James Lee Burke

James Lee Burke (born December 5, 1936) is an American author of detective fiction and crime thrillers. He is best known for his series featuring Detective Dave Robicheaux, a Cajun homicide detective based in New Iberia, Louisiana. Born in Houston, Texas, Burke grew up in Texas and Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 and later worked as a newspaper reporter and editor in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. He began writing fiction in the 1970s. Burke has written over 40 novels, including "The Neon Rain" (1987), "Heaven's Prisoners" (1988), "In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead" (1993), and "Cimarron Rose" (1997). His books have been praised for their atmospheric settings, vivid characters, and complex plots. Burke has won numerous awards, including the Edgar Award (twice), the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, and the Louisiana Literary Award. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages.