Burke's writing is lovely (as always), the story is complex and interesting, the characters are compelling, and Will Patton brings the story to life. This one is very dark, but not heavy handed. I have come to adore these characters--even the bad guys. As most Audible listeners will agree, the narrator can make or break a novel. Will Patton is among the very best narrators. I think the guy could make the classified section of a small town newspaper hard to turn off! Combine him with a novelist like Burke and you've got a winner. If only EVERY audio book could be this good! I'm tempted to postpone using my next credit in favor of listening to this book again. Get it! You'll be glad you did!

First Class work.

Yes

Patton brings Burke's work to life like no other narrator.

Numerous moments.

Keep them coming, James Lee and Will!

Listening to a James Lee Burke novel with Will Patton narrating and Dave Robicheaux as the lead character is like visiting an old friend. You know you are going to have a great time and Creole Belle didn't disappoint. Patton's narration is great and he really brings the characters to life. The story gives you a good feel of what life in southern Louisiana must be like, although without all the crime and seedy characters maybe, but who knows? Burke is great at character development and I love his insights into human beings and life in general. And, Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell are two characters unlike any others. I'll look forward to the next Burke novel, be it set in Louisiana or Texas. And, when the author decides to hang it up, it'll be a sad day.

I've listened and read all the Burke books and I was stunned by the depth of description of the natural world of the book and the touch Burke has on the dark depths that Clete is drawn into. His description of the inner life of his characters is simply amazing. Every character is alive, real, and feels honest. Will Pattons voice is so smooth and fits the characters with perfection. I kept wanting to share with my wife the language of Burke as it spoke so powerfully and was so unique it stuck to me. I rank this one as his best one yet. Is there violence? You bet. Are there EVIL people? Always. The relationship between Clete and Dave as they face their own limits is so clearly portrayed through it all with the sound and images of Viet Nam always near the surface.

Yes, The narration is spectacular, storyline is great. The depth of the characters and the author's observation is part of my favorite things about this series.

The characters now seem like old friends.

The accents are great. I feel like I know the main character better "listening to him think". He's great

Yes

Looking forward to the next one!

There is new life in the series. Not just the survival of Dave and Clete, but the appearance of a new (and most likely long term) character, a 20 something hit woman. Besides developing an intriguing character in Gretchen, Burke seems to have planted enough seeds to sprout a new sequel with her character front and center.

The assault of the black female deputy by the retired red neck sheriff.

Will Patton as usual was superb! You could tune into any part of the book and believe he was reading poetry.

The Gulf Coast hit by another force of nature.

You either a fan of Robicheaux or you are not. Great read if you are.

I think Will Patton was born to read the Dave Robicheaux novels. as good as the story is Will Patton makes the story amazing.

I love James Lee Burke's books and in my opinion there are no better readers that Will Patton.

You never know what Dave and Clete are up to. This story has added another character - Clete's daughter.

Patton voice is perfect for this kind of novel. Pacing, articulation, with character mixed in. I love books he reads.

intensely satisfying read/listen

Dave Robicheaux is a flawed but admirable character, attempting to wipe out the powerful, corrupt sinister evil that threatens his family and his Louisiana and has an equally flawed but often admirable sidekick, Clete; they are the Bobbsey Twins of NOPD.

All of the scenes where Daveand and Clete deal with ghosts from the past and present, doubting their past actions and their sanity.

too many to note

It is an exciting trip to a place where there is warm air that smells of salt and rain and tropical flowers. James Lee Burke’s writing and Will Patton’s narration do not disappoint!