I'm a fan, and I like the way he sets up stories and brings all the characters together. This is high-quality pulp. ( )

Great background if you're into this series. Tells about when Strange started out as a PI.

I really get to feel like a part of the life in DC for a black man, without having to be black - or live in DC. It's really different, but the books seem authentic from what I know of the black culture. At the time of this story (just before Nixon and Watergate), I was working at the main Oakland, CA post office, mostly with blacks. I actually enjoyed getting to know the wide variety of black people there, and got along well with everyone.

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I only gave this 4/5, I found some of the deductions and "inklings" made by several of the characters to be a stretch, but I really liked this story, I love the Derek Strange character, and I'll eventually get through every Pelecanos book. ( )

Derek Strange tells Nick Stefanos a story of murder, mayhem and a ring from 40 years before set, as ever, in Washington DC, but this time in 1972, the month of the Watergate burglary. Pelecanos tells us in the forward that he was "written in a fever" which is exactly how it reads, I found it almost impossible to put down. As always the story is populated by a memorable and motley crew of characters. I look forward to every Pelecanos book; this is not the best, but it is still excellent 9/10 ( )

“What It Was" can best be described as Pelecanos doing what he does best - evoking a time and a scene replete with accompanying soundtrack which is evinced in forensic-like detail as are the clothes and cars.

For my complete review please visit The Mystery Bookshelf blog: http://wp.me/p6kwu-YS