Miasto tragedii

The gritty atmosphere really immerses readers in the city’s dark side. I'm curious whether this setting was based on a specific place or an amalgamation of experiences.

The story's tension builds up so well, but I noticed a lull halfway through. Did others feel the same, or was it just me getting caught up in the details?

Pelecanos’s experience with urban crime seems to add depth to the story. I wonder what aspects of his background shaped the way he crafts these gritty scenes.