Every Cloak Rolled in Blood

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

In his most autobiographical novel to date, James Lee Burke continues the epic Holland family saga with a writer grieving the death of his daughter while battling earthly and supernatural outlaws.

Novelist Aaron Holland Broussard is shattered when his daughter Fannie Mae dies suddenly. As he tries to honor her memory by saving two young men from a life of crime amid their opioid-ravaged community, he is drawn into a network of villainy that includes a violent former Klansman, a far-from-holy minister, a biker club posing as evangelicals, and a murderer who has been hiding in plain sight.

Aaron’s only ally is state police officer Ruby Spotted Horse, a no-nonsense woman who harbors some powerful secrets in her cellar. Despite the air of mystery surrounding her, Ruby is the only one Aaron can trust. That is, until the ghost of Fannie Mae shows up, guiding her father through a tangled web of the present and past and helping him vanquish his foes from both this world and the next.

Drawn from James Lee Burke’s own life experiences, Every Cloak Rolled in Blood is a devastating exploration of the nature of good and evil and a deeply moving story about the power of love and family.

Critic reviews

"James Lee Burke couldn't have a better narrator than Will Patton to lend his voice and skill to the story of 86-year-old Aaron Broussard, a novelist living in Montana who is trying to find justice in an unjust world. Patton’s gruff but gentle voice tinged with the experiences of a hard life allows listeners to comprehend how Broussard deals with his complicated reality. He tries to make sense of a man either haunted by ghosts or in the throes of senility. Characters like state trooper and possible love interest Ruby Spotted Horse and the spirit of Broussard’s only daughter, Fannie Mae, lend urgency to the tale."

What an amazing book.

I listened to the book in its entirety in one sitting/standing. It is truly if a personal nature.

I am from South Texas and all of the references to the Hill Country and San Antonio resonate with me.

Will Patton’s storytelling and delivery is magnificent. I believe he is the best performer today.

I am a huge James Lee Burke fan and this book is a tremendous success as it left me wanting more.

Mr. Burke’s ability to paint an intriguing, vivid and capturing picture utilizing his wonderful command of the English language is truly awe-inspiring.

He adds depth to every character and those of us that have been around for a while have met all of these people at one time or another.

Whether you believe in the paranormal or not is between you and your higher power.

However, it is comforting to imagine the possibility of someone waiting to welcome us when we crossover to the other side.

It is obvious Mr. Burke has shared his heart and soul for the world to see.

Thank you, sir.

Outstanding

James Lee Burke’s command of language and knowledge of history and mythology is unmatched. One of the great storytellers of our time.

Need new approach

I've read or listened to most of J. L. Burke's books. They are all generally the same. Burke dabbles a little into the spirit world in many books but has gone almost sci-fi in this book. His descriptions of internal turmoil and suffering across all books seem the same but intertwining strong feelings with the dead and describing how the dead wreak havoc (death and destruction) on the living is a bit too much. It was a good story but I think I'm done with his books.

What a difference a real writer makes!

I had just finished a pleasurable and entertaining series, when I happened on this book, which reminded me of the difference between "mind candy" and literature. I don't always pay attention to lavish praise from reviewers. in Mr. Burke's case, the praise is deserved. Rich description and characterization without the use or overuse of trite phrasing, philosophy delivered without the ring of dogma, truths of being human rendered with elegance. With Will Patton's performance (hardly just a narration), a wonderful experience.

Stunning read

Another masterpiece, asecond read is in order. Thought provoking James Lee Burke genius at it's best