James Lee Burke

Bilbo1967 · 07-22-2010, 01:50 PM

A friend has recommended James Lee Burke as a writer that would be worth reading.

Before I invest any money in his books though, I thought I'd ask here. So, anybody read any James Lee Burke and got any opinions on his works?

Thanks in advance!

GlenBarrington · 07-22-2010, 02:06 PM

I like his early stuff a lot. His later work, not as much.

He writes detective novels set in pre Katrina Louisiana, Texas, and Montana whose main character, Dave Robicheaux, is a troubled ex cop with a violent streak and a violent past.

A few low budget movies have been made from his books.

edbro · 07-22-2010, 02:45 PM

I really like most of the Robicheaux books. I recommend listening to at least one of the audiobooks. The narrator has a wonderful Cajun accent that helps set the environment. I did that early on and now when I read the books, I read with the same accent.

GA Russell · 07-22-2010, 02:54 PM

Bilbo, I had the pleasure of meeting him at a book signing about 1998. Nice guy.

Shortly thereafter, I read one of his early works, probably the first Robicheaux title. I would rank it in quality with the early Parker Spenser novels. Not the greatest, but by no means a waste of time.

I guess the telling thing is that I didn't rush out to buy the second Robicheaux title.

Bilbo1967 · 07-23-2010, 01:11 PM

edbro, Glen and GARussell, thanks for the responses. I knew somebody here would have read his books (I didn't expect to come across somebody who'd actually met the guy though!).

I think, on the basis of my friend's recommendation and your responses, I'll buy the first Robicheaux book and see what I think before buying any more.

Again,

Big Shirley · 07-24-2010, 12:30 PM

I really enjoyed them, some more than others, but not necessarily early vs. late. I hope you like them.

megthered · 07-27-2010, 11:47 PM

Very much liked the early novels, not at all the later novels.

07-22-2010, 01:50 PM	#1
Bilbo1967 Not scared! Posts: 13,424 Karma: 81011643 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midlands, UK Device: Kindle Paperwhite 10, Huawei M5 10	James Lee Burke A friend has recommended James Lee Burke as a writer that would be worth reading. Before I invest any money in his books though, I thought I'd ask here. So, anybody read any James Lee Burke and got any opinions on his works? Thanks in advance!

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07-22-2010, 02:06 PM	#2
GlenBarrington Cheese Whiz Posts: 1,986 Karma: 11677147 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Springfield, Illinois Device: Kindle PW, Samsung Tab A 10.1(2019), Pixel 6a.	I like his early stuff a lot. His later work, not as much. He writes detective novels set in pre Katrina Louisiana, Texas, and Montana whose main character, Dave Robicheaux, is a troubled ex cop with a violent streak and a violent past. A few low budget movies have been made from his books.

07-22-2010, 02:45 PM	#3
edbro Banned Posts: 640 Karma: 4911 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Grapevine, TX Device: iPad4	I really like most of the Robicheaux books. I recommend listening to at least one of the audiobooks. The narrator has a wonderful Cajun accent that helps set the environment. I did that early on and now when I read the books, I read with the same accent.

07-22-2010, 02:54 PM	#4
GA Russell Argos win Grey Cup! Posts: 7,675 Karma: 31487351 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Raleigh, NC Device: Paperwhite, Kindles 10 & 4 and jetBook Lite	Bilbo, I had the pleasure of meeting him at a book signing about 1998. Nice guy. Shortly thereafter, I read one of his early works, probably the first Robicheaux title. I would rank it in quality with the early Parker Spenser novels. Not the greatest, but by no means a waste of time. I guess the telling thing is that I didn't rush out to buy the second Robicheaux title.

07-23-2010, 01:11 PM	#5
Bilbo1967 Not scared! Posts: 13,424 Karma: 81011643 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midlands, UK Device: Kindle Paperwhite 10, Huawei M5 10	edbro, Glen and GARussell, thanks for the responses. I knew somebody here would have read his books (I didn't expect to come across somebody who'd actually met the guy though!). I think, on the basis of my friend's recommendation and your responses, I'll buy the first Robicheaux book and see what I think before buying any more. Again,

07-24-2010, 12:30 PM	#6
Big Shirley Enthusiast Posts: 36 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maine Device: Kindle 2, Galaxy S, Nook Color, Sony PRS-950	I really enjoyed them, some more than others, but not necessarily early vs. late. I hope you like them.

07-27-2010, 11:47 PM	#7
megthered Connoisseur Posts: 55 Karma: 498132 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ohio Device: Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 8.0, Nook HD	Very much liked the early novels, not at all the later novels.

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