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The Glass Rainbow (Abridged): A Dave Robicheaux Novel Audiobook
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(4.00) - 3,785 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From New York Times bestselling author James Lee Burke, Detective Dave Robicheaux becomes entangled in a mystery that connects a series of grisly murders with an ex-convict turned bestselling author, a notorious local pimp, and the man currently dating Robicheaux’s daughter.
On the trail of a killer responsible for the deaths of seven young women in neighboring Jefferson Davis parish, Detective Dave Robicheaux and his best friend Clete Purcel can’t seem to stay away from Herman Stanga, a notorious pimp whose name constantly resurfaces in their investigation, and whom both men despise. When Stanga turns up dead shortly after a fierce beating in front of numerous witnesses at the hands of Clete Purcel, the case takes a nasty turn, and solving the mystery of the Jefferson Davis deaths becomes more important than ever.
Adding to Robicheaux’s troubles is the matter of his adopted daughter, Alafair, on hiatus from Stanford Law for a semester and home in New Iberia to put the finishing touches on her novel. Her literary pursuit has led her into the arms of Kermit Abelard, celebrated novelist and scion of a once-prominent Louisiana family whose fortunes are slowly sinking into the bayous. In Robicheaux’s mind, Abelard’s association with a sleazy ex-convict turned bestselling author named Robert Weingart puts him at the center of some very shady business, and Robicheaux fears he’s taking Alafair down with him. But at the same time he fears for Alafair’s well-being—and possibly her life—she’s becoming more distant toward him, convinced his concerns are just the paranoia of an overprotective father. To protect his daughter and clear his best friend’s name, Robicheaux will need every ounce of guts, wit, and investigative chops he can muster.
From the creator of “one of America’s best mystery series” (Library Journal, starred review), James Lee Burke’s The Glass Rainbow is a “superlative” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) bayou thriller.
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"I love the descriptions that James Lee Burke uses in his books. He can describe the same physical area in so many different ways, using different words and comparison yet making each one unique. Dave Robicheaux is the protagonist in yet another murder/mystery series book. He needs to discover who is behind the murder of some young women in Jefferson Davis Parrish. Along with his best friend Clete Purcel he travels the roads of southern Louisiana, introducing the reader to characters such as the Abelards, Vider Perkins and Emma Pochet. A good book with lots of twists and turns."
— Loie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“The sights, smells, and sounds of the Louisiana bayous become sensory experiences in Burke’s novels.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“A must read for fans of the series.”
— Seattle Post-Intelligencer -
“In the last half, Burke kicks into another gear: superb suspense leading to a gripping, set-piece finale that is a masterpiece of texture and mood, with the high-energy climax in the foreground both contrasted against and supported by the intensely lyrical, heavily melancholic prose that swells and recedes underneath the action. Not to be missed by any follower of the landmark series.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“This is an outstanding addition to one of America’s best mystery series. Burke fans will not be disappointed.”
— Library Journal (starred review)
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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A 2011 Macavity Award Nominee for Best Mystery Novel
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One of the 2010 Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books: Mysteries
The Glass Rainbow Listener Reviews
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Ron Eagle, 10/4/2021
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" Did Dave and Clete make it? Or are there more books in future? Dave is getting 'long in the tooth' for all his escapades. "
— Agnes, 2/17/2014 -
" Listening to the James LEE Burke books are incredible, I can't get enough. This again was another great Burke novel. What I enjoyed so much about this book was the focus on Clete. He is a great character and instead of Dave always coming to Clete's rescue the roles were reversed. Burke has a way of making us really feel what is going on in the characters lives. His descriptions are so detailed you almost feel sorry for some of the criminals. Sure at the end you usually know the outcomes but Burke seems to put things in perspective. This was enjoyable to listen to. "
— Ed, 2/8/2014 -
" Now one of my favorite stories by JL Burke, The Glass Rainbow made a recent trip to Canada with me and brought even more excitement to being away from home. If you're familiar with his characters, then I won't spoil the book for you by pointing out who was missing and wondering out loud why? If you're new to Robideaux, then you're not going to miss anything and enjoy a great writer. "
— Greta, 1/26/2014 -
" Love Dave Robicheaux & Clete Purcel! Love Will Patton reading James Lee Burke! Pretty much like his other books but there is comfort in it! "
— Lladroluv, 1/25/2014 -
" Wow! James Lee Burke can write a wonderful literate mystery story. The Glass Rainbow explores Dave Robicheaus's relationship with his adopted daughter, Alafair, and his old friend Clete Purcel. Alafair is writing a novel and becomes involved with a local man, Kermit Abelard, who Dave dislikes. Add in a murder investigation and a possible serial killer and you have a fascinating read. "
— Maryellen, 1/24/2014 -
" Love these characters and this series. The ending was upsetting (for obvious reasons), but I'm hoping I'm just mis-interpreting what happens. His book about Hurricane Katrina is, for me, the definitive book about the event. "
— Doneen, 1/9/2014 -
" Didn't read this book yet. Star rating was an error. "
— Lou, 1/5/2014 -
" The latest book in the Dave Robicheaux series and by far the most poignant of them all. "
— Phil, 1/4/2014 -
" Interesting main character, lush overblown writing, that really works. The tension builds, had to keep reading until the end. "
— Ann, 12/18/2013 -
" Another treat by Burke! "
— Mischelle, 12/12/2013 -
" Good ole juicy new orleans slice of reality.... "
— Libby, 12/8/2013 -
" Maybe the best Dave Robicheaux yet. "
— Meg, 12/7/2013 -
" James Lee Burke is currently my favorite author! Excellent series and I really enjoy the Dave robicheaux character! "
— Joel, 2/13/2013 -
" More introspection and obsessive-compulsion from South Louisiana's most troubled cop, all with a nail-biting cliff-hanging ending. Not to be missed by Robicheaux fans. "
— Shruts, 10/21/2012 -
" I like James Lee burke as an author. I have for years. I feel familiar with the situations and characters. Some say this is his best book ever. And it could be. At least it's one of the top. There are a couple others that I think are particularly outstanding, too. "
— Elli, 9/22/2012 -
" This was the best Dave Robicheaux book yet. I think I figured out what really happened at the end, but I will be so sad if this is the end. "
— Vicki, 9/14/2012 -
" I love all his books. "
— Adelaide, 7/30/2012 -
" Tn excellent thriller. Well written. "
— Thomas, 7/23/2012 -
" I wouldn't mind listening to this one again. "
— Jari, 4/5/2012 -
" Maybe the best book in this series since Black Cherry Blues. Brilliant and insightful. Full of surprises, even for longtime fans. "
— Jonathan, 3/14/2012 -
" Fabulous! But I am so biased! James Lee Burke is my favorite novelist and I can't get enough of his Dave Robicheaux series. He does not disappoint with this latest offering. "
— Diane, 2/6/2012 -
" awesome. more about characters and settings than plot. high body count and lots of inward struggles. amazing "
— Colin, 8/28/2011 -
" I had to re-read this book because I thought Dave died at the end, and Burke's new book, Creole Belle, was just released...about Dave. I am happily corrected. A great book, and now I can happily read the new Robicheaux book. "
— David, 6/27/2011 -
" First book i have read by Burke and enjoyed it. I love to read southern based novels and authors. Just something about the south that makes a book so much more beautiful. Good suspence, was trying the whole way thru to try a figure out who did it. Good Read "
— Rachael, 4/22/2011 -
" I would read anything by James Lee Burke. He never lets me down. "
— Darla, 4/21/2011 -
" This is my first James Lee Burke novel and it won't be my last. Mr. Burke's use of language is phenominal. This book had me captivated from the very beginning and I found myself living the story through the eyes of Dave Robicheaux and his sidekick Clete Purcel. "
— Marvin, 4/15/2011 -
" It may have taken a bit longer to read, <br/>But it was well worth it. Loved the twist and turns this book took. "
— Linda, 4/4/2011 -
" I've read all of Burke's books. <br/>He does a great job of setting scenes and building climaxes but generally the end comes about too quickly - left thinking what happened there? <br/> <br/>So JL a little less build up and a little more ending! "
— Andrew, 3/25/2011 -
" I love this character, and have been reading the series since 1979. If you read them, start at the beginning. "
— Mary, 3/24/2011 -
" <br/>Another great entry in a great series. <br/> <br/>Already ready for the next one! "
— Frank, 3/1/2011 -
" Makes Southern Louisiana come alive. Dave Robicheaux and his pal Clete Purcel do their usual damage to the bad guys. Great story. "
— Lou, 2/19/2011 -
" It was good, much better than the previous one but still too much philosophy which slows the story down. I found myself skipping whole paragraphs. "
— Anne, 2/14/2011 -
" One of the best if not THE best in the series. "
— Mailmanr5, 2/14/2011
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.