Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43415 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 378 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Among aficionados of crime fiction, the name of George Pelecanos is revered. And the fact that he is not particularly known to the general public -- who spend their money on far less accomplished authors -- only adds to the lustre of his reputation among those who have discovered him. If you are wondering why this is the case, pick up The Night Gardener, and the chances good that you will see the appeal of this highly accomplished author.

Stephen King has called Pelecanos 'perhaps the greatest living American crime writer', and one of the reasons for this praise may be the total verisimilitude of his writing: this is crime fiction that makes most entries in the fields seem glossy and insubstantial. The plot here involves unsolved crimes and a killer who has never been brought to justice. In 1985, a ruthless individual was kidnapping teenagers, killing them and dumping their mutilated bodies in public parks. 20 years have passed, and detectives Gus Ramone and Dan Holiday -- who worked on the original case -- have taken different career trajectories: Gus has made Detective Sergeant, while Dan has lost his job over a series of irregularities. But then a boy is found murdered in a public park, and both men find themselves seeking closure on a dark case from their pasts. All the things that distinguish Pelecanos' best writing -- flinty characterisation, solid plotting and a marked social concern -- are present here. If you haven't already, it's time to join the legions of Pelecanos admirers. --Barry Forshaw.

SUNDAY TIMES
"an exciting crime novel that shows the long shadow that violence throws"

Review
"an exciting crime novel that shows the long shadow that violence throws" (SUNDAY TIMES )

"Unmissable" (LONDON LITE )

Customer Reviews

First degree entertainment
'The Night Gardener' tells the story of a police investigation into the death of a black youth in Washington DC. The apparent murder matches a series of unsolved killings that occurred 20 years previously. Gus Ramone and Dan Holiday, two cops who worked on the earlier cases, come together again to solve the latest crime. But their lives have diverged in the intervening two decades; family man Ramone remains a police officer, whereas the boozy, single Holiday had to leave the force under a cloud.

This straightforward premise is developed well by Pelecanos, who examines family relationships and racial issues in US society today along the way.

Aside from having a decent plot, a deal of reading pleasure can be had from Pelecanos's use of language, especially his dialogue, which is always snappy and authentic and often darkly humourous.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-constructed crime novel, that delivers social comment without slowing the narrative. I've read that Pelecanos has contributed to the acclaimed US series 'The Wire' - anyone who likes this or its ilk, eg 'The Shield' would probably find this a worthwhile read. Readers who've already tried Pelecanos only need to know this maintains his usual high standard.

Perfect Pelecanos
I have to give this perfect novel five stars. It is Pelecanos at his best. Superb dialogue enveloping a fine mystery. And he has time for some moralising. I feel Pelecanos is right up there with Elmore Leonard for sheer atmosphere and grittiness.

New direction,same high standard
I have just made a start into rereading GP's back catalogue and got through the Nick Stefanos trilogy when I got this. I kind of enjoyed Nick and the Quinn/Strange partnership but really got sucked into this one very quickly. Like Ian Rankin or James Lee Burke, Pelecanos draws you in and tells a fantastic story while making some valid social commentary.
This book would work for either the experienced GP reader or would make a great starting point.
Long story short - a great story well written.