Feast Day of Fools (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook

" I hate to say this, but this book disappointed me. A lot of the ingredients that make Burke's other books work for me are here, but the end result still falls flat. For one, it felt like this book went on too long. I'm rarely eager for a book to end, but I found myself asking "Are we there yet?" often in the last third of the book. It also felt like the main character, Hackberry Holland, didn't make any progression from the beginning of Rain Gods to the end of Feast Day of Fools. He's still the same man, fighting the same demons over and over again but not achieving any kind of closure or growth. I'm sure that's realistic, but it doesn't make for a satisfying read. One other dissonant note that I found in this book is that one really has to have read the preceding book (Rain Gods) to understand the character of Jack Collins. It really felt like the author assumed readers would already have knowledge of all that happened in the earlier book. Having said that, there are some wonderful moments and characters in Feast Day of Fools. Burke is still a great writer and draws scenes like a master. I just hope he has a more ruthless editor for his next book. Book #38 in the Book a Week Challenge from the #WTM boards. "

" James Lee Burke reintroduces Preacher Jack Collins, a monster of a hitman-serial killer. Hack Holland wants to hunt down Collins, but ends up using him to kills another killer. If you can't get a Lt. Dave Robicheaux book from Burke, then a Hack Holland mystery is an acceptable substitute. "

" Good story. Good family of characters. "

" Another great book from James Lee Burke. Lyrical, mystical and violent all at once. A complex mystery that explores retribution, salvation and the nature of evil. "

" The best book I've read by Burke. "

" Will Patton did his usual excellent job of narrating this book on CD. I don't think I will ever get tired for James Lee Burke novels. Here again he did a superb job (IMHO) of bringing to life the landscape and the people. "

" Great read. A book that you do not want to put down "

" I prefer the Dave Robicheaux series, but James Lee Burke is a great writer and Hackberry Holland has enough quirks and integrity to keep my interest. But I wonder, a bit, at the energy level and athleticism of this Korean vet. I can't quite suspend my disbelief. "

" Too long. Unsatisfactory ending. Another 70+ year old acting like a man half his age. Not Burke at his best. "

" An author that never fails to write a beautiful/intense mystery. "

" Read this on the way to San Antonio to try and get a little Texas flavor. I think I liked it about as much as I can like this type of book. "

" I love reading James Lee Burke. This one a few too many violent crims for my liking but I love reading JLB's writing. I simply find joy with his descriptions of life and landscapes. I listened to this book read by Will Patton and that makes it special as well. "

" Burke never disappoints me. The pictures he paints of the Southwest take me there. His insight into human nature is so vivid I end up "knowing" each character. Above all I read Burke because he is one of our finest writers. "

" Just OK! Picked up a B&N markdown table for Hardcovers. Found that all of Burke's charactors are larger that life & dialog sounds nightmarish! "

" Well developed characters of Sheriff Hackberry Holland and Preacher Jack Collins. Fascinated story, with twists and turns that keep reader on the seat edge from beginning to end. Wonderful novel. "

" there were about four too many "bad guy" groups running around in the desert all after the same guy. much of it was superfluous "

" I usually really enjoy James Lee Burke's books but this one is a Sheriff Hackberry one, and while he's a good character this wasn't a great plot and I prefer the Dave R. character anyway. A decent read but just not one of his best. "

" I enjoy Burke's writing as he is able to convey complexity of characters well. There are lots of rabbit trails that all converge; at times the narrative line falls away as he digresses into the individuals for extended periods. Felt like No Country for Anyone after listening for a couple hours. "

" Mediocre. Too much language and other distasteful subject matter "

" Has there ever been a James Lee Burke book I didn't like? This one is full of very evil people. But, even with all of that evil, he manages to convey the plot action and scenes with such poetry. "

" I am a sucker for Mr. Burke. I love the language and the epic sense and even the super realism which sometimes can challenge one. But thoroughly loved it. "

" What is not to like? This is another great book by one of my favorite authors. "

" Loved this book~~actually read it through twice in a row because there is so much to it. What can one say about the beautiful, uncomprable prose of James Lee Burke except the advice: don't miss it! "

" Has there ever been a James Lee Burke book I didn't like? This one is full of very evil people. But, even with all of that evil, he manages to convey the plot action and scenes with such poetry. "

" I love reading James Lee Burke. This one a few too many violent crims for my liking but I love reading JLB's writing. I simply find joy with his descriptions of life and landscapes. I listened to this book read by Will Patton and that makes it special as well. "

" James Lee Burke reintroduces Preacher Jack Collins, a monster of a hitman-serial killer. Hack Holland wants to hunt down Collins, but ends up using him to kills another killer. If you can't get a Lt. Dave Robicheaux book from Burke, then a Hack Holland mystery is an acceptable substitute. "

" Loved this book--violent, but filled with great writing and philosophy. It reminded me of the movie--No Country For Old Men--I would highly recommend this one "

" This novel contains many great characters both good and evil. Everything is not set in the personalities evoked, but mixed and many faceted. The story is well told and draws one forward from beginning to end.I enjoyed this book very much and give it a high recommendation. "

" James Lee Burke just keeps the books coming and this one is as good as usual. "