Feast Day of Fools

A Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 16 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Celebrated crime master and two-time Edgar Award winner James Lee Burke returns with a gorgeously crafted, brutally resonant chronicle of violence along the Texas-Mexico border.

Sheriff Hackberry Holland patrols a small Southwest Texas border town, meting out punishment and delivering justice in his small square of this magnificent but lawless land. When an alcoholic ex-boxer named Danny Boy Lorca begs to be locked up after witnessing a man tortured to death by a group of bandits, Hack and his deputy, Pam Tibbs, slowly extract the Indian man’s gruesome tale. It becomes clear that the desert contains a multitude of criminals, including serial murderer Preacher Jack Collins (whom The New York Times called “one of Burke’s most inspired villains”).

Holland’s investigation leads him to Anton Ling, a mysterious Chinese woman whose steely demeanor and aristocratic beauty compel Hackberry to return to her home again and again as the investigation unfolds.

James Lee Burke is at his engrossing and atmospheric best in this, his 13th novel, as Hackberry plumbs the depths of man’s inhumanity to man - from killers-for-hire, to the U.S. government, to the misguided souls in search of a better life across the border.

©2011 James Lee Burke (P)2011 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“[O]utstanding.... The richness of Burke's characters, always one of his strengths, reaches new heights.... The intricately plotted narrative takes numerous unexpected turns, and Burke handles his trademark themes of social justice and corruption with his usual subtlety.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“As Burke steers the elaborately structured narrative toward its violent conclusion, we are afforded looks inside the tortured psyches of his various combatants, finding there the most unlikely of connections between the players. This is one of Burke’s biggest novels, in terms of narrative design, thematic richness, and character interplay, and he rises to the occasion superbly, a stand-up guy at the keyboard, as always... Though he is best known for his Dave Robicheaux series, the broader canvas of this Hackberry Holland adventure makes a fittingly grand stage on which to play out such a landmark event in American publishing.” (Bill Ott, Booklist)

“The dialogue scenes, along with the action sequences, the South Texas landscape and the indelibly conflicted characters make you want to give Burke a medal.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

Exactly How Old Is Hack ?!?!

This book is basically a continuation of the previous novel in the series. I love the writing style. The author’s similes and metaphors are very creative and create vivid imagery. Will Patton is a natural born voice actor presenting southern characters flawlessly. Having said all that, the suspension of disbelief that is required here is stretching thin. The main character is a Korean War veteran. I’m not sure the year of the setting, but it has the Taliban and ubiquitous cell phone usage in it. I simply don’t see how an elderly man does what he does. I’m not calling 60 elderly - but 80 is. Anyway, it seems like Hack should have been a Vietnam Vet rather than a Korean Vet. His kicking down doors and over powering crooks just seems over the top for his age (whatever that is). I do like the series, but some of the villains need to be finished for good. Bout time for Hack to retire and leave it to Pam and RC.

Horrific ride of twisted fates!

Unbelievable detail and riveted dialogue that left me addicted for more. I feel like I lost 20 pounds with the mental workout this epic and throat tightening tale delivers. The subject matter of boarder tensions, racism, violence, hope and redemption all mashed together to create a delicious meatloaf, only leaves you with a belly and heartache. I really was hooked, but also feel overwhelmed by it all. WoW!

What a great book!

James Lee Burke's writing is rich and flavorful and so full of expression you can smell the desert air!
Will Patton???s interpretation of the book is excellent.

Brilliant!

James Lee Burke is a great writer and I am admittedly a fan. I have read all of his books ... and collect signed first editions, too. This one is as well written, taut, exciting, and gripping as any of his best books. Will Patton reads the work so well that it's hard for me to imagine someone else as narrator.

Hackberry Holland is a gray man in a gray world. He has history. He's got a lot of baggage, some ugly history, and serious personality flaws. He's also courageous, tenacious, and on the right side.

The murky, sometimes bizarre world of southern politics, crime and corruption are so real you can reach out and touch it. A great read.

Triple Threat

I know, I know ... an "action" book full of despicable low-lifes, horrific and graphic violence, naughty language and firearms. I feel like a sweet housewife reading a torrid bodice-ripper.
But...
It's James Lee Burke, f'crissakes!
His chacterization leaves my mind with the 1000 meter stare.
He is one of the most spiritual men I have ever read (Or listened to), not in an airy and elevated way, but like an honest and ethical person rising out of the swamp-slime. He looks into the darkest antagonists and makes them human. His protagonists are not faultless ideals but manage to overcome their shortcomings to do what must be done. There are characters who change from black to admirable, not suddenly, but credibly.
Metaphor.
Striking insults ... like Peter Pan grown up.
Will Patton does an excellent interpretation.
In real life Burke is knowledgeable, witty, and a good reader.
Love me some James Lee Burke.

Preach!

Once again, as always, LJB spins a great morality play, high paced suspense story with familkar characters and more insight into their past and what amkes them act the way they do.

Perfect!!

Another homerun by James Lee Burke. Story is amazing and you wont be able to stop listneing once you get started. Also, Will Patton is his usual smooth self narrating this book. Burke and Patton are a tough team to beat....there's no duo better than them.

Absolute Perfection

James Lee Burke is a poet masquerading as a mystery writer. Will Patton's voice is husky- smooth, languid when needed and pitched just right. Feast Day of Fools is one of Mr. Burke's best efforts and nearly peerless.

A good pace

First let me say, Will Patton ROCKS!!! He makes me want to listen... and makes all the cast come to life. Amazing performance! The story is a nice homecoming visit with Hackberry and his crew. The book is so full of one-liners it makes me want to purchase a book so I can read and underline! I’m a fan of James Lee Burke and this story didn’t diy!

Great story about the border and its people!

I love James Lee Burke. This was a great Texas/Mexico adventure. Hack was again stellar with some great new characters that made this story rich and interesting. Will Patton is the best storyteller in the business. If you love Burke, you will love this one.