Since renowned crime fiction writer James Lee Burke began crafting stories about his most famous character, Louisiana detective Dave Robicheaux — dating back to his debut in “The Neon Rain” in 1987 — Dave has almost always had his companion, Cletus Purcel, by his side.
During their early days as New Orleans police officers, Dave and Clete were affectionately known as the Bobbsey Twins from Homicide. Although their professional paths have diverged, their friendship remains a strong bond.
In Dave’s passionate quest for justice, Clete serves as his loyal sidekick, always having his back and sometimes playing the role of the holy fool. He’s a man of considerable size, insatiable appetites, and a big heart, with a soft spot for all kinds of outcasts. Much of the wry humor in the Robicheaux novels originates from Clete. However, he also represents some of the tragic elements — struggling with anger and substance abuse problems, often becoming a victim of his own actions.
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James Lee Burke, “Clete: A Dave Robicheaux Novel”
Review
Atlantic Monthly Press, 336 pages, $28
Fans of Burke adore Clete. In countless discussions with readers about his works, nearly every conversation has included the same sentiment: “I love Clete! When will there be a book solely about him?”
Well, lo and behold, he has.
The 24th installment in the Robicheaux series (and Burke’s 45th overall), titled “Clete,” is narrated in the first person by the man himself, offering readers a thrilling ride.
While Dave remains a character in this tale, it’s fascinating to see him through Clete’s eyes — as someone he deeply admires, almost to the point of worship, yet also as someone he feels compelled to protect: “Dave should have been a priest instead of a cop,” Clete states on the very first page. “As a result, he has made a mess of his life, and people like me have had to shield him from himself.”
This perspective may raise an eyebrow from Dave, but it sheds light on the intricacies of their relationship.
This tale begins in New Orleans in the late 1990s. Clete, known for his distinctive vehicle, describes acquiring a unique 1959 lavender-pink Eldorado, which he meticulously restores, customizes, and decks out with music tapes before parking it at a local car wash in Algiers.
However, trouble arrives shortly after when he discovers his prized Caddy being dismantled by a group of menacing individuals in his courtyard. As Clete confronts these individuals, he soon realizes that he may have unwittingly crossed paths with a much more dangerous opponent than a mere drug courier.
Amidst these events, Clete encounters Clara Bow, a woman with enigmatic motives who wants to hire him as an investigator. Their interactions, along with Clete’s efforts to protect three women living in his home, weave a tale of violence and intrigue that calls for Dave’s involvement.
Additionally, Clete finds himself engaged in conversations with Joan of Arc, who appears to him in various forms to convey messages or engage in dialogue.
Delving into Clete’s psyche, we discover a man who, despite his tough exterior, carries the scars of a traumatic past, including experiences from Vietnam and his tumultuous career in law enforcement. Whether the events in “Clete” are reality or signs of a mental unraveling, the narrative promises a gripping experience.
In May, Burke clinched the Edgar Award for best novel for “Flags on the Bayou,” further solidifying his literary accolades. With “Clete,” he ventures into another riveting tale that could potentially earn him more praise.
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Acclaimed mystery writer James Lee Burke.