Robicheaux: A Novel (Dave Robicheaux)

Typical Dave Robicheaux novel featuring Clete Purcell, Alafair and the pet raccoon and a cast of rich folks Dave and Clete don’t like. Oh yeah also a few bad cops and mobsters. So another great novel from J.L. Burke. As good as anything else out there. 5 Big Ass Stars!

Too much repetition of Civil War apparitions and enough already with the horns blowing on the road to Roncevaux. Mr. Burke's development of his characters and the colorful weave of his story line was, as always, masterfully done.

This a classic James Lee Burke novel. A great continuation of the Dave and Clete saga. I've listened to all of his works except one and I'll get that one very soon. Will Patton does a superb job with the narration. Not for the faint of heart, language wise, however. Get it. You'll love it.

There are only a few authors I wait this anxiously for their next book. I've actually read most in the Robicheaux series multiple times while I wait for the next new offering. His latest, "Robicheaux" certainly didn't disappoint. Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell have to be two of the most fascinating characters in this genre. Their dark sides are incredibly stark, yet their better traits prevail to right the wrongs of the day.

Burke's prose is beautifully lyrical for such dark themes and the sense of place and characters he creates are remarkable.

Already checking his website for the next Robicheaux!

This is vintage JLB. The twists and turns never stop and the psychological insights are beyond compare. After reading this book it’s hard to pick anything else up because one sees how other authors just don’t measure up.

Another wonderfully written book by Mr. Burke! I’ve yet to read another contemporary author with his command of our language. My mom’s family is from New Iberia, and the beauty and tragedy found in Burke’s world there is profound. Thank you for another gut wrenching read.

Love his writing. Paints a picture that makes you feel as if you are part of the story. I've followed Robicheaux from his first adventure and I'll really miss James Lee Hunter's wonderful writing when he finally quiets, hopefully not for a while though.

Or maybe it's Robicheaux.....Evil comes to and comes from Iberia Parish. It floats beneath the teches and bayous...once more the Confederate dead emerge from the electric mists....Dave, Clete, and Alafair face down the most dangerous foes they have ever faced.

James Lee Burke fans will never be disappointed, but this is his best yet, if I can try to pick a best!! Dave Robicheaux is such an engaging character and James Lee Burke continues to expand his history and character, again and again! Love, love, love the book!!

It was so nice to have another Dave Robicheaux story to read. I have read every other book written about this wonderful Bayou lawman, and it was nice to see that he hasn't changed too much; just got a bit wiser.

Burke is one of my favorite authors. And his series of stories about the Louisiana detective, Robicheaux is a character I will continue to follow. Give it a read for yourself. -Daniel Lance Wright, Author A Version of Life

James Lee Burke’s best to date, hands down. If you have enjoyed the Dave and Clete show, this will not disappoint! What a beautifully written novel. Great character development. Thoroughly enjoyed and savored every bit of this book!

Another solid,elegiac, rapturous installment of life in the world of Dave Robicheaux,a fictional member of my family from the first book. Beautiful imagery. Solid characters. Familiarity. Heart. Tragedy. Modern Shakespearian drama.

James Lee Burke writes excellent prose but frankly I am getting tired of the alcoholic bit. I have read every one of his books and this may be my last. I have moved on and read his daughters however. The ending was way too brief. Felt I was cheated. Its almost as bad as Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta character and her screwed up niece.

When I read Burke’s books, I find myself highlighting passages that poignant, thoughtful, and personally relevant. Over time reread the highlights and am always grateful that he describes my world so well. Thanks.

JLB at his best with less physical violence but a lot of emotional battles of life and death.
The beauty and shame of the South fight for the historian's ears, eyes and heart.
Clete's demise seems to be foreshadowed

He's so fabulous. I wish his characters would have something good happen for them! LOL Poor Cletus and Dave. THey need a break. Like hitting the lottery or something. Great story, another great book.

As always, James Lee Burke is an incredible gifted Writer! Wonderful Story that leaves you wanting more!
I think this is the 21st in the Series: I wonder if it's almost over?! Seems like he has done a Fine Job on this Dave Robicheaux series and if it ended here with this book I would be alright!

He's my favorite character fleshed into a complicated human by James Lee Burke. His writing is like poetry to me. The only thing I've never been able to understand is Dave's relationship with Clete Purcell. Dave is getting older. Hope there's more stories about him left.

My least favorite DAVE Robicheaux novel. The stilted language has always grated.

This thing just went on and on and nothing was resolved. DAVE is not a great detective.

One thing we can always count on is DAVE going into a blind rage and almost beating somebody to death in front of witnesses, but still keeping his job. Another oldie but a goodie is DAVE referring to Clete as the best man he knows, although calling him the best alcoholic he knows would be more accurate.

I’m especially put off by Robicheaux’s demeaning attitude toward women. Always calling them by their first name, although adding a miss to make it all better. He repeatedly refers to the female detective by her first name, although she tells him that she is unhappy with that familiarity. In his own mind he is the most chivalrous guy around. Does he really need to be continually coming to Alafair’s rescue even though she seems perfectly capable of taking care of herself?

On the plus side, the villain Smiley was pretty interesting, although with a seemingly supernatural ability to elude capture.

James Lee Burke is masterful at weaving story and suspense in modern fiction with a grasp of the English language that few modern writers can equal. Beauty flows from his pen, because he can’t possibly be using a computer.

My least favorite DAVE Robicheaux novel. The stilted language has always grated.

This thing just went on and on and nothing was resolved. DAVE is not a great detective.

One thing we can always count on is DAVE going into a blind rage and almost beating somebody to death in front of witnesses, but still keeping his job. Another oldie but a goodie is DAVE referring to Clete as the best man he knows, although calling him the best alcoholic he knows would be more accurate.

I’m especially put off by Robicheaux’s demeaning attitude toward women. Always calling them by their first name, although adding a miss to make it all better. He repeatedly refers to the female detective by her first name, although she tells him that she is unhappy with that familiarity. In his own mind he is the most chivalrous guy around. Does he really need to be continually coming to Alafair’s rescue even though she seems perfectly capable of taking care of herself?

On the plus side, the villain Smiley was pretty interesting, although with a seemingly supernatural ability to elude capture.

James Lee Burke is masterful at weaving story and suspense in modern fiction with a grasp of the English language that few modern writers can equal. Beauty flows from his pen, because he can’t possibly be using a computer.

An exceptional read. JLB has multiple plots interwoven like spaghetti, populated with characters larger than life. Hard, tough people from the rough edges of humanity. Wonderful descriptions of Louisiana flora and fauna. You can feel the heat and humidity, vivid descriptions of storms and lightning as the background to a blistering fast moving story. An eminently enjoyable read.

James lee burke is the finest American novelist to date. I have read every one of his books and he never lets you down. His characters are so well develop, I almost feel like they are sitting next to me as friends or enemies. I look forward to his next book with relish.