Book Tip: Savages

Don Winslow

Simon & Schuster

Don Winslow was recently on a mystery writers panel with Michael Connelly and Robert Crais. Winslow deserves to be in that company, but what's kept him from selling as many books as the other two is that he defies branding. He's written the P.I. series, but he's also penned an epic drug novel and two surf noir books. This willingness to be different, however, has now paid off big time in that it made "Savages" possible. The unorthodox writing style - among the narrative you'll find poetry, movie script, lists and maybe even song lyrics - has created quite a buzz. But the book's greatness comes from its well-drawn characters - best friends and pot growers Ben and Chon, and their mutual lover, Ophelia - and the frenetic action they bring. It's been a while since a book wouldn't allow me to put it down.

- Tim Cotter