James Lee Burke is one of our finest living novelists. His books are not just mysteries. They are written in a literary style that is both unique and beautiful. If you have not read Burke I highly recommend him to you. This book was acquired in the author's home town of New Iberia, Louisiana, deep in Cajun country. The book is in Very Fine condition and is signed by the author directly on the title page. All corners are square and the dustjacket is in Very Fine condition as well. It is not Price-clipped. The story involves a man named Hackberry Holland who has become sheriff of a tiny Texas town near the Mexican border. He had hoped to leave certain things behind him: his checkered reputation, his haunted dreams, and the obsessive memories of the good life with his late wife. But the discovery of the bodies of nine illegal aliens, machined gunned to death and buried in a shallow grave behind a church, soon makes it clear that he won't escape so easily. All of James Lee Burke's novels are wonderful reads and he stands head and shoulders over most modern writers, This is a beautiful book that will be a joy to read and collect. We are pleased to send pictures on request.