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James Lee Burke Books in Order
James Lee Burke is a celebrated American author, renowned for crafting gripping mysteries, particularly the acclaimed Dave Robicheaux series. He has twice received the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Novel, for Black Cherry Blues in 1990 and Cimarron Rose in 1998. Born in Houston, Texas, Burke grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast, where his surroundings deeply influenced his writing. He holds a BA and MA from the University of Missouri, and has had a diverse career, including stints as a reporter, social worker, and oil industry professional. Burke has also taught at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Wichita State University, and currently resides in Montana and Louisiana with his wife, Pearl. His daughter, Alafair Burke, is a fellow mystery novelist. Burke's writing is deeply rooted in the complexities of human nature and the rich cultural heritage of the American South.
Bibliography verified: April 2026
Quick Answer
What are all of James Lee Burke's book series? James Lee Burke has written 6 book series. The most notable is the Billy Bob Holland series.
Complete series list with all books in reading order below.
Book Series by James Lee Burke
- #1
Cimarron Rose(1997) - #2
Heartwood(1999) - #3
Bitterroot(2001) - #4
In the Moon of Red Ponies(2004)
- #1
The Neon Rain(1987) - #2
Heaven's Prisoners(1988) - #3Black Cherry Blues(1989)
- #4
A Morning for Flamingos(1990) - #5A Stained White Radiance(1992)
- #6In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead(1993)
- #7
Dixie City Jam(1994) - #8Burning Angel(1995)
- #9Cadillac Jukebox(1996)
- #10
Sunset Limited(1996) - #11
Purple Cane Road(2000) - #12
Jolie Blon's Bounce(2002) - #13
Last Car to Elysian Fields(2003) - #14Crusader's Cross(2005)
- #15
Pegasus Descending(2006) - #16The Tin Roof Blowdown(2007)
- #17
Swan Peak(2008) - #18The Glass Rainbow(2010)
- #19
Creole Belle(2012) - #20Light of the World(2013)
- #21
Robicheaux(2018) - #22
The New Iberia Blues(2019) - #23
A Private Cathedral(2020) - #24
Clete(2024) - #25
The Hadacol Boogie(2026)
- #1
Lay Down My Sword and Shield(1971) - #2
Rain Gods(2009) - #3
Feast Day of Fools(2011) - #4
House of the Rising Sun(2015) - #5
Another Kind of Eden(2021) - #6
Every Cloak Rolled in Blood(2022) - #7
Don't Forget Me, Little Bessie(2025)
- #1Lay Down My Sword and Shield(1971)
- #2Two for Texas(1982)
- #3
Cimarron Rose(1997) - #4Heartwood(1999)
- #5Bitterroot(2001)
- #6In the Moon of Red Ponies(2004)
- #7Rain Gods(2009)
- #8Feast Day of Fools(2011)
- #9
Wayfaring Stranger(2014) - #10House of the Rising Sun(2015)
- #11The Jealous Kind(2016)
- #12Another Kind of Eden(2021)
- #13Every Cloak Rolled in Blood(2022)
- #14Don't Forget Me, Little Bessie(2025)
- #1
Half of Paradise(1965) - #2
To the Bright and Shining Sun(1970) - #3Two for Texas(1982)
- #4The Lost Get-Back Boogie(1986)
- #5White Doves at Morning(2002)
- #6
Flags on the Bayou(2023) - #7
Texas City, 1947(1992) - #8
The Convict and the Other Stories(1985) - #9
Jesus Out to Sea(2007) - #10
Harbor Lights(2024) - #11
Louisiana Stories(1990) - #12
The Best American Mystery Stories 2006(2006) - #13
The Best American Mystery Stories 2008(2008) - #14
Delta Blues(2009) - #15
The Best American Mystery Stories 2009(2009) - #16
Books to Die For(2012) - #17
The Best American Mystery Stories 2014(2014) - #18
The Best American Mystery Stories 2018(2018)
- #1Wayfaring Stranger(2014)
- #2The Jealous Kind(2016)
About James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke is a celebrated American author, renowned for crafting gripping mysteries, particularly the acclaimed Dave Robicheaux series. He has twice received the prestigious Edgar Award for Best Novel, for Black Cherry Blues in 1990 and Cimarron Rose in 1998. Born in Houston, Texas, Burke grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast, where his surroundings deeply influenced his writing. He holds a BA and MA from the University of Missouri, and has had a diverse career, including stints as a reporter, social worker, and oil industry professional. Burke has also taught at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Wichita State University, and currently resides in Montana and Louisiana with his wife, Pearl. His daughter, Alafair Burke, is a fellow mystery novelist. Burke's writing is deeply rooted in the complexities of human nature and the rich cultural heritage of the American South.
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