Highway 13 (story collection)

Highway 13 is a short story collection by American author Dennis Lehane, published in 1997. The collection is notable for featuring the recurring characters Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, private investigators based in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to the publication of this collection, Kenzie and Gennaro appeared in four novels by Lehane: A Drink Before the War, Darkness, Take My Hand, Sacred, and Gone, Baby, Gone.

The stories within Highway 13 explore various themes of crime, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, often set against the backdrop of working-class Boston neighborhoods. Unlike the novels, the stories are generally shorter and more focused on specific cases or character studies. The collection provides further insight into the personalities and partnership of Kenzie and Gennaro, adding depth to their character development beyond the novels.

While the novels primarily deal with intricate and large-scale investigations, the stories in Highway 13 often center on smaller, more personal cases, giving readers a glimpse into the everyday struggles of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The collection is praised for its gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and exploration of the moral ambiguities that define the Kenzie and Gennaro universe.

The title, Highway 13, is likely a metaphorical reference rather than a specific location prominently featured in the stories. It may symbolize a path or journey through the darker aspects of human nature and urban life, reflecting the themes explored within the collection.