A review by jakewritesbooks
Red Baker by Michael Connelly, Robert Ward

4.0

Recently, I read an Ann Tyler book for the first time. While she uses Baltimore, it's more as a backdrop for a family drama. Whereas Red Baker is blue collar Baltimore down to its loving, gritty soul. The city comes alive in a way that is difficult to do for many writers in that it's not a display for tourists but a functional character, one that exalts and drags down the protagonist (or anti-hero, whatever). Those familiar with the decline of blue collar labor in Baltimore, especially w/r/t the steel mills can relate and Robert Ward captures it in all of its kitschy, loving, racist, damaged glory. A must read if you're a native.