James Lee Burke [Archive] - Book Club Forum

mortauchocolat

6th September 2006, 19:57

Hello y'all

Mr Burke is a resident of southern Louisiana and has written a series of stunning novels featuring Dave "Streak" Robicheaux, formerly of the NOPD whose alcoholism lost him his job and much else. In sobriety with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous, Robicheaux often finds himself up against the worst excesses of organised, corporate and local government swindling and crime. Over the series, some 12 novels and counting (all written year by year since 1994) the reader is invited to learn about the lives of the Cajun community in the deepest of the Deep South; about the travails of a man for whom alcohol has become a weapon of mass personal destruction; and in shimmering detail about the ways, mores, weather and lives of small-town America as it is lived in 100 degrees of heat/humidity - think Deliverance and its ilk.

I am a devoted fan. Would love to chat with like-minded souls. If there are none so far, for heaven's sake start reading this gifted and wickedly intelligent writer. These books are not for the weak of heart. They are gutsy, violent, virile. Male. Don't get me started.

muggle not

10th September 2006, 16:02

Are you kidding me!!!! I am a huge fan of JLB. He is absolutely one of my favorite authors and I have read most, if not all, of his books. Besides the "Dave Robicheaux" series I also like his Billy Bob Holland books. Back to the Dave Robicheaux series though. Robicheaux is one heck of a complex guy. The world, I think, could stand to have guys like him around. His buddy Clete is also one heck of a guy. Loyalty like that is hard to find. I like the episode where Clete backed a concrete truck up to the convertible of one of the bad guys and filled it up with concrete.

Besides Burke's writing, I also like his "caring for the world". He sincerely cares for people.

The website of James Lee Burke is:
http://www.jamesleeburke.com/

pontalba

12th September 2006, 01:54

Have you guys read his non-serial latest? White Dove in Morning I think that is it....I am half way through, and can't find it at the moment. :oops: I, um, rearranged some in here. :grr:

muggle not

7th October 2006, 19:19

Have you guys read his non-serial latest? White Dove in Morning I think that is it....I am half way through, and can't find it at the moment. :oops: I, um, rearranged some in here. :grr:
Did you finish White Doves at Morning. I couldn't remember the book as I have read so many of JLB's books that I had to go to Amazon to get a description. Then I remembered. It was a very good read. gosh, I wish there were more authors like James Lee Burke.

I really recommend that some of the members here check him out for some great reading. He is one of my favorite authors.

pontalba

7th October 2006, 21:43

Did you finish White Doves at Morning. I couldn't remember the book as I have read so many of JLB's books that I had to go to Amazon to get a description. Then I remembered. It was a very good read. gosh, I wish there were more authors like James Lee Burke.

I really recommend that some of the members here check him out for some great reading. He is one of my favorite authors.
I still can't find it! :blush: I just finished tearing apart stacks, and under the big chair in here.....no dice. At this rate, I'll have to buy another copy. And the minute I do, it'll turn up. grrrrrrrrrr...........:motz:

And I agree, he is an excellent read. :)

pontalba

25th October 2006, 18:15

OK muggle, you can quit laughing now, I found it. :tong:
can't believe I completely forgot about this thread.......:roll:

I've re-started Heaven's Prisoners again. I have to start over as I read the first quarter of the book so long ago, I can't remember the details.....
The copy I have is from the second hand book store and has Alec Baldwin on the cover. Not a recommendation IMO, but what can I say, I'll try to ignore it. :)

Louiseog

25th October 2006, 18:19

JLB is an author who crees up on you. The stories are great, cannot remember the title but read one about a hitch hiker and a woman who said she had been abused, very clever.
Any suggestions ?

pontalba

25th October 2006, 18:25

Most of the series authors I read need to be read from the beginning, Henning Mankell (Inspector Kurt Wallander series) is the only one I can think of off the top of my head that isn't like that.
Neon Rain is the first Dave Robicheaux that Burke wrote, and Heaven's Prisoners the next.....I do have all of the series, it's just a question of reading them.

All of that meaning, IMO it's best to begin at the beginning, that way you have all the character's nuances and idiocyncratic behaviour down pat, and can understand his motivations better.
But that is just me and my little compulsive ways. :mrgreen: :lurker:

Louiseog

25th October 2006, 18:29

No you're right. There is an English thriller author, Peter Robinson who writes about Yorkshire like JLB writes about the US and if you don't do the right order you never get the point.
A good site incidentally is www.fantasticfiction.co.uk (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk) which tells you the order when you put in the author. Hours of fun for me!

pontalba

25th October 2006, 18:37

Louiseog! What a wonderful site! Love it!
Thanks so much for posting that link. Hours of fun indeed!:readingtwo: :mrgreen:
And thanks for the new (to me) author, his books look good. :smile2:

Louiseog

25th October 2006, 18:41

Another good one is Steven Booth but Peter Robinson is the best!

pontalba

25th October 2006, 18:46

I've just ordered his first Gallows View. :D
Found it on Amazon for only about 4 dollars.

Louiseog

25th October 2006, 19:29

Ooh good, hope you enjoy it.

pontalba

26th October 2006, 19:07

muggle, I gave up on trying to find White Doves at Morning and have ordered another copy, this time second hand from Amazon. I found a different cover copy (a U.K. version), so when I finally do find the first one, at least it'll be different. :roll:

Regarding Heaven's Prisoner, I started over of course, and am about 85% through it. This guy does get better as you go along, the second is better than the first..
And Annie.......:cry:

Burke's descriptions of the area are right on target and beautiful.

pontalba

27th October 2006, 03:12

OK muggle! I knew I liked Robicheaux already from Neon Rain. I am now finished Heaven's Prisoners and am officially hooked on Burke.
This guy can write the most delicious descriptions of Lousiana country. When he talks about going from the French part to the Anglo-Saxon section...............man! So On Target!

Did you listen to the interview that is linked on his website about Pegasus Descending ? He is an interesting guy. And he knows his subject well.
Thanks! :readingtwo:

muggle not

27th October 2006, 10:51

Pontalba, I am glad that you have started to read JLB. You are in for some enjoyment as his books get better and better starting from the first Robicheaux in "that" series. After I read my first book of his I couldn't stop and proceeded to read in quick order all the books that he has written. Thanks to our library. His writing makes you feel like you are there with him as things take place.

Louiseog, I enjoy JLB so much that I would almost "beg you" to give a try to several of his first books and i am pretty sure you would be hooked. Be warned though, his writing sometimes is hard and brutal but it hits the button and makes you understand exactly what is happening.

My 2 favorite writers are John Steinbeck and James Lee Burke, two completely different writers.

Sorry for my slow response to this topic but we are so busy and right in the middle of getting things done for our move.

pontalba

27th October 2006, 17:47

Muggle, I know how time consuming a move can be....miserable to say the least, but you sound as though you are retaining a sense of humor at least! :smile2:
I have Black Cherry Blues sitting right here to pick up after Laughter in the Dark. I just love the titles Burke comes up with. :haha:

muggle not

27th October 2006, 18:41

pontalba

27th October 2006, 19:55

I am on dial-up (can't wait until I get broadband - soon) and can't listen to the interview. I did read his interview though in regards to Hurricane Katrina. He speaks from the heart and says what is on his mind. My kind of guy. He is the kind that I would be proud to have as a friend. And maybe that is why I enjoy his writing so much, that along with his outstanding writing talent.

I strongly recommend that his books be read in sequence or you will miss so much and the endings of prior books would be ruined if you jump ahead.
I agree about the sequence thing too. Especially with Burke.
The only reason we got DSL here was on account of the hurricane. We didn't have phone service for three months, all the lines were uprooted by trees. So when they put in new lines, they added the DSL, and it certainly is worth it!

Louiseog

28th October 2006, 13:23

Neon Rain is on its way as we speak. Good old Amazon.

pontalba

28th October 2006, 15:27

Neon Rain is on its way as we speak. Good old Amazon.

Oh great! I agree, Amazon is a marvelous tool. :mrgreen: :readingtwo:
And fast.
Waiting for a report too. :smile2:

Louiseog

28th October 2006, 15:30

Oh great! I agree, Amazon is a marvelous tool. :mrgreen: :readingtwo:
And fast.
Waiting for a report too. :smile2:
What I have to read it as well!!!

pontalba

28th October 2006, 15:32

What I have to read it as well!!!
:lol: :tease:

Well, that is true.......why can't we simply assimilate books by osmosis? Hmmm.....

Thomas Merton

28th October 2006, 15:54

Ah.....James Lee Burke - what a writer! (http://jamesleeburke.com/bibliography.html)

pontalba

28th October 2006, 19:01

Ah.....James Lee Burke - what a writer! (http://jamesleeburke.com/bibliography.html)

Agreed!
Which of his have you already read?

Thomas Merton

29th October 2006, 08:48

Agreed!
Which of his have you already read?

In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead
Cadillac Jukebox
Purple Cane Road
LAST CAR TO ELYSIAN FIELDS

It is funny, I have now reached the state where I reserve reading him for very special occasions, when I am guaranteed not to be disturbed, such as a lazy afternoon in the hammock when everyone is shopping or that dream time of a holiday spent alone.

We have a house in Thailand, with a river, mangoes and heat and the harsh daytime and then diffused, light of the Far East. I imagine Louisiana to have a similar climate. James Lee Burke manages to capture the atmosphere perfectly.

Together with the tortured soul of Dave Robicheaux, he transforms, showers and refreshes me every time.

pontalba

29th October 2006, 16:29

Uninterrupted time to read. Now that would be wonderful! Doesn't happen too often though. But I agree that Burke is better that way.

I read on his website something about In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead being made into a movie. It must have been mentioned on that radio interview. At the time of the interview the lead had not been cast, but Burke thought Tommy Lee Jones would be just right for Robicheaux. And I fully agree.

And yes, his descriptions of the land are right on target. The wisteria, bananna trees et als are as he describes, and the heat and humidity. I have never lived down as far as the books are set, but I did live in a suburb just west of New Orleans for the first 45 years of my life, and it is very close to the area he describes.

I hope I get to read In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead before the movie comes out.

muggle not

29th October 2006, 16:44

I don't like to harp on this but I "strongly" recommend that the Robicheaux books be read in sequence to get the most out of them. Things happen in Robicheaux's life that will give you a better understanding of his torment and unrelenting (and need I say sometimes unorthodox) pursuit of solving tough situations. It is also helpful to understand the relationship between Robicheaux and Clete Purcell. On the other hand, all the books are a good read by themselves. Just that you don't have quite as good an understanding of the underlying stories involved.

Pontalba, if you don't get to the book before the movie comes out, remember, there are always DVD's. ;) :D

pontalba

29th October 2006, 16:46

I don't like to harp on this but I "strongly" recommend that the Robicheaux books be read in sequence to get the most out of them. Things happen in Robicheaux's life that will give you a better understanding of his torment and unrelenting (and need I say sometimes unorthodox) pursuit of solving tough situations. It is also helpful to understand the relationship between Robicheaux and Clete Purcell.

Pontalba, if you don't get to the book before the movie comes out, remember, there are always DVD's. ;) :D
I agree muggle, and that is the way I am approaching the series. I do have them all though. :mrgreen:
And anyway, DVD is almost the only way I see a movie, so what am I grousing about? :lol:

muggle not

29th October 2006, 16:52

I forgot to mention that JLB's books are the type that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning. Once I start one of his books I find it very hard to put it down until finished. I wish we could get more people reading him. :D

pontalba

4th November 2006, 06:47

muggle,
I received my new copy of White Doves at Morning, so it's back in the stack. This one was a second hand copy I found on Amazon, its a trade paperback with a really interesting cover. As it turns out, it's the same cover as the hardback. My other one, still unfound is a mass market with a different cover.
http://i11.tinypic.com/2vtqdlh.jpg

Louiseog

4th November 2006, 09:35

That is gorgeous!
I've started Neon Rain which I am enjoying, feel like I'm there!

muggle not

4th November 2006, 11:43

That is gorgeous!
I've started Neon Rain which I am enjoying, feel like I'm there!
Lucky you. You have all of his books to look forward to and his writing gets better with each. Sometimes he makes me feel like I wish I was there helping his character Robicheaux.

This is an interesting interview of JLB:

http://www.jamesleeburke.com/ (http://www.jamesleeburke.com/)

Jay MacDonald of USATODAY & Life Experiences of JLB
Posted 08/29/2006

Fame & Fortune: James Lee Burke
Wealth of life experiences brings author big payoff By Jay MacDonald, Bankrate.com

He's been an oil pipeline worker in Texas, a surveyor in Colorado, a Job Corps tutor in backwoods Appalachia and a gangland counselor in south L.A. But it was only when James Lee Burke poured his wealth of life's experiences into a best-selling mystery series featuring Louisiana bayou detective Dave Robicheaux that this Jack-of-all-trades became master-of-one.

pontalba

4th November 2006, 15:09

That is gorgeous!
I've started Neon Rain which I am enjoying, feel like I'm there!
Oh goody! I'm only one ahead of you, with Black Cherry Blues my next one. Which according to that neat interview that muggle linked, was his financial break through! Hah!

pontalba

22nd November 2006, 20:04

Another James Lee Burke book is out....no not by him, but about him. ;)
James Lee Burke and the Soul of Dave Robicheaux by Barbara Bogue has been delivered to my doorstep and is a beautifully written and packaged item.
I was able to get a second hand copy for almost half the price and it looks brand new! Yay for Amazon Marketplace!

I have not been able to read it yet, only scan, so will copy out the back cover.....
When he created the character Dave Robicheaux, author James Lee Burke lent the New Orleans homicide detective a few of his own characteristics: a daughter named Alafair, a lifetime struggle with alcohol, his Roman Catholic faith, and his love for fishing and the outdoors. On the other hand, Robicheaux is portrayed as a veteran of the Vietnam war, something Burke never experienced firsthand. Robicheaux emerges as a realistic, complex and compelling protagonist whose depth is one element that elevated Burke's writing above the status of genre fiction.

This critical study examines the ways in which Burke, through the first person narrative of Robicheaux, probes the world of law and order, crime and disorder, and modern moral issues. Chapters explore such matters as the roles of women; paternal issues and influences; the roots of the detective's moral dilemmas over alcohol, Vietnam and religion; Burke's use of the supernatural, sense of place, and music to deepen his stories; Robicheaux's moral quandaries as a law enforcement officer; and the character's contrast to his reckless and funny partner, Clete. An interview with Burke is included.

pontalba

26th November 2006, 21:09

Found my first copy of White Doves at Morning!! It had fallen behind a small bookcase that is in front of a window, and was lodged inbetween!! Bookmark still in place a little more than half way! :blush: :mrgreen:
http://i9.tinypic.com/2vjsdpt.jpg
The American cover.
(courtesy Amazon)

Louiseog

27th November 2006, 18:15

Well I enjoyed Neon rain, not so much for the story but the sense of place and character descriptions that he puts in.

pontalba

27th November 2006, 18:58

Glad to hear that Louiseog. I agree in a way, the story is almost secondary to the characters and ambiance...but I think as you go along in the series, so much expands and then the story and the characters and ambiance sort of absorb each other and are so intertwined as to be inseparable.
Granted I have still only read the first two........but that is my take on the series. I know more characters are brought in, another main character, so it builds and grows.

muggle not

8th December 2006, 15:44

There are many surprises as you read the series. Each book gets better and the stories make you feel like you are there. I really urge you to read more of the series and promise that you will not be disappointed. Of all the writers that i have read, I believe that Burke's writing has the biggest improvement book-over-book.

Thanks pontalba, I was not aware of the book......Soul of Dave Robicheaux by Barbara Bogue. I will have to look it up. It looks interesting.

Louiseog

11th December 2006, 13:47

Right am off to look for another am persuaded

pontalba

12th December 2006, 23:22

Right am off to look for another am persuaded
I started the third in the series today too...Black Cherry Blues really good. :D

pontalba

20th December 2006, 06:46

Muggle,
I just had to tell you that I think JLB must be the master of understatement. :mrgreen: I've started A Morning for Flamingos, and Dave is back in N.O. for you know what....anyway, when he is talking to the DEA agent on p.87, I had to laugh out loud. Right after the DEA guy gives a list of Clete's......um...activities lately, Dave says.........

"Clete's had a checkered career."

Duh!! Ya think?? ROTFALOL !! That boy's gotta have at least 9 lives! :roll2:

muggle not

20th December 2006, 14:18

pontalba

20th December 2006, 18:03

Don't you just love them.

Sometimes they have me laughing and sometimes so mad I could chew nails and sometimes so sad I could cry. James Lee Burke is one heck of a writer.
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!

I suspect he is under rated by some because of the genre, but that is really unfair. His New Orleans is my New Orleans.
Oh, and this one features the Pontalba Apts! :mrgreen:

pontalba

22nd December 2006, 04:02

I just finished A Morning for Flamingos. It knocked me out.

Man, this guy just gets better and better. Have you read his other series Muggle, or his first novel.....The Lost Get-Back Boogie?

I've got A Stained White Radiance sitting right in fron of me now, I pulled it from the shelf as it's the next one in line. Can't make up my mind if I'll start it now, or read something else in between. :10_confused:

muggle not

24th December 2006, 21:42

I believe that I have read all of his books. The Billy Bob Holland series is especially good and is almost but not quite as good as the Robicheaux series. They are definitley worth a read to take a break from Robicheaux. Then you will have 2 different series of books to decide which to read next. :D If we keep talking about JLB enough maybe we can get some more people enjoying his writing.

pontalba

25th December 2006, 20:14

JLB and VN.....;)

muggle not

3rd April 2007, 14:52

James Lee Burke will have a new book out this year in the Robicheaux series. It should be a humdinger.:)
Also out in July 2007, will be the next Robicheaux novel THE TIN ROOF BLOWDOWN, which deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

pontalba

3rd April 2007, 19:53

muggle not

4th April 2007, 01:45

I guess that y'all know that they are going to make a movie of JLB's book " In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead". Tommy Lee Jones I believe will be one of the stars and i hope they get Robert DuVall as another.

pontalba

4th April 2007, 14:17

muggle not

4th April 2007, 14:42

Muggle, I ordered The Tin Roof Blow Down, but I don't see any new Robicheaux listed on Amazon.

And yeah, I'd read about the movie sometime, and boy, wouldn't Tommy Lee Jones be perfect for Dave? :mrgreen:
I mislead you. the new book which will be out in July IS The Tin Roof Blow Down. I expect it to be a great book.

muggle not

5th April 2007, 02:19

Muggle, I ordered The Tin Roof Blow Down, but I don't see any new Robicheaux listed on Amazon.

And yeah, I'd read about the movie sometime, and boy, wouldn't Tommy Lee Jones be perfect for Dave? :mrgreen:
Tommy Lee Jones will play the part of Dave. check this out btw, a bit of funny by the master himself.

http://jamesleeburke.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2043

pontalba

5th April 2007, 17:46

Tommy Lee Jones will play the part of Dave. check this out btw, a bit of funny by the master himself.

http://jamesleeburke.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2043
Heh, heh, heh....

muggle not

7th October 2007, 14:59

It is no secret that one of my favorite authors is James Lee Burke. I recently made a post on JLB's book forum and received a reply by JLB. :

muggle not
Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 1

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:28 am Post subject:

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I have finished reading both Jesus Out To Sea and Tin Roof Blowdown. My expectations were high for both books and I was not dissapointed, excellent reading. My only problem was with Tin Roof Blowdown, I was furious with what happened in N.O. during hurricane Katrina and the lack of response by our Government. After reading Tin Roof I was even more upset. Thank you JLB for giving us great writing.

Jesus Out To Sea was also great reading. I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and especially the Johnny Ace one. I could relate very well to it and one of my favorite songs is still, to this day, Pledging My Love.

jamesleeburke
Joined: 09 Oct 2002
Posts: 1694

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:22 am Post subject:

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Thanks, Muggle and Panjandrum for the kind words. "Johnny Ace" is one of my favorite stories in the collection as well. I hope one day to see it adapted for the screen.

Best,

Jim