Rating: 
Summary: Where have you gone, David Robicheaux?
Review: As a die-hard Burke/Robicheaux fan, I ordered this work pre-publication, and waited anxiously for it to be delivered. I am glad I didn't hold my breath, as the result isn't worth the risk.By far one of the darkest Robicheaux novels, Sunset Limited is simply...incomplete. Although "outside" characters are well drawn, to an extent, some of their motivations are, to say the very least, elusive. Robicheaux's relationship with both Bootise, his wife, and Alafair, is virtually non-existent, whereas in previous Robicheaux novels, it has served as Dave's "center;" his grounding area. While not every work I read has to have a "happy ending," this one is not only not happy, but somewhat meaningless, and aimless. It is as if Burke has also lost direction, or no longer knows what to do with his creations. In fact, other than the evocative descriptions of atmosphere, none of the characters evoke sympathy, liking, or, better yet, active dislike. Burke so utterly fails to engage the reader that no strong emotions (other than exasperation at having wasted money on a hardcover version of the book) are created. In summary, if you absolutely must, then buy Sunset Limited. However, for those of you who can wait, purchase the paperback. This book is definitely not worth purchasing in hardcover. I hope Burke regains his stride with his next work.
Rating: 
Summary: Burke captures the unique local color of Cajun Louisiana
Review: As a Louisiana resident and an avid reader, I look forward impatiently to each of James Lee Burke's books. Through Sunset Limited I see, hear and smell the sights and sounds of the bayous of Louisiana. Dave, Bootsy, Alafair,Batist and Clete seem like old friends. I had some trouble keeping all the twists of plot and numerous characters straight in Sunset Limited, but, in the end, everything comes together in a not necessarily happy ending. Hurry up, Mr. Burke, and write the next one.
Rating: 
Summary: Another outstanding offering from Burke.
Review: Burke has done it again. Sunset Limited brings back old characters that we all know. Burke's use of the English language brings the art of descriptions to a new high. Burke fans will love this one. New readers will become hooked. A strong 5 star offering.
Rating:
Summary: Sun Up To Sun Down
Review: Burke maintains his usual high standard in this complicated and disturbing crime novel. Like always, the novel is loaded with atmosphere and interesting, fully evolved characters. Burke eloquently portrays the violence and injustice that lurks beneath the surface of our world. His world is a dark place in which in many people have not progressed beyond the mentality that existed in the pre-civil war era. In Sunset Limited there are many crimes that needs to be solved. You need to pay attention or you could easily get lost. I thought the story suffered a little because of its slight lack of focus, and for this reason I don't think it was as good as some of his previous books. But overall, it was a gripping and well-written crime novel that is clearly a cut above the genre.
Rating:
Summary: As usual, a cut above the rest!
Review: Burke maintains his usual high standard in this complicated and disturbing crime novel. Like always, the novel is loaded with atmosphere and interesting, fully evolved characters. Burke eloquently portrays the violence and injustice that lurks beneath the surface of our world. His world is a dark place in which in many people have not progressed beyond the mentality that existed in the pre-civil war era. In Sunset Limited there are many crimes that needs to be solved. You need to pay attention or you could easily get lost. I thought the story suffered a little because of its slight lack of focus, and for this reason I don't think it was as good as some of his previous books. But overall, it was a gripping and well-written crime novel that is clearly a cut above the genre.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Bye Dave Robicheax
Review: By saying goodbye to Dave Robicheaux I suppose I am saying goodbye to James Lee Burke. I can only say "thank you" to James Lee Burke since he has provided me many great hours of entertainment with his Robicheaux novels; but Robicheaux may have died in "Sunset Limited" because I gave up on page 258. I found the characters and the plot confusing, and I would have been happy if a bomb had killed eveyone on page 50. Apparently, the characters from "Cimarron Rose" are going to take up Mr. Burke's time, and since I didn't care for this book I am not going to read anymore James Lee Burke for awhile. I will keep up with Burke's review's here at Amazon, and as soon as he scores a five with more than 20 readers I will try again.
Rating:
Summary: Good Bye Dave Robicheax
Review: By saying goodbye to Dave Robicheaux I suppose I am saying goodbye to James Lee Burke. I can only say "thank you" to James Lee Burke since he has provided me many great hours of entertainment with his Robicheaux novels; but Robicheaux may have died in "Sunset Limited" because I gave up on page 258. I found the characters and the plot confusing, and I would have been happy if a bomb had killed eveyone on page 50. Apparently, the characters from "Cimarron Rose" are going to take up Mr. Burke's time, and since I didn't care for this book I am not going to read anymore James Lee Burke for awhile. I will keep up with Burke's review's here at Amazon, and as soon as he scores a five with more than 20 readers I will try again.
Rating:
Summary: Pleasure Unlimited !!
Review: Catching up with Robichaux,Clete Purcell, Helen and the gang is like a welcome summer visit with old friends. Once again, Burke excels at showing how sins of personal and social history have a nasty way of reaching into the present with fearful and murderous consequences. His evocation of the the Louisiana landscape is clear and true. His characters are at once original and recognizable, richly drawn and driven through another complex and fascinating plot. I met Michael Connelly recently and asked him who his favorite mystery writer was - "James Lee Burke" he replied without a moment's hesistation - Burke just keeps on getting better. My bet is next summer - watch out !... Alafair will be in trouble and Dave will have to rescue her ( again..!)
Rating:
Summary: The Saga Continues
Review: Dave Robicheaux continues to lurch onward as a decent and principaled man surviving in the dark underbelly of bayou life and culture. Dave does not always do the right thing in all situations, but he sure tries hard. Burke's writing is as solid as ever, and in this one, the reader understands almost all of what his charaters are talking about. Burke manages to be both violent and poetic at the same time. It's just hard to be satisfied with anyone else after reading one of Burke's dark drama's. This is one of his best recent efforts.
Rating:
Summary: First time reading Burke
Review: First, I have to agree with the other reviewer in saying that this probably isn't the best book to start off reading that's a part of the Dave R. series by Burke! This was my first by him, and it did seem a bit hard to get a handle on some things. I did enjoy this book, but in trying to sum it up...I'm at a loss. This book had SO much going on!! There's a murder of a black man 40 years ago that is still unsolved and now his children are back in town to possibly resolve it...there are numerous criminals in and about town of a big stature creating a fuss...there are several local's who have issues of their own that need resolving...there's just SO much! There are so many characters, that I had a very hard time keeping them and their pasts straight. While I enjoyed some of the individual stories, it did get to be too much. I felt this book could have used some heavy editing. Over-all, I did enjoy this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat to see how it would end and what all of the big cover-ups were. One thing to note-pay close attention to everything, if you miss something, you'll miss a lot.
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