Don’t Forget Me, Little Bessie

Burke relentlessly shines with his ever-present rich and poetic prose, coupled with his memorable characters and plots. This is the fifth book involving the Holland family, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Although Burke is best known for his Dave Robicheaux series, his second preference appears to be the Holland family, which seems loosely based on his mother’s side of the family.

The inspiration for the main character, Bessie, seems drawn from his mother, who lived to be nearly 102 years old.

The story begins with 14-year-old Bessie living in rural Texas, engulfed in the chaos and mayhem caused by petroleum companies’ insatiable desire to obtain drilling rights everywhere. The oil boom is on, and no one is safe from the ravages of greed. Bessie lives with her alcoholic father, an ex-Texas Ranger who refuses to succumb to the big oil companies, and her older brother, Cody. She is smart, resourceful, and deeply moral.

The legendary former Texas Ranger Hackberry Holland now lives a life of debauchery and unreliability. As the oil companies race to clear the land, they inadvertently disturb the remains of a young girl who was raped and murdered. Her ghost-like image appears to Bessie—who even notices the resemblance to herself. As frequently occurs in Burke’s books, the supernatural makes an appearance. A “haint” or guardian also appears to Bessie in the form of a man called Slick, who seems invisible to most. Throughout the book, Slick appears unexpectedly to offer warnings or guidance, frequently reminding Bessie that she “looks just like the murdered girl.”

There is a cast of unforgettable characters who relentlessly push the narrative forward. “Indian Charlie,” known for slaughtering Native Americans, is now the head of security for Atlas Oil and has his sights fixed on the Hollands. He contributes to the ever-present threat of rape, murder, and mass destruction—he is the consummate villain. Then there’s the ongoing feud between the Hollands and the Fowlers. Jubal Fowler is caught peeking at Bessie in the school outhouse, which leads to a fight between Cody and Jubal that escalates into a showdown with the father, Winthrop Fowler. Bessie, never one to back down, leaves Winthrop disabled.

Tension continues to rise with the recurring entry of the well-meaning madam, Bertha Lafleur, into Hackberry’s life. This entangles the Hollands with drug dealers and murderers. Although Bertha was once saved by Hackberry, she ultimately betrays his trust.

Burke weaves a masterful, multilayered storyline of escalating tension and intrigue, elevated by his poetic prose and vivid characters. Historical figures are seamlessly introduced, adding rich context and insight. A brief visit to New York with the young visages of Benny Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Owney Madden—interacting with Bessie—proves relevant to her character development. As always, the setting and atmosphere deepen the meaning and beauty of Burke’s treasured prose. His appreciation for compassion amid evil—and for people simply trying to do their best—is nothing short of remarkable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for providing an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. I hear that Burke will soon grace fans with another entry in the Dave Robicheaux series