DARKNESS TAKE MY HAND by Dennis Lehane

Finished Su 8/13/17 One of my old paperbacks that I bought at the West Branch on Sa 10/23/04 and finished it a few days later.

Several weeks ago I read Lehane's, A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR. In the book's' storyline, that novel happened before 'Darkness Take My Hand'.

What Happened In Darkness-

Patrick Kenzie and his partner, Angela Gennaro are targets and their old neighborhood in Boston becomes a 'killing zone'. A serial killer has been active for over twenty years without detection. A neighborhood watch group formed in 1977 took illegal action against a couple of killers who dressed as clowns. Patrick's evil father burned one of the men (roasted him alive!) while others in the group tortured the two men. This secret is at the heart of the novel.

Gerry Glynn was a local policeman (now owner of The Black Emerald- a 'cop bar') witnessed the killing by the group. He promised not to tell and beneath a sunny disposition Gerry becomes a monster- killing and dismembering for decades, and he has a few very evil helpers.

From the book's page at amazon-

"Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro’s latest client is a prominent Boston psychiatrist, running scared from a vengeful Irish mob. The private investigators know about cold-blooded retribution. Born and bred on the mean streets of blue-collar Dorchester, they’ve seen the darkness that lives in the hearts of the unfortunate.

But an evil for which even they are unprepared is about to strike, as secrets that have long lain dormant erupt, setting off a chain of violent murders that will stain everything – including the truth.

With razor-sharp dialogue and penetrating prose, Darkness, Take My Hand is another superior crime novel from the author of Mystic River; Gone, Baby, Gone; and Shutter Island."

Kevin Hurlihy is a particularly vicious character and although he is not involved in the serial killings, he's a vile enforcer for the Boston Mob. He was once a childhood friend of Patrick and Angela.

And, of course, there's Bubba, Patrick's trenchcoat wearing, arms dealer. Forever loyal, yet as dangerous as a viper.

The title is from a letter that was sent to Patrick. One of the serial killers had gouged out the eyes of his victim. The eyes and this letter were left at Patrick's apartment. The killer admits that he has been to Hell and that 'Darkness has taken his hand'.

Anything by Dennis Lehane is well worth a look- the writing, characters, and plotting are always rewarding and enjoyable.