I've written on numerous occasions previously about how I was introduced to Burke's works through an interview on KASU, a public radio station in Northeast Arkansas, so I won't go into a discussion of how much I've enjoyed most of his writings again at this point in time. A Stained White Radiance is one of the latest of Burke's novels that Mary has bought for me. She knows I enjoy them so she tries to keep them around for me to read when she thinks I'm doing too much heavy thinking.

While not one of his better works, A Stained White Radiance wasn't as disappointing as one of the previous titles I've reviewed here. Another of the Dave Robicheaux novels, A Stained White Radiance tells the story of how one of the police officers in Dave's department is killed and the search for his killers.

An assassination attempt leads Robicheaux to the Sonnier family, a family with connections to the CIA, the Mob, and to the KKK. They are also a family with an extremely dark past of which Dave is a part. 

Mystery fans should enjoy this story as Burke slowly weaves the multiple plot lines together until the police officer's murder, the Klansman running for political office, the attempted assassination, and a family who might have been just a bit too close all come together threatening to destroy Robicheaux and the two people he loves most.

This was one that I liked. It seemed like it took a while to begin to make sense but when it began to move it concluded quickly. I suggest you read this one.

Copyright © 1999 Paul M. Summitt. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 09, 2005.