House of the Rising Sun by James Lee Burke

James Lee Burke is one of my all-time favorite authors. His ability to viscerally capture the sights, sounds and smells of every place his characters inhabit is extraordinary.

While he is probably best known for the 20 books in his Dave Robicheaux series, centered around Louisiana’s Iberia Parish near New Orleans, the Holland Family series displays those same qualities. It’s a wild and colorful group and Burke is at his best in the House of the Rising Sun, #10 in the Holland saga in exploring the anguish and travails of this family of former soldiers and Texas Rangers.

I treasure every book that Burke writes, but he’s now in his 70s and I fear there will be far fewer going forward despite the awesome bibliography he’s also provided.

You can look forward to 20 books in the Dave Robicheaux series starting with Neon Rain and 10 more in the Holland Family series. The first Hackberry Holland book is Lay Down My Sword and Shield.

 When you’re ready to thank me for this gift, I’ll give you the address where you can send the lavish gifts. I only wish I was just getting started and had these 30+ books to look forward to.