Light of the World: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 20 Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Light of the World: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 20 by James Lee Burke

The readers can download Light of the World: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 20 Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

Using real events that took place in Wichita, Kansas, over a period of twenty years as a springboard into the next Dave Robicheaux thriller, Light of the World is a harrowing novel that examines the nature of evil—its possible causes, and ultimately, its essential unknowability.

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7 comments

  • I wrapped up this book around five months ago, so my memory is a bit hazy, but here's my attempt to recall it: Our spirited group engages in countless verbal spats with unsavory characters, leading them to realize that dealing with bad people can be quite frustrating. They take matters into their own hands and eliminate a few of these individuals, but not before sharing a series of moralizing speeches and passionate arguments to emphasize what is truly good, wholesome, and worth fighting for, although I must admit, I still have some uncertainties. I absolutely adore Will Patton's performance - it's practically the only thing worth hearing in this audiobook.
  • I've gone through all the Robicheaux novels and this one was a bit excessive. The book could have been condensed by cutting down on the excessive philosophical pondering. Additionally, it feels like it's about time for Dave and Clete to seek some therapy. Will Patton delivers his usual performance, but even his portrayal felt a bit exaggerated in this particular book.
  • This novel revolves around the central characters, Dave and Clete, with a focus on their daughters, Alafair and Gretchen. Alafair finds herself in danger, prompting Gretchen to step in and use her skills as a skilled "hit-woman" to protect her. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the world of Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell when reading this book. The smooth narration by Will Patton adds to the overall experience. After finishing the story, I often struggle to find interest in other authors and typically find myself seeking out another James Burke novel. The plot revolves around an escaped serial killer who seeks vengeance against Alafair due to something she wrote about him during his trial. As Dave and Clete investigate and pursue the killer, they encounter various individuals and situations, slowly piecing together the chilling puzzle presented in this novel. Opinions on Will Patton's narration may vary, as his southern drawl and reading pace are a matter of personal preference. While some may argue that his accent may not be entirely authentic, it doesn't bother me. Having knowledge of Louisiana and its diverse accents, I believe that Patton brings James Burke's words to life effectively.
  • I've listened to about six of Burke's Robicheaux novels, as well as a couple of his other books. I really feel like I'm right there in the action when I read Burke's work, more so than with any other author. His writing style, which I can't really put a label on, is so vivid, complex, and descriptive that it sometimes outshines the actual story content, which can be quite intense. Robicheaux's thoughts and reflections throughout the book are constant and give him a world-weary edge, but he still maintains a hopeful outlook on people, and these stories always have an element of redemption. This novel is truly one of the best I've read in a long time, right up there with Creole Belle, the previous book in the series. Will Patton is absolutely amazing. His narration is so seamless, and he fully embodies the characters, especially Dave and Clete. It's an absolute pleasure to listen to him. I will admit that I didn't quite connect with Gretchen's voice, it felt a bit off to me. But other than that, it was so much fun to hear Patton bring even more life to Burke's already incredible story. Personally, I would rank Will Patton right alongside George Guidall as one of the best audio book narrators ever.
  • James Lee Burke has once again showcased his poetic literary style in "Light of the World: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 20", painting a vivid and authentic picture in the reader's mind. Will Patton, who I believe is the ultimate voice for the series, does an incredible job by providing a distinct voice for each character. While "Creole Belle" remains one of my favorite books in the series, I was faced with a dilemma of either listening to an abridged version of books before "Crusaders Cross" to enjoy Patton's narration or resorting to the hard copy. This was because I simply refuse to listen to Mark Hammer and his monotonous voice that puts me to sleep. Hammer may have a great southern voice, but unfortunately, he uses the same voice for every character. In this book, a rodeo clown, his enigmatic girlfriend, an escaped serial killer searching for Alafair, an ex-hit girl of sorts, and a ruthless family from Montana with old money all converge in a bar where the Robicheaux family, Clete, and Dave's reformed daughter are spending their vacation. It's safe to say that things will not turn out well. I've noticed in the past few books that the relationship between Dave and Clete has been evolving into something new, but in this installment, the duo falls back into their old ways. Dave continues to battle his personal demons while offering introspective dialogues that delve into the metaphysical and examine the nature of evil in each character, dialogue, and event. There's a fantastic line where Dave suggests that he needs a chaperone when exploring the depths of his own mind. On the other hand, Clete leaves the analysis to Dave and just wants to enjoy life. Instead of trying to tame the wild side of Clete, Dave allows his friend to live freely because he is no longer solely responsible for watching his back. Similarly, Clete can no longer only think of himself, as he feels the need to make up for lost time with his family. This dynamic between friends and family creates a captivating storyline. However, things take an even darker turn when a vengeful serial killer seeks to repay Alafair for her involvement in his trial. The intricate connections between random people and encounters gradually form a larger and more sinister picture. Burke excels at depicting chilling and malevolent characters, and readers will not be disappointed. While I wouldn't claim that this is the best book Burke has written in the series, considering the exceptional quality of his previous works, it is still a remarkable read. Few authors can match DLB's writing style and his ability to transport readers from the swamps of Louisiana to the untamed wilderness of Montana. Cheers to Clete, and Dave, the Dr. Pepper is on me because this audiobook is definitely worth the credit.
  • The homocide duo is back in action, and other reviewers have already summarized the overall plot, so let's dive into the strengths and weaknesses of this book. As always, JLB's writing style is filled with beautiful poetry and emotion. I've enjoyed nearly every book from this author, and his latest work is no exception. The villains in this story are genuinely terrifying and wicked. There's a character who constantly teeters between good and evil, sanity and insanity, and their impact on the narrative is profound. The plot grabbed my attention from start to finish, making it difficult to put the book down. However, I can't say I was particularly sad when it reached its conclusion either. One aspect that bothered me was the character of Gretchen, Clete's daughter. At times, I found her to be annoying and unrealistic. Although Will Patton's extraordinary talent is undeniable, it seemed like he struggled to fully embody Gretchen's character throughout the book. Nevertheless, this book is an excellent mystery adventure overall. I can't wait to see what Dave and Clete get up to in their next escapade.
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