I’m not familiar with this series ir the work of James Lee Burke, but was pulled in by the blurb and listened to the audio version. Narration throughout was superb; well paced and delivered with just the right intonation. It really had a sense of the Deep South right from the start. It’s an incredibly complex tale with a huge cast of characters all really well depicted. Poor Bessie is looking for love and care, but gets little or none from her widowed alcoholic father and brother. The first part is set on the family homestead in Texas, it’s run down and impoverished and Bessie is unwittingly involved in killing a man. The next part takes place in a wild New York where she hooks up with her brother and a violent life with the underworld of gangs at the start of the First World war. The final section is back in Texas where the oil boom is about to hit and companies are intent upon drilling.

The imagery throughout is vivid. A slaughterhouse scene is one which, I’m almost sorry to say, will remain with me for some time. The language is simple but also profound as Bessie and her brother experience life in the raw. There are contemporary references to Wyatt Earp, Davy Crockett, Jackson and others and a few biblical allusions. It’s an achievement to convincingly present a raw and cruel world through the eyes of a young girl. Her insights are both innocent and incisive and this is a complex tale of a family that feels real. Just amazing and I really enjoyed it, completed in almost a single sitting.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy

Don’t Forget Me, Little Bessie is the first James Lee Burke novel I’ve listened to, and it made a strong impression. Centering on Clete Purcel — a war veteran, ex-cop, and longtime partner of Dave Robicheaux — the story blends gritty crime fiction with a deeply personal journey.

Burke’s writing is atmospheric and lyrical, and the audiobook narrator captures Clete’s voice perfectly — tough, weary, and surprisingly tender in moments. The performance added real depth to the story and made Clete’s inner turmoil and dark humor feel authentic.

The plot moves through revenge, cartel violence, and personal loss, all tied to timely issues like the opioid crisis. While there’s a lot happening, the emotional core stays strong.

A powerful, character-driven crime novel — gripping, thoughtful, and beautifully narrated.

This is a first read for me from the author, and while I acknowledge that it’s part of a series it worked perfectly well as a standalone title, for me. Don’t forget me, little Bessie is a bloody and violent historical fiction with a supernatural twist. It did take me a while to find my feet with the writing style but then I was off running and I loved it!

Trigger warnings should be noted for almost everything I can think of. The writing story and narration are quite sensational.

Huge thanks to W F Howes LTD and NetGalley for this opportunity to review this ALC 🎧