Seems like he is trying to push books out like Patterson with whom he collaborates ( )

Alert. This is a review of 4 of the so far five "Reviewers". Read them only if you wish to know in detail all that is within this excellent book. If you enjoy mysteries do not read them, they are definite spoilers. The Description category is where these reviews might be more acceptable. But even then do you not want to make discoveries on your own adventures in reading? ( )

A fun read about a war veteran turned private investigator (with perhaps overly aggressive tactics), from a writer for one of my favorite shows, The Wire. A good story, but a few too many loose ends... but I liked the message about the importance of doing more for returning Vets than simply giving them a round of applause at ballgames or parades. ( )

Spero Lucas, Pelecanos’ hero, fights bad guys, helps the deserving needy, brings flowers to his mother, honors his deceased father, wears Dickeys, likes sex with beautiful women and falls for them, and takes a 40% cut when recovering stolen goods. A Marine veteran, he learned to do what needs to be done when conducting house-to-house fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. Lucas is fit and tough, kayaks, and rides bicycles wearing regular shorts and a white tee.

The problem is that Lucas is capable of great violence and exercises this capacity, when he deems appropriate. He constantly struggles with moral dilemmas, the ego and id, usually able to control his primal urge to avenge and punish evil when battling darkness through his underlying intelligence and rationality. Yet, Lucas survives, listening to music, watching obscure movies, enjoying good food, drinking a little and smoking some weed. Live goes on for Lucas and his Marine buddies.

“The Double,” like many of Pelecanos’ stories, takes place in his hometown, Washington, D.C. and environs. Pelecanos gives you three intertwined plots, compelling, powerful and tightly written in the jargon of the setting, primarily the street. Pelecanos satisfies. I couldn’t put it down and will look for more. ( )

Grace Kincaid, after being swindled, hires Afghanistan war veteran Spero Lucas, who is now a private investigator, to recover what has been stolen from her. But it is easier said than done. Who would calmly handover something that has been stolen from someone else? The art thief is in no mood to give up the stolen piece and is even willing to take on Lucas, if necessary.

In The Double, George P. Pelecanos, one of the best-loved crime writers of today, comes up with an explosive thriller pitting Lucas against an art thief, and his conscience against his actions. It is not just a thriller about a search for a stolen painting but also a search for identity.

During the course of his investigation in search of the stolen artwork Lucas falls in love with a married woman. Unable to resist her, he subjected himself to her whims and is at her beck and call. Though he wanted to put an end to it, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He's also struggling to lead a normal civilian life which is not easy for someone returning from Afghanistan.

The issues confronting him - the art thief, his mistress and his personal struggles, ultimately resulted in Lucas questioning his identity. George P. Pelecanos has painted a character that tries to sneak into the minds of readers yelling for help and deliverance. It is a superbly written book which will be highly appreciated by anyone who read his earlier Lucas book, The Cut. ( )