James Lee Burke
Biography
James Lee Burke is a highly acclaimed author known for his gripping and atmospheric crime novels, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series. Born on December 5, 1936, in Houston, Texas, Burke has a knack for creating complex characters and vivid settings that transport readers to the heart of the Deep South. With a career spanning over five decades, Burke has received multiple prestigious awards for his work, including two Edgar Awards and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His writing is praised for its lyrical prose, intricate plots, and deep exploration of the human condition. Burke's Dave Robicheaux series, which follows the eponymous detective as he navigates the dark underbelly of Louisiana, has garnered a devoted following and critical acclaim. The series has been adapted into several successful films and has solidified Burke's reputation as a master of the crime genre. In addition to the Dave Robicheaux series, Burke has written numerous standalone novels and short stories, further showcasing his versatility as a writer. With a dedicated fan base and a legacy of acclaimed works, James Lee Burke is truly a literary force to be reckoned with.
Standalone Novels
Individual novels by James Lee Burke not part of a series
- 2 FOR TEXAS
- A Stained White Radiance
- Bitterroot
- Burning Angel )
- Burning Angel: A Novel )
- Cadillac Jukebox )
- Cimarron Rose
- Cimarron Rose )
- Dans la brume �?©lectrique avec les morts conf�?©d�?©r�?©s
- Dixie City Jam
- Dixie City Jam Robicheaux Uk
- HEAVEN'S PRISONERS )
- Half of Paradise
- Heartwood
- Heaven's Prisoners
- In the Electric Mist With Confederate Dead
- In the Moon of Red Ponies :
- Jolie Blon's Bounce
- Jolie Blon's Bounce :
- Last Car to Elysian Fields:
- Lay Down My Sword and Shield
- Lay Down My Sword and Shield:
- Purple Cane Road
- Purple Cane Road )
- Sunset Limited
- Sunset Limited )
- The Convict and Other Stories
- The Lost Get Back Boogie
- The Lost Get-Back Boogie
- To the Bright and Shining Sun
- To the Bright and Shining Sun:
- Two for Texas
- White Doves at Morning :
Dave Robicheaux
Books in the Dave Robicheaux series by James Lee Burke
- Black Cherry Blues: A Dave Robicheaux Novel
- NEON RAIN : A Dave Robicheaux Novel
- The Neon Rain : A Dave Robicheaux Novel
Classic Series
The series that started it all
- The Neon Rain
- Heaven's Prisoners
- Black Cherry Blues
- A Stained White Radiance
Recent Series
Latest works by the author
- In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead
- The Tin Roof Blowdown
- The New Iberia Blues
Reading Order
Complete reading order for James Lee Burke's books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dave Robicheaux series about?
The Dave Robicheaux series follows a flawed but honorable detective in the southern United States as he navigates corruption, violence, and his own personal demons.
How many books are there in the Dave Robicheaux series?
As of 2021, there are 24 books in the Dave Robicheaux series.
What is the first book in the Dave Robicheaux series?
The first book in the series is 'The Neon Rain', published in 1987.
Has James Lee Burke won any awards for his Dave Robicheaux series?
Yes, James Lee Burke has won multiple awards for his Dave Robicheaux series, including two Edgar Awards for Best Novel.
Are James Lee Burke's books standalone or should they be read in order?
While each book in the Dave Robicheaux series can be read as a standalone, readers often enjoy following the character's journey in the order they were published to fully appreciate his development.