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

The Philosophy of Burke

Would you consider the audio edition of Light of the World to be better than the print version?

Really no opinion since I have not read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clete Purcell continues to be one of my favorite characters in the series. While a man of many weaknesses, Clete's loyalty and sense of fair play always shine through.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Patton does an excellent job of narrating the complex environment that Burke creates with his Dave Robicheaux series. The philosophical prose gets thick at times and while Burke's obvious left leaning perspective grates on the mind at bit, it does not take too much away from the enjoyment of the story.

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

While there was not a single aha moment, I thought it entertaining how the character of Dixon started out being a potential villain, but eventually turned into an anti-hero of sorts.

Any additional comments?

I have been a Dave Robicheaux fan for over 25 years and really enjoy the series. Dave has had a very complex and tough life through the years and Burke has done an exceptional job of telling his story. The only downside is it does get morose at times and Burke does tend to dwell a little too heavily into psychology rather than strong story telling.

Brilliant one trick pony

As always, JLB's writing is masterful and his characters engrossing. I have to admit, however, that I do wish he would move on to a new theme. I found myself growing impatient with the periodic disquisitions on the nature and power of evil and the impotence of our common response to it. In addition, returning to this theme, which he has mined repeatedly in the brilliant Robicheaux series, forces him to create villains who, more and more, strain credibility. The fact that this was a particularly long entry in the series did not help matters.

That said, the most satisfying part of "Light of the World" is the presence of the entire crew of familiar characters, often working at cross purposes despite their profound affection and respect for one another. The basic human dimensions of Burke's writing are always both fascinating and satisfying. The addition of a pair of new characters who are complex and perversely endearing is an added bonus, and I suspect we will see them again in the future.

With the possible exception of one somewhat annoying character voice, Will Patton's work on this recording is brilliant. I especially like the way he changes not only his character voice but the narrator voice as well when the action moves from Dave's 1st person to Dave omniscient. Creative and interesting.

If this were the first Robicheaux novel I had ever read, I would probably give it five stars across the board. As it is, it was certainly more than worth the time and credit, but I do hope Burke will find some new thematic ground to till with Dave.

Burke is still the best

Listening to Will Patton read "Light of the World" is like sipping a glass of chateauneuf du pape. You want to savor every moment and take your time doing it. I like James Lee Burke; I believe he is the best modern mystery writer. And Will Patton makes the characters and story come alive. I ordered this book a day before my monthly credit come through solely because I could not wait 24 hours for another Burke installment.
After surviving the events told in "Creole Belle", Dave, his wife Molly and daughter Alafair join Clete and his daughter Gretchen to look for some R&R at their old friend, Albert's house in Montana. Not surprisingly, instead of enjoying some days in the Montana countryside, they confront evil, evil personified in the satanic character of Asa Surette, one of the most vile characters, if not the most vile in JLB's or any other writer's novels.
JLB creates page turners and unlike other contemporary mystery writers he writes in the most hauntingly beautiful style. Listening to Will Patton read "Light of the World" (interesting title) is an engrossing spiritual experience.
If you haven't read James Lee Burke, it may be helpful to get :Creole Belle" first. However, they are stand alone novels and not a sequel as such, but it may help your understanding of the events especially Gretchen who first appears in "Creole Belle".

Still wonderful

Another great adventure, the kids are nearly as badass as the parents now. I look forward to the next installment. I hope we get back to New Orleans and more sedate cerebral mystery.

great read!

Dave, Clete and their family and friends are folks you wish you could know. Despite a well worn outline, at least for this listener - it doesn't get Old!

Couldn't put it down

James Lee Burke has such a way with words that transports the reader/listener away from their world and into his. It's like magic. I tell people that he could be writing about a garage roof and make it sound like a lace of wonder and beauty. Another terrific story about Dave, Clete and family. Fabulous narration by Will Patton as always.

The Bobsy Twins from Homicide are back!

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

Exciting, compelling, enjoyable

What did you like best about this story?

I have missed Dave and Clete and their families. Unlike some authors, Mr. Burke seems to be able to create new stories that are as good as anything previously. He doesn't seem to slack off and coast.

I had a hard time being on time to work - if I was in the middle of a suspensful scene, of which there were many, I had to just keep listening.

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

Yes, but I also wanted to string it out so it wouldn't end. The characters seem so real that I always feel like I am leaving old friends when I finish one of the Dave Robicheaux books.

Another great narration by Will Patton

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

Will Patton so perfectly voices the characters in this novel you can see them like a hologram in the air before you.

What did you like best about this story?

Loved to see Wyatt Dixon make a return and Will Patton voices him beautifully.

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

Everything.

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

Yes, definitely made me sit in the car long after I had reached my destinations just to finish listening.

Any additional comments?

Loved the blending in this novel of Dave Robicheau into Holland territory.

Burke is the best author of our time!

Would you consider the audio edition of Light of the World to be better than the print version?

I love the audio version of all of Burke's Robicheaux series, Will Patton brings the characters to life. I would highly recommend any or all!!

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

Will Patton is perfect as Dave Robicheaux, he brings all of the characters to life!

Guess I'll have to check out the rest!

Great book, story held my interest and narration was spot on. I am pretty partial though, I think I could listen to Will Patton read a phone book. Something about his voice and speed is soothing to the soul.