The Drop by Dennis Lehane

The novel centers around Bob Saginowski, a quiet and solitary bartender in a Boston neighborhood bar that serves as a drop point for local mob money. When Bob discovers an abandoned puppy in a trash can, he forms an unexpected bond with the dog and its rescuer, Nadia, which leads him into a complex web of crime and violence. As Bob navigates the dangerous underworld, he must confront his own past and the moral dilemmas that arise from his involvement with the mob. The story unfolds with tension and suspense, exploring themes of redemption, loyalty, and the struggle for a better life amidst a backdrop of crime and corruption.