Rating: 
Summary: Vachss' best book!
Review: Some people would argue that "Flood," his first novel, or his later novels such as "Dead and Gone" are better than "Blue Belle," but I would disagree. Why? This novel is, pure and simple, the most forthright of all of his novels. Burke is clearly not the narrator here--Vachss is. There is so much social commentary involved, and every character is definitely a portrayal of differing aspects of our society. Add to this a story line that is truly magnificent and characters whose depth are unrivaled in other novels by Vachss, and I believe "Blue Belle" comes out on top. Read the novels in chronological order, of course, but reserve a whole night solely for "Blue Belle." I've read it at least six times, and every time I find something new worth thinking about. Not too many novels nowadays deserve as much credit.
Rating: 
Summary: Entirely predictable
Review: There's much to admire with Vachss but having read two before this one it's obvious where his plots lead. Sad girl, sordid past, seedy streets, beatings both administered and taken, feeding Pansy. Just because there's a wise-cracking detective doesn't mean you've got a hard-boiled novel.But he definitely nails New York and its characters...I just wish he had made his protagonists as interesting.
Rating:
Summary: The book I wished would never end...
Review: This book was so good, I read it over a span of 2 days. I never wanted to put it down. Burke is an excellent example of a street-level character that is tough, multi-leveled & real. Vachss writing explores all angles of his characters and is great at explaining past occurrences in his Burke series to newcomers without dragging it out too long for the familiar. Vachss' writing is well researched and he makes me wish his books could go on forever. Blue Belle is my favorite of his Burke books so far and I hope this series never ends because all the Burke books are great.
Rating:
Summary: The book I wished would never end...
Review: This book was so good, I read it over a span of 2 days. I never wanted to put it down. Burke is an excellent example of a street-level character that is tough, multi-leveled & real. Vachss writing explores all angles of his characters and is great at explaining past occurrences in his Burke series to newcomers without dragging it out too long for the familiar. Vachss' writing is well researched and he makes me wish his books could go on forever. Blue Belle is my favorite of his Burke books so far and I hope this series never ends because all the Burke books are great.
Rating:
Summary: The book I wished would never end...
Review: This book was so good, I read it over a span of 2 days. I never wanted to put it down. Burke is an excellent example of a street-level character that is tough, multi-leveled & real. Vachss writing explores all angles of his characters and is great at explaining past occurrences in his Burke series to newcomers without dragging it out too long for the familiar. Vachss' writing is well researched and he makes me wish his books could go on forever. Blue Belle is my favorite of his Burke books so far and I hope this series never ends because all the Burke books are great.
Rating:
Summary: Almost a parody of the Burke novels
Review: This is definitely the best Burke novel so far...that is to say, it's better than Strega and as good as Flood. Vachss really seems to hit his stride here, and all the characters are becoming more three-dimensional and less characatures. Also, the plot is the most compelling of the three novels, and Belle is just...well, adorable.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Yet
Review: This is definitely the best Burke novel so far...that is to say, it's better than Strega and as good as Flood. Vachss really seems to hit his stride here, and all the characters are becoming more three-dimensional and less characatures. Also, the plot is the most compelling of the three novels, and Belle is just...well, adorable.
Rating: 
Summary: Not easily forgotten.
Review: Vachss explores dark and twisted territory that in less skilled hands would be unbearable. The glimpses Vachsss gives of the vulnerable side of wounded hard case Burke make the inevitable conclusion particularly shattering.
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