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.

Only This Actor

Should ever read this series - I would never again purchase one of the books from the series without this reader. I did it once and couldn't get through the book. I love this series - love the characters - love the diverse action within the story - but this reader must read or I must read it myself in print.

Great mystery set in NE Montana

Would you consider the audio edition of Swan Peak to be better than the print version?

The audio edition was probably better because of the great narration (although I have equally enjoyed reading many of Mr. Burke's novels).

What was one of the most memorable moments of Swan Peak?

I think when Dave goes a little crazy on the preacher stays in my mind.

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

The book is very visceral, and the violence caused a fairly strong reaction.

Any additional comments?

One of the great parts of this book, at least for me, is the setting which is around Missoula and Flathead lake in N.E. Montana. It brings back memories of when I went to school at the University of Montana, and when I took a creative writing class from Jim Burke way back in 1969! Mr. Burke writes with great affection for the beauty of that area.

Swan Peak

Another engaging story by Burke, read skillfully and masterfully by Patton. More twists and turns than a pretzel.

A Good Trip, Ruined...

Where does Swan Peak rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Certainly in the top 5. I resisted, for years, reading James Lee Burke, now I am thoroughly hooked. In his prose, Burke brings the landscape to life, regardless if it is bayou Teche; downtown New Orleans or the vistas of Montana--you feel as if you are walking the same path as Dave, Clete and Molly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Swan Peak?

The image of Clete Purcell trussed up to that tree, doused with gasoline. Vivid descriptions, I could smell the gas.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Everything. I have NO idea where Clete's voice comes from, and Will's atonal inflections renders every voice memorable. Clete's voice, however, conveys all the Jack Daniels and cigarettes the man has ingested; every hooker he slept with; every wife he ran off; and every bad guy he gave what was coming to them... that is one inspired voice, Big Mon.

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

Even in Montana, things are not always as they seem...

Perhaps the best Dave Robicheaux

Too much action for Burke to preach, too much plot for Dave or Clete overshadow, minor characters shine as usual

One of the best...

When I have to stop listening to these novels I feel like I am leaving old friends and can't wait to get back to them as soon as I can manage. Will Patton makes these novels come alive and I doubt anyone could do a better job of narrating, Dave Robicheaux couldn't possibly sound any different.
James Lee Burke is able to describe emotions and events in a manner that keeps me in awe. He doesn't just write a story he is a master of words and has an uncanny ability to break down the human condition to the simplest of forms with style and grace.
He does not possess just talent and imagination, his is a true gift.

Great Cast!

Troyce Nix and Candace made this book for me. As with "Tin Roof Blowdown," this novel turns on the complexity of the human heart and the possibility for change and redemption. Only the truly evil people seem one-dimensional. Though always lyrical, Burke's descriptions of the Montana landscape do not have the intimacy and power that characterize his treatment of Louisiana venues. In this novel he supplants the wistfulness for an earlier, more innocent Louisiana with frank distaste for the intrusion of wealthy, out-of-state usurpers into the Montana landscape. The cast is fascinating, and the denouement surprising and satisfying. It is a rewarding read.

Utterly brilliant

This is another outstanding James Lee Burke novel with a value-added feature: an audiobook also provides the talented Will Patton as narrator. In fact, it is difficult to decide what I enjoy the most - Burke's brilliant plots, complex characters and detailed panoramic scenery or Patton's voices.
I was worried when I read that Dave, Molly and Clete had left the enticing confines of Louisiana for Montana. I was wrong. This is vintage James Lee Burke, who I believe is the best mystery novelist in the world.

annoying at first...

I'm new to the character Robicheaux, and initially I just didn't get Patton's voice and cadence. But it grew on me very quickly, sold me on the nuances of the characters, and captured more of their personalities than I would have gleaned from reading it myself.
Next on the list is more from the author, as long as it is read by Patton.

Absolutely fantastic

I listened to this audiobook perhaps three years ago, and randomly started listening to it again. I think this may be one of the best Robicheaux novels--even at second reading. James Lee Burke's luscious environments and artful dialog are never better exemplified than in Swan Peak. Burke gets away with the deus ex machina like no other writer because he sets it up so carefully in advance, and it ends up feeling completely plausible.