Review of "Jolie Blon's Bounce" by James Lee Burke

Another mystery down by the bayou! Dave Robicheaux is a cop who used to be a cop in New Orleans, but is now living and working in a suburban area where he rents out fishing boats from a small bait and food service shop. In this story, a teenage girl is savagely raped and murdered and Dave is on the case. The story is filled with short bits of dialogue and bloody fighting. A major protagonist is named "Legion." Right off, the reader remembers the words "I am Legion" from somewhere suspicious.

There is a bible salesman in town who is quite strange. Then the usual line-up of suspects and characters that Burke always competently runs through his tales.

This mystery is told in fits and starts. A bit here and then another shortcut there. The author never keeps us in one place long enough to let the reader get a grip on the plot. As usual, there are a number of characters that are colorful and interesting, but this time even the ever present and tough-minded Clete Purcelle become useless as he takes up being a ladies' man for this plot. Unfortunately, the mystery, when solved, is no surprise. Many of the characters are hard to keep track of, but they don't really count anyway. The mystery is easily solved by the reader who will not be sidetracked by the hint of biblical mysteries and historical ghosts.

The plot is scattered and too brutal for my taste.