The Neon Rain Audiobook By James Lee Burke cover art

The Neon Rain

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

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The Neon Rain

By: James Lee Burke
Narrated by: Will Patton
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New York Times best-selling author James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux novels began with this first hard-hitting entry in the series.

In The Neon Rain, Detective Robicheaux fishes a prostitute's corpse from a New Orleans bayou and finds that no one, not even the law, cares about a dead hooker.

More mayhem? Listen to more of James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux thrillers.©1987 James Lee Burke (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Suspense Thriller & Suspense

Critic reviews

"With its fine local color and driving action, this novel is both chilling and first-rate entertainment." ( Publishers Weekly)
"One of Burke's best." ( New York Times Book Review)

Editorial Review

James Lee Burke just gets better with age—or so I’ve heard. Don’t @ me, but I somehow haven’t yet listened to his Robicheaux books! With accolades pouring in for The New Iberia Blues, 2019 is the year for me to make amends. Where else to start but at the beginning? The premise of The Neon Rain—in which Detective Robicheaux finds the body of a sex worker in a New Orleans bayou and struggles to get anyone to care—feels especially relevant now, when we’re giving needed attention to cases involving high-risk victims and marginalized communities. The fact that it’s narrated by Will Patton just sweetens the deal, because he’s often considered the definitive voice of the series. That's more hearsay—for now! —Kat J., Audible Editor
Vivid Descriptions • Atmospheric Setting • Masterful Narration • Complex Protagonist • Engaging Plot • Poetic Prose
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A basic and fairly good detective novel. This is the first in the series, and it was recommended to me. I liked the New Orleans and Cajun background, and it was pretty easy to read. I wondered about a few parts of the plot, like why Annie would fall for this guy (the hero) under the circumstances, and about his ex partner's role in the book. I would read another book about Dave Robicheaux at some point. It wasn't earth shattering, but it was entertaining. Several other reviews compliment Burke's use of sensory detail. I didn't particularly agree that he used it that skillfully. In fact, I thought that part was a little formulaic, and I kept trying to see if I was noticing the formula correctly: throw in some details about nature at the beginning of a scene to try and get the reader to feel a soft, romantic feeling about New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. Then proceed with the killing (well, I suppose I should just say "proceed with the plot.")

Neon Rain

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What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Very disappointed. Boring and I didn't even finish the book.

Has The Neon Rain turned you off from other books in this genre?

no

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Will Patton?

no, but the book was so bad I don't know if anyone could have saved it.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Neon Rain?

A lot of the scenes of what they were eating and the elaborate and useless metaphors.

Any additional comments?

If I could get my money back I would.

The Neon Rain

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The first novel of the Dave Robicheaux series certainly wasn't a disappointment. Didn't take me long to get hooked on the story, and spent half the night listening to it.
Our hero, isn't typical, because he really gets banged up at every turn, rarely winning the fight. I found myself feeling sorry for the guy, with his bundle of bad luck, and colleagues turning their backs on him. Just when you think things will turn around for him, someone else gets the upper hand. It's a very interesting story that makes you feel that you're experiencing life in New Orleans a few decades past. The narration is excellent, with capturing the personality of each character, and colorful characters they are. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

This hero rarely wins his fight.

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What made the experience of listening to The Neon Rain the most enjoyable?

I am a newbie to audio books, but have quickly become addicted!!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, well written and interwoven. Attention grabbing.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

The narrator is perfectly suited to the characters and the locale. He definitely gives the book life and his voice draws you into the plot.

Any additional comments?

I plan to listen to more from the Robicheaux series.

Entertaining

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This is my first James Lee Burke experience and I'm delighted. The superlative reviews for the Dave Robicheaux series and for Will Patton as a performer are all true. Burke is a cut above most writers of mysteries.

The Superlative Reviews are Right

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With so many titles to read, is there a chance this author can offer a bundled series? I started reading the 3rd book first because it was in the Romance Package and now I have to jump back to the first one for understanding.

So Many to Read . . .

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Would you listen to The Neon Rain again? Why?

Yes - a perfection combination of story and storyteller. I wish all of Mr. Burke's books were available as read by Mr. Patton.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I can't get enough of Det. Robichaux and his side-kick, Clete Purcell. Truth be told, I'm a little in love with both of them!

Which scene was your favorite?

Mr. Burke's descriptions of New Orleans and surroundings is magical. So magical, in fact, that my sister and I have booked a vacation there this December. You will find me sipping coffee and eating beignets at Cafe du Monde, waiting for Dave and Clete.

Addicted to Will Patton and James Lee Burke

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Absolutely loved the story and the narration was excellent. This was my first James Lee Burke book and I am hooked.

Best book I've ever read... (Listened to)

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This was the first Dave R. book I've read. Burke creates magic with words

Will Patton does it again!

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This is my first experience with James Lee Burke- the man has an amazing talent with words & Will Patton is the perfect narrator to be Dave Robicheaux. Looking forward to #2

enjoyed this book

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