The Cut: Spero Lucas, Book 1

A good old popcorn kinda story but with a new age kinda sensibility. We have a complex and unusual lead character to follow here. And, with crime fiction, I think if you can say you were in suspense, but intrigued, and entertained all at once, the novel is a success. I can say that here. And it is.The narrator, is perfectly suited to the material. He takes us on this journey and subtly navigates along with us through the plot twists and turns. Really great work! Really enjoyable! Highly recommended!!!

Pellecanos' entry into this growing genre - Iraq or Afghanistan vets returning to the US - is excellent. Don Winslow's "Savages" was another example of this type of novel.

The moral relativism, the tension between the brothers and the unforeseen consequences of one bad decision are themes well explored.

It is not Jack Reacher, although both protagonists were in the military. If anything it reminds me of the excellent movie "Four Brothers."

I look forward to the next in this series.

George Pelecanos knows Washington, D.C. Great story - exciting - a lot of my friends feel he is brutal/ethnic/whatever just writes a good engaging story. The narrator Dion Graham makes one feel out of his mouth to ..ears.

Pelecanos' characters are always good - believable, lively, unpredictable.

Good reading. Best readers are those who do such a good job you don't notive them, and Mr. Graham met that criterion.

Clever thriller with a believable protagonist - he's Black, he's Greek, he's adopted, it works.

Wouldn't change a thing.

This is one of my favourite books by Pelecanos.

Difficult to say which scene was my favourite. Probably him and his mom or the final shoot-out.

No doubt. Methinks there are plenty readers waiting for Spero Lucas to show up again.

Light, quick, plausible and well read.

I happened to listen to this book after just failing to finish a disappointing audible download. This was just what I was looking for: quick, smart, and entertaining. I was into the story from the get go, and REALLY enjoyed it.

I live in the DC area and loved the authentic, DC-centric setting. Pelecanos doesn't just name drop all of the local bars, streets, schools, etc; he actually gets them right. He even nails the changing atmosphere of the city today. The narrator is an excellent, giving easily recognizable and distinct voices to the characters.

As to the story, the Spero Lucas character is a good one, as is his interesting family and background. I'll be looking forward to checking out the next book.

Complex young anti-hero exuding sex appeal unafraid to confront the baddest of bad

Don't want to spoil it

Abilty to pull off inner DC dialects; ability to personify Spero's coolness flawlessly

Yes, but wouldn't let myself as it so infrequent you get a book you want to savor

What a refreshing change....more please

Not in audiobook.

Yes! Too many forced and fake voices for me.

I heard only great things about Pelecanos, and loved his contributions on the show "The Wire" and thought I would give this novel a try. My biggest issue is with the narrator, which most likely killed my enjoyment of the novel. The story was in interesting but not so unpredicatable I was ever truly surprised as events unfold.