Note: This was an “audio read” I am trying to figure out why I am so late in discovering these marvelous characters and even better writer. While I was seriously in awe of some of his writing, I was equally caught up in the plot and the characters. Gut wrenching, emotional, surprising, lyrical… I could go on but I would sound like I am gushing at this point. At the same time I can’t say enough about the superb job that the narrator Will Patton did; I look forward to listening to him again as well. I am trying to decide if I am going to go back and listen to past books in the series; there was enough alluded to that makes me unsure I could endure but I feel myself being pulled into the Bayou and into New Orleans. I am a new fan of James Lee Burke and I look forward to reading him again. There is a price to pay for reading James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux novels; they reveal negative realities of self and of the society in which we live. Burke's formula is straight-forward including: Dave's ghosts from the past, Clete's multifaceted persona, their exploits and misdeeds in their previous lives and how they come to play in their current battles, the rape of the land by corporations who control America and the inequities in the justice system. There are not many writers today who can weave the fabric of mystery, angst and self-doubt regarding our existence, purpose and beliefs as does Burke. I disagree with Elmore Leonard who stated: if the words do not further the story, leave them out. Burke's description of locality, environment and atmosphere are vivid examples of prose-writing and the beauty of the English language.
What do You think about Creole Belle (2012)?
I love James Lee Burke's writing. I will be reading more of his work!!
—john
True to form, Mr. Burke kept my attention through out the book
—8mineamy
One of Burkes best! Had me glued to each page
—emstockwell
Outstanding book. A Dave Robicheaux mystery.
—Gatuna
