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The Neon Rain

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The Neon Rain

By: James Lee Burke
Narrated by: Will Patton
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About this listen

Dave Robicheaux has been warned that he's on somebody's hit list, and now the homicide detective is trying to discover just who that is before he ends up dead.

Meanwhile he has taken on the murder investigation of a young black girl found dead in the Bayou swamp. Robicheaux uncovers a web of corruption that leads him to a terrifying confrontation with the one horror he fears most of all.

©1987 James Lee Burke (P)2009 Recorded Books LLC Crime Crime Fiction Detective Modern Detectives Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Exciting

Critic Reviews

"Fine writing that is far above the crime-fiction norm and manages to stand comparison with the very best contemporary novels" ( Sunday Express)
"A fine American writer who deserves to be far better known on this side of the Atlantic…poetic and passionate" ( Sunday Telegraph)
All stars
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Okay, so he's a maverick lone wolf with a depressive bent and loads of baggage. That's fine. But none of his actions make sense, even, apparently, to himself. He just acts on impulse without knowing why or having any kind of plan, then gets depressed about the consequences. The writing was evocative and the characters well-realised, but asking the reader to follow this protagonist is too much. It's not believable that he's a great cop; his moral sense is extremely naive and he wanders into physical danger with less savvy than a baby deer. On one occasion he nearly gets killed because he's daydreaming, ffs! The blurb writer should be sued for saying fans of Michael Connelly will like this series. This dumb cop isn't fit to shine Bosch's shoes. It's a pity because, as I said, the writing is good.

Sad, dumb cop

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So glad I stumbled on this audiobook. I like crime novels but really enjoy when I feel like I’ve learned something about another culture too, and this book really transported me to another place. Although I found some of the scenes incredibly gruesome it was balanced with some beautiful writing. Brilliantly performed as well.

Great performance and story

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Rolls along languidly, like I imagine a New Orleans summer but somehow packs in plenty of action. Will Patton could read the phone book and I'd be happy to listen.

Surprisingly beautifully written detective story

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Very well performed, different accents for characters and gripping as hell. so very happy.. great..

Dirty, splendid and performed superbly.

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I was expecting to enjoy this book but the writing style was laboured and cliched. It felt dated and without nuance. Lovers of this genre must have given this the thumbs up for it to achieve its awards but I was so unimpressed that I doubt I could be enticed to read another book from this author.

Not every book that wins awards will win your heart

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