Welcome to Litsy!

I've read a lot of books about books, but I think this is the first one I've read that's (what I would term) fairly hard edge contemporary crime fiction.

When he read a book, he wasn't in his cage anymore.

Prison Librarian, corrupt cops, crimes, and lots of book recommendations. This book was right up my alley. Thank you Emilio Estevez for recommending this title!

So many books set in DC refuse to stretch beyond the Capitol or the White House; it was so refreshing to read a book where DC felt like a CITY, a real place where people actually live and grow and breathe. More than that, I loved seeing DCPL get a chance to shine - I originally picked this up because some friends who work at DCPL know the librarian Anna was based on. Mysteries aren't usually my jam, but I plan to seek out more of Pelecanos' stuff.

It's always fun to read something written by a DC native and go, "Hey! That's the shelter where I adopted my cat nine years ago!" #localfiction

Pelecanos uses the history and vibe of DC in a way that elevates it from just a setting, making it like another character influencing and manipulating those around him. The Man Who Came Uptown is more a character study where the crime is a natural occurrence and a product of the environment. It‘s raw and dirty but lovingly draws on the redemptive power of books. Narrator James Stippy gives a solid performance, capturing the poetry of the dialogue