Robicheaux books SPOILER ALERT

[krauseb]

I made the mistake of reading Burning Angle & Purple Cane Road before reading The Neon Rain. Is "The Neon Rain" the first of the Robicheaux book? How many of the Robicheaux books are there? Facts in later books don't match, in Neon rain Dave retires, in BA & PCR he was forced out of the job.
Bob.

[pamala]

The books are listed on the website's bibliography page. I believe there are 18 in the series.

[jamesleeburke]

Dave didn't retire from the NOPD in The Neon Rain. I think the confusion about his status may have come about by the mention in the epilog of his requesting the return of his retirement funds when he resigns from the department.

The books in the series are meant to stand independently of one another, so it's not necessary to read them in sequence. I hope you continue to enjoy them.

Best,

Jim

[Connie Ciampanelli]

The first JLB book I read, after reading a tremendous review in our local newspaper, was Crusader's Cross. I subsequently read each new book as it was released.

After reading CC, I went back and read out of order the entire canon (except for three or four which I'm taking my time getting to so that I don't run out)! I have found that in addition to the stories being independent, as JLB stated above, he always provides enough background in each book so that the reader is not at sea.

Enjoy the ride!

[CaribooRose]

HI Guys
Hey welcome, Connie

I didn't start with the first book ... can't remember which one now but it doesn't matter because the stories are so eloquently presented they can easily stand alone, yes. Having said that, now I'm going thru the series in perfect order LOL preparing my fine self for The Glass Rainbow.

Regards!!
Rose

[Connie Ciampanelli]

Thanks, Rose (my ancestry is from Canada on both sides, but Quebecois), I haven't been on often---a couple of old posts under ConCiamp in summer of 2009, but plan to browse more often. The topics and writers are wonderful, as is JLB himself of course!

Connie Ciampanelli
Rhode Island

[Dakotapix]

I didn't start with the first book ... can't remember which one now but it doesn't matter because the stories are so eloquently presented they can easily stand alone, yes. Having said that, now I'm going thru the series in perfect order LOL preparing my fine self for The Glass Rainbow.

Regards!!
Rose

The books are indeed standalone but I still find it useful to read the Robicheaux novels in order particularly to keep track of Dave's marriages. But that may just be me. JLB is always careful to bring his readers up to date on most of Dave's history in each new novel in the series.

[conchgirl55]

My introduction to Dave Robicheaux was Pegasus Descending. I listened to it last summer on a Playaway (Recorded Books) while riding my bike. I was hooked and have started at the beginning and am reading my way through the series. I also watched the first movie, "Heaven's Prisoner's". I am just about done with "Dixie City Jam". My reason for posting is, I can't remember who it was Dave was accused of murdering! I think it was in Black Cherry Blues but I could be wrong. Without spoiling a plot for anyone, would someone please direct me to the book so I can refresh my memory? I am a little OCD when it comes to my reading and this will bug me ! Thanks.

[leoauthor1970]

My girlfriend suggested JLB to me, she's an avid reader, and is enamored with his work. I started by checking out Pegasus Descending from the local library. My problem is, and I'm not being glib, that I have ADHD, so it's extremely hard for me to actually read a book all the way through. To date, I probably have more than 30 books in various stages of "in progress" reading.

My solution was audiobook. I bought a device specifically for loading books onto and listening to on my 1 hour each way daily commute to and from work. I began, again, with Pegasus Descending, and thankful I did. I've said it before, but to me it is the best in the series. It goes without saying Mr. Burke's writing is the apex. But, speaking as someone who has been in law enforcement nearly 25 years, the complex conspiracy plots are captivating. I love investigations, and following a smart detective along such involved investigations, where initially everything seems separate, independent of one another but ties together completely at the end in a tidy little package...amazing. The cop in me finds Dave's investigations pure genius. The complex angle is also what makes "L.A. Confidential" one of my all time favorite movies.

Aside from all the...er, legal and disciplinary problems ( ) I would love to have a career like Dave's. Luckily I can vicariously experience such a career through the series. My only problem is waiting for each new installment. I finished Glass Rainbow within a few days, and now, I have to wait (how long will it be, Mr. Burke?) until the next book is released.