I’d not previously read any James Lee Burke novels, despite him having written over 25 in the past. But I heard him in the book section of the Simon Mayo programme a few weeks ago, and the setting of his most recent novel in and around New Orleans against the backdrop of Katrina was an interesting idea.
Dave Robicheaux is his long standing detective, yet in the early pages of this book, he barely features as we instead concentrate on his best friend, and incidents that are happening in New Orleans. Fairly soon the hurricane hits, but the key incidents which include murder and burglary, don’t really occur until afterwards when law and order has just about fallen apart.
While distain for the way in which the authorities dealt with the aftermath is handled well – not overbearing, but fully deserved nonetheless.
I quite liked the flawed nature of some of the characters, and there is one truly nasty individual in here who good give some people nightmares. I may well check out more of his books at some point.