What It Was – Audiobook

Set in Washington, D.C. in 1972, the story follows Derek Strange, a former police officer turned private investigator. His old partner, Frank “Hound Dog” Vaughn, remains on the police force. When a young woman approaches Strange seeking his help in recovering a sentimental ring, the case unexpectedly leads him into Vaughn’s territory, where a drug addict has been murdered in his apartment.

Strange and Vaughn join forces to track down the ruthless killer, Red Fury, nicknamed for his appearance and the car driven by his girlfriend. The moniker aptly suits his violent nature. Red Fury lacks any semblance of a retirement plan, resorting to any means necessary, including murder, to achieve his goals. As the violence escalates and the stakes rise, Strange and Vaughn realize that the only way to capture their man is to operate outside the law.

Rich in period details – cars, music, clothing – and fueled by relentless action, the narrative showcases Pelecanos’s signature hard-boiled style, solidifying his position among America’s top crime writers.