Helpful Score: 3
Burke has such a poetic voice that all of his books are a pleasure to read. The Rocky Mountains provide a change of scenery from the bayous of Louisiana, but the power of Burke's voice remains the same. In this story, Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell's characters have considerable depth to them, developed over a period of time and several books. As usual, the evil in the world is depicted through several characters who somehow missed out on any redeeming personality traits. Other characters are buffeted by the actions of these folks. The story intertwines between the lives of people who seem to prefer to be left alone, who haven't made their mark on the world other than through a series of happenstance events.
Helpful Score: 2
This is classic Robicheaux....although set in Montana, not in his hometown of New Orleans. It seems to recall an earlier visit to Montana, but only teases the memory. There are plenty of bad guys, some too evil to be believed, but then that's the dark side of Burke. A very good read!
I've read seven James lee Burkes books and have enjoyed them. This last book was OK. It's starting to get boring with Clete Purcell. Although Burke's prose is always entertaining.
I am a huge James Lee Burke fan. This is the first Robicheaux book I have read that was not in Louisiana. This one is in Montana. Burke ties a lot of the Bobsie Twins past into this novel--remember Sally Dio?
For those of you that like the Dave Robicheaux series, this is pretty much stamped out of the same mold. In this one, Dave and his friend and wife are on holiday in Montana. That leaves out some of the usual LA background, but replaces it with local color that has appeared in other of his novels. As usual, the novel is poetic writing with intermittent spells of strong violence. I though the plot was excellent, and quite enjoyed the book. Burke is one of my favorite authors.
Excellent addition to Burke's collection. Very satisfying and unexpected ending.
good enough, but typical james lee burke. this book and the whole series are good reads and i would recommend them. thanks, barbara
James Lee Burke does it again. You feel the oppresion and the fear of the victims in the story. The villans are truly evil. However both Dave Robichaux and Clete have their own demons to fight. They try to overcome some them while also trying to find justice for the victims. Good read.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST I'VE READ IN THE ROBICHEAUX SERIES. I NEVER SUSPECTED THE FINAL OUTCOME TIL THE AUTHOR REVEALED IT IN THE LAST FEW PAGES. GOOD SUSPENSE. A GOOD READ
James Lee Burke's new novel, Swan Peak, finds Detective Robicheaux far from his New Iberia roots, attempting to relax in the untouched wilderness of rural Montana. He, his wife, and his buddy Clete Purcell have retreated to stay at an old friend's ranch, hoping to spend their days fishing and enjoying their distance from the harsh, gritty landscape of Louisiana post-Katrina.
But the serenity is soon shattered when two college students are found brutally murdered in the hills behind where the Robicheauxs and Purcell are staying. They quickly find themselves involved in a twisted and dangerous mystery involving a wealthy, vicious oil tycoon, his deformed brother and beautiful wife, a sexually deviant minister, an escaped con and former country music star, and a vigilante Texas gunbull out for blood. At the center of the storm is Clete, who cannot shake the feeling that he is being haunted by the ghosts from his past -- namely Sally Dio, the mob boss he'd sabotaged and killed years before.
In this expertly drawn, gripping story, Burke deftly weaves intricate, engaging plotlines and original, compelling characters with his uniquely graceful prose. He transcends genre yet again in the latest thrilling addition to his New York Times bestselling series.
But the serenity is soon shattered when two college students are found brutally murdered in the hills behind where the Robicheauxs and Purcell are staying. They quickly find themselves involved in a twisted and dangerous mystery involving a wealthy, vicious oil tycoon, his deformed brother and beautiful wife, a sexually deviant minister, an escaped con and former country music star, and a vigilante Texas gunbull out for blood. At the center of the storm is Clete, who cannot shake the feeling that he is being haunted by the ghosts from his past -- namely Sally Dio, the mob boss he'd sabotaged and killed years before.
In this expertly drawn, gripping story, Burke deftly weaves intricate, engaging plotlines and original, compelling characters with his uniquely graceful prose. He transcends genre yet again in the latest thrilling addition to his New York Times bestselling series.
