Crusader's Cross

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

De: James Lee Burke

Narrado por: Will Patton

Critically acclaimed and best-selling crime writer James Lee Burke returns to Louisiana where his ever-popular hero, Dave Robicheaux, sleuths his way through a hotbed of sin and uncertainty.

For Dave Robicheaux, life in Louisiana is filled with haunting memories of the past. In Crusader's Cross, a deathbed confession from an old schoolmate resurrects a story of injustice, the murder of a young woman, and a time in Robicheaux's life he has tried to forget.

Her name may or may not have been Ida Durbin. It was back in the innocent days of the 1950s when Robicheaux and his brother, Jimmie, met her on a Galveston beach. She was pretty, and Jimmie fell for her hard, not knowing she was a prostitute on infamous Post Office Street, with ties to the mob. Then Ida was abducted and never seen again.

Now, decades later, Robicheaux is asking questions about Ida Durbin, and a couple of redneck deputy sheriffs make it clear that asking questions is a dangerous game. With a series of horrifying murders and the sudden appearance of Valentine Chalons and his sister, Robicheaux is soon involved with the murderous energies of the New Orleans underworld.

©2005 James Lee Burke (P)2005 Simon & Schuster Inc. All rights reserved. AUDIOWORKS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division.

Good story.

Robicheaux novels seem to be two part: one detective, the other the soap opera of Dave's life. Both work in this one. The insights into Dave's anguished and driven life are at their best, while Dave in many ways is at his least sympathetic. At times he's far from likable, though always understandable, thanks to Burke's gifted writing and thorough insight.

The mystery of the book is a little more focused than the novels leading up to this one. While Burke still uses a lot of similar characters and social settings, and many scenes still seem to happen on the grounds of old Louisiana bayou homes, the story here has more cohesion than the ones just before it. The links between events and characters are more natural, less forced than in some before this one.

Overall, one of his better ones, I think. Other books I've described as not a good place to jump into the series. I think this one would be a good start for a newcomer. It stands by itself, and in some ways breaks with other stories.

This is the first one I heard Will Patton read, and despite being a big fan of Patton's, I couldn't get used to the change from the late Mark Hammer. I can see why people who started on Patton would have the same reaction to Hammer's reading. The two are so dissimilar that it changes the feel of the book. Hammer feels more languid and introspective, whereas Patton feels more hurried. His reading of Purcell is just odd, sounding about as New Orleanean as Robert DeNiro (And no, being from the Irish Channel would not make Clete sound THAT much like a junkie from Brooklyn). Either reader will take getting used to for those accustomed to the other.

What listening is all about

Will Patton's narration of this book was wonderful. I listened to it during a long trip and found myself sorry when the book ended before the drive.

fantastic

all of his books are the best. they are so soulful an colorful. I would recommend to all

Doesn't get any better than this one

Without a doubt, David Lee Burke and Will Patton make the best team, and this episode in the life of New Iberia Parish, LA detective Dave Robicheaux is one the best in the series. It has all the usual characters, twists and turns, and horrific violence typical of a Burke story. But Burke always celebrates what is good in human nature, and his stories invariably leave us with a sense of hope and satisfaction. The best Robicheaux stories take place in Louisiana, and this one (in my humble opinion) is the best of the best.

Perfection!

Any additional comments?

Will Patton delivers an amazing work of fiction. James Lee Burke knows how to write. I could smell the Bayou and see the brown pelicans gliding over the water.

Another great performance

If you could sum up Crusader's Cross in three words, what would they be?

Dangerous secrets revealed.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hard to choose between Dave and Clete. I want to marry Dave, and have a torrid fling with Clete.

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

Clete Purcell

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

Made me book a trip to New Orleans this winter!

A Homerun

Another page turning 5 star book from James Burke. It does not hurt to have Will Patton read it truly a great voce. I couldn't put it down, clean my house, clean the back yard, took a walk at 2 in the morning, finished it. Dam!!!! I read them to fast, I love the way this Burke guy writes. Thank You Marion

Another Will Patton masterpiece

Richly visual story, Epic moving performance
transcendent of space between words and hearing.
ty Will

He never gave up

The whole book was great. A very enjoyable listen. Characters are very believable. I recommend this book and author.

Oh Dave

He gets into alot of trouble but overall Mr. Robicheaux is one righteous guy. The new wife seems ok too.