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Liked It “I hate novels where the main character wallows in internal process. In a very real sense reading James Lee Burke is like drinking molasses. There is only one redeeming feature of his writing - he makes love to the language. You read James Lee Burke to listen to him in your minds eye, to share the...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I hate novels where the main character wallows in internal process. In a very real sense reading James Lee Burke is like drinking molasses. There is only one redeeming feature of his writing - he makes love to the language. You read James Lee Burke to listen to him in your minds eye, to share the love, to mutually rejoice in the words that bind you together. I love it, I hate it. I just wish Dave Robicheaux would find something else to talk about but above all I am so happy that he keeps talking. I could sit on the porch and listen to him for the rest of my life.”
Traci C wrote this review Thursday, August 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I like Burke's style. His characters and plots are well developed and his stories are fun to read. I look forward to the next novel.”
Marc R wrote this review Thursday, August 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I've read so many of his books but I think this one has been my favorite! Great read, I never wanted to put it down!”
Jennifer R wrote this review Tuesday, July 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“There are many novels that follow the exploits of specific protaganists. See : Dirk Pitt, Alex Cross, Sean King, Kaye Scarpetta, and many, many, more. Each is entertaining, but NOT literary. I'm not saying each author doesn't use interesting descriptive words, they do, but not in a way that paints a beautiful picture. Burke makes the landscape, setting, topography, even mood come alive in a visceral way. And he does this even when in the middle of an intense murder mystery. Burke's anti hero detective--Dave Robicheaux, introspective and full of flaws, is more than a detective. He's a phillosopher, a counselor, white-knight and tough guy. Soooo interesting. James Lee Burke is at the head of the class as a literary writer. He is tremendous! ”
Mike Svo wrote this review Wednesday, May 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I am a huge JLB fan. I believe he paints the most vivid pictures with the fewest words of any author. I've read all the Dave Robicheaux books - my fave because of the Louisiana setting. The Billy Bob Holland are aslo excellent as well as the non-series books.
Jan M wrote this review Tuesday, April 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The character development is excellent - I'd highly recommend reading these in order.”“This was an exceptional detective book that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Detective Dave Robicheaux takes you into his chaotic and violent world of crime. Dave searches for the truth of the murder of his half brother, Jimmie, and his ties with a woman named Ida Durban. As I read this book, I was able to imagine the intense fight scenes along with the interrogations that comes with the territory of being a detective. This mystery book will captivate your mind until the very end.”
Ian K wrote this review Thursday, January 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“James Lee Burke is a true American treasure. He is a wordsmith. His lead character, Dave Robicheaux, must wrestle with his own demons while trying to solve very complex crimes in a very complex part of the world, the area between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana. His characters jump off the page as real. The story settings are so accurate the reader feels the weather, the dampness, the humidity, the heat of the sun. But it is Robicheaux's willingness to deeply examine his own demons, including his love of alcohol and violence which are so appealing. If one were to take a trip to the bayou, one would expect to find Deputy Dave Robicheaux on the job, not so much keeping the world safe for all of us, but making it a better place in the long run.”
Superb Curmudgeon wrote this review Sunday, July 6 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“i love every book by Burke that is a robicheaux novel. His others, where the central character is someone else, are not as good, but the Dave Robicheaux series is just my favorite detective series of all time”
Travis W wrote this review Tuesday, May 20 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This was my second book to read from this series. I live in Louisiana but not New Orleans area.. funny to me how most folks think that the whole state is that small area way down south.. anyway, I thought this book was good, gritty, unexpected and strong. The twists and turns keep coming.”
Mary G wrote this review Thursday, May 8 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“James Lee Burke's style never fails to captivate me. I find his evocation of place remarkably atmospheric. If you've never experienced Louisiana, you'll do so in Burke's pages. His prose stuns at times, his dialog, including some Cajun dialect, consistently rings true. Even his references to local food (po' boys and dirty rice) are interesting. His major characters Dave and Cletus live by codes that often do not conform to societal norms. They are fiercely loyal as friends. I seek out Burke's novels. It's sometimes the case that I find that his writing is far superior to the story he tells. "In the Electric Mist.. .." is one of his best, and one of my favorites.”
tishiejean wrote this review Thursday, January 31 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
