What it was
What it Was by George Pelecanos is a crime thriller published by Orion in 2012, featuring 272 pages in English. Set in Washington, D.C., in 1972, the story follows Derek Strange, a former police officer turned private investigator, as he navigates a case that begins with a young woman’s request to recover a sentimental ring. This seemingly simple task quickly escalates when Strange finds himself entangled in a murder investigation involving his former partner, Frank ‘Hound Dog’ Vaughn, and a ruthless killer known as Red Fury.
Readers will find a narrative rich in detail, capturing the essence of the era through its depiction of cars, music, and fashion. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense and action, as Strange and Vaughn pursue their quarry amidst rising violence and personal stakes. The book delves into themes of crime and investigation, showcasing the complexities of the characters’ lives and the challenges they face in their pursuit of justice.
Official synopsis Publisher
The stunning crime thriller from one of the writers of THE WIRE.
Washington, D.C., 1972. Derek Strange has left the police department and set up shop as a private investigator. His former partner, Frank ‘Hound Dog’ Vaughn, is still on the force.
When a young woman comes to Strange asking for his help recovering a cheap ring she claims has sentimental value, the case leads him onto Vaughn’s turf, where a local drug addict’s been murdered, shot point-blank in his apartment. Soon both men are on the trail of a ruthless killer: Red Fury, so called for his looks and the car his girlfriend drives, but a name that fits his personality all too well. Red Fury doesn’t have a retirement plan, as Vaughn points out – he doesn’t care who he has to cross, or kill, to get what he wants. As the violence escalates and the stakes get higher, Strange and Vaughn know the only way to catch their man is to do it their own way.
Rich with details of place and time – the cars, the music, the clothes – and fuelled by non-stop action, this is Pelecanos writing in the hard-boiled noir style that won him his earliest fans and placed him firmly in the ranks of the top crime writers in America.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “What it was” about?
Who is the author of “What it was”?
When was “What it was” published?
What is the ISBN for “What it was”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
