Swan Peak

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

James Lee Burke's new novel, Swan Peak, finds Detective Robicheaux far from his New Iberia roots, attempting to relax in the untouched wilderness of rural Montana. He, his wife, and his buddy, Clete Purcell, have retreated to stay at an old friend's ranch, hoping to spend their days fishing and enjoying their distance from the harsh, gritty landscape of Louisiana post-Katrina.

But the serenity is soon shattered when two college students are found brutally murdered in the hills behind where the Robicheauxs and Purcell are staying. They quickly find themselves involved in a twisted and dangerous mystery involving a wealthy, vicious oil tycoon, his deformed brother and beautiful wife, a sexually deviant minister, an escaped con and former country-music star, and a vigilante Texas gunbull out for blood.

At the center of the storm is Clete, who cannot shake the feeling that he is being haunted by the ghosts from his past - namely Sally Dio, the mob boss he'd sabotaged and killed years before.

In this expertly drawn, gripping story, Burke deftly weaves intricate, engaging plotlines and original, compelling characters with his uniquely graceful prose. He transcends genre yet again in the latest thrilling addition to his New York Times best-selling series.

More mayhem? Listen to more of James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux thrillers.

©2008 James Lee Burke (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

another favorite

James Lee Burke paints pictures and spins vivid imagery like no other.... combined with the smooth drawl and character readings of Will Patton and its as good as it gets. They totally bring you into their world and you get lost in the story. This is the 5th "Robicheaux novel for me and I don't think I'll ever tire.

this tale takes the duo out of their home turf and is fast moving and attention holding. You won't be disappointed.

Great twists, dynamic characters

Will Patton is an amazing narrator. An excellent suspense thriller with my favorite characters! Burke and Patton never disappoint!

Nice story

Too much of the authors philosphy of bleed. If you thought the author's book on New Orleans contained a lot of bleeding political philosophy, you will find this book may set a new record.

Not a bad read once you get past the political commentary.

Swan Peak is a great book

I purchased this audio book yesterday and have been unable to put it down. Want a great writer, smart and entertaining.

INCREDIBLE! HILARIOUS and intense!

This is the fourth book I've listened to in this series, and by far, my MOST FAVORITE so far! Narrator Will Patton is so incredibly good at creating each character, especially Dave and Clete, that I felt like I had come upon something and quickly hid behind something, heart racing- laughing out loud and then remembering I was hiding, continued watching as everything seemed to be happening in real life. Thank you, Mr. Burke and Mr. Patton, for such talented entertainment as I work on handyman (handy-gal) projects that are unlimited and NOW, much more enjoyable!

Christmas/Birthday in July

Don't do it Jimmy Dale, don't do it...

This was a magnificent listen. God bless James Lee Burke and Will Patton. I was a little hesistant when I read Dave was going off to Montana, wondering how Burke could pull it off, but the same beauty of language, the same craft in his writing, and the same wonderful plotting held up to even the best of the Louisiana novels. I listened to it straight through, except for a little sleep, and found my self pacing back and forth several times and rewinding many times just to listen again to Patton's gorgeous rendition of Burke's beautiful words. I rarely talk outloud to characters in a book, but I was constantly giving advice to Jimmy Dale and Nix. There was an interesting juxtaposition in this book that I haven't seen in other Burke books, the seemingly evil and despicable Nix winds up a someone you feel like rooting for...odd for Burke.

As an aside, some of the vulgarisms Clete comes up with just stun me (and I raised three teenaged boys). It's Burke's knack for description in a different version. Also, lots of political swipes here that I wish would've been left out...it so jars the pace of the story. King, Parker, and now Burke can't seem to leave well enough alone.

Burke is a national treasure. His previous books will stand as testament to what New Orleans was pre-Katrina and I hope soon that he will re-visit New Orleans with the same love and deep lushness of description that we've come to expect.

Since Mr. Burke is getting on in years, I treasure each book with such love, hoping it won't be his last.

And as for Will Patton, he should receive every single reader award that can be bestowed on him.

Geez, what a great book this was...

Patton's music with Burke's lyrics - perfect!

Burke's powerful descriptive prose matched with Patton's effortless and breezy 'sippi drawl makes this one of the best listens in a long long time. The plot line is solid, and the relationships developed and examined are what make Burke's novels so beautifully rendered. They are like philosophical visual poetry carefully pieced together with scenes of good vs evil, enlightenment, damnation and redemption.

The words and imagery resonate long after the iPod is turned off.

Enjoy.

Another good one from James Lee Burke

Burke has a way with describing the beauty of Montana, and Will Patton's narration is just right for the characters. In Swan Peak, the plot is engaging, the characters generally well-developed, and the underlying themes of loss, betrayal, and loyalty are woven throughout the primary narrative about events gone very wrong amid the pure mountain landscape. I'd listen to another Burke/Patton combo anytime.

One of my best ever audiobook experiences.

James Lee Burke plus Will Patton plus an unabridged book equals a perfect audio experience for me. I was a bit reluctant to order this book, because it is set outside Dave Robicheaux's usual Louisiana haunts. Dave and ex-partner Clete find themselves in Montana, taking a vacation that does not stay tranquil for long. Burke's rich character development and Patton's careful narration combine to make this a suspenseful and meaningful listen. This is not an ordinary detective novel: it is dark, it is lyrical, it is ambiguous and it is didactic. Burke is no ordinary writer, but transcends the mystery genre to pure literature. I only wish more unabridged James Lee Burke books were available from Audible.

outstanding

Burke does it again. I enjoy how the reader, Patton, builds the characters and helps the listener get into the story and each character. I truely was entertained. Burke seems to paint a visual picture in is writing that makes me feel like I'm visiting the place as the story is being told. Great book!