A Private Cathedral
(Author) James Lee BurkeAfter becoming embroiled in one of Louisiana's oldest and bloodiest gangland feuds, Detective Dave Robicheaux must battle the most terrifying adversary he has ever encountered...The merciless Shondell and Balangie families are long-time enemies in the New Iberia criminal underworld. Yet their youngest heirs, Johnny and Isolde - star-crossed teenaged lovers - have run away together.As he tried to uncover the reasons why, Robicheaux gets too close to both Isolde's mother and her father's mistress. In retribution, Balangie - as jealous as he is cruel - hires an assassin to hunt Robicheaux and his long-time partner, Clete Purcel. This hitman is unlike any the two have ever faces - able to materialize without warning, and to introduce horrifying hallucinations in his victims. In order to defeat him and rescue the young lovers, Robicheaux will have to overcome the demons that have tormented him his whole life...
James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke is an acclaimed American author known for his crime fiction novels, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series set in the Louisiana bayou. His writing style is characterized by rich, lyrical prose, vivid descriptions of the Southern landscape, and complex, morally ambiguous characters. Burke has received numerous awards for his work, including two Edgar Awards for Best Novel.
One of Burke's most notable works is "The Neon Rain," the first novel in the Dave Robicheaux series, which introduced readers to the flawed but compelling protagonist and established Burke as a master of the crime fiction genre. His contributions to literature include exploring themes of justice, redemption, and the impact of violence on individuals and communities.
Burke's impact on the crime fiction genre is significant, as he has been praised for his ability to blend literary fiction with the conventions of the genre, creating a unique and compelling style that has influenced many other writers. His work has been praised for its social commentary, memorable characters, and evocative sense of place, making him a beloved and respected figure in the world of crime fiction.