Black Cherry Blues (Dave Robicheaux Mysteries) [Import] [Paperback]

James Lee Burke (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd; New Ed edition (June 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099721406
• ISBN-13: 978-0099721406
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,659,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Lee Burke, a rare winner of two Edgar Awards, is the author of twenty-three previous novels, including such New York Times bestsellers as Bitterroot, Purple Cane Road, Cimarron Rose, Jolie Blon's Bounce, and Dixie City Jam. He lives in Missoula, Montana, and New Iberia, Louisiana.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The first is one of the best, May 12, 2000

By 

Doug Vaughn - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Black Cherry Blues: A Dave Robicheaux Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

Having read James Lee Burke's entire Dave Robicheaux series, I have to say that this novel, which introduced the flawed ex-cop with the mystical bent, is still one of the best. There are several things about this book that hit me as unique and made me want to return every time Burke served up another helping; the first is that Burke's ability with description and locale are unparalled, the second is the depth of character he was able to give Robicheaux by focusing on his personal demons (drink, violence and inner torment from loss and regret), and third is the 'mystical' element that informs each book - sometimes more than others - and allows the plot to be advanced by such devices as messages in dreams and intimations of a 'higher power.' Since Burke himself is a recovering alcoholic he is able to make this side of Dave's life quite real and moving.

This book (which won the Edgar Award in 1990) differs from later ones in the series in that Dave strays far afield from the rural Louisiana coast setting readers normally associate with him. But he is also, in the beginning, a more complex and interesting character. As the series progresses he becomes stiffer and more self righteous. Here he is unsure of himself and trying to come to grips with a life that has him on the ropes.

This is some of Burke's best writing and I would highly recommend it to mystery fans who have never tasted this rich Louisiana stew. It is unique and memorable.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story and characters, May 21, 2000

By 

"irongiant" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Cherry Blues: A Dave Robicheaux Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

Of all James Lee Burke's wonderful books, this was his first commercial success and remains his best single novel. It is a gritty mystery set in Louisiana which introduces us to Dave Robicheaux, a flawed but intelligent and good-hearted lead character.

Burke is a wonderful writer for two main reasons. First, his characters are well-written; they are memorable, realistic, and intriguing. Their dialogue absolutely CRACKLES.

Secondly, no reader can be unaffected by his descriptions- poetic even in the most grisly scenes. Seeing these scenes through Robicheaux's eyes, scenes as well-crafted as only Burke can do, we realize the depth and beauty of Robicheaux's mind.

Black Cherry Blues is less a Mystery Novel and more a Literary Work, an ideal way to spend an evening.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hard core Robicheaux!, June 21, 2000

By 

jeanne-scott (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Cherry Blues: A Dave Robicheaux Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

James Lee Burke has written a wonderful novel in this one. The characters are tough and full of vitality. As always his locations are so well portrayed you feel,see, taste and smell the details. Robicheaux, the ex-cop is coping with the murder of his wife, his service in Vietnam, being a recovering alcoholic, he is being blamed for a murder and he fears for the life of his adopted daughter. He is on the run from New Orleans to beautiful Montana. This is a wonderful book that surprises you with Robicheaux's philosophy. "...because I believe that God is not limited by time and space as we are, I believe that perhaps he can influence the past....and I begin to dwell on the unbearable suffering that people probably experienced before their deaths,I ask God to retroactively relieve their pain, to be with them in mind and body, to numb their senses, to cool whatever flame licked at their eyes in their final moments." James Lee Burke can stun you with his craft. This is a must read!