The mysticism in Mr. Burke's novels is so compelling. I've not read any other books that offer such a unique experience. I wish him a very long life so that we may be blessed with more of these amazing books. ( )

Gorgeous and poetic writing are the hallmark of James Lee Burke’s new novel, Every Cloak Rolled in Blood. As he notes in the forward to the book, Mr, Burke lost his daughter recently, and this becomes the foundation for ECRIB, with many autobiographical elements in the book.

Aaron Bouchard is an elderly novelist, living alone on a ranch in a remote area of Montana, and unable to cope with the death of his adult daughter, Fannie Mae. The novel opens with his barn door being vandalized by a father and son, and he later confronts the pair over the incident. This is quickly followed by an attempted break in of his property by two brothers, who have issues of their own. We soon meet a variety of interesting and flawed characters, including Ruby, a Native American police officerwho believes there are evil spirits living in an area off of her cellar. Aaron soon begins to see supernatural occurrences, including conversations with his deceased daughter, and also begins to question his own sanity.

This summary doesn’t really do justice to a novel that is so beautifully written. Mr. Burke, like his main character Aaron, is 85 years old, and his writing is still superb. I reveled in the beauty of his sentences. I’ve only ever read his Dave Robicheaux books, and while ECRIB was different, especially with the incorporation of a lot of supernatural elements, the book was still fabulous. I can understand why he’s been called the best American author alive.

Many thanks to Somin and Schuster, and to Netgalley, for providing an ARC of this wonderful novel. ( )

An over the top novel of anxiety, depression and dealing with death of a daughter. This story was not for me. ( )

I recently bought this book in hardcover but decided to listen to it first since I love Will Patten as a narrator. Listening to this book late at night while everyone in the house was sleeping added to the ghostly quality of this story. James Lee Burke has called this novel his most autobiographical to date. JLB lost his daughter, Pamala about two years ago, our main character Aaron Holland Broussard has lost his daughter, Fannie May. He tries to honor her memory by saving two young men from a life of crime in their opioid-ravaged community. By doing this, he's drawn into so much evil, it's truly overwhelming. The pain radiating from this novel is physical for the reader. JLB has been called "America's best novelist" and after reading and listening to his books most of my life, I completely agree with this. I will be reading the physical book as well and expect to find things I missed in the audio because of the many layers he weaves in this story. ( )

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is writing of the highest order, absolute quality.
Completely involving the reader in the brilliant characters and story, atmospheric clever descriptive imaginative and intelligent engaging from first to last. Did I completely understand it all, NO did that in any way spoil the book for me NO WAY, that's my failing not its. Part murder mystery, part ghost story sometimes heart wrenchingly sad others laugh out loud funny always interesting.
Completely and utterly recommended. ( )