A Drink Before the War/Darkness, Take My Hand

By Dennis Lehane

Book Overview

Master of new noir Dennis Lehane magnificently evokes the dignity and savagery of working-class Boston in Darkness, Take My Hand , a terrifying tale of redemption. Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro's latest client is a prominent Boston psychiatrist, running scared from a vengeful Irish mob. The private investigators know about cold-blooded retribution. Born and bred on the mean streets of blue-collar Dorchester, they've seen the darkness that lives in the hearts of the unfortunate. But an evil for which even they are unprepared is about to strike, as secrets that have long lain dormant erupt, setting off a chain of violent murders that will stain everything - including the truth. With razor-sharp dialogue and penetrating prose, Darkness, Take My Hand is another superior crime novel from the author of Mystic River; Gone, Baby, Gone; and Shutter Island .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006117226X
• ISBN13: 9780061172267
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Length: 656 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 1.1" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Well-written, but disturbing for some

I liked the writing style and found it very readable and fairly enjoyable until it came to the rape of a young boy. I continued reading in hopes that would be it for the disturbing stuff. Then came a graphic torture scene that ruined a night's sleep and I never picked up the book again. Reviews elsewhere were all good to great, so apparently I am overly sensitive. If you aren't disturbed by rape and torture, you will probably enjoy the rest that this book has to offer.

A Drink Before the War/Darkness, Take My Hand

I have finally found an American mystery writing author who puts "meat" into the plot! Both books are terrific. These two books kept me so engrossed that I became a part of the plot. This has not happened to me since I was a child. Dennis Lehane's writing method is excellent! I plan on reading all of Mr. Lehane's books.

A great deal on 2 excellent novels

I read both the novels in this book over a single weekend and don't have any regrets. Great characters, interesting and well designed situations and plot lines, and always feels realistic -- although horrifying on occasion. I have been in the Boston area for quite some time, so all of the locations are at least somewhat familiar, but I think that just added to my appreciation for stories that were already fine suspense/action fiction. You begin to miss the main characters as soon as you've finished the book. I've already ordered 4 more Lehane titles.

can't put down

definately has become my new favorite author. read mystic river years ago and loved it, but had not heard of the author before. I'm now a true follower of Denni Lehane and cannot wait to read more

Lehane is now in my list of favorite authors!

I LOVED this books. GREAT character development. Could stand alone if did not read the series BUT when reading the series flowed well. I wish he would write MORE!

Outstanding!

Dennis Lehane is the best at taking uniquely Boston characters and making them come alive. As a Bostonian perhaps this book hits home harder, the images, the feelings, the characters seem so familiar. This double novel brings two into one so cleverly. Great job Dennis keep them coming. I just started The Given Day.