FEAST DAY OF FOOLS by James Lee Burke

Finished Fr 2/10/12

FEAST DAY OF FOOLS is a fantastic novel with an excellent plot, and a compelling premise. Noie Barnum, chief engineer of the 'Unmanned Ariel Vehicle Program'(drones)is on the loose in Hackberry Holland's Texas county. He is either a kidnap victim, or attempting to locate agents within the Al Qaeda network to divulge his highly secret and terribly dangerous knowledge. Hackberry Holland's local police force, secret agencies within the US government, the FBI, The Russian Mafia, a private US security firm, and Mexican gangsters, all want to locate Barnum-at any cost.

The writing style can best be described as very dark and bleak. Although a contemporary novel, the story is very,'Biblical or Old Testament'. It reminded me of parts of the bible where God notes his displeasure and wrath for mankind.

(A Hackberry Holland Novel)

Pam Tibbs-lover of Holland, and top cop on his force
Anton Ling-Chinese woman who smuggles Mexicans across the Tex/Mex border. Ex-CIA from thirty years ago."La Magdalena"
Preacher Jack Collins-Psychotic killer; filled with dire visions from God; from an earlier novel. Thompson Sub-machine gun.
Cody Daniels-Wanted for bombing of an abortion clinic; Vigilante nitwit who watches the border, and shoots over the heads of illegal aliens. The Cowboy Chapel. Is crucified in this chapel.
"Krill"-Agent for Hire; his children were killed by US in Central America.
Negrito-Black Mexican lieutenant of Krill's. Stone Cold Killer, and looks like a gorilla.
Danny Boy Lorca-Drunken Indian who witnesses a brutal torture/murder.
Josef Sholokoff-Russian mobster who deals drugs and arms.
Noie Barnum-Wants to share with the world the knowledge of The Drones. His bi-sexual sister died at The Twin Towers. Jumped to her death holding hands with her lover. He really wants to infiltrate Al Qaeda and wreak havoc. A dangerous romantic.
Temple Dowling-Son of US Senator; Hackberry ran for Congress with the help of Temple's father many years before. Found both the son and father deeply corrupt. Son is pedophile. Heads a private security group.
Ethan Riser-FBI agent, friend of Hackberry. Dying of cancer
UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(Drones)
RC-deputy of Hackberry; was kidnapped in Mexico and rescued by Tibbs and Holland, although first freed by Jack Collins. RC was buried in a grave by Negrito, and made to breath through an ancient oxygen hose.