Black Cherry Blues

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Mark Hammer

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Dave Robicheaux had begun to put the pieces of his broken life together again when an old friend turned up on his doorstep, dredging up old memories and new threats.

©1989 James Lee Burke (P)1993 Recorded Books, LLC.

Pure James Lee Burke

What did you love best about Black Cherry Blues?

I am a huge fan of James Lee Burke and have read a number of his books. However, I had missed Black Cherry Blues. I listened to it on a long road trip and realized again that Burke is unparalleled in his ability to paint a scene and draw a reader into the story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Burke's stories always keep me wondering. I know each character will play a part in the overall sense of the book, but I never know for sure how it will play out until the very end. In this book, I wondered most about Dixie Lee Pugh, a marvelous character on many levels.

What does Mark Hammer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hammer captured the essence of Dave Robicheaux for me. Understated, yet thoughtful and plagued by the demons of his past.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Although the length of it made it better listened to a few segments at a time. I actually read the last chapter or two on my Kindle, but later went back and listened to them to get the full effect of the narration.

Didn't think I'd like it when I started but I did.

At 1st I thought the story was a little harsh kind of a gangster thing a little bit violent but I really did enjoy it As it went on.

Reality at it's Finest

Just like being there!! Second time I have been through this book. Mark Hammer is good but I prefer Will Patton

Excellent, one of Burke's best!

Heartbreakingly poignant, revealing dialogue, vodka and beautifully written. from New Iberia parish to big sky Montana, James Lee Burke has written another masterpiece.

Not a romance

Don't know why this has the "R" on it but glad it did,it was one I hadnt read and it was free! Dave is a character you love or dont. Not the rip roaring, action kinda guy. He's from South Louisiana, says it all. That said theres always plenty of intrigue, mystery crazy characters and a fantastic story. Only complaint here is the audio. Will Patton (the ONLY voice for Dave) can get very quiet,low tone, then booming. The editing for that was uneven, a lot of turn it up then down.

You just gotta like Dave.

If you could sum up Black Cherry Blues in three words, what would they be?

Engaging. Satisfying. Easy.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I don't know about the edge of my seat, but I wanted to keep listening. I had already listened to more recent Dave Robicheaux stories, so I enjoyed getting some of the background.

Have you listened to any of Mark Hammer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

As mentioned before, I had listened to more recent Dave Robicheaux stories with Will Patten as the narrator and I was use to hearing him as the voice of Dave. It was odd at first, but I thought Mark Hammer still did a good job. His Cajun accent was great.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I didn't know what had happened to annie prior to this book. I felt for Dave when he dreamt of her and his dad.

A masterpiece

Can’t think of a detective story hero I’d more want to meet in real life.

Definitely not Will Patton Reading

If you have listened to Will Patton perform a Dave Robicheaux novel, you will be very disappointed with this reader. Awful accents and bad acting. This is a great story but better to read it yourself than listen to this guy.

Excellent

The narrator, Hammer, makes this come alive. Old fashioned storytelling. And the writing is superb. Don’t be fooled be the colloquial style. This is masterful writing.

His best in my experience...

Kudos to narrator, Mark Hammer, for taking a great book and making it better with his thoughtful pacing, accent, and inflection. He makes this book sing. And Mr. Burke is on top of his form. His capacity to use the natural environment as an omnipresent counterpoint to an intriguing plot stands out. Burke's dialogue is masterful even as it serves to reveal characters of substance. Readers of this genre will not go wrong with this one.The quality of the writing sets a high bar for his contemporaries....thoroughly enjoyed it.