Lehane Never Disappoints.
346457
Best writer of today's Noir fiction.  Good seller.
3305014
The Given Day is a departure from the norm for Dennis Lehane.  He proves himself to be a master of the historic literary novel as well.  Love this book!!
2920268
Another beautiful novel from this author, he does not stop to interest and surprise by his well conceived plots that always contain ethical choices. Also a sense for history.
4135542
Brilliant! More twists and turns than a slalom. Best of all are the ones you never see coming.  This is exactly how a thriller should be, gripping, pacy, can't put downable.  Thank you Denis Lehane for your original plot, your intelligent writing and your well-drawn characters.
286621
I was completely swept up from page one!  Mr. Lehane is an amazing writer ... his descriptions of historical locations and events, and the various  characters - both heroic and despicable - are superb.  As soon as I finished this book, I downloaded the second, and then the third and final book of the series.  I highly recommend the entire series ... I didn't want it to end!
1533889
I have read several of George Pelecanos' novels and have added all of his works to my collection.  I am always impressed when an author shows his skill as a story-teller without having to revert to obscure wording and overwrought plot lines.  After all, most of us readers are looking for a good story rather than an object lesson in how to write to impress.  If you are a fan of Dennis Lehane (MYSTIC RIVER et al) and Michael Connelly (the Harry Bosch novels et al), you will be pleased to learn that both of them give rousing recommendations to George Pelecanos.

This is a great story of hard-working immigrants in Washington D.C. prior to, during and after World War II.  Deep character development combined with the trials and tribulations of those coming to America during this volatile period, evidencing the prejudices, hardships and challenges faced by the immigrants and the unintentional consequences brought about by their hard-earned successes.  Prepare to be fully engaged by a great story teller.
4432612
"Shutter Island" is the latest reminder that Dennis Lehane is today's best writer of crime fiction.  Like the dark and brooding "Mystic River", "Shutter Island" is a departure from the successful formula of Lehane's gritty Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro mysteries. The time is 1954, the setting, Shutter Island, a bleak and desolate place not far from Boston, home of the Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane.  Those familiar with Lehane's writings will find the somber palette of words familiar, but the period, theme, characters, and plot move in a foreign but ambitious direction.  It is the story of Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule, U.S. Marshals on an assignment to Ashecliffe to investigate the baffling escape from a locked room of inmate Rachel Solano.  The hospital is rumored to have conducted illegal brain surgery on the patients, adding another layer of intrigue to an already spooky setting, a cross between noir crime fiction and gothic horror.  As the mysterious Solano's ghastly past unwinds, the mystery deepens as clues and rationale cease to reach conventional conclusions.  Surprising, even for the talented Lehane, is the Hitchcockian command of surprise and plot twists he executes with a deft ease, slamming the reader with the same impact of the hurricane that rocks the island in one of the novels many vivid scenes.  "Shutter Island" is a novel that will shock and physically stagger, a true classic of modern fiction that once read will not be forgotten, and must not be missed.
2716640
Okay; I'm a sucker for Dennis Lehane. He is one of my automatics that as soon as his book comes out , I pay the full  tariff  and buy it. "World Gone By" does not disappoint. The melancholy tone has the feeling of Boston in March with no sun to warm you. The color of the period is well portrayed and if you like the forties gangster genre novels, this ones for you.
  Compared to the earlier novels in this series, it is more like a long novella and if I were critical, I would've said as an editor , give me another 150 pages. The saga will continue but as a fan I would say, don't skimp on the print. The characters could've been developed more. Still well worth the read.i came up for air twice. Good cross country plane read, but you may finish before you land.
3656374
Patrick Kenzie has lost some of his zeal for detective work since Angela Gennaro left their partnership.

He's hired by Karen Nichols to stop a stalker from bothering her. Patrick and his friend, Bubba, scare off the attempted assailent and think they are finished.

Later, Kenzie gets a call from Karen but it doesn't sound urgent and he doesn't return it. Then, he learns that Karen has committed suicide by jumping off of a high rise building.

Feeling a deep sense of guilt, Patrick begins looking into Karen's life, from the time he last saw her. He uncovers a plot which appears as if someone deliberately set out to destroy this innocent woman's life and her will to live. In despair, he contacts Angela and she agrees to rejoin him. Together, they delve into the reasons why anyone would do something like this and Patrick plans his own retribution.

Lehane has given his readers a stand alone novel detailing the wickedness that a person can do. Similar plots have been written, but in this case, Lehane does a good job. Patrick and Angela are always interesting to read about and when they work together, they create a dialogue between them that makes them a special couple.
This was a most enjoyable, stand alone thriller.
1414535
Excellent  never fails to grab your attention.  Love all his novels
291686
Set in a bygone era,but well done. The ever present ghost is neatly tied into the finish; Lehane is a masterful story teller,and this one does not disappoint
4352467
I spend a lot of time looking for new authors. Finding Lehane was a nice surprise. Excellent story! Can't wait to read more.
3022642
This book really stayed with me long after reading it.  Lehane creates such a specific place and time and mood.  You really care about the characters and the town.  In fact, I think I will read it again!
2514396
Houssein has become a trust worthy author. Never a disappointing novel. Emotional and intense. The story of a brother and sister. You will read right through the pages with delight and expectations will be met.
2403014
Classic Lehane. Good writing and many plot twists that keep you guessing...and reading.
4061946
I have always loved the idea of trying to figure out the mystery as the main character does the same and then try to figure out if that main character is who we're told.  Twists, turns, and revelations abound in this fantastic novel by Dennis Lehane.  Lehane has always had a handle on stories taking place in Boston, and while this does to a degree,  the location of the book, Shutter Island, might actually be a character itself.  Overall, the books weaves in and out of dreams and reality and it is never confusing except for the protagonist.  Its hard for me to say how much I enjoyed this book.  Great stuff!
1163821
Gone, Baby, Gone is everything we've come to expect from Lehane, all turned up a notch. He takes on the terrifying subject of child abduction and refuses to flinch in his merciless exploration of all the gruesome implications and possibilities. Kenzie and Gennaro return in fine form, and  Lehane takes us further into their complex individual psyches as well as  their strangely woven relationship. Bubba returns and the story is  populated with a compelling and mysterious supporting cast. Lehane flexes a  little as a writer with mixed results. This is a more intricate plot than  in the past and he weaves the various threads well but many of the  descriptions are overdone and unnecessary. Too often I lost Kenzie's voice  and became conscious of Lehane's. Sometimes, Lehane is his own worst enemy,  the action is so engrossing I lose my patience when he steps away from it.  Through the four novels I have become deeply involved in the lives of  Kenzie and Gennaro, the time between books is like losing touch with close  friends. Gone, Baby, Gone is easily the darkest of the series and  simultaneously an excruciating and engrossing read. It may be detective  fiction but it is anything but light reading. If you have not yet  discovered Lehane you live in a poorer world. Start at the beginning and  enjoy.