Pegasus Descending - Maybe James Lee Burke's best ever

[BOSSHOG]

No plot given up here just some info about the book:

Colorful characters in this Southeast Louisiana rip roaring good read; religious involvement in casinos, a minister running for LT Governor, a mention of global warming, rape, murder, hints of homosexuality, bad guys using identity theft against other bad guys, cockroach poison as a weapon, constant back stabbing and deceit, a colorful FBI agent by the name of Betsy Mossbacher, a Chief of Police who might be a lesbian, the Hero married to a Nun, all the while a hurricane is brewing in the gulf.

And for Fans of James Lee Burke books Clete thinks Dave gets a little too violent with a bad guy.

And just who did kill Crustacean Man?

Thank You James Lee Burke, now where's my next Robicheaux book?

[asjr]

1. Reading a James Lee Burke novel is

pure joy and entertainment. He is a fantastic writer who holds my attention from the first page of his novels. I have read all his books save the last, and I am looking forward to reading it. For those readers who haven't discovered JLB they are in for a treat.

[BOSSHOG]

2. I was on the edge of my seat

during the last 20 pages. I swear my pulse increased. Awesome work of art.

[asjr]

3. And tjhat is the mark of a true writer!

[MaineDem]

4. Should these be read in any specific order?

Are these part of a series?

Sounds interesting.

[BOSSHOG]

5. Each book is a stand alone story

but there are 15 Dave Robicheaux books, Pegasus Descending being the most recent. He is an alcoholic, Vietnam War Vet with more Demons in his brain then bees in a hive, but a heart as big as Alaska. Long career in law enforcement and a trusty sidekick Clete Purcell. Stories set in and around New Orleans. I would suggest you read Pegasus and if you like the exploits of Dave and Clete then go to book number one and enjoy (those listed in the book are from most recent to first.)

http://www.jamesleeburke.com/

I must admit my prejudice. James Lee Burke is my favorite author, period; and I read a lot; fiction and non-fiction but James Lee Burke has a way with words and turns of phrases and character development that is delicious. Dave and Clete on occasion are incredibly violent in their pursuit of evil but damn are they great characters. I hope you get hooked.

[MaineDem]

6. Thanks so much

I enjoy finding a new author's work! (New to me.)

I'll look into this for sure.

[MaineDem]

8. I'm listening to "Crusader's Cross" now

It's neat listening on CD cause it's done in the Louisiana drawl. The dialogue moves VERY slowly though. :D At least to this northerner it seems slow.

I love Dave though. He just married the nun. :) I hate to finish a book but I'm almost done with this one and "Pegasus Descending" is waiting for me. Then I have all the beginning books to go through.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[bikebloke]

7. Great writer

I discovered James Lee Burke with Dixie City Jam. Then hit his previous works in the library as I found them. Though there is continuity with Dave's wives, Alafair growing up, and promotions and retirements of supporting characters. But the books are stand alone. You won't miss anything reading them out of order.

I finished Pegasus Descending a couple nights ago. Great read. And he does slip in commentary about the current junta.

He also has another series about a lawyer in Wyoming, Billy Bob Holland.

www.jamesleeburke.com

[hedgehog]

9. I hope James Lee Burke is accurate because everything I

know about New Orleans comes from his books!

[BOSSHOG]

10. His depiction of the city is very accurate

even though his works are fiction. The Street names and locations and highways and restaurants and locations of police stations are all precise. And he is deadly accurate about Bayou Teche.

If you want a good read about the city may I suggest "Feet on the Street" by Roy Blount, Jr.?

Or better yet, book a flight and come on down.