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Literature & Fiction |
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Swan Peak: A Dave Robicheaux Novel
written by James Lee Burke
Studio : Simon & Schuster
by Simon & Schuster
Publisher : Simon & Schuster
Released : 2008-07-08
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9781416548522
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 63 reviews)
List Price : $25.95
Our Price : $10.48
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Product Description |
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Trouble follows Dave Robicheaux. James Lee Burke's new novel, Swan Peak, finds Detective Robicheaux far from his New Iberia roots, attempting to relax in the untouched wilderness of rural Montana. He, his wife, and his buddy Clete Purcell have retreated to stay at 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. They quickly find themselves involved in a twisted and dangerous mystery involving a wealthy, vicious oil tycoon, his deformed brother and beautiful wife, a sexually deviant minister, an escaped con and former country music star, and a vigilante Texas gunbull out for blood. At the center of the storm is Clete, who cannot shake the feeling that he is being haunted by the ghosts from his past -- namely Sally Dio, the mob boss he'd sabotaged and killed years before. In this expertly drawn, gripping story, Burke deftly weaves intricate, engaging plotlines and original, compelling characters with his uniquely graceful prose. He transcends genre yet again in the latest thrilling addition to his New York Times bestselling series. |
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Man oh man, how I love Burke |
I cannot say loudly enough how much I enjoy reading James Lee Burke. Every new novel seems to be better than his last, and Swan Peak is no exception. (And I'm not saying this just because I'm from Louisiana.) In this book, I particularly loved:
- his pacing
- his character development
- his use of similes
- his dialogue
- his interweaving storylines
If you've never read Burke, do yourself a favor and give him a try (especially if you're from the South). |
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Plots and Subplots Abound |
"Swan Peak" is the latest in the Dave Robicheaux series and one of the least satisfying. Don't get me wrong...one of James Lee Burke's worst efforts is better than all but a handful of mystery writers out there. Burke has a way of drawing readers into the story and dropping them into the action surrounding Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcel.
In "Swan Peak" the Louisiana natives are transplanted to Montana for some rest and relaxation. Then some college kids are murdered in the woods near Dave's cabin. Clete manages to cuckold and attract the attention of a hideously disfigured man, Leslie Wellstone, who wields great power in this part of Montana. And Clete believes he is now on the radar of the FBI for the killing of gangster, Sally Dio, many years (and books) ago in Montana.
That's not even touching the most interesting part of the story which concerns a guard from a contract prison in Texas, his girlfriend that is changing his life, and his pursuit of a prison escapee who has fled to Montana so the escapee can contact his former lover who happens to be Leslie Wellstone's wife.
There is a lot going on in "Swan Peak." I would say there is too much going on to cover adequately in 400 pages. There are plots and subplots galore. Some sections seem rushed. Some sections seem totally unconnected to other parts of the book and yet, in the end, Burke ties them together.
In "Swan Peak" Burke also seems to spend even more time than usual explaining the morality and amorality of his characters. It really bogs down the narrative in places. "Swan Peak" is a good read, but not among Burke's best
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another classic from mr. burke |
i've said this before, so i'll state it again: james lee burke is one of america's finest novelists. i'm very happy he chose the crime novel gender to exhibit his skills.
imo, anyone who gives this excellent novel less than 5 stars probably thinks that james patterson, john sanford, and/or sue gafton are great writers. based on the large number of 5 star reviews, it appears that there aren't too many with this literary blindness. |
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A Geritol Thriller |
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Purcell will soon follow Robicheaux into teetotaldum, but along a different avenue; instead of Dr. Pepper, he'll be quaffing Geritol by the quart. Don't get me wrong, I like Jame Lee Burke, who has the lyrical muse of a very good landscape painter. This time out, he's still got the lyric, but the plot is an overwrought melodrama, confused with the dissonance of colliding coincidences--enough to make my mouth gape. Charles Dickens would be proud. One other thing, remember the crisp one liners and disclaimers(ironic and iconic) that would come solely from Robicheaux's mouth; lately, some of these utterances uncharacteristically have found their way to other less gifted voices. |
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mystery vacation |
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Another great book by JLB. Great with the change in location for the setting of the crimes. Clete's character really shows a different side. Thinking about reading the book again but a friend had to have it! |
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