[Nick Stefanos 01] • Liquidation

George P Pelecanos has forged a deserved reputation for mixing the classical with the new: hard drama and atmosphere along with a plentiful supply of pop culture references and a dash of social conscience. His creation of hard-livin' Washington DC appliance salesman Nick Stefanos is a welcome addition to the varied pantheon of put-upon gumshoes. Technically, Nick isn't even a P.I, he just happens to be very good at acting like one. Who better, then, to head the search for missing stockboy Jimmy Broda, recently fired for bad attendance and last seen in the company of two dangerous drug-dealers? For what is essentially a thin tale, Pelecanos superbly executes the splendid irony that being a private eye will offer Nick more satisfaction than the rampant corruption that occurs in the legitimate world of retail. With A Firing Offense , Pelecanos has wonderfully laid the groundwork for what would become the staple of his later works, a perfect lure for both existing fans and newcomers. Slight, but engaging, this opening gambit oozes with the potential that is now routinely consolidated. -- Danny Graydon