Light Of the World

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Dave Robicheaux battles the most diabolical villain he has ever faced in this atmospheric thriller.

Sadist and serial killer Asa Surrette narrowly escaped the death penalty for the string of heinous murders he committed while capital punishment was outlawed in Kansas. But following a series of damning articles written by Dave Robicheaux’s daughter Alafair, Surrette escapes from a prison transport van and heads to Montana, where an unsuspecting Dave—along with Alafair; Dave’s wife, Molly; Dave’s faithful partner Clete; and Clete’s newfound daughter, Gretchen Horowitz—have come to take in the sweet summer air.

Surrette may be even worse than Dave’s old enemy Legion Guidry, a man Dave suspected might very well be the devil incarnate. But before Dave can stop Surrette from harming those he loves most, he’ll have to do battle with Love Younger, an enigmatic petrochemical magnate seeking to build an oil pipeline from Alberta to Texas, and Wyatt Dixon, a rodeo clown with a dark past whom Burke fans will recall from his Billy Bob Holland novels.

Drawing on real events that took place in Wichita, Kansas, over a twenty-year span, Light of the World “reaffirms Robicheaux’s status as one of the most successfully sustained creations in contemporary crime fiction” (The Washington Post Book World).

Great quality pulp fiction for the masses

Any additional comments?

Many have commented on Burke / Patton combo. In audio book circles they most certainly must have made their mark.

If I'm ever in a hurry I just download the most recent Burke / Patton book and hit the road.
Don't even need to read the reviews.

All the virtues of a very good book are there. High end literature? No. But then that high end lit requires ones complete attention to enjoy.

These books are like going for a long walk in the bush with a talkative and interesting friend.
You still listen to everything your friend is saying, but it's not so taxing that you don't enjoy your walk. Or your friends jabbering for that matter.

Top 3 dave robicheux

What did you love best about Light of the World?

I really liked this book , tension was high all through it and you really feel yourself transported to Montana.

What other book might you compare Light of the World to and why?

Just as good as Pegasus decending and tin roof blowdown , but it has a different feel to it

Have you listened to any of Will Patton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Will Patton is amazing as usual.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could not stop listening , it only took me 2 days to get through it .

White trash people

This is my first book of James Lee Burke. For mi this book is a recollection of white trash people, always in trouble, coming out of jail or going to jail, rapes, alcoholics, people without any culture, duty people.
The Will Patton does a good male voice but female voice are annoying.

Burke & Patton, doesn't get any better

When a new James Lee Burke book comes out narrated by Will Patton, I know I'm going to like it, no question. This one was no different. In western Montana for summer vacation, trouble naturally finds Dave Robicheaux and his sidekick Clete Purcell. Throw in an especially nasty bad buy and some very colorful characters and you have the makings of a good yarn. Burke's insight into human nature, his character development and the way Patton brings it out with his narration are second to none. If you've ever thought about listening to a book and haven't, these guys would be a great way to start. It's amazing how much life a narrator can bring to a good story. Enjoy!

A great series that never disappoints

What did you love best about Light of the World?

The return of Gretchen.

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

Yes, bec the two lead females are strong-willed, yet surrounded by old-fashioned, militant older males who they challenge.

Which scene was your favorite?

Whenever Gretchen or Alafair tells somebody off and they react.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Stubborn, old-world mentality meets with modern-age morality.

Any additional comments?

No.