Rating: 
Summary: A fun to read dissection of pop-culture criminal mentalities
Review: "Suckerman" cleverly evokes the late '70s atmosphere while providing psychological insight into the "macho" world of attitude behind small-time criminal mentalities--TV babies, as Matt Dillon called them in "Drugstore Cowboy." Call it a "comedy of Macho manners." I read "Suckerman" right after "The Brothers Rico" by Simenon, and though nothing compares with that, Pelecanos' hip and funny book didn't disappoint. Because of the obvious "Pulp Fiction" connection, I came fully prejudiced and ready to trash it but the man can do more than drop names and tittilate. Harlan Elisson wouldn't recommend just anyone, now, would he? Pelecanos offers much more than pretentious hack-Hollywood post-"P.F." masturbations like "Go" or garbage like "Thursday." The characters he creates are quite real and believable;they existed "back in the day" and still exist in slightly different,fashion-metamorphosed form. The style is deceptively simple, along the lines of masters like Fante or Saroyan and he does have some Bukowski- style "vulgar subtlety" if you look for it. As it is, he makes a hell of a good cheesburger and with a little more work might just turn out rare steaks like Simenon.
Rating: 
Summary: the bi-centennial, blaxploitation ... and that's about it
Review: 'King Suckerman' is by some accounts among George Pelecanos's weaker efforts, and by other accounts his most enjoyable read. Like all his works this book takes place in Washington (, D.C.) and its characters are racially diverse, and into sex, drugs and rock & roll. And unlike many of his books the story starts off with a bang, most literally (ie, a rather graphically described killing). But then the book fails to take advantage of its early promise.In 'King Suckerman' the author spends a lot of time, arguably too much time, on waltzing through 1970s memory lane. Blaxploitation flicks and the music of the times dominate the book. Yes, there are some nasty dudes in this book, lots of drug dealing, but before long we realize the author isn't going to deliver anything special. George Pelacanos has done much better ('Shame the Devil', 'Right as Rain'). Bottom line: the author seems to be into more of a nostalgia trip rather than writing a crime novel. But for those craving a taste of pre-disco 1970s ambiance this book is "really baaad".
Rating:
Summary: the bi-centennial, blaxploitation ... and that's about it
Review: 'King Suckerman' is by some accounts among George Pelecanos's weaker efforts, and by other accounts his most enjoyable read. Like all his works this book takes place in Washington (, D.C.) and its characters are racially diverse, and into sex, drugs and rock & roll. And unlike many of his books the story starts off with a bang, most literally (ie, a rather graphically described killing). But then the book fails to take advantage of its early promise. In 'King Suckerman' the author spends a lot of time, arguably too much time, on waltzing through 1970s memory lane. Blaxploitation flicks and the music of the times dominate the book. Yes, there are some nasty dudes in this book, lots of drug dealing, but before long we realize the author isn't going to deliver anything special. George Pelacanos has done much better ('Shame the Devil', 'Right as Rain'). Bottom line: the author seems to be into more of a nostalgia trip rather than writing a crime novel. But for those craving a taste of pre-disco 1970s ambiance this book is "really baaad".
Rating: 
Summary: Always A Price To Pay
Review: A crime novel with a "moral to the story"; Dmitri Karras, a pot-smoking, dope-selling, basketball-playing, fun-loving guy with no goals or direction. His friend is Marcus Clay, a Viet Nam vet trying to get started with a small record business. They cross paths with Wilton Cooper, an ex-con who picks up B.R. Claggett, an anti-social guy who kills without remorse. Wilton and Claggett go on a crime spree, killing several people, including Rasheed, a young clerk that worked for Marcus Clay. There's a final showdown and Dmitri learns that there's always a price to pay. This novel has excellent dialogue and characterizations of the 70's post Viet Nam, post hippie, marijuana days. It teaches that nothing is simple and easy. George Pelecanos' novels are instructive and entertaining and KING SUCKERMAN will not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: The Tarantino Effect
Review: Alright I am a Pelecanos junkie; I've read most of his novels and this one is still my favorite. While D.C. residents may get more out of his books (we can easily recognize the streets he name drops, and understand a bit of the culture) anyone who is a fan of noir writing would dig Pelecanos. He really paints 1976 beautifully; from the style of clothes, the music, and of course the Blaxploitation movie that the novel revolves around. King Suckerman has that right amount of evil, violence, humor, and still uplifts you at the end. If you are a fan of Tarantino type characters/plot you should consider this book; if you are a DC resident, then this book (and the other Pelecanos novels) are mandatory.
Rating:
Summary: D.C. Noir and Funk
Review: Alright I am a Pelecanos junkie; I've read most of his novels and this one is still my favorite. While D.C. residents may get more out of his books (we can easily recognize the streets he name drops, and understand a bit of the culture) anyone who is a fan of noir writing would dig Pelecanos. He really paints 1976 beautifully; from the style of clothes, the music, and of course the Blaxploitation movie that the novel revolves around. King Suckerman has that right amount of evil, violence, humor, and still uplifts you at the end. If you are a fan of Tarantino type characters/plot you should consider this book; if you are a DC resident, then this book (and the other Pelecanos novels) are mandatory.
Rating:
Summary: Pulp Fiction episode one
Review: First book I read while searching for an Elmore Lenard book picked it up couldn't stop reading it the characters and the situations make it worthy for video or even T.V. H.B.O. series hope some producers makes his work hit the screen soon.
Rating:
Summary: "Old School"
Review: For someone who was a teen in the seventies, this book will be a nostalgic trip. The author's use of musical and movie references, street lingo, and fashion helped him to paint a fairly accurate description of 1976 DC. The violence may be a little over the top for some, but if you enjoyed Shaft, Superfly, Trouble Man or Pulp Fiction, you'll enjoy this book. I plan to read more titles written by this author.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT MY CUP OF TEA!!!
Review: I am sorry. Have read several books by Pelecanos ant this is the only one I have not liked. I quit reading after 108 pages. To much reference to songs and movies. Nearly every page talkes abou different songs and who likes what. Also, way to much sex for me. Sex with man and woman, sex with man and man. I like good crime books but not sex books. I am sure I am in the minority and the book will go great guns but it is not for me at all.
Rating:
Summary: Superbad, Superfine, Super 70s all the time...
Review: I don't have much time here, but I just had to chuck down a quick review of this fantastic book. I began this book at the start of an interstate car journey and by the time we had stopped, I had pretty much read most of it. This book rips along from the very first page, with an amazing attention to detail, interesting and believable (in a way) characters, great cross-cutting, and wonderful evocacation of the 70s. The story has already been cited here already, so I won't recap, but you care for the characters you like and you're in awe or fear of the others. Referencing all kinds of 70s trappings, music, films, Iceberg Slim, muscle cars etc, you feel like you're watching an awesome film and indeed I'd be less than surprised if it was made into one. I only hope it's by the right people, not someone like Sean Puffy Combs, who would probably cast Jennifer Lopez in the role of Virginia. I only hope Pelecanos' other books are as good as this.
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