Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed But Not Dissuaded
Review: Soul Circus was a disappointment after the first two Derek Strange novels (Hell To Pay and Right as Rain). There is much to enjoy in the book, but not half as much as either of the previous two novels. There were two problems that bogged down the book for me. First, Pelecanos seems to have lost interest in the character of Terry Quinn from the very beginning -- the only time that Pelecanos seems to be invested enough to animate Quinn into a full, believeable character is in Quinn's bedroom scenes; apart from those Quinn's a prop here. The second issue that weighs this installment (unfortunately "installment" is an accurate pun here) is that the callbacks (the echoes in pattern, relationships) to the previous two books feel like Pelecanos engaging in the same-ol', same-ol' rather than feeling like Pelecanos is further elucidating, or even effectively reinforcing, either who the characters are or that the characters' setting pushes them toward similar situations again and again. It feels like the actions that recur from the previous novels in this series, are repeated because Pelecanos feels the need to have the characters play these notes again, not because the characters have the need to fall into these patterns or have these personality tics. The recurrances play like ill-conceived "hooks" for pop songs. Both of these issues seem related to what many have noted, that Pelecanos seems less interested in the characters in this book than in driving home a point about gun control and the death penalty. The joy of the previous two works in this series came from exactly the character exploration that's missing here. I look forward to reading the next Derek Strange book that finds something new to explore about Strange and DC -- Pelecanos does that so well.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: Soul Circus, George Pelecanos' third installment of the story of Derek Strange, the proud private detective in Washington DC is excellent. Pelecanos does not shy away from disturbing story lines and this novel is no exception. Strange and his partner Terry Quinn are caught, as they always are, in the middle of violence and drug dealing turf wars in Washington. The cast of characters is not pretty, nor is the action. You've got drug dealers, gun dealers, murderers, gang wars, etc. While the stories are disturbing, they are also entertaining. The background of the novel is filled with Pelecanos trademark soundtrack. The novel makes for a quick, gripping read. The one caveat I would give you is that Pelecanos gets a little preachy, through the characters, regarding gun control and the death penalty, but I do think his is an honest exploration of the ramifications of both of those hot potatoes. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: gritty urban thriller
Review: The case against drug dealer Granville Oliver is so tight that state execution is a sure shot especially since his deputy Philip Wood testified against him. Desperate, Granville's attorney hire DC private investigator Derek Strange to coax Wood's former girlfriend Devra Stokes, who once filed a brutality complaint against him, to testify so she can destroy his credibility leading to life instead of death for his client. At the same time, Strange's partner, former cop Terry Quinn's has a client, pathetic small time hood Mario Durham, who hires him to find his missing girlfriend Olivia Elliot. Mario is the older brother of the head of the notorious Six-hundred Crew in Washington Highlands. Terry knows his client lies about love forever, etc., as Terry wants his stolen drugs that she took from him. Other sleuths also work cases, as DC is a place for job security for private investigators. The eleventh appearance of Derek Strange is a powerful private investigative tale that shows how little society is doing to help teens make it. The Durham siblings are on the career path of criminality with no detours. Even prison time will do no more than slow down the pace of their fall. Guns and butter are the market place as both can be purchased easily and relatively cheaply. Still even with such a strong message, the tale is loaded with action, plenty of life and death scenes, and the return of long time characters like Foreman, and a surprise guest appearance by Nick Stefanos. This gritty urban thriller will leave most readers agreeing with the hero's thankful belief that his home is an oasis of love and care in a deadly desert. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A Gritty Urban Thriller Complete with Tragedy, Humor & More
Review: The popularity of George Pelecanos is on the rise, and with good reason. Soul Circus is the third installment of his Derek Strange series, and it more than meets the high expectations set by the previous two. Pelecanos is to Washington, DC as Robert Crais and Michael Connelly are to Los Angeles. He knows the streets, the people, and the culture and his writing reflects the knowledge of an insider. His depictions of urban youth, gang violence, and drug culture are on the mark and he pulls no punches. Character development seems to be a strong suit of Pelecanos, as Derek Strange is one of the best around. There is not a reader around who will dislike him. He is not perfect - in fact, he is quite flawed. He's married, but he's reluctant to fully immerse himself in family life. He opposes the death penalty and hates the drugs that plague his neighborhood, but at times resorts to violence and illegal activities himself. He is constantly trying to help the younger men with whom he comes in contact, but realizes that he can only go so far. Terry Quinn is his partner, and he is just as flawed as Strange. He does not believe in stronger gun control laws, and hates when he is 'punked' due to the fact that he is white. He is prone to violence and has a temper. He often steps over the line, but he is just as loveable as Strange and brings a great deal to the story. Soul Circus is a novel filled with violence and the death of the young. It is at times brutal, and Pelecanos does not flinch when he relates the reality of murder to his readers. He does not, however, portrey all those involved in the drug trade as evil thugs. No character in this book is drawn so black and white as to be wholly good or bad. From Mario Durham, who is constantly laughed at for wearing a pair of used 'ordans,' to the feared Granville Oliver on trial for his life, everyone has their flaws, and all have redeeming features. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but readers would probably maximize their enjoyment of this novel by reading Right as Rain and Hell to Pay beforehand. They are both excellent as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Extremely disappointing
Review: This book came highly recommended. ... On an even more fundamental level, though, the story just isn't compelling. There's no strong narrative, no suspense, and virtually no character development. Pelecanos is trying to to make some sort of misguided social statement...
Rating:
Summary: Extremely disappointing
Review: This book came highly recommended. ... On an even more fundamental level, though, the story just isn't compelling. There's no strong narrative, no suspense, and virtually no character development. Pelecanos is trying to to make some sort of misguided social statement...
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best
Review: Too many series become predictable and unsustainable. Look at Parker and Crais and sometimes Connelly, certainly Sandford. But not Pelacanos. I saw another review that chastised the author for his DC wanderings and his sidetrips into music and westerns. I always check out what the characters are listening to, reading or watching...it's half the fun of a Pelacanos novel. The other thing is the DC as small town theme. Any of Pelacanos characters are likely to show up in any series. I like this post modern aspect to the noirish crime novel. The bad guys are never boring; The good guys never too smart for their own good. I'd be hard pressed to tell any newcomer where to start with this writer. Just start somewhere and then figure it out for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: A THINKING MAN'S THRILLER VERY WELL READ
Review: With his 11th novel bestselling author George Pelecanos offers another powerful, disturbing and highly readable story set on the mean streets of Washington, D.C. Private investigator Derek Strange with the aid of Terry Quinn again takes center stage as turf battles erupt in violent grabs for territory and money. Accomplished voice performer Richard Allen adds just the right amounts of menace and bravado to his reading, ably inhabiting the skins of both good and bad guys. When a D. C. crime boss is captured and imprisoned he seems a shoo-in for the ultimate punishment. Lawyers representing the gang leader hire Strange to help in getting a lighter sentence. A witness is needed to cast doubt on testimony against the drug lord, and that witness might just be an angry former girlfriend. After all, hell hath no fury like a you-know-who. Meanwhile with the crime boss in jail two young drug dealers are jousting for the apparently up for grabs neighborhood and profits to come. It is, as Pelecanos makes clear, a vicious circle that goes round and round in an amoral neighborhood where fear rules and friendships are forsaken. Pelecanos writes thinking man's thrillers, as his legions of fans will attest. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: Pelecanos excels again
Review: Yet another excellent Pelecanos novel. The third appearance of Derek Strange and Terry Quinn. Sharp characterization, gritty urban setting, excellent description of despair and mayhem. Like other Pelecanos novels, there is an underlying sense of sorrow, and realistic description of young men and women who have gone astray. The story picks up where Hell to Pay ends, and takes some time to get going. But once it does, it is difficult to stop reading. This is poetry in the guise of hard-boiled crime fiction.
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