Hell To Pay - Tapa dura

Hardened, cynical investigator Derek Strange and erratic ex-cop Terry Quinn return in this second novel set in deepest downtown Washington, DC, which begins with Strange and Quinn having to deal with two of the usual by-products of the murder capital of the world - corrupt police and a missing teenaged girl turned prostitute. However, as the story progresses, the real issue - the real crime - becomes clearer. Lorenze Wilder is an enemy of the most dangerous street criminal around - Garfield Potter, also known as 'Death'. But in the final reckoning, when Wilder's not the only victim, Strange and Quinn, although seemingly unlikely partners, must avenge the soul they thought they'd saved. This is cool lit-fiction at its best, appealing to crime and literary fans of both genders. Continuing the style of the excellent Right as Rain, Hell to Pay can only enhance Pelecanos' reputation as one of the hippest thriller writers around.