You can forgive George Pelecanos for his five-year gap between novels when you note how busy he has been developing and contributing to such notable HBO series as TREME and currently THE DEUCE. But THE MAN WHO CAME UPTOWN, Pelecanos’s latest novel, more than makes up for the break with its fascinating story of crime and redemption.

Michael Hudson awaits trial for armed robbery in a Washington, DC jail. But during his incarceration Hudson developed a love of reading, thanks to Anna Byrne, the jail librarian who selects books she feels Hudson will like. Hudson is also a regular attendee to Anna’s weekly book discussion groups.

Then one day Anna finds Hudson missing. A sudden break in Hudson’s case resulted in his immediate release. Now Hudson has “gone uptown,” the prison term for returning to the world outside a jail cell.

Hudson finds a job, but immediately continues his newfound love of books by also securing a library card. He spends every spare moment lost within his books, which take him to worlds he has never experienced.

But then Hudson is confronted by Phil Orzanian, the defense investigator responsible for the break in Hudson’s case and Hudson’s release. Orzanian has side job robbing drug dealers and other criminals of their loot. Ozanian leans on Hudson to repay the debt he owes by being the driver for Orzanian’s robberies. But Hudson fears his involvement with Orzanian will cost him the freedom he now enjoys.

Pelecanos effectively provides the background to all his main characters. From this we understand their motives even when we disagree with them. Along the way we treated to such recognizable Pelecanos fiction trademarks as the detailed description of cars and the intimate knowledge of the neighborhoods and popular local culture of Washington, DC.

The most memorable moments, however, are those conveying the joy Hudson experiences through reading. At first it is a welcome release from his imprisonment. When reading, Hudson “was not locked up. He was free.” Later Hudson finds books are key to his understanding of the people around him and the emotions he experiences. Pelecanos highlights the authors and novels Hudson particularly likes, and we soon find ourselves adding them to our own personal reading list (much like the Jack Taylor series by Irish crime author Ken Bruen).

Yet it is the conflict between what Hudson feels is his responsibility and the new life he cherishes “uptown” that remain with us long after the novel’s unexpected conclusion.

It was a long time coming, but THE MAN WHO CAME UPTOWN is well worth the wait and is another triumphant addition to Pelecanos’s distinguished list of series and stand-alone novels. —Alan Cranis

Get it at Amazon.