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)

excellent

it really was a great listen. One of my favorites. But be prepared for some violence.

Super Listen!

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

I would listen to anything written by James Lee Burke and Narrated by Will Patton. When you put the two of them together, the result is dynamite!

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

I think Cleet being sick. I really didn't want anything to happen to him since he is a favored character. I won't say what happened to him so as not to ruin it for anyone else.

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

Dave Robicheaux is, of course, my favorite! Will Patton has a natural southern accent. Not many narrators can pull that off.

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

I love this book just as much as I have all the others from James Lee Burke. Did not disappoint!!!

James Lee Burke's Best

I couldn't wait for the follow-up to The Glass Rainbow to come out in audio and, when it did, I was not disappointed. The story and characters (especially Clete's secretary!), as always, were wonderful and imaginative. And, best of all, Will Patton's narration was spot on! I will definitely listen to this one again. A toast to you, James Lee Burke, for yet another awesome novel!

What kind of man can write a book like this?

Someone who analyzes life with a clear & moral mind.

Combining an edge on your seat murder mystery with thoughtfulness & Shakespearian insight made me want to never read another book. But, I suppose I will after I internalize the insights given to me from Creole Belle. Thank you Mr. Burke!

Enjoyed, but too descriptive

What did you love best about Creole Belle?

The narration in the New Orleans accent made this book special. It's a good story, but too much description of New Orleans and and the environs. too many words, get to the point, tell the story!Not interested in all the flowers, trees, sky...Enuf is enuf.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Robicheaux.. He is sensitive, compassionate and the kind of character you get to like.

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

The way they speak in N.O. All of the characters had a special voice and way of talking, it made me feel like I was there with them.

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

NO

Excellent Crime With Louisiana Ambiance

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

I would like to have both. Some of the passages are so memorable that I would like them underlined. Perhaps I will try a Kimble edition.,

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

None come to mind. This is, for me, the first I have heard about crime in the South. Excellent.

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

I like Creek (sp). He is such a character. I could see John Goodman playing him.

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

At those moments when the main character relates life experiences to his Viet Nam war experiences. They are moving and elicit pondering.

Any additional comments?

Truly excellent listen. Will Patton is without equal as a narrator. I am wondering if Hammer can do as well. Hammer has narrated many books in this series as well.

Another interesting Robicheaux

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

Yes, because the narrator is so good.

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

The other James Lee Burke novels. They all are so evocative of the place.

Another terrific novel

Will Patton does a great job of bringing the characters to life in a memorable way. The story is strong but drags a little at times. Not may favorite JLB story, but a good one nonetheless.

This one would make a great movie.

Burke put you right there. His attention to detail brings your senses alive! My only criticism is that i was able to guess the end.
William Paxton. is a A+ reader.

Another great story from James Lee Burke.

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

At the top.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Will Patton is the best narrator I've heard. He really brings the story alive.

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

no