Dietrich (by Don Winslow)
I quickly devoured several short stories by the remarkable Don Winslow, all available on Audible. The final story I read was titled ‘Dietrich.’ Set during the scorching summer of 1977 in the crime-ridden streets of New York City, homicide detective Richard Dietrich, weary and on the brink of burnout, is assigned to investigate a brutal mob hit that his superiors are desperate to bury. What initially begins as a half-hearted investigation spirals into chaos when a mysterious second murder draws him deeper into a web of corruption, betrayal, and self-doubt. This forces him to question his instincts, his memory, and the haze of alcohol. Ed Harris narrates this Audible Original with a gravelly intensity, delivering a pulse-pounding, suspenseful tale.
I particularly relished this 1970s crime noir story. Dietrich is a likable character who I perceived as genuinely committed to doing his job to the best of his ability, with retirement in sight. I appreciated how Winslow portrayed the trauma the detective endured and its profound impact on his lifestyle. While he didn’t necessarily adopt the most beneficial coping mechanisms, I couldn’t help but like his character. I love how Winslow surprises me with his unexpected conclusions, and this one was particularly captivating!
Linked below are my reviews for other Don Winslow books.
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