Creole Belle

A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 19

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 18 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Dave Robicheaux is back, in a gorgeously written, visceral thriller by James Lee Burke, “the heavy weight champ, a great American novelist whose work, taken individually or as a whole, is unsurpassed” (Michael Connelly).

Creole Belle begins where the last book in the Dave Robicheaux series, The Glass Rainbow, ended. Dave is in a recovery unit in New Orleans, where a Creole girl named Tee Jolie Melton visits him and leaves him an iPod with the country blues song "Creole Belle" on it. Then she disappears. Dave becomes obsessed with the song and the memory of Tee Jolie and goes in search of her sister, who later turns up inside a block of ice floating in the Gulf. Meanwhile, there has been an oil well blowout on the Gulf, threatening the cherished environs of the bayous.

Creole Belle is James Lee Burke at his very best, with beloved series hero Dave Robicheaux leading the charge against the destruction of both the land and the people he has sworn to protect.

©2012 James Lee Burke (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

“This tale plays out much like The Glass Rainbow—intimations of mortality; melancholic musing on the pillaging of once-Edenic South Louisiana; cathartic, guns-blazing climax—but, as always, Burke brings something new to the table...Dave and Clete may still be unbowed, but they are certainly broken—and all the more interesting for it.” ( Booklist)

“Another stunner from a modern master.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Great news for readers who feared that Burke had left Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Robicheaux dying at the end of The Glass Rainbow (2010); Dave and his old friend Clete Purcel are back for an even more heaven-storming round of homicide, New Orleans–style.... A darkly magnificent treat for Dave’s legion of admirers.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Likin' it

Poetic, well narrated, Louisiana local color. I recommend it! One of the better of Burke's series.

Another Great One

Will Patton's reading drags you into the story kicking and screaming. You become part of the narrative, rolling along with Dave and Clete as they 'take it to 'em with tongs big mon'.

a must listen

Where does Creole Belle rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

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

Complex plot - wonderful dialog - great narrator

I really enjoyed Will Patton's southern drawl. His voice fits the story well. Burke alternates nicely between dreamy reveries on the South with its many characteristics and characters, intriguing plot and great dialog. Along with Elmore Leonard and Stephen King, Burke is a contemporary master of the tongue of the common man. The book is quite long - I like long books - you can enjoy the story longer. And the plot twists and turns like the branches of an old oak tree. However, towards the end I feel that Burke could have eased the plot into a more believable ending and it would have gotten all my stars. If you like the South, enjoy good dialog and the raspy voice of Patton - then it is absolutely a superb listen. I am wondering if I should go for a new Will Patton book or a new Burke book. We'll see.

Best buddies!!

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

I love Clete. I laugh out loud at some of the things he says.

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

When Dave apologized to his daughter when he used his favorite nickname for her.

Any additional comments?

Dave and Clete will do anything for each other (including die) and it shows in every conversation and situation. Everyone should have a friend like that.

The BEST Audio Book I've EVER Read!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Creole Belle to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version, but would like to. The audio version is perfect for understanding the Creole dialect. But the print version provides an opportunity to re-read the quick one liners of Cleet and the longer philosophical thoughts of Dave.

What other book might you compare Creole Belle to and why?

In terms of a series, I found Creole Belle as entertaining as the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, although not in a comedic way.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

Cleet had the one liners that had me laughing out loud. But Dave's introspection was touching.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Something for everyone with a Creole accent.

Any additional comments?

My audible collection numbers about twenty so far. It seems many books are just hard to get into. I was hooked on Creole Belle from the first chapter - the BEST book I have every listened to. The storyline, character development, humor, dialogue, introspection, and delivery by Will Patton were outstanding.

One of Burke's very best.

I loved it. James Lee Burke's lyrical writing just sucks you in and you are off on this wild ride with Dave and Clete. I love the way his protagonists are always flawed, and the story line is always convoluted! In a good way. Following the twists of his stories are big fun. As always, Will Patton does a fine job of bringing Burke's stories to life. Big recommend.

What a great Book!

What did you love best about Creole Belle?

I loved the flow of the story and the depth of the characters! This is my favorite! James Lee just keeps getting better!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Creole Belle?

I like the women...all of them:)

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

He is one of the best narrators on the planet! Very skilled at pace and pronunciation!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Several times it made you stop and think about....what would I do?

Any additional comments?

Just loved it....Great read! This is my first review after listening to 300 books...so it tells you what i thought.

I want to be Clete Purcell for just one day

Burke has the unique talent to bring you so close to the bayou you can smell it. You can feel the heat and the humidity in the air. You can sense the evil in some people and the resolve to not let evil win in Dave Robicheaux. And the voice of Will Patton is always flawless. Great Listen.

Excellent read! Man! I love these guys.

If you could sum up Creole Belle in three words, what would they be?

Excellent interpretation by Patton.

What other book might you compare Creole Belle to and why?

The last good Burke/Patton collaboration.

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

When Will Patton is performing good James Lee Burke there are few comparisions in my Audible experience.

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

There are a couple of times in the book where Robicheaux goes introspective--comparing his current situation and natural surroundings to earlier times in his life--that are described in excellent prose from Burke and vividly presented by Patton.

Any additional comments?

I love these guys: Burke, Patton, Robicheaux, and Parcell. I find it hard to believe that there is another crew in Audible's line-up that is more entertaining.