IGX

Rain Gods seems like the kind of tale that would appeal to many IGXers. It's another terrific read from Burke. The characters--good and bad--are his usual mix of damaged, souls being pulled to their destiny. Burke is inventive, smart, and funny. He can spin a tale, and includes a satisfying share of a freshly conceived wet work.

The protagonist this time is not his Louisiana cop Dave Robichault, but a an aging Korean-War-vet/sheriff in forfuckingsaken, drierthanfuckingdust south Texas. Our man has seen a lot in his life--too much--and a bad guy wants to think thrice before going up against him. The antagonists are a fine mix of sociopaths, misfits, and sleaze.

There are hints of Cormac McCarthy in the book, perhaps it's the location, perhaps it's the tough but decent lawman, and overriding sense of fate playing out before us. Perhaps it's simply that Burke resembles Tommy Lee Jones, who was played the south Texas sheriff in the movie of McCarthy's latest. Burke is wittier than McCarthy, and unlike McCarth, he's is not writing fables. Like McCarthy, he provides an apocalyptic experience.

Get this instead of pissing your money away on another e-book or dvd on krazyballs, (ho)mobility or interplanetary mental acuity.

Burke spends time in Montana. Perhaps Seahill could take a writing cert from him.

PS--don't be put off by the wierd jacket photo of Burke.

Burke is a fine writer & great story-teller. But right now I'm on a break from reading his stuff...too dark & tortured.

Burke kicks ass.

I'm listening to Joe Lansdale's latest "Vanilla Ride" in the car while I'm out and about, and can't wait to read the book. Out-fucking-standing.

Burke is awfully good. The plot in this one kept threatening to spin out of control, but he kept hold of it in the end. And, sentence for sentence, Burke has got to be one of the best pure writers in America.

The books on tape from Burke are outstanding. Listening to Will Patton narrate a Dave Robicheaux / Clete Purcel adventure is the best way to make commuting to work an adventure.

I have driven extra slow and sat in my driveway after night shift totally enjoying their work. I caught myself calling guys "big mon" and switched authors for a while.

I will be checking out the library for this one too. Thanks big mon.

I totally told somebody the other day" We should kick a 2x4 up his ass"