A Morning for Flamingos (Hardcover)

Dave's old homicide partner Clete Purcel is a big part of this novel, as well as the rest of the series, and is the no-holds-barred sometimes law-bending character that Robicheaux fans are used to. We also find another appearance from DEA agent Minos Dautrieve, who had a big role in the earlier Burke novel (and subsequent film starring Alec Baldwin) HEAVEN'S PRISONERS. These two, along with all the others surrounding the story, provide a great story for the reader.

The story is believable, the characters are believable, and at times the reader really starts to sympathize with people in the story that you are really not supposed to be cheering for! Nothing registers with a reader quite like a character with feelings, and these characters really come across that way.

I've read several of the Burke/Robicheaux novels and this is right up there at the top of the class.

Once he gains the trust of Cardo, Dave finds himself developing a liking for the crime boss, regardless of the misery he is responsible for dealing out. The feeling of affection is mutual, with a deep respect developing between the two men. He finds that he has to struggle to keep focussed on the reason he's there and put his new friendship aside.

Dave Robicheaux is still a man in torment, particularly after the trauma of being shot had reawakened the nightmares he hoped to have put behind him. James Lee Burke's Louisiana is a grim and dangerous place at times, yet the mouth-watering cuisine seems to make all the danger worthwhile. This is another solid effort in a tremendous series.

"A Morning for Flamingos" begins with the death of Dave's partner while transporting two prisoners, Te Beau, a New Iberia boy to whom Dave has certain obligations, and the menacing Jamie Lee Boggs. Dave is left critically wounded and remembers little of the actual escape. The story leads to underworld figures, voodoo, and the sordid, steamy underside of New Orleans.

The pace and brooding menace never let up, and Burke allows no loose ends to annoy the reader. The characterizations are sharp, descriptive, and unforgettable. The solution is elegant and exciting. I liked Dave all over again.