The cut : a novel

 by George P. Pelecanos. Pelecanos' last few stand-alone novels have been more about working-class lives in Washington, D.C., than about the crime and criminals that so often surround those lives. This time, though, he's back in the wheelhouse of his early work, with the first novel in what will be a series about Spero Lucas, an Iraqi War vet and a young man with appetites, who has carved for himself a Travis McGee-like career of recovering stolen property, from which he takes a 40 percent cut. This time he's working for a marijuana dealer whose deliveries are disappearing before the packages can be opened. Spero wouldn't work for a heroin dealer, but he has no beef with weed, so takes the gig. Before long, though, he's uncovered a labyrinth of betrayal and counterbetrayal that could endanger people he cares about deeply. Pelecanos' characters often speak of their love of classic westerns, and there have been more than a few showdowns at the O.K. Corral in his best work. We can feel another one coming here, too, as Spero methodically oils guns and lays plans for the inevitable confrontation. His blood ticked electric through his veins. The feeling was familiar and right. Yes, indeed. Familar and right for Spero and also for Pelecanos' fans. --Booklist (Check Catalog)