Here’s a concise summary of “Clete” by James Lee Burke:

Clete Purcel, a Vietnam war veteran and private investigator, takes center stage in this gripping addition to the Dave Robicheaux series. When Clete’s beloved Cadillac is ransacked by thugs tied to the drug trade, he’s drawn into a dangerous criminal enterprise. As he investigates, he uncovers a web of brutal deaths, dark pasts, and a mysterious substance with catastrophic effects. Burke’s vivid storytelling and gritty portrayal of New Orleans make this a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and noir¹.