George P. Pelecanos
George P. Pelecanos is an American author, screenwriter, producer, and essayist. He is best known for his detective novels set in his hometown of Washington, D.C., and for his work as a writer and producer on the HBO series 'The Wire' and 'The Deuce'. Pelecanos's work is characterized by its gritty realism, complex characters, and social commentary. He has also been involved in film and television projects, contributing to the storytelling of crime and urban life in America.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Big Blowdown
"The Big Blowdown" is a gritty crime novel set in 1940s Washington, D.C. The story follows three childhood friends, Pete, Nick, and Joey, as they navigate the dangerous underbelly of their neighborhood. When Joey is brutally murdered, Pete and Nick are determined to find his killer and seek justice. As they delve deeper into the dark world of gangsters and corruption, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will test their loyalty and friendship. With its vivid portrayal of post-war America and its compelling characters, "The Big Blowdown" is a gripping tale of crime, redemption, and the power of friendship.
The 3071st Greatest Book of All Time -
2. King Suckerman
Set in the vibrant and tumultuous 1970s Washington D.C., this gritty novel follows the lives of Dimitri Karras and Marcus Clay as they navigate the dangerous underworld of drug dealers and criminals. Their adventure begins with the purchase of a rare record, but quickly spirals out of control when they cross paths with a psychopathic drug dealer. The story is a thrilling ride through the streets of D.C., blending elements of blaxploitation and pulp fiction to create a vivid tapestry of friendship, violence, and the quest for redemption amidst the backdrop of a city and era fraught with tension and change.
The 6386th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Hard Revolution
This novel is a gripping crime drama set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. It follows the life of a young police officer who finds himself caught in the turbulent racial tensions of Washington D.C. during this era. As the city he loves is engulfed in violence and chaos following the assassination of a prominent civil rights leader, the protagonist is torn between his duties as a law enforcement officer, his personal morals, and his loyalty to his community. The story delves deep into themes of justice, loyalty, and the struggle for equality, painting a vivid picture of a critical moment in American history through the lens of a compelling personal narrative.
The 6847th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Drama City
Set against the gritty backdrop of an urban landscape, the novel follows the life of an ex-con turned probation officer who is trying to stay on the straight and narrow while supervising others with similar troubled pasts. His resolve is tested when a series of violent events threatens to drag him back into the criminal world he's desperately trying to leave behind. As he navigates the complexities of his job and personal life, he becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation that forces him to confront his own demons and the dark realities of the streets he once called home. The narrative weaves a tale of redemption, the challenges of reform, and the enduring impact of one's past.
The 8652nd Greatest Book of All Time
