Swan Peak

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

De: James Lee Burke

Narrado por: Will Patton

2009 Audie Award Finalist for Mystery

Beloved Louisiana lawman Dave Robicheaux returns—this time, traveling from New Iberia Parish to the wilds of Montana.

Dave Robicheaux, his wife, and his buddy Clete Purcell have retreated to an old friend’s ranch, hoping to spend their days fishing and enjoying their distance from the harsh, gritty landscape of Louisiana post-Katrina. But the serenity is soon shattered when two college students are found brutally murdered in the hills behind where the Robicheauxs and Purcell are staying.

Deftly weaving intricate, engaging plotlines and original, compelling characters with his graceful prose, Burke transcends genre yet again.©2008 James Lee Burke; (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Only This Actor

Should ever read this series - I would never again purchase one of the books from the series without this reader. I did it once and couldn't get through the book. I love this series - love the characters - love the diverse action within the story - but this reader must read or I must read it myself in print.

Great mystery set in NE Montana

Would you consider the audio edition of Swan Peak to be better than the print version?

The audio edition was probably better because of the great narration (although I have equally enjoyed reading many of Mr. Burke's novels).

What was one of the most memorable moments of Swan Peak?

I think when Dave goes a little crazy on the preacher stays in my mind.

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

The book is very visceral, and the violence caused a fairly strong reaction.

Any additional comments?

One of the great parts of this book, at least for me, is the setting which is around Missoula and Flathead lake in N.E. Montana. It brings back memories of when I went to school at the University of Montana, and when I took a creative writing class from Jim Burke way back in 1969! Mr. Burke writes with great affection for the beauty of that area.

Swan Peak

Another engaging story by Burke, read skillfully and masterfully by Patton. More twists and turns than a pretzel.

A Good Trip, Ruined...

Where does Swan Peak rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Certainly in the top 5. I resisted, for years, reading James Lee Burke, now I am thoroughly hooked. In his prose, Burke brings the landscape to life, regardless if it is bayou Teche; downtown New Orleans or the vistas of Montana--you feel as if you are walking the same path as Dave, Clete and Molly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Swan Peak?

The image of Clete Purcell trussed up to that tree, doused with gasoline. Vivid descriptions, I could smell the gas.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Everything. I have NO idea where Clete's voice comes from, and Will's atonal inflections renders every voice memorable. Clete's voice, however, conveys all the Jack Daniels and cigarettes the man has ingested; every hooker he slept with; every wife he ran off; and every bad guy he gave what was coming to them... that is one inspired voice, Big Mon.

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

Even in Montana, things are not always as they seem...

Perhaps the best Dave Robicheaux

Too much action for Burke to preach, too much plot for Dave or Clete overshadow, minor characters shine as usual