Light of the World

A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 20

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

"America’s best novelist" (The Denver Post) and "the reigning champ of nostalgia noir" (The New York Times Book Review) introduces his most evil character yet in the 20th thriller in the best-selling Dave Robicheaux series.

A New York Times best-selling author many times over, James Lee Burke is a two-time Edgar Award-winner whose every book is cause for excitement, especially those in the wildly popular Dave Robicheaux series.

In Light of the World, sadist and serial killer Asa Surrette narrowly escaped the death penalty for the string of heinous murders he committed while capital punishment was outlawed in Kansas. But following a series of damning articles written by Dave Robicheaux’s daughter Alafair about possible other crimes committed by Surette, the killer escapes from a prison transport van and heads to Montana - where an unsuspecting Dave happens to have gone to take in the sweet summer air, accompanied by Alafair, his wife Molly, faithful partner Clete, and Clete’s newfound daughter, Gretchen Horowitz, whom listeners met in Burke’s most recent best seller Creole Belle.

"James Lee Burke remains the heavy weight champ," says New York Times best-seller Michael Connelly, "a great American novelist whose work...is unsurpassed." The master proves it once again with this harrowing novel that examines the nature of evil and pits Dave Robicheaux against the most diabolical villain he has ever faced.

©2013 James Lee Burke (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

As usual, Burke delivers literary gold.

He captures both the beauty and undeniable primal nature of mens souls. Excellence as usual.

I love James LIte Burke.

Would you listen to Light of the World again? Why?

Yes, you can always appreciate something else in a reread of JLB books.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Light of the World?

I love when Molly becomes vocal about a situation. It doesn't happen often, but she is strong. I loved all the characters being in this book.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

For me, there is no other narrator who could read a "Dave and Clete" book. He is the only one.

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

This one has it all!

Any additional comments?

Love it!

Weirdly convenient plot

I'm a big fan of the series. But, this was really contrived. All of the players randomly happen to be in the same Montana town?!? Will Patton is always good, though.

Will Patton is the only reason for this.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really. If it was on the page I'd have quit. Will Patton made it barely finishable.

What was most disappointing about James Lee Burke’s story?

This would have been merely tedious if it was half as long. It was interminable. This is just tired. I have done the whole series. I kind of thought Dave and Clete might be dead at the end of the last book. I kind of wish they had been. I hate saying this. I have never said or thought it about a series this long before...but again...if you appreciate how good Will Patton is this may be better than nothing at all.

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

This was as good as any of them. It is as good as Ferrone doing Sandford or Guidall doing Craig Johnson.

Did Light of the World inspire you to do anything?

I am inspired to give up James Lee Burke.

Any additional comments?

If, by chance, this is your first time with the series you might like this.

Gretchen and Alafair Are Highlighted In This One

In this novel, the daughters of the central characters, Dave and Clete, are front and center in this mysterious, serial killer story. Alafair is in danger and Gretchen is not having any of it. Gretchen is a skillful "hit-woman".... and she puts her skills to work!

I love being completely transported into the world of Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell. I like the smooth narration of Will Patton. When the story is over, I find it very hard, if not difficult, to get interested in a new author.... so I generally look for another James Burke novel.

In this novel, an escaped serial killer is looking to kill Alafair because of something she had written about him during his trial. During the investigation and hunt for the serial killer, Dave and Clete must sift through encounters with random people and situations to sort out the sinister picture being painted in this novel.

Will Patton.... you either love him or you don't! ... I love his southern drawl and the pace at which he reads... his accent may not be authentic but I don't care. I know Louisiana and there are lots of accents in that state. He brings JLB's written words to life!

could listen over and over again!

What made the experience of listening to Light of the World the most enjoyable?

Burke's poetic writing and Patton's perfect reading. A true listening marriage made in heaven!

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

Yes. I don't want to give anything away...

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

He's perfect. I can't imagine listening to anyone else read James Lee Burke.

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

Yes. Fell asleep to it night after night because I couldn't put it away.

Any additional comments?

If you love audible books, don't pass this one up. It will transport you (like all great books do) into another world.

one of Burke's best.

Engrossing and violently poetic. read like a lyrical tune. I doubt anybody talks and thinks like Dave but I wish more did.

Excellent book and narrator!

If you could sum up Light of the World in three words, what would they be?

Another excellent performance! The story line is terrific and Will Patton's voice lends depth and emotion to the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Light of the World?

Can't single one out...

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

Yes - and they're all excellent!

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

Laugh and cry!

Any additional comments?

James Lee Burke and Will Patton are an almost unbeatable combination!

Another great book - welll written, well read

I am really hooked on the Dave Robicheaux novels after listening to just one! James Lee Burke really captures the psychology of the different characters so that you understand what drives them, and he writes a very well paced thriller. You come to know and identify with Dave and Clete - the bobsy twins from homicide! And Will Patton reads the parts so well that the book comes alive! If you have not read any of the Dave Robicheax books, you should give this a try - you will become a fan!

Hope this isn't the last we'll hear from Dave

Enjoyed it as always. Amazing how Dave and Clete hold it together despite the madness around them.