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scnole2021's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aliceandthegiantbookshelf's review
DNF at page 168/314. I like some of the descriptive writing but the book itself just wasn’t really in a writing style that I liked and I was struggling to enjoy it. This is the second Robicheaux book I have tried and I just don’t think I’m that interested despite the good things I’ve heard.
skepticcurmudgeon's review
4.0
Imagine William Faulkner writing a hard boiled detective mystery. The imagery is haunting.
swelshimer's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dajoyofit's review against another edition
3.0
Several times I was lost in the narration, and not in a good way. I had to back track several times and reread. The imagery was good. Many times it was like I was there; seeing, hearing, and smelling New Orleans. The cop was definitely flawed and griddy. Reminded me of Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis cop characters (the ones they've done several sequels to).
roseleaf24's review
3.0
Character driven, though I found the romantic relationship to be thin. More action/suspense than mystery. Setting is very well done.
gabmc's review
3.0
This is definitely one of those times where I wished GoodReads had 1/2 star ratings as this book is more than 3 stars for me but not quite 4. Dave Robicheaux is a New Orleans Police Lieutenant - he is called to visit death row prisoner Johnny Massina on the day of his execution. Massina tells Robicheaux that he's heard people want him dead. The only reason Dave can think of for this is that he had found the body of a young black woman in another parish and law enforcement in that parish didn't seem to be doing much. Dave takes it upon himself to investigate - but he has stumbled onto something he probably would rather not have. He is a Vietnam vet and recovering alcoholic so has seen and done a lot in his life - he knows he has to stand up for what is right even if it means stepping on the toes of some very powerful people. New Orleans itself is a character in this book - and she is beautifully described, as is all the great food there. I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
mattiek's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
historytable's review
4.0
Will Patton should narrate every book. James Lee Burke can paint the crap out of a scene for you.
laila4343's review
3.0
This really got better as it went along, or maybe my mind got clearer and more able to focus (it's been a stressful week.) Burke can certainly write - there's some real literary skill here. Stunning descriptions of New Orleans. And I'm a sucker for a complicated hero with a heart (a la Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch.) The love story was kind of annoying. I'm pretty sure that if a guy almost got me killed on our first date I'd never want to see him again! But that's a small quibble. I liked this enough to want to read the next one.