Richard M. (algernon99) -
Helpful Score: 6
I enjoyed this book. It seems that Lehane was just warming up for the books yet to come in this series. I had to quit reading the series because they good too gritty, too shockingly violent and graphic, and too nasty for me. This one gives a taste of what is to come, but is still bearable. Lehane has talent; he just took it in a direction that will please many--just not me.
Lorrie M. (ilovedale3) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 524 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The first in the Kenzie/Gennaro series, this book was good. I like the relationship between the main characters and the action is non-stop. However, this book gets a little too bogged down in racial tension and politics. A good story, but relied to much on shock factor. Plus, the idea of tough character Angie Gennaro being abused regularly by her husband is a little far-fetched. Otherwise, a good read for those who like PI/cop stories that are gritty and true-to-life.
Toni B. (Twintoni) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 133 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book with the characters of Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, written by Dennis Lehane who also wrote Mystic River. This is an action packed crime story about justice, right and wrong and human suffering. A hard to put down book and I can't wait to read the other stories in this series.
Two PIs bite off more than they can chew when the agree to help find a missing woman.
Janice -
This is the first book in the Patrick Kenzie & Angela Gennaro series. It is set in Boston, but this isn't Robert B. Parker's sophisticated, wealthy Boston -- it's in the down & dirty poverty working class areas. If you are sensitive to violence, avoid this book; it's full of violence of all kinds at all levels, including child abuse and torture. But if you can tolerate that, it is a fast moving, well observed novel about the parts of the big city that never make it into the glossy magazines, the racial rivalries and warfare and the politix that sustain it all. It's a real page turner but it's not for everybody.
Leslie D. reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 20 more book reviews
Another interesting ready by Lehane
Josh G. (joshg) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
A mystery featuring private detectives isn't exactly unchartered territory. A tough detective who likes to crack wise with the help of a violent sidekick isn't exactly original either. Considering this well worn territory,it is surprisingly just how fresh and original Patrick and Angela are. A Drink Before War, like the novels to follow, stands out not for its basic premise, but for its outstanding execution. The main characters are likable. The plot is dark but a pleasure to read. What really makes Lehane stand out though, is the way in which he tackles significant moral issues. This is even more clear with later titles like Gone Baby Gone, but in this action packed opener to the series he takes a powerful look at race relations in America. If you haven't read Lehane yet I highly recommend you start here.
Rebecca P. (wrongheaven) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
"A Drink Before the War" is the first of Lehane's Kenzie/Gennaro detective stories. It's interesting and involving - especially in the set up of the main characters. Lehane is able to give insight into both without bogging down the story - interestingly, it all relates with each other, which makes the storyline more involving. The book deals heavily with race relations, but in an honest way - you can tell he is writing "real" characters, instead of preaching his point through them in an unrealistic way. A good read - definitely recommended.
It's an entertaining read, actually. It's well-paced and I enjoyed it even though I don't usually read crime mystery-type books.
Laurie H. (Lauriehahn) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
The first book in the Kenzie/Gennaro series, this book was excellent! A little dark and gritty, but a can't-put-it-down read.
Mary J. (Bunnystreet) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
This is the author who write "Mystic River". I enjoyed reading this. But I found it racist in places.
David & Kathy W. (spOOnman) -
Lehane's first novel - gripping
Guy S. (Guy) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Dennis Lehane is a great author. You can not go wrong in reading anything he writes.
Jean D. reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 70 more book reviews
A chilling mystery - mesmerizing novel.
Jacky K. (Jacky) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 174 more book reviews
Dennis LeHane's first novel introducing the quirky PI team of Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. A very good read that keeps you guessing.
J H E. (jhelliott) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
First of the Kenzie/Gennaro mysteries - This is a great mystery!
Judy S. (emma) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 283 more book reviews
This author is a great mystery writer and his books are very suspenseful.
Bobbie P. (sunbeamfairie) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
This was my first time to read this author. He was very good and it was a fast page turner. I plan to read more of his works.
A hard look at detictive work and the iner-city crime scene and how politics treats them. Not the worste book ever.
Chris C. (Cerwin) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 107 more book reviews
Start of a great series.
Peggy B. reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Boston Politicians. About right and wrong,but in Boston finding the truth can be deadly.Good story. Chilling.
Elaine W. reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
This is the story of a private investigation agency that is located in the belfry of a Boston church. This is a really good read.
Tasha H. (SenecaWoman) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 133 more book reviews
I loved the Kenzie series. I like his loyal, if eccentric, friends. I do hope there will be more!
Jeri S. (GlitterGal) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 72 more book reviews
I accidentally wound up with two copies of this so haven't read it yet, but it's Dennis Lehane so how can it fail to be wonderful?
Coy V. (coyvan) reviewed A Drink Before the War (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
More Spenser and female assistant. It Ain't Parker but still a good read
I love Dennis Lehane's Patrick Kenzie/Angela Gennara novels.
