3.95
Part of "Kenzie & Gennaro" series
"A Drink Before the War" by Dennis Lehane is a gripping, complex crime novel that introduces the world to the dynamic duo of Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. Set in the working-class neighborhoods of Dorchester and South Boston, the story follows the two private investigators as they navigate the treacherous waters of local politics, organized crime, and personal demons. The plot begins when a black attorney named Jenna Angeline hires Kenzie and Gennaro to retrieve a file from the office of a white city councilor. The file, she claims, contains evidence of corruption and abuse of power that could bring down the councilor and his political machine. However, when the file is stolen and a violent shootout ensues, Kenzie and Gennaro find themselves in the middle of a dangerous game of cat and mouse with ruthless killers and powerful adversaries. As the story unfolds, Lehane masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of race, class, and identity in the process. The characters are richly drawn and multi-dimensional, with Kenzie and Gennaro's complicated relationship serving as the emotional heart of the novel. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pacing is relentless, building to a shocking and satisfying conclusion. "A Drink Before the War" is a brilliant debut that showcases Lehane's talent for creating tense, suspenseful narratives that also offer insightful social commentary. Fans of crime fiction and noir will find much to love in this gritty, unflinching novel that pulls no punches and leaves the reader breathless until the very end...
Dennis Lehane
Mystic River
If you enjoyed 'A Drink Before the War', you may like 'Mystic River' as it is another gripping novel by Dennis Lehane that explores the darker side of human nature and the consequences of violence.
Learn MoreGeorge V. Higgins
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
This classic crime novel shares the same hard-boiled sensibility as 'A Drink Before the War'. It's a gripping tale of organized crime in Boston, with complex characters and a sharp, realistic style.
Learn MoreMichael Connelly
The Black Echo
If you enjoyed the procedural elements of 'A Drink Before the War', you may like 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. It's a gripping detective novel that introduces Harry Bosch, one of the most iconic detectives in modern crime fiction.
Learn MoreThomas Harris
Red Dragon
If you're looking for a psychological thriller with a similar sense of danger and suspense as 'A Drink Before the War', 'Red Dragon' is a great choice. It's a gripping tale of a serial killer and the detective who must track him down.
Learn MoreStieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
This international bestseller shares the same sense of place and social commentary as 'A Drink Before the War', but with a unique, modern twist. It's a gripping tale of a journalist and a hacker who team up to solve a decades-old mystery.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Long Goodbye
This classic crime novel shares the same hard-boiled sensibility as 'A Drink Before the War'. It's a gripping tale of a private detective and his quest for justice, with sharp dialogue and a vivid sense of place.
Learn MorePaul Doiron
The Poacher's Son
If you enjoyed the procedural elements of 'A Drink Before the War', you may like 'The Poacher's Son' by Paul Doiron. It's a gripping detective novel that introduces Mike Bowditch, a game warden who must solve a crime in the wilds of Maine.
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