Right As Rain: A Derek Strange Novel (Derek Strange Novels)
George Pelecanos

Pelecanos is the great chronicler of our nation’s capital (Washington, D.C.) as it is lived by its actual citizens. For a crime writer who works in place and character, he is top of his game.

This is the first of Pelecanos’s series chronicling private investigator Derek Strange (a black man from south east d.c.; obsessively together; unable to commit; a self conscious hero in his neighborhood) and his sidekick of sorts, Terry Quinn (white, from the poor suburbs, a troubled ex cop). They are a compelling team and this book tackles poverty and racism in D.C. in a way that is approachable and smart. If crime novels are you thing, then so is this book.

Recommended for the enthusiast.