Swan Peak

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: 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.

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

One of the best...

When I have to stop listening to these novels I feel like I am leaving old friends and can't wait to get back to them as soon as I can manage. Will Patton makes these novels come alive and I doubt anyone could do a better job of narrating, Dave Robicheaux couldn't possibly sound any different.
James Lee Burke is able to describe emotions and events in a manner that keeps me in awe. He doesn't just write a story he is a master of words and has an uncanny ability to break down the human condition to the simplest of forms with style and grace.
He does not possess just talent and imagination, his is a true gift.

Everything!

No dislikes!…none!! I absolutely loved this book! There’s no one that tells a story written by JLB, like the wonderful narration of Will Patton!! No better duo in the world!