Sunset Limited (Dave Robicheaux)

It's funny that many readers thought this was one of Burke's worst books. I thought it was his best. The "villains" in the story were inspired, beginning with the loyal psychopath Swede Boxleiter, who retains amusing habits from his days as an abused orphan (walking on his hands, acrobatics on tree limbs). Harpo Scruggs was an oily redneck assassin who was despicable yet still garnered pity. And the two latter misanthropes--Ruben Esteban and a Canadian bounty hunter--were memorable as well. Does Burke use mugshots when he thinks up his psychopaths? Many of these characters seem vaguely familiar. It's as if I've seen them on the periphery of my own life. The beauty of Burke's writing lies in his expert characterizations. He gives even the most demented sociopaths redeeming qualities that erase the fine line between black and white. And the scene with Clete Purcell chasing Ricky Scarlotti after using a plumber's helper on him was classic, both rousing and sobering, with an unexpected complication. James Lee Burke excels at brevity, knowing just when to end the action to leave the reader breathless. The climax of Sunset Limited is a poignant tribute to "Casablanca". It really doesn't matter how original the plot is, Burke's vivid characters make it seem new and interesting. And I enjoy the way he finds evil in the least anticipated setting, sitting with affluent neighbors on a patio enjoying a glass of lemonade...

Dave Robicheaux continues to lurch onward as a decent and principaled man surviving in the dark underbelly of bayou life and culture. Dave does not always do the right thing in all situations, but he sure tries hard. Burke's writing is as solid as ever, and in this one, the reader understands almost all of what his charaters are talking about. Burke manages to be both violent and poetic at the same time. It's just hard to be satisfied with anyone else after reading one of Burke's dark drama's. This is one of his best recent efforts.

Reading the latest Dave Robicheaux novel is pure pleasure. Burke is a great writer and the plot of this book will keep your little grey cells alive. It's been a great week, because I just finished a book by an equally compelling writer (in a much lighter vein). I recommend Carl Hiaasen in general, but I just finished one of his earlier books, "Double Whammy" and thought it was great.

I have read every Burke book and am madly in love with his writing. I've lived my entire life in Louisiana and he makes me love this place all over again with his vivid, prose-like descriptions. The story was vintage Dave Robicheaux and the plot kept me guessing. Clete outdoes himself in a fight in the French Quarter with a mobster! A must read for all Burke fans. I highly recommend all of this books! He's a master of plot and a poet at heart!

The charachters and plot are a murky Louisiana swamp of motivation and allegiances but Robicheaux works through it in his steadfast way. Dave is back with the sherrif's department, he is OK with Bootsy and Alafair, Clete helps and needs help, the visions stay away. Dave is the moral center in a complex world of ego and greed. Burke is one of the best. This book may not be the best introduction to his work but fans should enjoy it. I did.