An absolute gem

I cried when I finished listening to this book, not because the plot demanded it, but because I was so sad that it had come to an end. There are only a few books that stay in your memory throughout your life, but this will definitely be one of those for me. I found this author whilst searching for ‘authors similar to Anne Tyler’, whose books I love. I wasn’t sure if the genre would be my thing, but I threw caution to the wind and I am so glad I did. Initially I struggled with the narrator’s accent, but once I got my ears tuned, I was totally immersed in the wonderful characters and descriptive text and the journey was enhanced by Mark Hammer’s ability to capture a specific tone and lilt for each character and situation. I am going to buy a paper version of this book now, not just because there are so many passages that I would love to re-read and savour, but because it is a book that I want to have with me always.

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Excellent story, well narrated

loved it, great story, great narrator. I would say that the chapters are not properly aligned with the audible version but they didn't affect me too much

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Atmospheric, gripping, well paced

James Lee Burke was recommended to me recently as the 'most brilliant rendering of the deep south USA'. Actually, this did not make me rush to try his work because it made me assume, incorrectly, that crime novels of this location must necessarily be about the bleak past of the southern states. In fact, history and politics are worn lightly in this novel, in which the characters have their own strong morality, carefully drawn characters, specific histories and are deeply engaging. I cared deeply about Dave, Batista and everyone in their quasi family by the close of the novel, and the plot was outstanding: unpredictable, convincing and sustained. To start with, I found Hammer's very slow reading pace a struggle, but once this became the sounds of the scenery, the bayou, the boats, then it became very rhythmic and natural. Hammer's pace actually changed a lot, particularly at moments of high tension or action, but if you are a fan of Mankell or Nesbo's atmospheric north, then give Burke's south, and Hammer's accents, a try.
I tend not to write reviews about mediocre works - saving them for the books I really loved, or really cannot leave behind. I will definitely be listening now to the rest of the Robichaux series. I NEED to know what happens next in their lives...

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5 people found this helpful

Burke at his best - beautifully narrated in Louisiana drawl

Great story and Mark Hammer brings the characters and places to life, matches Burkes prose - spot on!

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i love Dave

great listening if you are looking for ways forward. these characters have great insight even though ife is tough.

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it's burke and streak but it's not patton reading

awesome book and hammer is a great narrator.... but he's not will patton and i have patton's voice in my head for all the characters.... saying that i think he captures dixie lee perfectly and you have to listen/read this book to understand how clete and dave get back together after the climactic scene in neon rain that ends with, "don't ever call me par'ner again".... so all in all 5 out 5 for the story but 4 out of 5 for the whole caboodle... but if I'd never heard will patton read burke it would have been a 5 out of 5 anyways..... it's all copacetic!

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The poetic use of language

At nearly 70yrs of age I’ve discovered James Lee Burke, and I’m really glad I did. He marries the brutality of Lee Child, the introspection of Raymond Chandler, and the poetry and imagery of Jack Kerouac. I care about the characters in his stories. The best thing is that I’ve only completed book two of his collection. Mark Hammer has done an excellent job of carrying the story in an engaging and lively manner.

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Probably the best book on Audible I’ve listened to.

It’s been many years since I last read a James Lee Burke novel and had forgotten how wonderfully well he writes. Both his storytelling and prose are beautifully crafted which already make it better than most. But then you add the sublime skill of the narrator (Mark Hammer) and you have something very special. Burke’s dialogues are always pitched just right but they really come to life with Hammer’s mastery of dialect and accent. Both the writer’s and narrator’s subtlety make this one of the very best books I’ve listened to.

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2 people found this helpful

a great holiday listen

My first experience with this narrator, and I wasn’t sure he would live up to Will Patton,but he does.

This is quite a complex story and several times I had to rewind to catch the names etc, lying on my sun-bed, it has been a really good listen and thoroughly enjoyable.
Another JLB. Triumph!

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Wonderful book

My first James Lee Burke Great storytelling richly written and atmospheric reading highly recommend this book.

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