Two for Texas

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

This James Lee Burke novel, featuring Son Holland - the great-grandfather of Burke's Billy Bob Holland - as he flees a Louisiana prison camp with a Native American woman and a fellow prisoner in tow, is now available in audio.

©2000 James Lee Burke (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

Shot but Good

Great history in the story and the characters. A good narrator can make or break a book. Will Patton could read the Apple Terms and Conditions pages and I’d listen to it.

An Historical Surprise

Where does Two for Texas rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is only my second audio book, and it doesn't compare to the first book with regard to genre and depth.

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

It was enjoyable, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it kept me on the edge of my seat.

What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It meant everything, since there were so many different characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

We did, in fact, listen to it in one sitting while travelling.

As usual, Will Patton delivers an amazing story!

The book is a great tale by Mr. Burke, who never disappoints, read by my absolute favorite, Will Patton. The history and period authenticity, combined with the struggle and drama, blew me away. I wish I could thank both men personally.

A great backstory to the Holland novels

I found this novel to be a little difficult to follow at first. For example, I thought that one of the two main characters who’s name was really Son, was named Sun as in a Chinese name. And while I love this narrator, I could never quite figure out what is the name of the other main character was. A little too much folksy accent, I guess.

Serendipitously, I had just finished listening to the excellent non-fiction book, Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides, which is the early history of the west, so I had a lot of the visuals still in blazoned in my head. Two for Texas was the perfect follow up.

Great Origin Story for the Holland Clan

Loved the story and how it gave background to the patriarch of the Holland clan. Will Patton is the BEST and love listening to him. He is able to make me feel “in the story” with the characters.

So Good... and a bonus! Clete is here!

Burke is as good as it gets. Every time I think I could be a novelist, I read ANYTHING of his and realize that he sets the standard and I have far far to go.

The Book

This may be (I HOPE!) a starter novel to see reader reactions. Well, my reaction is EXCELLENT. I say starter as the novel is quite short... about 5 hours. I so wanted it to go on, but Burke resolves all threads and ends it with me wanting more. I doubt Birke reads these reviews but if he is doing so... Write more on Son and Hugh!

Somehow, the publishers summary was pretty correct... something that as we know does not always happen... so if I write much more, it might spoil for others, but just a hint...

We meet Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, come close to Davy Crockett...

Will Patton is so good he is scary. Stealing a comment from another reviewer, he could read the US tax code and make it interesting.

One of our two heroes, Hugh... well... it's Clete from some of Burke's other fine books. I recognized it instantly, but it is not even a minor distraction.

Get the book. I guarantee that the five hours you will spend will only improve your life!

One of Burke's best ever.

What made the experience of listening to Two for Texas the most enjoyable?

The historical aspect of this novel was wonderful. Meeting Houston and Bowie were so cool. As a kid I remember these 2 historical figures. Also the humor is off the chart. I kept laughing out loud many times.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hugh by far. One of the best and funniest characters Burke has produced. Old, salty, lippy, and one eyed. I fell in love with this character immediately.

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

Every one that is available on Audible. I loved this one. I put this performance near the top.

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

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly visit Texas.

Any additional comments?

Burke is the best living American author.

I love Will Patton as a narrator!

I would probably listen to Will Patton read the telling book, for his voice. I particularly love his readings of James Lee Burke novels. This book was entertaining for the most part. the most memorable moment was the retelling of the battle of the Alamo- absolutely riveting. I recognize that this book is a prequel of a character history for Burke's Holland series but I didn't give it a great rating as the main characters didn't draw me in the way the Dave Robecheaux novels do. But as I said, Will Patton could read the telephone book and I would listen.

Interesting view of Texas revolution

Will Patton is a genius. He can make the phone book exciting. JLB is a word master!

The Master - James Lee Burke

Would you consider the audio edition of Two for Texas to be better than the print version?

Did not read the print version.

What other book might you compare Two for Texas to and why?

Any of the "Holland" series by James Lee Burke. He captures western landscapes and characters in a very insightful and artful way. I love the way he handles language.

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

Yes, he does a great job with Burke's novels. I believe he could do other authors equally well, but I have not personally heard them. There's something about his voice that really captures the mood of the story.

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

Just loved it - well researched, believable, and well told.