The novel Flags on the Bayou wins the third Edgar Award for internationally acclaimed American author, James Lee Burke. In the world of mystery books, winning an Edgar is like winning an Oscar in film. Authors and readers alike wait for the list of nominees. And then, celebrate the award announcements.
Mystery Writers of America presents The Edgar Allan Poe Awards every year. Authors and mystery readers alike, call the awards The Edgars. Winning an Edgar is prestigious. Winning one three times is rare.
With this third award of the prize, James Lee Burke stands alongside other three-time winners like Dick Francis and T. Jefferson Parker.
If you love reading mysteries, you’ll want to add yourself to the mystery fan base who wait for the announcement every year.
Flags on the Bayou Author, James Lee Burke
James Lee Burke writes novels of depth and humanity. His first book, Half of Paradise, was published in 1965. Since then, he has written so many books that there’s an ebook that lists them all in order.
Most of his stories are set in the South, rich with the texture of flora, fauna, towns, and cities in the settings. What draws readers to his books over and over are the themes that run through all of his books. They are universal – abuse of power and authority, the confrontation between good and evil, and how the past influences the present.
Over time, he has created several series. Each has a unique protagonist with a population of diverse characters.
- Dave Robicheaux books
- Hackberry Holland books
- Billy Bob Holland books
- Holland Family books
In addition, he wrote short stories, standalone novels, and nonfiction.
Burke’s writing style is vivid, visceral, and poetic, bringing the reader into the hearts and minds of his characters. He is adept at creating menace and a sense of dread as his protagonists face seemingly unconquerable foes.
Many of the stories also include a sense of mysticism, with dreams, visions, and ghosts doubling the turmoil for the protagonist with inner demons, as well as threats from opponents.
Inside this rich tapestry of setting, vivid characters, and inner turmoil, Burke also finds moments of humor and inner reflection.
He weaves it all together in seamless prose to keep you reading.
The Edgar Allan Poe Awards
Mystery Writers of America (MWA) is a professional organization founded in 1945 to foster writers and promote the mystery genre as viable literature. The organization has sponsored the Edgar Allan Poe Awards for excellence in the genre since 1946.
The awards are named after American writer Edgar Allan Poe, who pioneered the genre in the 19th Century. The awards have expanded to include not just mystery fiction books, but related genres in television, film, theater, and even non-fiction. Judges are mystery-writing peers and members of MWA.
Along with the best book award, there are eight other categories and special endowed awards. The announcements occur on May 1 of each year.
MWA also has a prestigious award, The Grand Master, created to recognize not only important individual contributions to this genre but also a body of work that exhibits both significance and consistently high quality. James Lee Burke was awarded The Grand Master in 2009.
What Is Flags on the Bayou About?
Flags on the Bayou incorporates all of James Lee Burke’s significant writing talents. The author feels it is his best book, and he has written many.
Louisiana in 1863 was pitched into the Civil War. Told from the point of view of several characters, Burke brings the horrors of war. During the tumultuous storm of war, a diverse cast of characters found themselves ensnared: enslaved and free women, plantation gentry, and battle-weary soldiers from both the Confederate and Union armies.
The Confederate Army has retreated to Texas, and irregulars called Red Legs take over the bayou of Louisiana. The story unfolds through several voices, from wealthy plantations and grimy saloons to the treacherous bayou waters.
Of course, the best way to discover Flags on the Bayou is to read it yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
About The Author
Zara Altair is a writer and author of historical mysteries set in 6th Century Italy. She is passionate about books, film, film history, and sharing her knowledge with others. Engage with Zara, her educational insights, and her tips for fellow writers by following her on X(Twitter) and Threads.