The Glass Rainbow

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

James Lee Burke’s eagerly awaited new novel finds Detective Dave Robicheaux back in New Iberia, Louisiana, and embroiled in the most harrowing and dangerous case of his career. Seven young women in neighboring Jefferson Davis Parish have been brutally murdered. While the crimes have all the telltale signs of a serial killer, the death of Bernadette Latiolais, a high-school honor student, doesn’t fit: she is not the kind of hapless and marginalized victim psychopaths usually prey upon. Robicheaux and his best friend, Clete Purcel, confront Herman Stanga, a notorious pimp and crack dealer whom both men despise. When Stanga turns up dead shortly after a fierce beating by Purcel, in front of numerous witnesses, the case takes a nasty turn, and Clete’s career and life are hanging by threads over the abyss.

Adding to Robicheaux’s troubles is the matter of his daughter, Alafair, on leave from Stanford Law to put the finishing touches on her novel. Her literary pursuit has led her into the arms of Kermit Abelard, celebrated novelist and scion of a once prominent Louisiana family whose fortunes are slowly sinking into the corruption of Louisiana’s subculture. Abelard’s association with best-selling ex-convict author Robert Weingart, a man who uses and discards people like Kleenex, causes Robicheaux to fear that Alafair might be destroyed by the man she loves. As his daughter seems to drift away from him, he wonders if he has become a victim of his own paranoia. But as usual, Robicheaux’s instincts are proven correct and he finds himself dealing with a level of evil that is greater than any enemy he has confronted in the past.

Set against the backdrop of an Edenic paradise threatened by pernicious forces, James Lee Burke’s The Glass Rainbow is already being hailed as perhaps the best novel in the Robicheaux series.

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

©2010 James Lee Burke (P)2010 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"MWA Grand Master Burke offers everything his readers expect - brilliant prose, prosaic situations that suddenly become mystic experiences, and a complex plot that repeatedly plumbs the depths of human depravity and the heights of nobility - in his superlative 18th novel featuring Iberia, La., deputy sheriff Dave Robicheaux." ( Publishers Weekly)

"[S]uperb suspense leading to a gripping, set-piece finale that is a masterpiece of texture and mood, with the high-energy climax in the foreground both contrasted against and supported by the intensely lyrical, heavily melancholic prose that swells and recedes underneath the action. Not to be missed by any follower of the landmark series." ( Booklist)

very imaginative

A good story, easily holds ones attention, cleaver and not predictable. The narrator is excellent.

a bit too heavy on the badness of bad guys

James Lee Burke is one of my favorite writers to listen to - as I have said before, his melding of the trauma of Vietnam and his reflections on life and relationships are terrific. This one suffered a bit from both a racheting up of horror/violence and a plot that leaves you hanging, not just with Dave and Clete, but the whole group - hard to listen to 14 hours and be left hanging. But I will be back I am sure. It always seems a stretch to think of the extremely unredeeming bad guys hanging around South Louisiana - bet the natives don't believe it could be true.

Will Patton is one of the best readers possible and continues with this performance.

I say woth the time.

All I can say is I liked this book, and I was not expecting to.

Best of the best!

This book is the best in he Robicheaux series. Truly excellent writing and truly excellent audio by Will Patton. Superb creativity throughout and a mesmerizing, beautiful ending.

Will Patton’s voice makes EVERYTHING sound GREAT!

I love Burke’s books, every one of them, but it’s narrator Will Patton’s voice which WEAVES the spell! HE creates the New Iberia of the novel, the characters and tenor of the tales, and Burke and Patton are intertwined and inextricable. LOVE Patton’s voice—-NO ONE ELSE will EVER do!!!!! MORE, PLEASE!!!!

A return to form

This novel finds Dave back in Louisiana, and Burke back to writing like he was in his prime. The plotting and pacing are crisp, the story is exciting and well-defined. Recent novels in the series have suffered from a mushy feel, a sense that the complexities of the story and the relationships between the characters aren't well-established. The language here is sharper, less prone to falling back on trusted Burke phrases (I don't recall anything in this novel being compared to a wire, or sounding like clicking... long-time fans will know exactly what I'm talking about). It's just really quite good. I am now listening to Heaven's Prisoners again, and this novel is of comparable quality... something I haven't been able to say in a few years. Also, I really miss Mark Hammer, but Will Patton does a great job with the narration of this one.

Another Burke home run

I lived in southernmost Louisiana for 15 years, a place like no other I've seen in my world travels. No one can describe more accurate verbal paintings of this swampy, moss laced, humid retreat full of unfamiliar characters like James Lee Burke. One can see it, hear it, smell it and literally experience this exotic dreamscape within the bounds of his extraordinary talent. Escape into this uncanny netherworld when you dip into Burke's creative genius, a truly unforgettable journey. FYI, Will Patton does a masterful job of narrating, creating an ambience befitting Burke's talent and ability. Highly recommended.

Sensual imagery

This is one LONG audiobook! Rich, rich imagery manifests the James Lee Burke hallmark of cognitive and emotional introspection. Louisiana contemporary Old South setting, murder mystery, this reads like a dramatic mini-series. Will Patton's narrative fluid genius BECOMES all the different characters. Woven with graphic violence, graphic sexual dialogue and narrative, racial epithets, street language, pictures of remnants of racism and class superiority, and pathos of poverty, in layers of Louisiana society. Incredibly well-written, you fall in love with, or almost instantly despise the characters as they come to life in your mind and heart. If you like crime dramas, classical cops, and rich description, be ready to be transformed into an invisible witness of the events. It may offend you at times, but definitely will mesmerize you! Will be a great re-read. Personal note: As SUCH a robust blend of lyricism, poetry, prose, and psychosocial grit, it is NOT written for the faint of heart!

The Glass Rainbow

James Lee Burke read by Will Patton is one of my favorite combos for an audiobook. The story comes alive with the Burke and Patton mastery.

Excellent narration; good story

As usual, will Patton’s narration is superb.

Interesting story, though a bit too complicated.

Highly recommended.