Scan barcode
duparker's review against another edition
4.0
Pelecanos rights such a strong novel. The characters and the atmosphere keep the moving flow of the book and a fast pace, in the reality of it all keeps it interesting. Really enjoy the use of DC in the story in the use of death in the characters.
dantastic's review against another edition
4.0
When Derek Strange is hired to find a missing ring, he has no idea what he's getting into. Robert Jones, aka Red Fury, is on a crime spree, looking to make a name for himself, and Frank Vaughn is on the case. Will Strange find the ring he's looking for? Can Frank Vaughn prove he isn't too old and bring Red Fury in?
And now, I can add "Read the complete novels of George Pelecanos in 2013" to my resume.
I was hooked on What it Was from the first page. Derek Strange and his new partner, Nick Stefanos, are chatting in a bar when Derek starts telling a story. Much like the last Derek Strange book, What it Was is a tale of the past, when Derek Strange was young and just starting out.
As with all George Pelecanos books, What it Was paints a vivid picture of what life in Washington DC was like, this time in the mid-1970's. Derek Strange is fresh off the police force and looking to make a name for himself as a private investigator. Frank Vaughn, his former partner, is still on the force despite nearing retirement. And Red Fury doesn't care whose toes he steps on.
The McGuffin of the story, the ring Strange is hired to find, is an afterthought for most of the book, though it changes hands quite a few times. The real story is of Strange, Vaughn, and Fury, all with something to prove.
The writing is vintage Pelecanos, full of car and music references and painting a picture of DC life. While I knew Strange wouldn't die, since he was telling the story, there were some tense moments, plus some cameo appearances, like Nick Stefanos and Johnny McGiness working at Nutty Nathan's in the 1970's.
The suspense builds throughout as Strange and Vaughn get closer and closer to crossing paths with Red Fury. When the big moment happened, it didn't go down quite like I suspected but it was still pretty satisfying. Write more Derek Strange, Pelecanos!
What it Was is an easy four stars. If you haven't read a George Pelecanos book yet, you're really missing out.
And now, I can add "Read the complete novels of George Pelecanos in 2013" to my resume.
I was hooked on What it Was from the first page. Derek Strange and his new partner, Nick Stefanos, are chatting in a bar when Derek starts telling a story. Much like the last Derek Strange book, What it Was is a tale of the past, when Derek Strange was young and just starting out.
As with all George Pelecanos books, What it Was paints a vivid picture of what life in Washington DC was like, this time in the mid-1970's. Derek Strange is fresh off the police force and looking to make a name for himself as a private investigator. Frank Vaughn, his former partner, is still on the force despite nearing retirement. And Red Fury doesn't care whose toes he steps on.
The McGuffin of the story, the ring Strange is hired to find, is an afterthought for most of the book, though it changes hands quite a few times. The real story is of Strange, Vaughn, and Fury, all with something to prove.
The writing is vintage Pelecanos, full of car and music references and painting a picture of DC life. While I knew Strange wouldn't die, since he was telling the story, there were some tense moments, plus some cameo appearances, like Nick Stefanos and Johnny McGiness working at Nutty Nathan's in the 1970's.
The suspense builds throughout as Strange and Vaughn get closer and closer to crossing paths with Red Fury. When the big moment happened, it didn't go down quite like I suspected but it was still pretty satisfying. Write more Derek Strange, Pelecanos!
What it Was is an easy four stars. If you haven't read a George Pelecanos book yet, you're really missing out.
jeffrossbooks's review against another edition
5.0
There are a couple of character descriptions in here that are straight out masters classes in how to introduce and develop a character. amazing. the book itself is amazing as well. Pelecanos just keeps getting better.
kuyakojo's review against another edition
4.0
This book is based on a summer crime spree which occurred in Washington, DC sometimes in the early Seventies. Pelecanos weaves the stories of citizens, police, criminals, and politicians into a compelling novel featuring a long running favorite character Derek Strange.
shallowgal00's review against another edition
4.0
Washington D.C. in the 70s - a lot of the places in this book are so familiar. Wheaton Plaza! Sheppard Park! Great story, in the private eye genre.
martyfried's review against another edition
5.0
Great background if you're into this series. Tells about when Strange started out as a PI.
I really get to feel like a part of the life in DC for a black man, without having to be black - or live in DC. It's really different, but the books seem authentic from what I know of the black culture. At the time of this story (just before Nixon and Watergate), I was working at the main Oakland, CA post office, mostly with blacks. I actually enjoyed getting to know the wide variety of black people there, and got along well with everyone.
I really get to feel like a part of the life in DC for a black man, without having to be black - or live in DC. It's really different, but the books seem authentic from what I know of the black culture. At the time of this story (just before Nixon and Watergate), I was working at the main Oakland, CA post office, mostly with blacks. I actually enjoyed getting to know the wide variety of black people there, and got along well with everyone.
kfrench1008's review against another edition
3.0
I always enjoy Pelecanos' work, while at the same time I'm disappointed that the books are getting more cliched and more predictable. How many times do we have to hear that a car was "red over white" or "gold over black?" How many classic soul records can be worked into the story?
jeremyhornik's review against another edition
3.0
Solid crime thriller. Heavy on the soundtrack. A missing ring and a psychopath on a roll. The rest is well-observed stuff.
marystevens's review against another edition
4.0
What i love best about Pelecanos is that the characters are so believable. I'm so tired of the self-contradictory noir heroes. They are antisocial loners whom everybody loves and is loyal to; they are always on the outs with their bosses who always stand up for them. The have dark quirky personalities yet carry on tender love affairs with nice people.
This story takes place in 1972 Washington DC. True to life picture of race, politics, the black music scene, disco and cars.
PI and former sidekick, who is still in the PD, follow the trails of some thugs and a beautiful ring. Red Fury Jones is based on a real life criminal. Amusing plot as the ring passes through several hands and the not quite parallel string of murders.
This story takes place in 1972 Washington DC. True to life picture of race, politics, the black music scene, disco and cars.
PI and former sidekick, who is still in the PD, follow the trails of some thugs and a beautiful ring. Red Fury Jones is based on a real life criminal. Amusing plot as the ring passes through several hands and the not quite parallel string of murders.