A Drink Before the War
Book description
Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro are tough private investigators who know the blue-collar neighbourhoods and ghettos of Boston's Dorchester section as only natives can. Working out of an old church belfry, Kenzie and Gennaro take on a seemingly simple assignment for a prominent politician: to uncover the whereabouts of Jenna…
Why read it?
3 authors picked A Drink Before the War as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Lehane, one of my favourite authors, introduces the crime writer’s device of the duo, in his first Kenzie and Gennaro novel. For me, as in my own DCI Steel novels, the duo in writing can work to inform, or mislead, the reader and, if handled well, the reader doesn’t notice, seeing the interaction between characters as normal. Clichés abound in crime fiction, especially in lead characters, but Lehane avoids this with P.I. Patrick Kenzie, and his lifelong friend, Angie Gennaro. Given the area they inhabit, with its racial and gang tensions, added to the clients they have, clichés would seem…
From David's list on crime characters who transcend the printed word.
In my very first mystery writing class, the instructor assigned A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane. She said it was to show that mysteries are more than whodunits. They can be literary, filled with compelling characters, action, humor, and, above all, wonderful writing. And that is why I have devoured every Lehane book featuring Boston private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. They provide all that and more. You see, Kenzie and Gennaro live by a code that compels them to do what is right, even when it will get them into terrible trouble. I am intensely attracted…
From Sherry's list on quirky, fascinating detectives from around the world.
Wow. One of the best first novels I've ever read. All I can say is, “Read the damn book if you're a fan of thrillers.” Kenzie and Gennaro complement each other well as a husband-and-wife detective team. Lehane’s prose is as lyrical as it is dark, and his plot is superbly constructed. Finally, Bubba Rogowski is one of the all-time great supporting characters. He might be the only literary character who could beat Jack Reacher in a fight. Plus he’s more loyal to Kenzie and Gennaro than a thousand dogs.
From Chris' list on debut mystery-thrillers.
Want books like A Drink Before the War?
Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 73 books like A Drink Before the War.
Browse books like A Drink Before the War
5 book lists we think you will like!
Interested in Boston, private investigators, and domestic violence?
10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Boston, private investigators, and domestic violence.