Dimitri is an interesting character because he has obviously made some bad choices and seems headed for disaster. Then he does a remarkable about face, and shows his compassionate side. His personality change seems almost too drastic, yet the author offers some plausible explanations for Dimitri s actions. Even though there are many characters, each is so distinctive that it is not difficult to remember their significance to the story. As is true with many stories in the thriller category, there is little that is mysterious in the plot.
Tension is created by uncertainty.
Cleveland, the drug chief, seemingly, has the power to eliminate people at will. The squeamish should probably look elsewhere for a good read. But the rest will find the characters in George Pelecanos powerful crime novel definitely come alive. I look forward to meeting them again in the future.