The Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke (2007, Hardcover)

One of his best. A fascinating read about New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. As in all of his books set in South Louisiana, he tells a wonderful tale of flawed individuals coping a with a world that is very different than the one in which they grew up. As the South changed and evolved from an agrarian society characterized by tremendous civility and hospitality as well as deeply rooted racism and violence, Burke weaves uses his almost magical storytelling skill to remind us all of our own choices which will define who and what we were, we are, and what we may become. I loved it.

James Lee Burke does it again! He brings together colorful characters with depth, our country's worst natural disaster, incompetent government at all levels from city to national and a fascinating plot with lots of nifty twists and turns to provide with a treat that will keep you turning pages until you are finished should you dare to open the cover.

Disappointing effort from a great,unique author. Dave Robicheaux pursues so many plot lines that he's at risk of being lost in one. Burke's evocative prose, when focused upon the southern Louisiana landscape post-Katrina, is fine. Alas, his plot is way too thick. Story lines are not concluded and questions are left hanging like moss from a tree. A huge fan of the author's, I'll buy anything he writes, but this effort is not among his best.

I love the mysteries and thrillers written by James Lee Burke. He introduced me to main character, "Dave Robicheaux," a former member of the NOPD, in a novel called "Cadillac Jukebox" many years ago. I anxiously await the next installment in the "Dave Robicheaux" series. I DID NOT and COULD NOT wait until "The Tin Roof Blowdown" was published in paperback so I found a GREAT hardback first edition on ebay for less than the paperback will be in a year!
Dave Robicheaux is caught up in a compelling, page-turner of a thriller once again, with a crime that takes place during the horrific impact of Hurricane Katrina in the New Orleans, La. area. New Orleans has been reduced to the level of a medieval society; there is no law or order in the aftermath of the terrible storm, and Dave Robicheaux and his faithful counterpart, Clete PUrcel, are soon involved in solving the disappearance of a drug-addicted Catholic priest, and a theft involving millions of dollars in jewels stolen by looters on the streets. One particular vigilante may turn out to be more dangerous than the criminals that have escaped the flooded prisons!
If you have never read James Lee Burke, pick up a copy of "The Tin Roof Blowdown" on ebay and get to know its main character, fomer-alcoholic detective Dave Robicheaux!I promise you that you will want MORE! These novels do not have to be read in any particular order to be enjoyed or understood but check the publication dates if you do want to experience the "Dave Robicheaux" novels in sequence. I highy recommend the author and the series. Thanks, and enjoy!

I'm not happy about having to come up with 100 characters for a review when two words states my opinion. Thank You!

I was a little skeptical about ordering a former library book, as I thought it might be in bad condition. However, the book was in excellent condition for the low price that I paid. It was my book club selection and my first encounter with James Lee Burke. His vivid descriptions of life in New Orleans after Katrina were heart breaking. Burke weaves a good mystery tale, and I am sure to read more of his works.

This book a,signed first edition purchased for my wife as a birthday present, is the one of many of the Burke books we have purchased on ebay. She enjoys his novels, taken from the low-lands of Louisiana ,for their authentic flair and great exciting tales of Detective Dave Robicheaux. If you enjoy deep southern intrige and who-dun-its, read the James Lee Burke series starring this exciting and adventurous man and his cajun people. Certainly a book you will talk about and pass on to family and friends alike.

In this book James Lee Burke delves into the destruction after Hurricane Katrina through his character Dave Robicheaux. I grew up in Louisiana. His books are very illustrative of South Louisiana.