Vachss takes Burke away from his crew and into the Midwest in "Bloosom," and in the process comes up with one of the best Burke novels. Some readers may miss his crew, but instead we get a lot of insight into Burke's history recounted as he strives to help out an old prison buddy. The title character is Burke's most interesting leading lady since Flood walked out of his life after the first novel. Overall, an exciting read pumped full of the philosophy of life by Burke.
"Blossom" is Andrew Vachss' fifth Burke novel, and while it is an excellent book, I would not suggest that those folks new to Burke's world make his acquaintance here. "Blossom" definitely stands on its own, but for a richer more comprehensive read you should have more background information. I do not have an addictive personality, but the Burke series is one of the most powerful in the crime suspense/thriller genre. I am totally caught-up in Vachss' complex characters and their mind-boggling escapades. Ac..
By his own admission, Andrew Vachss isn't a particularly good "writer": his characters are caricatures who we know only by an unusual style of speech or odd clothing; the dialogue often devolves into rambling lectures directed at the reader; the plots are formulaic; and many of his novels (particular the more recent ones) seem focused far more on social commentary than Story . . . why, then, do I feel compelled to read everything he publishes? Because Burke is COOL. I could care less about any of his "cre..
