Action packed

The forst novel form this author that I've read, but I'll look out for more! Lot's of action set in the American mid west. Narrator is good and adds to the enjoyment. Author has obviously tried to make his novel 'wordy' but this doesn't detract. Overall a good read, with lots of twists and turns

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Langorous and deadly

James Lee Burke writes in the Voice of the South, a reflexive, calm tone captured elegantly by Will Patton. His use of characters foibles to drive a narrative, as opposed to some writers use of plot to move characters like chess pieces mean his stories don't feel constructed, they flow- redemption and death come unexpectedly as the actions and inactions of those caught up in the stream affect others. He takes obvious stereotypes and upends them. It's a fine novel, drawing on the history of the central characters, Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell, the decisions they made long ago, and how the ghosts of the past aren't as distant as you think. If you've never reach a Robicheaux book, there's enough backstory to bring you up to speed, if you've tarried in this world of compromise and hard earned justice before, it's a welcoming return.

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Vintage James Lee Burke

Which, if you're no fan of his is hardly a recommendation! The story is gripping with wonderfully colorful characters. Clete Purcell must be one of the most outrageous creations in modern detective fiction. Burke's use of language - OTT at times - is second to none and Montana like Lousiana, the more frequent venue for his novels about Dave Robicheaux, just leaps off the page. The narrator cannot be faulted. If you listen you'll become addicted!

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4 people found this helpful

Brilliant as usual

I love the storys and I love the narration. A brilliant bang bang shoot em up with some lovely pros. Entertainment and food for thought by both Author and narrative.

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Swan Peak, by Lee J Burke

I'm already a fan of JLB, this novel is right up there, I could not stop listening to it. Will Patton is the only one who I've heard that can really put these novels over, in this one he excels, as does the author. The voices and the characters are so...
I found myself laughing out load, and also shedding a tear. Great story lines and all cleverly brought together at various points.
Great book.

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4 people found this helpful

First, but not the last.

This is my first James Lee Burke novel. What a literary treat, the author is a true crasfman. His descriptions of the sprawling Montana scenery, fauna and flora are wonderful, both descriptive and poetic. This book is part of a series and the main characters are obviously old friends of the author. I am now compelled to delve into the earlier books in the series.

It is essentially a crime thriller, with a solid cast of characters, some good, some bad and some you're not sure about. This ambiguity, I believe is the main strength of the

book.

This novel does not have the most complex plot and I think it is all the better for this.

If you like a gritty thriller that is superbly narrated, then I highly recommend you give this one a go.

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Another classic James Lee Burke story

Beautiful and lyrical writing. Believable characters and rich storytelling. Each Robicheaux book that I've read, has not disappointed.

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Great, gripping stuff!

This is the first of James Lee Burke's books that I have read and I can't wait to read the rest. Exciting, intelligent plot and vividly sketched characters.

I thought the narrator was fabulous - I would listen to him reading the phonebook!

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Burke at his brilliant best

Burke is brilliant, Patton is terrific, and Robicheaux and Purcell are wonderful. Another dark triumph from the king of hard-boiled crime.

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Top class thriller.

JLB never let's me down and this story set in Montana is one of his best. A storyline that can chill you to the core and equally the odd characters can make you laugh or cry. A classic.

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1 person found this helpful