Clete by James Lee Burke

Book Summary

Clete: A Dave Robicheaux Novel is a crime-thriller by James Lee Burke that shifts the spotlight from his longtime series protagonist, Dave Robicheaux, to his rough-around-the-edges partner Clete Purcel — a veteran, ex-New Orleans cop, and private investigator.

The story begins in late-1990s Louisiana when Clete returns to find his beloved Cadillac Eldorado vandalized by a trio of thugs tied to the drug trade — a personal blow given that his grandniece died from a fentanyl overdose. From there, the plot weaves together crime, violence, and mystery as Clete investigates the incident and crosses paths with dangerous criminals, shadowy figures, and a haunting series of brutal deaths.

Alongside this core mystery, he’s hired by Clara Bow, a woman with a troubled past, to look into her estranged husband’s deeds, uncovering darker schemes that may connect back to a potent and possibly catastrophic new drug circulating in their world.

Throughout the book, Clete faces hallucinations and visions that blur reality and memory, lending a surreal edge to his gritty investigation rooted in Louisiana’s distinctive bayou landscape. The result is a tense, atmospheric thriller blending crime, contemplation, and vivid character study, told through Clete’s tough, weary voice.

✍️ About the Author — 

James Lee Burke is a critically acclaimed American novelist best known for his Dave Robicheaux series, which blends crime fiction with lyrical prose, deep character work, and a strong sense of place in the American South.

• He’s a New York Times bestselling author and has won multiple prestigious awards including the Edgar Award and the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

• Burke’s novels often explore moral complexity, human frailty, violence, and redemption against the backdrop of Louisiana’s bayous.

• His work has been recognized internationally, earning honors like the CWA Diamond Dagger and the Gold Dagger from British crime writing institutions, and the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière in France.

• Several books in the Robicheaux series have been adapted into films and television.

• Burke lives in Missoula, Montana and has authored dozens of novels and short story collections over a decades-long career.