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)

another fine Robicheaux story

I like this series, and this one is good, but I did get a little impatient toward the middle when the story drags and some of the dialog is repetitive. And after having listened to several Burke novels, the portrayal of Molly is just a little too perfect. But he is a fine storyteller and some of his descriptions leave me smiling and replaying to hear them again.

Unbelievably good

Right when I think that his descriptions of textures and colors and the pacing of his conversations were getting too thick or florid I would end the chapter amazed at the genius. Mr. Burke may be best writer living. I know that sounds a little over the top, but in my opinion, this book proves it. Will Patton is, in every way the perfect reader. Mark Hammer was a hard act to top as the reader of James Lee Burke, but Mr Patton has surpassed even him.

There is nothing better than Patton and Burke

I am there again. Is there anyone that can listen to Patton read Burke's latest without feeling the heat and all the emotions they thought they left behind? This story was alive and the ending was so great. Exactly right.

Too many unnecessary word picture

Burke always has a good story but frankly I am so tired of his endless word descriptions of everything from a drop of sweat. a sunset, someone's hair or the meal being eaten. et al. I find myself screaming in my car "Get on with it for God's sake"...becomes boring and very much a distraction from yet a good book. I know he has a way with words, I know he knows all the words in the world but frankly I am sick and tired of listening to him use every word in every paragraph. Get on with it!

Another great read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Glass Rainbow to be better than the print version?

A little slow start but eventually kept me up all night. A real cliff hanger

My first James Lee Burke: I loved it!

I couldn't stop listening to this fantastic audiobook. Mr. Burke's prose is beautiful and Will Patton's narration is perfect. The author treats the listener as an intelligent companion: the sights, sounds and smells of Lousiana are cracklingly alive and Dave Robicheaux is wise, dark, honest and decent. The story is multi-faceted and compelling. I'm thrilled to have found such a fabulous series and highly recommend this audiobook.

Best yet

I loved this book. I have read every Dave Robicheaux novel and this book filled my soul with the beautiful, poetic writing of James Lee Burke. Excellent story line as only Burke can write it. Highly recommended.

The Glass Rainbow

Another wonderful story from James Lee Burke. Very descriptive and engaging story of rural Louisiana.

one of Burke's best

Patton does a great job narrating Burke's vivid depiction of Louisanna. Dave Robicheaux is a wonderful character who just gets more complex as time goes on.

Great work.

I really enjoyed this book. Narrator was great and distinctive . On to the next Robicheaux novel.