I'd like to recommend the bppks of James Lee Burke - I've been a fervent reader of his work for some 20 years now, and each new one still comes fresh as a daisy. and I find myself working through the complete works every 2-3 years.
Wonderful writing, and if anyone's read a better indictment of appalling local and national government neglect and incompetence than "Tin Roof Blowdown" I'd love the title please.
He writes in the "crime/detective" genre, but the books are so much more than that. His insights into the politics and environment of the Texas / Louisiana Gulf coast and areas are incisive, and his descriptive powers never flag.
On top of all that, the characters and plotlines are all you'd ask for, and the action's pretty ace too ! deserved.
He has written, I believe, 47 works in total, with his main man, Detective Dave Robicheaux, the most consistent character, but there are short stories and courtroom procedurals for variety.
He hasw been named among the greatest living American writers, and if you want good, intelligent writing with a kick, he's your man - in my opinion.
Here's a list of the Dave Robicheaux novels so far - they are best read in order, I feel, but "Two for Texas" , a book of short stories, are a good intro to Burke's writing :
1. The Neon Rain (1987)
2. Heaven's Prisoners (1988)
3. Black Cherry Blues (1989)
4. A Morning for Flamingos (1990)
5. A Stained White Radiance (1992)
6. In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead (1993)
7. Dixie City Jam (1994)
8. Burning Angel (1995)
9. Cadillac Jukebox (1995)
10. Sunset Limited (1998)
11. Purple Cane Road (2000)
12. Jolie Blon's Bounce (2002)
13. Last Car to Elysian Fields (2003)
14. Crusader's Cross (2005)
15. Pegasus Descending (2006)
16. Tin Roof Blowdown.
17. Swan Peak.
18. Glass Rainbow.
Hope he wins some new readers....
