Book Review: Purple Cane Road

Reviewed By: Ric Brandt - RAM

Purple Cane Road     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
James Lee Burke
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural
Series: Dave Robicheaux # 11

While investigating an old murder case Dave Robicheaux stumbles on a clue thrown out by a pimp about his mother being a hooker and executed by cops. Already working on saving a woman accused of killing the Louisiana State executioner from lethal injection in a crime he feels he could have prevented if he had followed his instincts years ago, now he must dig up his painful past to find his mothers killer. The cases seem to intertwine together.

As the case unfolds his former New Orleans police enemies dog his every step, a psychopathic hit man is one step ahead of him, clues lead him to the highest powers in Baton Rouge and his family is drawn into the case. Robicheaux not only comes to terms with his checkered past, his inner rage and his guilt; he comes to peace with his lost childhood. . In the end he emerges beaten and tarnished but still the battered hero.

Burke digs deep into Dave Robicheaux inner being in his 11th book in the series. He paints a picture of life in the southern Louisiana, New Orleans and Baton Rouge with very precise eye. He gives us a cast of believable yet interesting players. Some will feel cheated by the ending, but as in real life things don’t always work out as we planned.

This is an honest story and a book you won’t forget.

Ric Brandt - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Ric Brandt - RAM