The Way Home by George Pelecanos

I have to admit, Pelecanos is among my favorite writers; along with Lehane and Mankell; he ranks with my top three mystery writers. I’ve read everything he’s written and seen him grow as a writer. When I start reading a new novel by him; I know it’ll be new and fresh, not a re-hash of his previous works; not an easy feat, judging by the number of well-known authors, who do just that.

The Way Home deals with a tough kid, who gets caught, does his time in juvie and turns himself around. He becomes a man to be proud of; but his father has a hard time believing he’s really different that the tough asshole, who put the family through hell.

Pelecanos pushes his characters to the extremes, their redemption that much sweeter because it is so hard fought. Pelecanos has long been celebrated for his unerring ability to portray the conflicts men feel as they search and struggle for power and love in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving but can ultimately be filled with beauty.