Clete

In the latest Robicheaux novel, Clete Purcel, a veteran private investigator, and former New Orleans cop, takes center stage. When his car is ransacked by thugs tied to the drug trade, he becomes personally involved in the investigation. He is hired by Clara Bow to investigate her ex-husband and a series of brutal deaths linked to a heavily tattooed man. Clete experiences hallucinations and questions Clara's motives, while the thugs may be pawns in a scheme far darker than they could have imagined. James Lee Burke is praised as the reigning champ of nostalgia noir and the greatest crime writer currently at work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In the latest installment of James Lee Burke's acclaimed Robicheaux series, Clete Purcel, a veteran private investigator, and former New Orleans cop, takes center stage for the first time. This novel is a testament to Burke's enduring place on the list of the greatest crime writers.

Clete Purcel is a complex character with a troubled past. He is a private investigator, ex-member of the New Orleans Police Department, and a war veteran with a hard shell and just a few soft spots. When his car is ransacked by a group of thugs tied to the drug trade, it feels personal to him, as his grandniece died of a fentanyl overdose, and he is determined to take down the dealers who sold it.

As Clete starts to investigate the brutal deaths linked to a heavily tattooed man, he is hired by Clara Bow to investigate her scheming, slippery ex-husband. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he begins to experience shockingly lifelike hallucinations and questions Clara's ulterior motives.

Meanwhile, Clete and his partner, Dave Robicheaux, start to hear rumors of a dangerous substance with potentially catastrophic effects. The thugs who destroyed his car might have been pawns in a scheme far darker than they could have imagined.

Clete Purcel brings a fresh perspective to a truly iconic series. His gripping, violent, yet interlaced with humor and drive to protect those he loves, makes for a compelling read. Burke's prose is masterful, and his characters are unforgettable.

James Lee Burke is widely regarded as the king of Southern Noir. His work is praised for its intricate plotlines, memorable characters, and stunning prose. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, and the Pulitzer Prize.

In conclusion, "The Irish Times" has praised James Lee Burke's latest Robicheaux novel as a testament to his enduring place on the list of the greatest crime writers. Clete Purcel is a complex and compelling character with a troubled past, and his journey to uncover the truth is filled with suspense, violence, and humor. Burke's prose is masterful, and his characters are unforgettable. If you are a fan of Southern Noir or crime fiction, this novel is a must-read.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398722460