PURPLE CANE ROAD

Dave Robicheaux is back. If you've never read James Lee Burke, you may be a bit lost. Dave is a character with a history--and it's that history, uncovering the circumstances surrounding the death of a mother he barely knew, that gets him into dangerous waters yet again. As Dave is a little self-absorbed and maudlin, this might be a better choice for the true fan. What a James Lee Burke book has in spades is the atmosphere of bayous, barbeque, and bluegrass. Nick Sullivan steeps his reading in quirky accents and whiskeyed drawls. Each character is easily discernible and fresh. Through a myriad of bit players and convoluted plot twists he offers a thoughtful and entertaining interpretation. D.G. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 01]