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Sunset Limited (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,965 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Detective Dave Robicheaux returns to center stage in an incendiary new novel by James Lee Burke. A gripping tale of racial violence, class warfare, and the sometimes cruel legacy of Southern history, Sunset Limited is a stunning achievement, confirming Burke's place as one of America's premier stylists as well as master storytellers.
The forty-year-old crucifixion of a prominent labor leader named Jack Flynn remains an unsolved atrocity that has never been forgotten in New Iberia, Louisiana. When Flynn's daughter, Megan, a photojournalist drawn to controversial subjects, returns to the site of her father's murder, it quickly becomes clear that her family's bloodstained past will not stay buried. Megan gives her old friend Dave Robicheaux a tip about a small-time criminal named Cool Breeze Broussard, scarcely suspecting that the seemingly innocuous case will lead Robicheaux and his partner into the midst of a deadly conspiracy.
Combining brilliant prose, crackling suspense, and an exquisite sense of character and place, Sunset Limited is a wrenching tale of historic violence and soiled redemption that reveals one of America's finest novelists at his masterful best.
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"James Lee Burke is my all time favorite author. So, being incredibly biased, it's hard to give an objective review. Every one of his books seem to weave an amazing dance between lyrical prose, complex characters that are so real in my mind I can SMELL them, would recognize them if I saw them on the street - and plots that keep me caring till the very last page. The man has a gift, there is no question about it. It's obvious he has honed his craft well by putting in the WORK of writing, not just to sell books but to give us a gift of insight into human pride, frailty and pathos all wrapped up in some of the most amazing language I've ever encountered. Love his work~!"
— Lynda (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Splendidly atmospheric…with dialogue so sharp you can shave with it.”
— People -
“One of the best novels of the year from one of the very best writers at work today.”
— Rocky Mountain News -
“Dripping with the cynicism and sweat that runs rampant through the Louisiana bayou parishes, actor Will Patton gives an extraordinary reading of James Lee Burke’s latest tension-filled tale.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review -
“In rich, dense prose, Burke conjures up bizarre, believable characters who inhabit vivid, spellbinding scenes in a multifaceted, engrossing plot.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“With strong and graceful prose, Burke presents a tale as dark and rich as a cup of chicory coffee.”
— Library Journal
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A 1998 New York Times Notable Book for Mysteries
Sunset Limited Listener Reviews
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" For me, a few too many lead characters, and the back-story on people and places was a bit over-blown. "
— Walter, 2/14/2014 -
" Takes a look at the dark side of people. "
— Karla, 2/9/2014 -
" I love JLB, he is one of my favorite authors. But this one just became tiresome. The characters lacked the typical depth given by the author, the plot seemed too familiar; just nothing new seemed to happen in this story. OH I wish it had been better. "
— Suzn, 1/23/2014 -
" This was a good book, but the other James Lee Burke books I've read so far have been better. BUT, having said that, I think it's because the others were audio format narrated by Will Paton who does a fabulous job. The entire time I was reading this one I was imagining him reading it to me! I think any future JLB books will have to be in audio format! "
— Kathy, 1/21/2014 -
" He's my favorite author. Read a Burke book and your in a dark theater by yourself surrounded and engulfed by his images. I've read them all but can only do so once every 3-4 months because in the end they are their message about the human condition is not hopeful. "
— Mike, 1/17/2014 -
" I have read a majority of his books and enjoy the great writing and different people and lifestyle of and area I've never been too, New Orleans. "
— Wally, 1/8/2014 -
" I always look for a James Lee Burke novel that I haven't yet read because he tells a story like no other author. The ones featuring Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell are my favorites. This one had a lot of layers to it. "
— Pat, 12/30/2013 -
" Another interesting & excellent addition to in my opinion one of the top 3 or 4 crime series. Robiceaux is an excellent character & this story didn't disappoint. "
— Joe, 12/19/2013 -
" A superb read with characters like "Cool Breeze Broussard." "
— Jeffrey, 12/6/2013 -
" Another great page-turner from JL Burke. "
— Ted, 12/5/2013 -
" Dave Robicheaux mystery--typical of his style "
— Suzanne, 7/31/2013 -
" James Lee Burke is one of best writers of our times. He is one of the few writers whose books I will purchase in hard cover because I can't wait for the paperback version to come out. "
— Cammie, 7/28/2013 -
" Read them all. I like this author. This was one of my favorites. Kept you wondering. "
— Nancy, 4/29/2013 -
" I had a hard time finishing this book. The plot was slow moving. "
— Ralph, 4/24/2013 -
" A long-time reader and fan of the Robicheaux series, this was the slowest story. Not a page-turner. "
— C, 4/19/2013 -
" Decent book, but really very little to do with the Sunset Limited. Enjoyed it and will atart another Burke book today! "
— Debby, 2/5/2013 -
" Read in 1997 and rereading now..2013 "
— Joann, 12/18/2012 -
" did book on tape. liked it but not my favorite of the cop dave r. "
— Steve, 12/11/2012 -
" This was good and had quite a bit of violence in it. I love Helen though, as she says some pretty good things to the bad guys. This had to do with someone being strung up on a barn like a man on a cross. It was many years before, but the kids came back to New Iberia. "
— Connie, 12/6/2012 -
" Well done but not too impressed with the ending "
— Ruth, 11/15/2012 -
" Heard sound recording on the way to Raleigh one day. A Dave Robicheaux mystery. Gripping while I was listening to it, but pretty forgettable afterwards. This entered about a week later and I cannot even remember exactly what the story was. "
— Frederick, 3/22/2012 -
" I can only repeat what I've written about Burke's Robicheaux series so far: I really enjoy the Louisiana colour that comes through these books. "
— Garth, 3/8/2012 -
" Enjoy this series and listened to most while travelig to Mexico "
— Boni, 10/11/2011 -
" A little hard to follow in some spots but I love the picture tapestry Burke weaves with his words. "
— Pat, 10/8/2011 -
" If you like James Lee Burke--I do--this will not disappoint. "
— Pat, 10/2/2011 -
" Just to hear Will Patton read this amazing book is worth the effort. "
— David, 8/21/2011 -
" Robicheaux looks back at a 40-year-old murder when the victim's two children, a famous photographer and a film producer, return to town. Solving the crime includes new murders and evil-doers getting their due. Great read. "
— Pat, 2/28/2011 -
" For me, a few too many lead characters, and the back-story on people and places was a bit over-blown. "
— Walter, 12/6/2010 -
" Innumerable characters and innumerable sub-plots made this book a difficult one to read. Either I missed the plot or the significance of a character trying to follow the others. Not for new readers. "
— Ilavaluthy, 11/23/2010 -
" It was a bit confusing at time and just did not grip me to keep reading really fast. So I forced myself to finish "
— Laurie, 7/30/2010 -
" My summer plan is to read as many old Burkes as I can lay my hands on. Don't know why I haven't done this sooner - he's such a good writer and Dave and Clete are such appealing characteers. "
— Lynn, 7/1/2010 -
" Not as satisfying as others in this series but still very good. "
— Mailmanr5, 6/29/2010 -
" Dave Robicheaux mystery--typical of his style "
— Suzanne, 4/3/2010 -
" I had a hard time finishing this book. The plot was slow moving. "
— Ralph, 12/1/2009 -
" Takes a look at the dark side of people. "
— Karla, 9/23/2009 -
" I always enjoy reading Dave Robicheaux books. This one is no exception. "
— Lou, 9/10/2009
About James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke is a New York Times bestselling author of forty novels and two short-story collections. He has won the Edgar Award, the CWA Gold Dagger, and the Grand Prix de Littérature Policièr. He was named Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. His novel The Lost-Get Back Boogie was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and two of his books, Heaven’s Prisoners and Two for Texas, have been made into motion pictures.
About Will Patton
Will Patton is an award-winning actor and narrator. HIs narrations have earned the prestigious Audie Award for Best Fiction Narration and also won dozens of AudioFile Earphones Awards. His numerous film credits include Remember the Titans, The Punisher, The Mothman Prophesies, Armageddon, and The Spitfire Grill. He starred in the TNT miniseries Into the West and on the CBS series The Agency and won Obie Awards in the theater for his performances in Fool for Love and What Did He See.