James Lee Burke Pegasus Descending

Pegasus Descending

James Lee Burke

Simon & Schuster, Jul 2006, $26.00

ISBN 0743277724

Twenty-five years ago in New Iberia, Louisiana, thugs led by Whitey Bruxal executed Dallas Klein during a bank robbery gone bad while his friend and fellow police officer Dave Robicheaux was too drunk to help. Even today Dave remains haunted by his inability to act on behalf of his buddy.

In the present a pretty grifter arrives in New Iberia claiming to be Dallas' daughter Trish Klein. Dave wonders if she is telling the truth and if the answer is yes he wonders if he could find redemption by in some way assisting her. However, Trish is doing illegal activities passing around counterfeit hundred dollar bills. Dave fails to react until he becomes concerned when he sees her playing mind games with mob king Bruxal. At the same time, Dave investigates the apparent suicide of Yvonne Darbonne. He has a hunch the two females are linked, but not sure how so he turns to the perfect person to stir the pot, and to find the link, the maniacal Clete Purcel.

James Lee Burke is at his best with the flawed Dave's past coming back to haunt him when the beautiful Trish arrives in town to put his mind either at rest or in a psychiatric ward. The story line is terrific as the action is non-stop, but the key players seem genuine especially their interplay with a showdown of sorts inevitable. PEGASUS DESCENDING is a gripping thriller filled with passion, regret, and betrayal; what more can a reader want.

Harriet Klausner