The Lost Get-Back Boogie

By: James Lee Burke

Narrated by: Will Patton

Called "America's best novelist" by the Denver Post, James Lee Burke is well known for his award-winning Dave Robicheaux series. In this enthralling departure, Burke weaves the tale of Iry Paret.

Released from prison after two years for manslaughter, Iry heads to Montana for a fresh start on a ranch owned by a prison buddy's father. He also hopes to nail down a song he's been working on, unable to get quite right. But soon new troubles bring tragic consequences, and it will take a lot more than a soulful tune to ease the pain.

©1986 James Lee Burke (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

OK - But Not Burke's Best Work

This is kind of an odd book. As usual, Burke's eloquent descriptive prose is here, along with his frequent, thoughtful meditations on the human condition. But there really isn't much of a coherent plot here. A recently released ex-convict and gifted musician tries to navigate his way to a meaningful life, all while watching the lives of everybody around him crash and burn due to their various character defects and the inherent brutality and cruelty of the world. That really does capture the entire plot here. It seems like Burke is trying to write more of a character-driven novel here instead of his more usual, exciting dramas. Yet somehow the characters here just aren't drawn with as much vitality and fine detail as in Burke's other works. That said, Will Patten reading James Lee Burke is never exactly a bad time - just listening to him describe the mountains and the wilderness is something amazing. So if you go into it not expecting much - it will exceed your expectations. If you expect this to be another Neon Rain, you will be disappointed.

Reminiscent of great Depression era writers.

Slow going at first but was more interesting after a couple of days. The sense and scenery of the Missoula and Bitter Root Valley drew me in as a reader and participant in the story.

Good writing. Great narrating. A little boring.

Good writing and narrating as usual but lacked the usual intrigue and plot development that his other books have.

JLB Tells Another Great Tale

JLB Tells Another Great Tale

It's all about characterization, and little about plotline. Enjoy the characters' conversations and observations.

Will Patton is the perfect narrator.

Repertory

Not very interesting, slow and drawn out. Not the usual suspense type story Burke writes.will Patten was good as always.

Missing an Ending

This was a confusing book for me. The writing was terriffic as with all of James Lee Burke books. The characters were interesting and I felt that they would eventually come together and tell the story. However, this never happened. This book reminded me of an abridged book. In this case however the part that was shortened or left out was the ending. There wasn't one. It was as if Burke was tired of writing and just decided to stop. It made no sense what so ever and spoiled the book for me. As usual the narration by Will Patton was excellent.

Will Patton makes anything worthwhile

This is one of James Lee Burke's early novels, and as such he is still developing as the brilliant author that he's become.

But Will Patton is so fabulous if he were to read the phone book I would stop everything and listen.

Will Patton is awesome

James Lee Burke’s description and story crafting is amazing. His dialogue seems so authentic.
Will Patton is a genius at making the story real.

Let's get drunk and then fight!

Is this what it's like to "be a man" in James Lee Burke's experience? His books are better written than just about anyone's but, God I get tired of the constant boozing and then being sorry for it! Are drunks really this stupid?
Will Patton is the best! No one reads a story better—as well, maybe (and few can do that)—but not better. He is superb!
If you've read Burke before then you already know about the drunks who pepper all his stories. The characters of this story may be the worst of all of them. Still, it is a good story. Typical James Lee Burke.

Entertaining

James Lee Burke's books are always entertaining and when narrated by Will Patton they can transport you to a different time and place.