The Glass Rainbow: A Dave Robicheaux Novel [Large Print] [Paperback]

"The Glass Rainbow" -- the latest installment in James Lee Burke's series of crime novels featuring the New Iberia, Louisiana detective Dave Robicheaux -- finds the author fully in command of his well-practiced skills in crafting plot, characters and setting. Fans of Dave need to know only this: Your expectations will be well met.

The theme for this go-round is the perennial one of good and evil. Dave's world-view remains tragic, his compassion undiminished for the innocent victims of violence. Once again Tripod, the family's three-legged pet raccoon, climbs trees and enjoys an occasional treat of ice cream. Dave -- also known as big mon, noble mon, bwana, troop, Pops, and Streak -- acquires yet another nickname: RoboCop. One of the book's colorful supporting characters, a wise-cracking 12-year-old named Buford, exchanges snappy insults with Clete Purcel, Dave's longtime friend. There are aberrant people on the loose ("an evil presence has come into our midst, a phenomenon not without precedent"). As always, the Louisiana Gulf Coast, lyrically serenaded, is an ever-present protagonist. Nature is more than eager to convert to antagonist during the stormy, climactic shoot-out. In the end we are a witness as evil consumes itself.

Happily for the reader, the irreducible core of "The Glass Rainbow" -- its true and joyful and sentimental propellant -- is the Dave and Clete Show. Over the years the repertoire of this pair of lawmen has grown broad and deep. Here, from the first chapter to the finale, the two of them are a team. Dave and Clete call to mind Mutt and Jeff, Felix and Oscar, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Their bag of repartee now includes bittersweet reflections on growing old. In Clete's case, the problem remains his adamant refusal at times to grow up. You have to laugh when Clete's irrepressible descriptions of his recent sexual exploits causes the prim Dave to squirm. Then you have to suppress a tear when Clete says to Dave, in the middle of a tense situation, "If you die on me, I'm going to get really mad."

Burke is working at peak performance in this book. Though it has its fair share of meanderings, the trajectory of the plot appeared to me to be more streamlined than usual (or maybe Burke's skills have ratcheted up, however improbably, another notch?). The action is centered on the present day, with minimal flashbacks. While there is still a complex layering of multiple subplots, baroque excesses are less evident than in previous books. The cast of characters is easy to follow. All of this may explain why I found "The Glass Rainbow" to be one of the quickest-to-read books in the series.

Could some readers find flaws in "The Glass Rainbow"? Yes. Major components of the who-done-it-and-how are left unexplored. Some might say the character named Kermit Abelard, a wealthy scion of Louisiana aristocracy who's dating Dave's daughter Alafair, is insufficiently developed. Readers used to the satisfying story arc Burke usually traces -- a path from atonement to redemption to restoration -- may be disappointed when the novel closes down abruptly without the benefit of the usual epilogue granting us balm after the storm. And, if I may be indulged a quirky observation of my own: after closing the book it occurred to me that not once had I heard the cry of a nutria, and I sorely miss that. (The patron animal for this book seems to be a blue heron.)

If you are new to the Robicheaux phenomenon you may be asking whether it makes sense to start in with "The Glass Rainbow" (the 18th installment in the series). My view is that reading the novels chronologically is ideal -- but not very realistic, since the size of the backlist is daunting. Plus, I suspect most of us fans did not follow a strict chronological route anyway, on the way to falling under the spell of New Iberia. When I consider the consistent quality of Burke's writing, the seemingly endless variations he spins on the same profound themes, and the immutability of his supreme creations, Dave and Clete, I think the newcomer can jump in at any point. Keep in mind that as the narrative of "The Glass Rainbow" unfolds, Burke anticipates the needs of new readers and at key points supplies you with appropriate background information on Dave, Clete and Alafair.

My advice is: Just start. Noble Mon is too good to miss.

The latest in the series of Burke's novels which features the fascinating Dave Robicheaux is a compelling read. All of of the Dave Robichiaux books feature the relationship of the central character with his loyal, though self destructive friend, Clete Purcel. This part of the narrative thread is more pronounced even than usual in this book. Clete's unstable temper results in trouble after he beats a drug dealer and pimp who subsequently is discovered dead. As always Burke handles multiples threads without a bit of difficulty. Serial killings and danger threaten Robicheax's daughter, the exotically named Alafair, whose literary ambitions lead her into dangerous relationships.

Burke's themes always embrace the vulnerabilty of his characters. Even the ultra tough and dangerous Clete Purcel is described as having "his most dangerous adversary living in his own breast". Ranged against innocence and vulnerability are the denizens of Louisiana' underworld whose evil sharply contrasts with the other characters who Burke depicts so well.

In my opinion, James Lee Burke is one of the best current writers, and not just in the thriller genre. The Louisiana backgound is always beautifully articulated. In no way is this unnecessary padding, a charge that can be levelled at some other successful, prolific writers. If your reading interests embrace top quality writing, even if you are not an aficionado of thrillers, I recommend that you try this novel. If you like thrillers, this is one you should not miss.

Enjoy the read!

I've read and enjoyed every one of Mr. Burke's books and I have to say this is his best Dave Robicheux tale yet. He writes of my beautiful, unique state like no one I've ever read, with the prose and heart of a poet. I couldn't help but cry a few times as he and Clete were fishing on Bayou Teche near the Gulf of Mexico and think, "Is this way of life now gone forever due to the horrific oil spill/destruction in the Gulf?" It made me treasure even more his magnificent, moving descriptions of my luscious, fecund state with a bittersweet poignancy. I can't praise his writing enough. He's one of my top five favorite writers on earth, no matter what the genre. The man is a master of his craft! The plot was tight and had me riveted right to the wild, heart-pounding ending. If you're a Dave Robicheaux fan, then you won't be disappointed. Mr. Burke only gets better with each new book.

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