A Drink Before the War/Darkness, Take My Hand
With novels like Mystic River and Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane has dramatically altered the landscape of the crime thriller—while boldly overstepping the boundaries that have long separated mystery from literature. Now two of his sensational early novels have been combined in a single volume—two gritty and mesmerizing masterworks of suspense featuring the private eye duo of Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro—brilliantly showcasing the unique voice and dark, exhilarating vision of a crime fiction phenomenon.
Reviews
After reading the first of the two books, I can say that Dennis Lehane has written a very compelling story with real characters who are loaded with personality. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am eager to read the second part of the book.
I have finally found an American mystery writing author who puts "meat" into the plot! Both books are terrific. These two books kept me so engrossed that I became a part of the plot. This has not happened to me since I was a child. Dennis Lehane's writing method is excellent! I plan on reading all of Mr. Lehane's books.
I read both the novels in this book over a single weekend and don't have any regrets. Great characters, interesting and well designed situations and plot lines, and always feels realistic -- although horrifying on occasion. I have been in the Boston area for quite some time, so all of the locations are at least somewhat familiar, but I think that just added to my appreciation for stories that were already fine suspense/action fiction. You begin to miss the main characters as soon as you've finished the book. I've already ordered 4 more Lehane titles.
Dennis Lehane is a great fiction writer. I love his writing style and character development. I'd recommend all of his books. These two were good. The subject matter in most of his books is about dark moral issues, though.
definately has become my new favorite author. read mystic river years ago and loved it, but had not heard of the author before. I'm now a true follower of Denni Lehane and cannot wait to read more