Book cover of Clete

Book description

In the latest installment in his famous Detective Dave Robicheaux series, New York Times bestselling author James Lee Burke brings Dave’s partner and friend Clete Purcel to the forefront for the first time as Clete and Dave attempt to stop ruthless smugglers of a dangerous new drug

Clete Purcel –…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Clete as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I have always thought Burke should write a standalone about Clete Purcell, sidekick to Robicheaux and here he has done so. It is an incisive and humane look at the character of a complex hero who has to sort out an internecine plot involving fentanyl and a Nazi group at work.

The craft displayed herein explains why James Lee Burke was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. The juxtaposition of Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell combined with the predictably unreliable narration by Clete is the recipe James Lee Burke uses to reinvigorate a thirty-five-year-old mystery series. Clete is exceptional even for a master of the genre like James Lee Burke.

If you love Clete...

Book cover of Nate the Texas Story

Nate the Texas Story by Mark Warren,

Nate Champion might be the most heroic figure of America’s Old West ... and yet one of popular history’s best-kept secrets. Now he finally gets his due in this historical novel duology. His humble beginnings in Texas prepare him for a life with horses and cattle. Though a well-known horse…

Want books like Clete?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 75 books like Clete.

Browse books like Clete

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?