Finished this book with difficulty

Pelecanos is known for his work in crime fiction, he comes recommended by a couple of comic book writers. He's also become known to me as a wrtier on the excellent show the Wire

The Wire connection can be seen here, in the nitty gritty details and the distinct voices of the hood, the novel focuses on two brothers who grew up in the racially charged DC area and it culminates around the tumultuous time around MLK's assassination

Pelecanos paints a vivid picture of black and white co-existing really, rather than living together

The book is heavy on cultural and musical references, all this talk about cars and especially local radio is turning me off. One wonders how does Pelecanos know so much about Black culture, lifestyle and Black music.. he musta grown up there

The book mostly revolves around Derreck and Dennis Strange, 2 Black brothers who's lives are at diametrical opposite of the law but come together in quite a dramatic way

In fact the latter part of the book centers on 2 investigations, one of a hit and run joyride and the other of a murder of one of the Strange brothers
The resolution of the two cases unravel as the city copes with the assassination of Martin Luther King

The whole book is solid, but I feel that this particular brand of crime fiction is not for me