A Drink Before the War

By: Dennis Lehane

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©1994 Dennis Lehane (P)2011 HarperCollinsPublishers

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.

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.

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!

Good but Over-Embellished

The narration was definitely well-done {although not a great Boston accent}. A decent book, but a little over-embellished with trivial details that do not move the story along. Slow pacing the first half to develop the characters. There are bits that are gruesome, so be aware if you are squeamish.

First In the Series

I finally got around to listening to this first book in the Kenzie-Gennaro series and it was a worthy beginning. The mystery was intriguing and the main characters and their background were nicely developed. Boston politics enter into the story and I wondered if the author based anything on a real event. Lehane's writing was very good and the story kept my interest. Jonathan Davis' narration was also excellent and added to my enjoyment. I will probably continue with this series.

Excellent Start of a Series!

Dennis Lehane's books aren't alway easy books to read due to the sensitive subject matter but his books are always good and worth reading. I really enjoyed this first installment in the Kenzie & Gennaro series and will be reading/listening to the next one. The narrator, Jonathan Davis, did an excellent job bringing these characters to life.

Great Story

This novel tackles some serious issues thst are still very much relevant today yet remains classy throughout. Great characters populate the story and Jonathan Davis's performance melts and becomes it. Highly recommended.

Good, not great

What did you love best about A Drink Before the War?

The story itself is phenomenal. The way Lehane will take you around the twists & turns in the story, eventually looping it back around, is incredible.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration was good, but especially at the beginning of the book, his narration sounds monotone. I don't know if it's because you get used to it, or his narration improves, but over the course of the story, it seems to get better. I think that narration style almost works for a story like this, but since it's the first book in the series, it makes it more difficult to listen.