PURPLE CANE ROAD

In Burke's latest mystery, lawman Dave Robicheaux searches for answers to his mother's death thirty years earlier. While the title refers to a road along the bayou, Dave's quest reveals the fascinatingly purpled bruise of the rough underside of crime and corruption of south Louisiana. Will Patton brilliantly portrays the succession of cops, thieves, and politicians with the perfect mix of violent intent (or action) and intriguing character. How can he make these bad guys so interesting? Patton has honed these characters, though Burke also introduces new ones in each of the 10 other Robicheaux stories. The abridgment is taut, and the five-hour length allows a more coherent story. Patton just excels. He uses the languid, descriptive prose to capture the colors and scents as they come across the bayou. R.F.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]