This is an earlier book by James Lee Burke that still features Dave Robicheaux--this is the 23rd installment in that series. As with all his books (and I have read several), the writing is compelling and atmospheric, even though often very dark. This book has a bit of Romeo and Juliet plot that involves young lovers from two crime families that have been mortal enemies for decades. There is also an element of the supernatural here, as there was in Burke's most recent book, Every Cloak Rolled in Blood. It's a challenge for Dave and his troublesome but loyal sidekick and former detective colleague, Clete Purcel, to battles a time traveling assassin.
Erik Larson (one of my favorite non-fiction writers) in his WSJ review calls this genre of Burke's writing "Louisiana gothic" and claims that this is his favorite book in the series. D offers a mixed review, concluding "Whether or not you buy the metaphor of reincarnation here, it goes a long way toward explaining the thread that links Dave’s 23 grandly repetitive adventures." The New York Journal of Books has a much more detailed plot line in their review and offer these perspectives: "As usual in Burke’s books, Robicheaux faces his own guilt over killings in Vietnam and his on-again, off-again love affair with alcohol...Robicheaux is twice-widowed, which makes his loneliness and desire a poignant obstacle as he tries to do the right thing for people who are on a highway to hell...the story achieves a satisfying resolution, moral or divine justice where everyone gets what he or she deserves, whether or not the earthbound courts would agree." Publishers Weekly calls the book "superb" and rounds out their review by saying "An imaginative blend of crime and other genres, Burke’s existential drama is both exquisitely executed and profoundly moving."
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