Don Winslow

Simon & Schuster, 320 pages

For too long, the ludicrously great thriller writer Don Winslow flew under the radar (sort of) while other, far-less-talented authors reaches superstardom. Two years ago, though, with "Savages," Winslow broke big. The story of best friends/marijuana dealers Chon and Ben and their mutual love interest O, "Savages" was intricate, funny, violent and stylistically clever and fresh. Now, timed perfectly with the release of Oliver Stone's film of "Savages," Winslow has published "The Kings of Cool," the prequel that gives backstory to Chon, Ben and O. It covers three decades of ultra-hip SoCal lore that cynically skewers the rotting American dream even as Winslow weaves a tale of felonious seduction, dark bloodlines, greed and the potential for shredded loyalties. Magnificent.

- RICK KOSTER