Inner City Hoodlum

The last novel by Donald Goines, the OG master of urban lit, a gritty, graphic thrill ride of relentless street violence, desperate measures, and brutal, unstoppable revenge . . .

Johnny Washington is a ruthless survivor, a Black teen raised on the streets of L.A., a battlefield of broken families, rival gangs, and minimum wage—all under the cold, watchful eye of the men and in blue. But Johnny’s found a loophole. He knows the freight yards like the back of his hand. He and his crew, Josh and Buddy, hit them often, stealing just enough to get by. Until Josh is gunned down by a security guard, who gets his brains bashed in by Buddy. Out of options, Johnny turns to Elliot Davis, a local kingpin who recruits and exploits Johnny’s sister until she’s no longer useful. Fueled by her pointless, inevitable death, Johnny and Buddy come after Davis with guns blazing and ready for all the smoke . . .