 2008-12-30 - The Ultimate Cage Fight
In the world of literary mystery fiction, is there anyone better? I don't think so. The first paragraph begins the journey and the writing never bores nor does the story stall. From sultry New Orleans, Burke has sent his two tough guys to the Montana skies without missing a beat. It would be amazing if Robicheaux met Jack Reacher (Lee Child's hero) in the Ultimate Cage Fight. The bad guys in Burke's book always make me want to slap someone. At least scream. In Swan Peak, they are no less nasty.
Ron Lealos author of Don't Mean Nuthin'.
2008-12-27 - '...a secret well of sorrow...'
There are enough plot summaries here, so my attention turns to the meaning of Burke's offerings.
'Then one of those strange and unexpected moments occurred, the kind that makes you feel every human being carries a secret well of sorrow whose existence he or she daily denies in order to remain functional.' (p. 156)
At its heart, Burke's writing shows us that the meaning of life is how each of us deals with pain; and how for so many our pain is concealed by all manner and degrees of destructive behavior against self and others. The juxtaposition of how his achingly beautiful prose embroiders this wrenchingly ugly truth takes my breath away.
His violence is not gratuitous, but always connected to a story of the agony which spawns it. Most of us probably don't manage our pain in such extreme ways. But if his journey into the darkness of the human soul helps us see how our own layers of the personality onion protect our tender core, it will be for the better of all.
2008-12-26 - Another great read
I never tire of this author and this character. Burke also keeps things interesting by occasionally changing the venue, this time the wide open spaces of Montana, instead of steamy New Orleans. His character development, especially the bad guys, is amazing. You get a true sense of evil in the scoundrels. Also, love his partner Clete, who continues his near sadistic and devil-may-care attitude when someone crosses him. My only question is how long can he last doing all the maniacal stunts he pulls. Seems sooner or later Clete may have to fall.
James Burke.....I wish you a long and literary prolific life.
2008-12-21 - Swan Peak: A Dave Robicheaux Noel By James Lee Burke
Item arrived on time and in great shape. I have read all the books written by James Lee Burkeand I have enjoyed them all. Great Writer.
2008-12-08 - Burke's The Best
I've just finished Swan Peak. To rate it a great story is exceedingly easy, but to feast on Burke's verbiage is a treasure no other suspense/thriller/mystery writer can match for my money and opinion. I've read them all. He develops a fine, intricately woven story (s) line and sub stories, yet it's still his versatile introspection, philosophical impressions, and interjected sub-cultural, cultural command of people and their thoughts and consequential behaviors (such as alcoholism and its recovery distresses)that resonate with a readers nod, tear, and smile. His insight is phenomenally placed into so many character's concise paragraphs and sentences, and storyline experiences and soliloquies that so please. Thank you, Mr. Burke! Please don't stop!!!
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