The Neon Rain: A Dave Robicheaux Novel

This is my first experience with author James Lee Burke, and I have to say it was a great one. Burke is an amazing writer—his characters come to life, the background of New Orleans becomes a character all its own, and he manages to write a thriller with literary prose (you never find that!)

His characterization of the main hero is so real, in fact, that I acutely felt the man's downward spiral—which was hard to watch and a bit depressing. But I suppose if it hadn’t been depressing, then that would mean Burke had done a less stellar job in drawing the reader into the seedy world he had created.

The plot moved along at a perfect pace. I got this first book on a Book Gorilla deal, but now that I’ve discovered the Dave Robicheaux series, I’m off to buy more.

This is earlier Burke, before his prose, his turns of phrase peppered every other page instead of just every chapter. Neon Rain sets the stage for the rest of Dave Robicheaux's life.

Burke's richness derives from his lifetime of reading and learning. A master writer, Burke uses the full depth and breadth of his experience to paint a Louisiana of people and places to which I can hardly wait to return.

The best way to read any literary series, including those involving hard-boiled detectives, is to pick them up in the order the books were written. That way, the individual stories take on greater meaning as part of the ongoing evolution of a principal character as he or she develops and changes. In light of this, it's tempting to recommend that prospective readers of James Lee Burke's Louisiana-based Dave Robicheaux series should start with *The Neon Rain*, which sets the stage for the numerous subsequent books.
Anyone who reads Burke's prose should be impressed by his unusual gift for verbal description. His ability to paint word pictures of places, characters, moods, and feelings is exquisite, and for this reason alone a reader might plow through the entire story. However, the plot construction of *The Neon Rain* is so anemic that I would not be surprised if many of those who read this New Orleans-based story simply refuse to go on to the subsequent stories set in New Iberia. This is a shame, since most of these later works are excellent mysteries in which the stories are far more complex and engrossing.
In this novel, and to some extent in all of them, Burke employs a formulaic approach in which his protagonist veers from crisis to self-inflicted crisis (in pursuit of righteousness and justice, of course), with the narrative invariably punctuated both by breathtaking descriptions of places and people (and also meals), and periodic episodes involving bloody mayhem. After a while it gets pretty predictable; in his later works, however, Burke develops story lines that are sufficiently interesting that he can make the formula work, at least most of the time.
It should be noted also that Burke demonstrates throughout his *corpus* an admirable sympathy with the downtrodden and disadvantaged both in America and abroad, along with a sneering dislike of the rich and powerful. This political aspect of his writing is certainly unusual within the detective genre, and for me, at least, is highly refreshing.
So, should people seeking a great detective novel read pick up *The Neon Rain*? Yes, but ONLY if they resolve beforehand to view it as a kind of "prequel" to the higher quality Robicheaux novels that follow.

After enjoying several Dave Robicheaux novels by James Lee Burke I decided to begin with the first in the series and work my way through them all. Beautifully written and great character development.

james lee burke is one of the most accomplished writers i have ever had the pleasure of reading. he never fails to totally intrigue me. once i begin one of his novels it is extremely difficult to put it down. hope he writes some more dave robicheaux novels.

James Burke must have been his English teachers dream student . Such a talented writer. The story was also very good. I read the next two books in the Dave Robicheaux. series as soon as I finished The Neon Rain. I am now hooked on the Dave Robicheaux Mysteries. A truly talented author. I felt like I was in Louisiana again. My mother was from the area he places his stories in. great writer and great stories.

This is my first Robicheaux book and it was alright but not grabbing. My son recommended the series and claims it will get much better as the characters develop and if you read them in order. There are a lot of alcoholic demons, visions, stupors and AA meetings...kinda clouds the storyline at times, but the hero prevails and life goes on for ex-cop Dave Robicheaux.

James Lee Burke is a master at capturing the special ambience of the Cajun culture at its best and worst. His descriptions of the flora, fauna, food, and Louisiana people come alive for the reader. The way he captures all the different accents is great too. I lived there for four years and it was like a trip back.

Dave Robicheaux is my favorite character of all in the mysteries that I read. Mr. Burke makes him so real that I would gladly go to south Louisiana to meet him. And also, Mr Burkes descriptions of the south Louisiana bayou country and the people who live and work there is so "right on". I always look forward to the next instalment. Keep up the great work Mr. Burke!

Here is a master of imagery - he paints a marvelous canvas of Louisiana with words rich in color and imagination. His character development is complex and earthy. I am quickly becoming a fan of James Lee Burke.

As expected from Burke, a beautifully crafted and written novel. His breadth and depth of descriptive language is unrivaled. Not only can your mind's eye see the bayous and levees, but you can smell the prawns, hear the wind and rain and feel the explosive action. The best made films can't begin to match the power of Burke's words.