Title: The Neon Rain
Author: James Lee Burke
First published January 1, 1987
285 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780753820339 (ISBN10: 0753820331)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
In James Lee Burke’s gripping novel, The Neon Rain, Detective Dave Robicheaux finds himself once again battling his inner demons as he navigates the seedy underbelly of New Orleans. Haunted by his past as a Vietnam veteran and struggling with alcohol addiction, Robicheaux is thrust into a dark world of crime when he becomes embroiled in the investigation of a young woman’s murder.
As he delves deeper into the case, Robicheaux must confront drug lords and arms smugglers, all while struggling to come to terms with his own personal demons. With vivid descriptions of the French Quarter and a cast of complex characters, The Neon Rain is a gritty and suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
James Lee Burke is a renowned American author, famous for his mystery novels, especially the Dave Robicheaux series. He has been awarded the Edgar Award for Best Novel twice, once in 1990 for Black Cherry Blues and again in 1998 for Cimarron Rose.
Born in Houston, Texas, Burke grew up in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. He pursued his higher education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Missouri, where he earned his BA and MA degrees.
Throughout his life, he has worked across various industries, including the oil sector, reporting, and social work. In the 1980s, he worked as a Writer in Residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, following his late friend and Pulitzer Prize winner John Kennedy Toole, and preceding Ernest Gaines in the position.
Before moving to Montana, he was a professor at Wichita State University, where he taught in the Creative Writing program.
Burke and his wife, Pearl, divide their time between Lolo, Montana, and New Iberia, Louisiana. His daughter, Alafair Burke, is also a renowned mystery novelist.
Out of all the books he has read, William Faulkner’s 1929 family tragedy, “The Sound and the Fury,” has had the most profound impact on Burke’s life.
Editoral Review
In James Lee Burke’s The Neon Rain, readers are transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where they follow the gritty and troubled protagonist, police detective Dave Robicheaux, as he delves into a seedy underworld of drug lords and corruption. Burke is a prolific author of crime fiction, with over 30 novels to his name, and his mastery of the genre is evident in this suspenseful and atmospheric tale.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, The Neon Rain is a classic example of hard-boiled detective fiction, complete with fast-paced action, bleak moral ambiguity, and vivid descriptions of the mean streets. Burke’s elegant and evocative writing style brings the city of New Orleans to life, immersing readers in its unique cultural landscape and seamy underbelly.
Through Robicheaux’s eyes, we experience the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and corruption that plagued the city at the time. The plot of The Neon Rain is complex and multi-layered, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Robicheaux’s investigation into the murder of a young prostitute leads him down a dangerous path, where he must confront his own demons and face hard truths about the people he thought he could trust. Along the way, he forms alliances with a host of colorful and well-drawn characters, including a mysterious hitman, a corrupt politician, and a tough-talking prostitute with a heart of gold.
One of the strengths of The Neon Rain is Burke’s ability to create complex and fully-realized characters. Even the most minor players in the story are given depth and nuance, making the world of the novel feel rich and dynamic.
Robicheaux himself is a fascinating and flawed protagonist, haunted by his own past mistakes and struggling to find redemption. His interior monologues add a layer of introspection to the story that elevates it beyond the typical hard-boiled fare.
Burke’s writing is also notable for its lyrical beauty, even in the midst of gritty violence and despair. His descriptions of the city and its people are vivid and evocative, capturing the unique flavor of New Orleans with a poet’s eye for detail.
The novel is sprinkled with moments of unexpected beauty, such as when Robicheaux witnesses a jazz funeral procession or when he takes a moment to appreciate the simple pleasure of a street performer’s music. That said, some readers may find the pacing of The Neon Rain to be somewhat slow, particularly in the early chapters before the plot really gets going.
Additionally, the novel’s treatment of race and gender has been criticized by some as dated or insensitive. While these are valid concerns, it’s worth noting that the book was first published in 1987, and should be evaluated within the context of its time.
Overall, The Neon Rain is an excellent read for fans of crime fiction and atmospheric thrillers. Burke’s writing is skillful and nuanced, and his characters are well-drawn and memorable.
Though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, readers who appreciate a well-crafted plot and richly imagined world will find much to enjoy here. Highly recommended.
4 out of 5 stars.
