Book – House of the Rising Sun

House of the Rising Sun by James Lee Burke   (2015) Hackberry Holland has been a Texas Ranger and a town sheriff among many other things in his life.  One of the jobs he did the worst at was being a father.  His son is now a grown man and a captain in the U.S. Army.  Holland sets off to find his son, to see if there is anything that can be salvaged in their relationship.  What he discovers is an international arms merchant who may possess the Holy Grail.  When Holland takes it he earns a dedicated enemy.  His travels introduce him to three strong women who will help him towards his goal, each in their own way and within their own parameters.

Usually, when someone mentions the Holy Grail in their story description, my eyes roll back into my head and I make a strange gurgling noise in depths of my throat.  There has just been so much nonsense written that includes the Grail.

This isn’t one of those stories.

Burke is a brilliant writer who carefully weaves together some astounding threads to create the tapestry of the story.  Hackberry is a unique character, but one that fits perfectly within the archetype of the western man of few words.  The women in this novel are worth the price of admission alone.  Ruby Dansen, Hackberry’s one true love and the mother of their son.  Beatrice DeMolay, brothel madam, and descendant of a Crusader knight.  And Maggie Bassett, whose abilities at subterfuge and deceit would make Machiavelli proud.  Holland expects nothing from them and accepts whatever they offer.  There is a thing that he has to do.  Nothing will turn him from it.

This is the first Burke novel I’ve ever read.  His name had been recommended to me by a friend.  It won’t be the last.  Truly powerful writing and storytelling.

This book is part of a series that follows the Holland family.  Burke has a variety of other novels including a series about a Louisiana police detective called David Robicheaux.

Why I Liked It – Superior writing that made me go back several times to re-read passages in wonder.

Why You Will Like It – Powerful, compelling characters trying to find their way in a cruel and inhospitable world.

Rating – **** Recommended