The Neon Rain

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux novels began with this first hard-hitting entry in the series.

In The Neon Rain, Detective Robicheaux fishes a prostitute's corpse from a New Orleans bayou and finds that no one, not even the law, cares about a dead hooker.

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

©1987 James Lee Burke (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"With its fine local color and driving action, this novel is both chilling and first-rate entertainment." ( Publishers Weekly)
"One of Burke's best." ( New York Times Book Review)

Such a great detective/mystery series.

I've read about 12 of the Dave Robicheaux novels and have enjoyed them all. This is the second time I read Neon Rain and it was better than I remembered. I absolutely love the narrator (Will Patton) who truly brings the characters to life. Unfortunately, he only narrates about half of the books. At least the unabridged versions. I think he narrates all of the abridged versions, but don't waste your time with the abridged books or you will miss out on a lot. Anyway, these books are so good. If you're looking for a gritty, emotional, action-packed mystery thriller revolving around a Louisiana detective, look no further.

No Way Out

Would you listen to The Neon Rain again? Why?

The reviews say it all, but remember this was done in 2009, and times were very different.
Frankly, it’s was like watching an a film.

What other book might you compare The Neon Rain to and why?

I write as I am listening to 2 books alternately, this and Thomas Perry’s The Old Man. I had to start that book 4 times, but the reviews said, great, and I was having trouble getting into the story. Well, I maybe be very wrong, and if I am, then my apologies to all. This story was read by a very younger Will Patton, and The Old Man voice sounds like a mature Will Patton not set in the South under an A.K.A name. So now I seem to be able to get into that listen.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

If you saw his film role as a Senator’s aide to Gene Hackman in Kevin Costner’s No Way Out, you can visualize this great performance!

Any additional comments?

Note: I do use 1.25x speed for my mystery listens to match the author’s intent.

Were these comments helpful to you?

So happy to have uncorked this series

So happy to have uncorked this series- great performances and absolutely electrifying prose. Thanks max

Will Patton only, please!

I can only listen to Will Patton read James Lee Burke. I tried his other narrator, and could not get past the first disk. Will Patton IS Dave and Clete and Helen, and all the rest as he reads the novels of Burke. No one else can hold a candle--I will have to read Jolie Blon's Bounce for myself--pity Will Patton didn't read that one also!

Burke always delivers!

I had already read this book, but when I saw that it was available in an unabridged format with Will Patton reading, I immediately downloaded it. I avoid the Mark Hammer narrations--I don't care for his style. The voice of Dave Robicheaux IS Will Patton. Burke is one of my favorite writers, and I love listening as well as reading.

Delicious

There's something special about the mix of Dave Robicheaux, Will Patton, and the places and people of south Louisiana. Burke's take on the internal as well as the external life of his characters draws one right in, and makes me want more.

What? It's Not That good

The total review averages have me stumped. This book isn't that good. In fact, it's a pretty dull listen. Just when it seems like it's going to start moving it goes flat again.

I really didn't care for this book---but you can tell.

Now here's the thing. Sometimes I'll write off my dislike for a book as a difference in taste. In this case, I think it's just low level, dime store pulp. Obviously some people are okay with that. I can't recommend this book.

Chris Reich, TeachU

Get Hooked on this Series!

Will Patton delivers a great performance of superb writing. James Lee Burke is wonderful at describing New Orleans, Cajun culture, the attitudes and the ways of a cop in a very tough and corrupt town and state.

Dave Robicheaux is a fantastic protagonist and you cheer for him as he navigates this world of reprobates and hustlers. You'll want to read all the books!

Another Alcoholic Cop

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

For the brilliant Will Patton, YES. For the alcoholic, out-of-control, violent cop character, NO.Why do these wonderful writers think alcoholics are so interesting. They are NOT.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The descriptive prose is lovely, lyrical, elegant. About the time I think Dave is going to get it together he does another truly stupid thing given his experience. I mean really...someone is out to kill you and you are too tired to check your door before you walk in...not believable.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Will Patton can do no wrong as a narrator. I often chose books based on his narration.

Do you think The Neon Rain needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It is obviously written for a follow-up so the question is moot. I love police procedurals, but come on...are all the cops alcoholic nightmares?

Any additional comments?

Will Patton Reigns!!!!

Couldn't finish as it was too violent

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I tried this due to the

What was most disappointing about James Lee Burke’s story?

I've read other Dave Robicheaux stories and liked them. This was a disappointment.

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narrator was good.

Was The Neon Rain worth the listening time?

Definitely not!