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

First Rate Everything

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The writing is impeccable. The characters are well developed and the way James Lee Burke crafts a scene is spectacular. On top of this, the narration by Will Patton absolutely captures the color and feel of this novel. I can't say enough good things about his nuanced performance. The writer and narrator have created a masterpiece together.

The biggest problem is back.

This is the biggest problem with these James Lee Burke books: once they're over it's a complete dilemma as to what to listen to next. Will Patton is a fabulous narrator. He really is Dave Robisheaux. The plot line is always perfectly paced. While you're listening, you're completely transported into the world of Dave and Clete. When it's over, it's hard to get interested in a new book.

Again, this one is flawless. If you're a fan, you're in for a treat. If you've never listened to a Dave Robicheaux book before, you're in for an even bigger treat. Start somewhere earlier in the series. You'll have hours and hours of great listening ahead of you.

JLB is getting a bit formulaic, IMHO.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. This is Burke's 20th Dave Robicheaux novel, and he is pounding on the Viet Nam trauma, alcoholism, Clete's penchant for violence, and so forth. His gift for describing locations is still unmatched: it feels like you are in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. However, the Wyatt Dixon character has become a standard crazy/dangerous guy, and Clete's daughter, Gretchen Horowitz, has also quickly begun to walk in her father's footsteps. The earlier books are much better.

Would you be willing to try another book from James Lee Burke? Why or why not?

I might try another of the Hackberry Holland books, as he is a different character from Dave Robicheaux, and he explores a more southerly part of the US, giving us once again Burke's remarkable gift at making us feel that we are living in the territory of the novel. Plus, Hack's right-hand-girl is a woman, and there is some heat between them, which is interesting.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Will Patton is great. He could not improve.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe. Hollywood is eating itself (not my original words) and movies are only 100 minutes, in which they try to plug in hours of plot and character development. Very tough.

Any additional comments?

Nope.

All is Copacetic, Roger that Nobleman!

The bobsy twins from homocide are certainly back. Other reviewers have outlined the overall plot so I'll focus on the strengths and weaknesses of this book. As always this book has the beautiful poetic moving style of JLB's writing. I've enjoyed almost every book from this author and his latest doesn't disappoint.
The bad guys are truly scary and evil. There is one character who moves between good and evil and sane and insanity; his presence in the book is profound.
The plot kept my interest I didn't want to put it down. However I can't say I was sad when it ended either.
The character that is Clete's daughter, Gretchen, I found a bit annoying and unrealistic at times. Although as we all know, Will Patton has such amazing talent however I felt he was not really comfortable with Gretchen's character and unfortunately this was evident throughout the book.
Nonetheless overall this was a terrific mystery adventure story. I'm looking forward to Dave and Clete's next.

love Dave Robicheax and Cletus

this fit the mold well...strong violence interspersed with mystical religious episodes. Excellent for building a vocabulary.
I was put off by Burke's. periodic finger wagging...he has it in I think all of his novels, but damn, give a rest. Be sanctimonious on someone else's time and dime.

Gory plot, glorious writing

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the narration, and the audio performance. A cathartic suspense novel written by a talented story-teller. Thanks

Incredible Audio Series

James Lee Burke is one of the absolute greats. This series never disappoints. Will Paton deserves a statue for his work on these books.

Amazing story

Story strong enough to hold me although the narrator mispronounced many Montana names, places, towns, lakes, etc.

What Happened to Patton's Voice

I listened to this a few months ago, but wasn't impressed. Loved the previous works that I've heard, especially Will Patton's narration, but there was a drastic change in the voices in this recording, particularly with Gretchen and Clete. I wasn't too captivated with the storyline either. Like others have mentioned, I think Burke's description and cadence are impeccable, but he could've trimmed the fat on this one. When it was all over, it seemed like nothing really happened for the amount of time invested. I also see the formulaic pattern that others are complaining about, but what do you expect? I often chide others who watch Law & Order, Criminal Minds, for the same reason, but we all know there's nothing new under the sun, only different ways of presenting it. I think Burke does a good job in handling the detective plot line, however, reviewer Mike (10/24/13) nailed it on the head; it would be nice to see him shake things up a little.

Awesome as always..

James Lee Burke and Will Patton...a winning combination....Was immersed completely the whole time. Highly recommend.