Customer Reviews

Dooley's Back: A Novel of Crime (Otto Penzler Books)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book opens with a bang--and it just gets better. The protagonist is a cop who left the Chicago PD two days after turning in his badge. A bottom dweller who killed his wife got cut loose when the evidence that nailed him is ruled inadmissable. When he's killed, everyone's pretty sure it's Dooley's work, and while they can't exactly blame him, he has to disappear. Eight years later, he's back and can't seem to avoid trouble. His former CPD partner is deep in his own nightmare, one that started after a similar personal tragedy--and the story that unfolds is told in a deceptively simple style that lucidly lays out personal relationships with enormous depth and sublety and power. It reminds me a little of early Elmore Leonard crime novels; Reaves has a similar knack for dialog that carries a lot of punch and authenticity, and the wise guys are not larger than life, but considerably smaller, another touch of authenticity. An added bonus is a very real Chicago--I can't think when I've read a book that does a better job of conveying the flavor of the city north of the ship canal without any travelogue stuff. It's just there. Add some terrific moral issues and a love interest that is shaded and subtle and sad and satisfying and you have an excellent piece of crime fiction. This one's going on my top ten for the year. I'm tempted to read it again--in which case it might be on the list twice!

Hard and spare all the way through, this is a terrific novel, with sharp characters and commanding writing. Pelecanos fans, hard-boiled fans, take note; this is a book for you.

This hard-nosed thriller is Reaves' best work to date. The Dooley of the title is an ex-Chicago cop and he's 'back' from Mexico where he went to escape prosecution for killing the man who murdered his wife. Within hours of his return, he commits murder again and the second killing is as justifiable as the first. Dooley is a rich, flawed character and the plot moves with the speed of a falling body as he sets out first to help his former partner, and then to avenge his death. Reaves knows Chicago and its neighborhoods but, more importantly, he knows the human heart. Hopefully Dooley will be back...again.

Absolutely superb. Make sure you have a full day to do nothing but read this book. Mr. Reaves takes the time to research every story before he puts pen to paper. As a result his characters are marrow and corpuscles - they walk amongst us, not just in this intricately woven tale. The story is a true pleasure to read, yet, at the same time, a reminder of just how fragile the world we live in actually is. A gentleman and a gifted writer, Mr. Reaves has once again proven his ability to captivate the reader.

Life has kicked our hero, but he can kick back. Well plotted tale of revenge and redemption, will keep you hooked. A good read.