Search - A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)

A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)
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A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)
Author: Dennis Lehane

Book Information
Publisher: HarperTorch
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780380726233 - ISBN-10: 0380726238
Publication Date: 7/1/1996
Pages: 400


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover

Book Description:

As richly complex and brutal as the terrain it depicts, here is the mesmerizing, darkly original novel that heralded the arrival of Dennis Lehane, the master of the new noir -- and introduced Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, his smart and tough private investigators weaned on the blue-collar streets of Dorchester.

A cabal of powerful Boston politicians is willing to pay Kenzie and Gennaro big money for a seemingly small job: to find the missing cleaning woman who stole some secret documents. As Kenzie and Gennaro learn, however, this crime is no ordinary theft. It's about justice. About right and wrong. But in Boston, finding the truth isn't just a dirty business ... it's deadly.


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Darkness, Take My Hand (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)SacredGone, Baby, GonePrayers for Rain (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)Shutter Island


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Top Member Book Reviews

Richard M. (algernon99) wrote on 6/13/2007...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

I enjoyed this book. It seems that Lehane was just warming up for the books yet to come in this series. I had to quit reading the series because they good too gritty, too shockingly violent and graphic, and too nasty for me. This one gives a taste of what is to come, but is still bearable. Lehane has talent; he just took it in a direction that will please many--just not me.

Lorrie M. (ilovedale3) wrote on 8/9/2005...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

The first in the Kenzie/Gennaro series, this book was good. I like the relationship between the main characters and the action is non-stop. However, this book gets a little too bogged down in racial tension and politics. A good story, but relied to much on shock factor. Plus, the idea of tough character Angie Gennaro being abused regularly by her husband is a little far-fetched. Otherwise, a good read for those who like PI/cop stories that are gritty and true-to-life.

David & Kathy W. (spOOnman) wrote on 3/5/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Lehane's first novel - gripping

Elaine W. wrote on 12/12/2006...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is the story of a private investigation agency that is located in the belfry of a Boston church. This is a really good read.

Toni B. (Twintoni) wrote on 7/31/2005...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is the first book with the characters of Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, written by Dennis Lehane who also wrote Mystic River. This is an action packed crime story about justice, right and wrong and human suffering. A hard to put down book and I can't wait to read the other stories in this series.

Peggy B. wrote on 6/22/2005...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Boston Politicians. About right and wrong,but in Boston finding the truth can be deadly.Good story. Chilling.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Leslie F. wrote on 9/11/2009...


Another interesting ready by Lehane

Josh G. (joshg) wrote on 4/26/2009...


A mystery featuring private detectives isn't exactly unchartered territory. A tough detective who likes to crack wise with the help of a violent sidekick isn't exactly original either. Considering this well worn territory,it is surprisingly just how fresh and original Patrick and Angela are. A Drink Before War, like the novels to follow, stands out not for its basic premise, but for its outstanding execution. The main characters are likable. The plot is dark but a pleasure to read. What really makes Lehane stand out though, is the way in which he tackles significant moral issues. This is even more clear with later titles like Gone Baby Gone, but in this action packed opener to the series he takes a powerful look at race relations in America. If you haven't read Lehane yet I highly recommend you start here.

Rebecca P. (wrongheaven) wrote on 1/10/2008...


"A Drink Before the War" is the first of Lehane's Kenzie/Gennaro detective stories. It's interesting and involving - especially in the set up of the main characters. Lehane is able to give insight into both without bogging down the story - interestingly, it all relates with each other, which makes the storyline more involving. The book deals heavily with race relations, but in an honest way - you can tell he is writing "real" characters, instead of preaching his point through them in an unrealistic way. A good read - definitely recommended.

Kathleen K. (kathyk) - Amsterdam, NY wrote on 8/23/2007...


I love Dennis Lehane's Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennara novels.

Coy V. (coyvan) wrote on 5/9/2007...


More Spenser and female assistant. It Ain't Parker but still a good read

Mary J. (Bunnystreet) wrote on 4/13/2007...


This is the author who write "Mystic River". I enjoyed reading this. But I found it racist in places.

Amanda G. wrote on 3/11/2007...


It's an entertaining read, actually. It's well-paced and I enjoyed it even though I don't usually read crime mystery-type books.

Tasha H. (SenecaWoman) wrote on 1/11/2007...


I loved the Kenzie series. I like his loyal, if eccentric, friends. I do hope there will be more!

Guy S. (Guy) wrote on 1/8/2007...


Dennis Lehane is a great author. You can not go wrong in reading anything he writes.

Judy S. (emma) wrote on 12/1/2006...


This author is a great mystery writer and his books are very suspenseful.


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