A Drink Before the War

By: Dennis Lehane

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

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 a 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.

Be warned…it’s graphic

Another review read about the language and use of the N word. I thought I was prepared for it, but not even close. There are moments in the story where I feel like it is thrown in just because. There can be gang talk or even racial debate without the use of the word so frequently. :( other than that (which was major for me), the story did not disappoint. I would read this book again compared to an audiobook.

Dark

I really wanted to like this book but it was too gritty and dark. I don't think I've heard so many "N" words being dropped. It just wasn't my taste.

excellent thriller

couldn't put it down, great atmosphere and location description s. satisfying moment when Angie snaps.

Patrick hates being called Pat. That's something you do to an animal.

The story started out strong and drew me in. The characters are interesting and live in the grittier side of town. But it just sort of got too entangled and a little predictable. I still liked it, but I didn't love it.

Very good read/listen!

The guy who narrated this book did a great job. He didn't have an annoying voice like some books I've listened to. The story was easy to follow and very enjoyable! I just purchased book 2 and can't wait!