Book Description
Kenzie and Gennaro are private investigators in the blue-collar neighborhoods and ghettos of South Boston-they know it as only natives can. Working out of an old church belfry, Kenzie and Gennaro take on a seemingly simple assignment for a prominent politician: to uncover the whereabouts of Jenna Angeline, a black cleaning woman who has allegedly stolen
confidential state documents.
Finding Jenna, however, is easy compared to staying alive once they've got her. The investigation escalates, implicating members of Jenna's family and rival gang leaders while
uncovering extortion, assassination, and child prostitution extending from bombed-out ghetto streets to the highest levels of government.
A Drink Before the War, the first in Lehane's acclaimed series with Boston detectives Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, is a remarkable debut that is at once a pulsating crime thriller and a mirror of our world, one in which the worst human horrors are found closest to home, and the most vicious obscenities are committed in the name of love.
Customer Reviews:
Conflict of cultures.......2007-07-03
Having read the short story "Running Out of Dog," I decided to try one of the novels. The character Bubba in this novel reminds me of the supporting character in the short story. In the present novel, Boston PI Patrick Kenzie and his partner Angie Gennaro take on a case to find a missing woman, being told by a powerful state senator that she has run off with some documents.
All is not as it seems. Patrick and Angie find themselves in the middle of a gang war (the War of the title). They also find themselves involved with some sleazy politicians. Along the way you learn a lot about spousal abuse, child abuse, pedophilia, race and class conflicts, territorial conflicts, etc. In some respects, the novel could be set in almost any part of the world.
Overall, the novel is good, but perhaps a little heavy in moralizing at some points. The novel contains violence, language, and sexual content. The novel does make the point that how you are punished, and whether you are punished, may depend on your social standing and connections.
Drunk at the bar while the war rages..........2007-05-26
...and you miss the best parts!
I pegged all my hopes and dreams on A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR. I had read an excerpt of Lehane's in a magazine for writers. Wondering if they hadn't just given me the choicest morsel from an otherwise sub-par book, I picked up DRINK to see if Lehane could pull off that kind of quality over the span of an entire novel.
When I finished, I had to admit it was the most impressive debut from a new author that I'd read in a long time.
The prose in DRINK, true to what I expected, was rapid-fire, clever, funny, and very descriptive. The characters were sympathetic and so unbelievably fleshed-out that I thought they'd jump off the page. The story itself was poignant and intriguing, and by the time I finished this DRINK, I wanted another. Overall, an excellent introduction to a man who could've been (and may still prove to be) one of the best crime writers around.
I call it an introduction because it is a bit malnourished. The war referenced in the title? Doesn't happen. At least, we never see it; of the total war, we see about 3%. For some reason, Lehane summarized it after the fact, skipping right to the conclusion of the mystery instead. And the mystery itself is a bit weak; early on, we know who has the missing documents, we just don't know what's on them. Then when we find out, while disturbing and tying the whole story together, it still comes off as a bit anti-climactic and unsatisfying.
The book gives you the best prose in the crime/mystery genre, gives you a fast pace, but then it hiccups when it skips the war and tumbles down the stairs with the ending. Read A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR to see how Lehane started out, and appreciate his awesome writing ability. But then jump to DARKNESS, TAKE MY HAND or GONE, BABY, GONE to see him at his best.
Lehane Doesn't Disappoint.......2007-02-13
I am not an avid mystery reader, but I was so impressed with Mystic River that I wanted to try a Patrick Kenzie novel. I was not disappointed. I see why the fans are so faithful to this series.
The plot revolves around a deceptively simple request to retrieve sensitive documents that were stolen from a Senate office. As Lehane did in Mystic River, the main plot leads the story through the seedier side of Boston and becomes secondary to the incendiary situations presented peripherally. This time Lehane takes aim at corruption. Corruption of the soul and corruption of people. With a deft writing style, Lehane brings the reader into a war zone of gang violence and political irresponsibility, creating a backdrop of violence and deception. The tension is constant, and something is always simmering near the surface.
Some of the action and dialogue is clichéd, and some of the characters are of the classic stereotype mold. However, that can be all overlooked given this is an early work by Lehane. When his imagination matches his writing ability it is a joy to get lost in this nicely constructed story.
I am looking forward to meeting Patrick and Angela again in the second book of the series.
A very good First Novel.......2007-01-22
I'll admit, Mystery, and Detective books are not usually my favorite genre of story, so if it is yours take this with salt.
I really like the writing of Dennis LeHane, even though I typically would read sci-fi, given my choice. But here is the thing... LeHane uses very good mystery puzzles to be the background to the moral conundrums of the protagonist, who are a handful of (morally and emotionally) damaged people with various ideas of right and wrong.
And that is the basis of why I think that Mr. Lehane is sooooo good as a writer.
This book, "A Drink Before the War" is the beginning of the "Kenzie and Genarro" novels, and while I am glad that I read this book, I am also glad that I didn't read it before I had already read "Darkness Take My Hand", and "Sacred" which had me deeply committed to liking these characters. Because as good as this book is, LeHane truly improves at each outing, and while this book might not have hooked me, I was already hooked, so... The themes of Racism which pervade this story and might make one (Me) uncomfortable, and the slightly less polished style of writing did not turn me off to the book. I guess what I am saying is that this is a very good prequel, to the subsequent stories in this series, with essential background information to the character development.
So... Here is what I suggest, either read one of the other books first like I did accidentally, or read this (still very good) book, knowing that the story will only get better and better as the series develops.
Went Out and Bought 4 More.......2006-11-02
Really enjoyed this book. Even with books I like these days I feel a certain distance between the characters and the reader. In this one I really liked the gang and wanted to get to know them better. I especially like the protaganist, he is a lot of fun, warts and all. I am glad the female lead drops her rotten hubby as the series progresses. That sad relationship just didn't seem to fit with the general mood. I can't wait to read the others. I think the South Florida/Key West genre has ran out of ideas and interesting tales but I am finding a couple of series that have stepped in to fill the void. This is one of them. Give it a try. I don't grade on a curve, 4 stars is a very good book to me.
Book Description
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.
Average customer rating:
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A Drink Before the War
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000NJF8AK |
Average customer rating:
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A Drink Before the War
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000GRQH86 |
Average customer rating:
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A Drink Before the War
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000OJEWW4 |
Average customer rating:
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A Drink Before the War
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000OLCT68 |
Average customer rating:
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A Drink Before the War
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Hardcover
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000O5VS20 |
Average customer rating:
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A drink before the war
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000UU55FK |
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Drink Before the War 1ST Edition
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: HARCOURT BRACE & CO@
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Hardcover
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000UDNPUE |
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Drink Before the War, A
Dennis Lehane
Manufacturer: Harper Torchbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Paperback
| Lehane, Dennis
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000KXLN3A |
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Conflagration (Superbolan, 72)
Don Pendleton
Manufacturer: Gold Eagle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Men's Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Spy Stories & Tales of Intrigue | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Pendleton, Don | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373614721 |
Customer Reviews:
Mack Bolan conflagration.......2000-07-11
I enjoyed this mack bolan book it has plently of action I like it when they he uses Phenoix Force and able team . I hope the author Don Pendelton brings back John trent Again
I recommend it to everybody.
Product Description
A little studied area of interest, the 1827-1828 war between Siam and Laos had formidable and lasting repercussions on the rest of Southeast Asia and was a prelude to the expansion of European colonial powers. This cataclysmic event is studied through reports, documents, testimonies, and archives-written in an array of languages-which describe the conflict and its aftermath in an attempt to interpret the attitudes and ideologies of those involved. The ambitious project of the authors is to restore to the Lao people their roots and history and to reconcile them with the Thai. The work encompasses a story of war and peace, and the histories of Laos, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, and the English in the Malay Peninsula.
Customer Reviews:
Most Readable Book on the Tragedy of 1828.......2000-02-02
This is an excellent book that covers a neglected, but extremely important historical event, namely the holocaust of the Kingdom of Vientiane by the Siamese armies of Rama III in the earlier part of the 19th century. The Drs. Ngaosyvathn are apparently very accomplished researchers, and left no stone unturned in chronicling the event. This is a book that no serious scholar of Thailand, Laos or Southeast Asia can afford to ignore.
Book Description
Conflagration continues the story, begun in Kindling, of The Four, which alone can challenge the invading might of the Mosul, a ravening horde directed by a fanatical priesthood who can control other-world beings and use them as weapons of war. The Kingdom of Albany fights a decisive battle to take back the Virginia Freestate, infantry and cavalry clashing on the ground while The Four wage their own war on the supernatural plane.
Customer Reviews:
Not a kid but an Adult who love's Mick Farren's work.......2006-09-16
I loved Mick's Vampire quartet...simply some of the best reading I've ever done. When I saw the Kindling I wished it were aVictor Renquist novel but took a chance. It was very different from a vampire novel but excellant! The sequel is just as good and i hope mick will give us a new Renquest novel and complete this trilogy soon.
Mick Farren.......2006-09-03
Buy this book and all other Mick Farren novels. You will not be disappointed. From the time I first picked up an out of print copy of "Feelies" in a used book store a dozen years ago, I have found Mick Farren to be the most creative, original, and unique writer since Jerzy Kozinski. This novel is another great read. Given the talent of this writer, I am in shock that in all these years I have never seen any main stream bookstores carry even a single copy of his work. I don't know how he got blacklisted, but I will buy every book Mick Farren writes. "Conflagration" is as fresh and entertaining as it gets. Thank you Mick.
interesting erotic alternate historical fantasy.......2006-06-04
The fearsome "Four" teens (Cordelia, Jesamine, Argo and Raphael) function as one when they must psychically battle the Dark Things in the Other Place in their quest to contain the evil Mosul Empire and its malevolent enchantress Queen Jeakqual-Ahrach. Their current assignment is to drive the Asian horde out of the once free Commonwealth of Virginia. However, the quartet realizes that their powers as a group and as individuals are growing rapidly, but none of them comprehend that a by-product of their rising skills is an increasing dependency on alcohol and sex at first.
Each soon recognizes what is happening as they covet sex to the point that it engulfs their every moment, but none apparently can stop the desire for more. Each turns to some form of gratification with Jesamine making it with Prime Minster Jack Kennedy, a bull who can keep it up. However, the heroes must return to form soon as the enemy enchantress has created twins to destroy to quartet and Jesamine has been abducted into enemy held territory across the channel near what is left of Paris. Together they are nearly invincible, but their individual needs and desires keep them divided.
CONFLAGRATION, the sequel to KINDLING, is an interesting erotic alternate historical fantasy. The story line spends quite a bit of time in the first segment showcasing the wide sexual appetites of the Four, but once an assassination and the abduction occur, the plot goes hyperspeed thriller though the passion cravings grow too. Though a bit muddled, fans who appreciate a different type of alternate historical fantasy, will want to read this tale and its predecessor as Mick Farren brings out all the chains, whips, and assorted XXX paraphernalia in this rousing tale.
Harriet Klausner
Average customer rating:
- A Fascimile Edition
- Excellent research material
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Chicago and Great Conflagration
Elias Colbert , and
Everett Chamberlin
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Illinois | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Midwest | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0670019240 |
Customer Reviews:
A Fascimile Edition.......2005-10-27
The original edition of the book consisted of two parts; the first presented various aspects of the history of Chicago to 1871; the second formed a complete record of the fire and the ensuing destruction. For the purposes of this fascimile edition only the second part is reproduced in its entirety, thus giving focus to the event that so shocked the world one hundred years ago. Original folios have been retained, as well as the complete array of etchings made from photographic views taken on the spot. It will be noted that the illustrations do not appear in the listed order - perhaps because of the haste in which the book was produced - and that one, listed as showing the St. James Hotel, appears not to have been printed at all. For the sake of brevity, Appendix A - a thirty-two page recounting of the great fires of history - has been dropped from this edition. -- except from book's publishers' note
Excellent research material.......2004-05-28
This book is the direct account of the Chicago fire. Much work has gone into the research of before, during and after accounts!
Book Description
Hooked On Raw is a must for anyone who is interested in the Raw/Live food lifestyle. The first half of the book teaches you about the reasons for eating this way. The second half of the book contains over 350 delicious gourmet recipes designed to please just about everyone. Rhio has received thousands of letters and emails thanking her for writing this book.
Customer Reviews:
Great Choice.......2006-08-04
This is a wonderful raw book... lots of recipes and they taste great! If you're into raw... you'll like it. If you haven't tried it... you will be amazed how great you feel eating this way... and how good you look!
very wonderful book , highly, highly recommend it.......2002-10-24
This collection of Love in recipe form is THE one book that I use all the time for "everyday" Raw Foods meal prep.
One recipe that I know by heart now is the "Toona" spread for a "gardenburger-type" spread on cucumbers or crackers or as a side for a salad. In fact, dehydrated this spread itself makes the tastiest crackers.
Rhio's book is delightful and the recipes taste great. There is a lot more information in addition to just recipies too.
What more is there to say?
Ah, one more thing. Sergie and Valya Boutenko have just also released a recipe book that I have yet to see. I am looking forward to that one too.
Whatever you decide, any Raw Recipe Book is better than none. They all have something new and fresh to offer.
Take care, eat well.
Wonderful!.......2002-08-11
This is my favorite live foods recipe book. It's a great book for people new to raw foods and those of us who've been traveling this path (or trying to) for some time. I use it as both a reference and a recipe book. "Hooked on Raw," Nomi Shannon's "Raw Gourmet," and Frederic Patenaude's "The Sunfood Cuisine" are the three best out there (see below). I have most of the major raw foods recipe books, and I rarely open any but these three anymore. Mostly I eat simple fruits and prepare soups or salads, but these books are perfect for company meals and pot luck suppers...and the occasional elaborate meal.
Rhio talks about several transitions to raw foods, including her own, as well as presents different sides of many of the controversies within the raw foods movement -- all without being dogmatic. Her premise is that we all must choose what is right for ourselves based on our own educated opinions and knowledge of our bodies.
After presenting background, the book then goes into discussions about sprouting and food prep equipment.
This book is unusual in that most of the recipes are for main courses. This has been lacking in raw foods books until now. But Rhio also provides salad/dressing, soup/sauce, and dessert recipes, as well as some "unusual food info" and recipes for cosmetics. There is also a small section of pictures. I only wish there were a better index: the only recipe index is by Rhio's recipe name, not by main ingredient or common name.
Still, the best book out there. Other great ones are: Nomi Shannon's "Raw Gourmet" (lots of salads/soups/dressings and good info for new and seasoned raw foodists) and Frederic Patenaude's "The Sunfood Cuisine," although it reads like a continuous, annoying ad for Nature's First Law products. Cherie Soria's "Angel Foods" is wonderful, too, although there are lots of cooked recipes in there along with the raw ones and it's sometimes hard for a new raw foodist to tell which is which. Juliano's "Raw" is unique, creative, and interesting but far too rich and overdone for every day...maybe even for special occasions without some tone-down (or reduced nuts/seeds/oils/sweeteners).
If you're looking for excellent information on transitioning to live foods (with a few recipes), sticking with it, and/or getting healthier in mind/body/spirit, I highly recommend Paul Nison's books, although -- just a warning -- they are best for their interviews of long-time raw foodists, as the boxing and "lost in a castle" analogies and writing are childish. Also excellent is Gabriel Cousens' "Conscious Eating" for raw food/general vegetarian diet/spirituality/health information. For those of you who have been on this path for a while, Fred Patenaude's "Raw Secrets" is the best book out there!
Amazing book.......2001-12-13
This book is packed with great info. It contains information on a variety of topics concerning the raw food diet and our food supply. It's an easy read and highly informational. More than half of the book is dedicated to recipes and food preparation such as sprouting, making seed and nut milks, dehydration, etc. There is also a listing of restaurants, stores and suppliers where you can find products. This is my favorite raw food publication to date. Eat Raw and live longer, stronger, and smarter!
Great Recipes.......2001-06-05
This is a really great addition to any raw fooders library and an essential for the beginner. It really gives some wonderful and easy recipes that don't all require expensive kitchen gadgets to make. The marinated greens are the bomb!
Books:
- A Faint Cold Fear
- A Fearsome Doubt (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries)
- A Harvest of Bones (Chintz'n China)
- A Little White Death
- A Morbid Taste for Bones: The First Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
- Acqua Alta
- Alpine for You : A Passport to Peril Mystery
- Better Off Wed: An Annabelle Archer Mystery
- Blessed Is The Busybody (Ministry Is Murder Mystery)
- Blind Descent:: An Anna Pigeon Mystery (Anna Pigeon Mysteries)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Life After Death: The Burden of Proof
- Hip Hotels: Escape
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- Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures: Without Cash or Credit
- Legend of the Jade Dragon: A Chintz 'n China Mystery
- 50 Favorite Rooms By Frank Lloyd Wright
- Freehand Drawing for Architects and Interior Designers
- The Shell Collector: Stories
Darkness, Take My Hand (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)
Sacred
Prayers for Rain (Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennaro Novels)
Gone, Baby, Gone (Harper Fiction)
Shutter Island : A Novel
