James Lee Burke

Burke claims to hold the record for the most thoroughly rejected manuscript in American publishing history. The Lost Get Back Boogie was turned down by 111 editors before being published by Louisiana State University Press in 1986. It was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize! But it was the book published the following year that we're interested in here. The Neon Rain was the first in the Dave Robicheaux series. Robicheaux (pronounced ro-bo-show) is a former New Orleans cop, Vietnam vet, and recovering alcoholic. He and his wife move to New Iberia where he opens a boat rental and bait shop and does a little investigating on the side--often to save his own life. The second book, Heaven's Prisoners, was made into a movie starring Alec Baldwin (the book was better). Burke is such a master of words that the book's plot sometimes seems incidental. But these are dark books.

Do not--repeat, do not--try to read them one right after the other. Start with the first and go in order with something much lighter in between. My personal favorite is In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead. All the titles are listed in the books. If you have questions about the order, ask your book seller.

Cimarron Rose introduced a new character. Billy Bob Holland is a Texas attorney and former Texas Ranger. I have not been able to get into this series, but the writing is excellent and many Burke fans consider it as good as the Robicheaux series, so give it a try.

The James Lee Burke web site.

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