A Private Cathedral

Best Robicheaux book ever!

Mr. Burke has always skirted along the supernatural elements in his novels. Always just there teetering on the edge. With this novel he kicked up the supernatural elements to full-tilt boogie. And that’s not a bad thing.

There are many sins in “A Private Cathedral,” but none so prevalent and downright immersion breaking as the truly awful dialogue. As Harrison Ford once told a cocky George Lucas, “You can type this, but you sure can’t say it.”

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GREAT PLOTS, GREAT RELATABLE CHARACTERS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FABULOuS READ.. JAMES LEE BURKE IS AN EXCELLENT STORY TELLER AND WRITER. LADY PEPPER ROSE AUGUST 2020 FREEPORT NEW YORK

Burke’s book are always must reads for me. His descriptions of Bayou country are second to none. The flawed characters of Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell are always compelling and the action and violence kept the pages turning. But I thought the inclusion of magical realism in the character of Gideon Richetti just a little too far fetched and outside of what I expect from a master like Burke and for that reason I can only give it 4 stars. All past books got 5.

I have read many of the author’s books, but this was too weird. Short in plot. Didn’t need a course on race relations. Didn’t need an author speaking for Black race.

Burke is the only author I have ever read who paints word pictures with such ferocity and grace at the same time. I have marveled at his ability, and have said about him that I could never write like that, and I have never felt that way about any other author. I just hope there are several more in his repertoire. I can't stand the thought of there not being another one. This one was great! I don't understand why there have not been more movies or series made based on his books.

Classic noir hard-boiled mysteries do not typically engage me so thoroughly, but there is a special something about A Private Cathedral that kept drawing me back in every time I put it down. From the descriptions to the paranormal's inclusion, James Lee Burke's 40th novel is a treat on many levels. What I Love The grit of the story has a unique beauty due to wonderfully detailed descriptions that painted just the right picture, while shocking metaphors that make you look at the ordinary through all new lenses. I loved the use of language in this novel. It immediately drew me in and left me with a whole new appreciation for the written word. I loved the addition of the paranormal aspect with Gideon Richetti, who claims to be a time-traveling executioner from the 1600s. He is a revelatory or someone who reveals the true nature of the people he comes in contact with. He is also a killer of unbridled proportions. I loved that this unexpected part of the story fits so comfortably in a classic noir. Dave Robicheaux is a delightfully flawed hero. As with all hard-boiled detectives, he has the code he lives by, and he is faithful to that code. Robicheaux only becomes involved in a relationship with Penelope when she declares that she isn't married to the man he thought is her husband. Of course, all the other characters raise their eyebrows at this declaration, as I did, but he takes it at face value. He only resorts to violence when he has no other choice. And, he is a loyal partner and co-worker. The novel is gritty with a dark realism that is enhanced by its staccato rhythm and sharp tone. The pace fits the rhythm and ebbs and flows like the water the ship travels on, keeping me bound in its web of lies and misdirections while providing me with the details that created the multiple layers of the complex cast of characters. To Read or Not to Read There is so much to this story that most readers will find enjoyable, and I highly recommend that they jump aboard. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.