MADreads

Lush Life

September 5th, 2008 Liz - Central Library

Were you a huge fan of The Wire on HBO? If so, then you’re probably aware that one of the great strengths of the show was the writing– done by authors such as George Pelecanos and Richard Price.

I’ve read Richard Price before, but this latest novel Lush Life gets closest to the style of The Wire.  The book starts off strong, with a lengthy, manipulative interrogation of a homicide witness and probable suspect by detective Matty Clark and his partner Yolanda.  Turns out [spoiler alert] they’ve gotten it all wrong, and now are a week into the investigation with no good leads.

The routes up and down the food chain within the NYPD are fascinating.  The maneuvers to get extra manpower on the case and the ways in which they are deflected is classic Wire stuff.  Perhaps if you’re reading this for plot-plot-plot you might be a bit dissapointed.  But, if what you like is authentic dialogue and an insider’s view of a huge bureaucracy, you’ll adore this book.

Entry Filed under: Literary Fiction, Mystery