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)

Captivating listen

Rich character development, bringing out deep flaws as well as tremendous strength combined with building tension make this a captivating listen. It brings out the strengths as well as the tests of friendships. I highly recommend this book.

I need to read more by this author

Would you listen to The Glass Rainbow again? Why?

Yes, I am actually thinking of starting over. The narrator terrific, but the characters are many and I found I had to think a lot about which character the passage was about.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, after a few chapters. Second half was better than the first

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

Dave, the main charter

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

No, it was just a good mystery

Any additional comments?

I'd listen to anything by Will Patton

Quickly becoming a fan of Dave Robichaux

James Lee Burke is a wonderful novelist, his stories are always engaging and character driven. The glass rainbow Is very atmospheric, making visualization extremely easy. Will Patton as always is a great reader one of my favorites overall this book was extremely enjoyable and I would recommend to anyone that enjoys this genre.

Gripping

It was a heart stopper from the beginning. Loved it. Would have liked a "wrap up". Felt like I was left hanging.

Great pairing of Burke and Patton

Would you listen to The Glass Rainbow again? Why?

Yes. Not so much for the story (which now I know) but to listen to the dialogue so brilliantly recreated by Will Patton.

What did you like best about this story?

The pairing of Burke and Patton.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

Cleet.

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

My extreme reaction was when it ended. I didn't want it to end.

Any additional comments?

Will Patton must live in the mind of James Lee Burke. He brings to life not only the places and spaces, but also the atmosphere and the characters. Every time I began a new chapter, I felt I was being transported southward to Louisiana and inward to Burke's mind.

First Class

In every way this latest from James Lee Burke is a fantastic work, and Will Pattons reading is top notch in which he always gives true flesh and blood to the characters, and graphically delivers the true descriptions of Burke's descriptive prose.
As a Vietnam Vet, with three tours, His portrayal of Dave and Clete are right on. I feel a true comradship with both characters. I have thouroughly enjoyed all of James Lee Burkes novels.

great plot, good road trip book

I enjoy these books, and inspite of a typically rushed feeling on the conclusion, I will listen to more. the performance is amazing and continues to exceed expectations.

Burke As Always....Wonderful

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

I am never disappointed with Mr. Burke' s stories, and this one kept me awake and listening for two nights! The narration of Will Patton is "spot on", and gives me the impression I know each of the characters personally.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

While I am sometimes somewhat traumatized by the descriptions of some scenes, I am unable to stop listening. In this novel Dave and Clete try to solve the grisly deaths of young women, as well as trying to keep Dave' s daughter Allafair from being caught up in a dangerous relationship with a nefarious character.

Any additional comments?

I find myself looking for more Burke novels, and never being disappointed by those I' 've found!

Something to Sink Into

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The poetic foreshadowing and provocative story line kept me up, listening, well past my bedtime.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Will's voice is spellbinding, a perfect fit to the background and age of Dave Robicheaux.

More Please...

I have listened to all of the Dave Robicheaux books and anticipate each new release with excitement and a little concern that Will Patton won't be the narrator! This is probably the only series of mystery/police novels which have gripping plots, engaging characters and amazing writing. The author does not condescend to the readers which is surprisingly rare, especially in mysteries. I loved this one. It's the full package. It is amazing to me how well Mr. Burke writes women. There is a passage in this book describing how a woman coming of age feels about her own emerging sexuality which is stunning in both its insight and its beauty. Will Patton narrates in such a way that he disappears into the characters. You actually feel that you are listening to multiple characters but the transitions are so smooth that it actually sounds natural. So much better than actually having multiple narrators performing dialog (which I absolutely hate). I hope that there are many more to come from the Burk/Patton duo.