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.

1. 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 3503rd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. 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 8881st Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. 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 9526th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 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 10402nd Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Way Home

   

   Christopher Flynn is trying to rebuild his life: steady job, serious relationship, and a chance to prove he’s changed. When a risky temptation at work pulls him back toward old instincts, he and his closest allies must confront rising danger and moral choices as he fights to keep his hard-won stability.

   The 17152nd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Turnaround

   

   The novel is a gripping tale of redemption and the long-lasting impact of a single, violent event on the lives of six men. Set in Washington, D.C., the story revolves around a racially charged incident from the 1970s that leaves a young boy dead and forever alters the lives of those involved. Decades later, the surviving participants, now adults, are forced to confront their past actions and the lingering guilt and resentment. As they navigate the complexities of forgiveness and reconciliation, the narrative explores themes of race, justice, and the possibility of personal transformation amidst the backdrop of a changing urban landscape.

7. 7. Shoedog

   

   The novel follows Constantine, a drifter with a mysterious past, who becomes entangled in a high-stakes heist orchestrated by a charismatic and dangerous criminal named Randolph. As Constantine navigates the gritty underworld of Washington, D.C., he is drawn into a web of deception, loyalty, and betrayal. The story delves into themes of identity and redemption, as Constantine grapples with his own moral compass while confronting the violent realities of the criminal world. The tension builds as the heist approaches, leading to a gripping and unexpected climax.

8. 8. Soul Circus

   

   Set against the gritty backdrop of Washington D.C., this gripping crime novel delves into the intertwined lives of street hustlers, detectives, and ex-cons navigating a world of violence, loyalty, and redemption. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices, revealing the complex moral landscape of urban life. The story is a poignant exploration of the human condition, where the lines between right and wrong blur, and survival often comes at a steep price.

9. 9. Right As Rain

   

   In a gritty exploration of crime and redemption, the story follows Derek Strange, a former cop turned private investigator, as he delves into the murky depths of Washington, D.C.'s underworld. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a controversial police shooting, Strange partners with Terry Quinn, the officer involved in the incident, to navigate a labyrinth of racial tensions, corruption, and personal demons. As they unravel the complex web of lies and deceit, both men are forced to confront their own pasts and the moral ambiguities that define their lives, ultimately seeking justice in a world where right and wrong are often indistinguishable.
10. 10. Hell To Pay

    A Novel of the D.C. Crime Series

    

    Set against the gritty backdrop of Washington, D.C., this gripping crime novel follows private investigator Derek Strange and his partner Terry Quinn as they navigate the city's underbelly to solve a complex case involving drugs, violence, and corruption. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deceit and danger that tests their moral boundaries and challenges their resolve. With a blend of suspense and social commentary, the story explores themes of justice, redemption, and the personal cost of confronting one's demons.

11. 11. The Night Gardener

    

    Set against the gritty backdrop of Washington, D.C., this gripping crime novel follows three detectives as they grapple with the haunting echoes of a cold case from their past. When a series of murders eerily reminiscent of an unsolved crime from two decades ago resurfaces, the detectives are drawn back into the shadows of their own histories. As they navigate the complexities of their personal lives and the relentless pursuit of justice, they confront the ghosts of their pasts, revealing the intricate layers of guilt, redemption, and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries.

12. 12. The Sweet Forever

    

    Set in the vibrant yet gritty landscape of 1986 Washington, D.C., this gripping crime novel delves into the lives of a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the complexities of a city on the brink of change. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the NCAA basketball tournament, intertwining the lives of a record store owner, a drug dealer, and a group of young men caught in the allure of fast money and street life. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, the story explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, all while capturing the pulsating energy of a city defined by its music, culture, and underlying social issues.

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13. 13. Owning Up

    

    Set against the gritty backdrop of Washington, D.C., this compelling narrative delves into the intertwined lives of a diverse group of characters grappling with the complexities of crime, redemption, and personal responsibility. As they navigate the challenges of their urban environment, each character is forced to confront their past decisions and the impact those choices have on their future. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the struggle to break free from the cycles of violence and poverty that define their world. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, the story paints a vivid portrait of life on the edge, where every decision carries weight and the path to redemption is fraught with obstacles.

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