creole Belle" which closes the cases.

Another gripping Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcel adventure. The books seem to be becoming more introspective as time goes on but its still a very good story. The atmosphere of the Cajun country is womderfully evoked, I felt as if I was there in Southern Louisiana and the characters really believable. I think Burke is one of the very best American thriller writers there is. Thoroughly recommended.

A mature author, widely published, with proven success, busts ass and comes up with a better than his best. Just read the thing. It'll kick your ass, move your emotions, challenge your brain and entertain the hell out of you. It's sic good.

Dave and Clete follow a decadent family in their disreputable doings until they discover a past neither of them had suspected. Twenty something Alafair has become involved with the family and plays a central part in the solution. For Robicheaux fans this is a feast of descriptive and narrative literature. It is followed in close succession by "Creole Belle" which closes the cases.

Another gripping Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcel adventure. The books seem to be becoming more introspective as time goes on but its still a very good story. The atmosphere of the Cajun country is womderfully evoked, I felt as if I was there in Southern Louisiana and the characters really believable. I think Burke is one of the very best American thriller writers there is. Thoroughly recommended.

A mature author, widely published, with proven success, busts ass and comes up with a better than his best. Just read the thing. It'll kick your ass, move your emotions, challenge your brain and entertain the hell out of you. It's sic good.

Burke on great form again and back in Louisiana after the disappointing Swan Peak (but then I never enjoy the books set in Montana as much as those in the deep south) Burke is the best. He can tell the same story one hundred times and still have you spellbound. Characters and atmosphere superb as usual. The fat man is beautifully portrayed in this book too. Unusual ending. Oh, and Will Patton reading couldn't be better - so important.

The author does not dummy down the language, and I learned new descriptive words. He doesn't tell the story; he shows you the story, and his characters and plots keep you guessing. I think he is a better writer than Lee Child.