Soul Circus (novel) - Allusions and References

Allusions and References

Strange and Quinn continue their partnership from the 2001 novel Right as Rain. The novel follows directly on from Hell to Pay in terms of Strange gathering evidence for the defence of Granville Oliver. Minor characters from earlier novels in the series that appear include Lieutenant Lydell Blue, Oliver's associate Phillip Wood, Strange's protégé Lamar Williams, Quinn's girlfriend Sue and Strange's young football player Robert Gray.

Continuing plot lines include Quinn's relationship with Sue, Strange's relationship with Janine and Lorenzo, Strange's involvement with orphaned Robert Gray and his coaching of a children's football team. Strange is seen to have become more comfortable with himself since his marriage.

Strange's reasons for defending Oliver stem from a past incident where Strange was responsible for the death of Oliver's father. The character justifies his defence of the criminal by stating that he is not defending Oliver but his rights.

Nick Stefanos, main character of Pelecanos' first three books, appears in the novel. He assists Strange in the arson of the gun store and helps him with his case. Stefanos now works for Elaine Clay, the wife of Marcus Clay from Pelecanos DC Quartet series. Strange and Stefanos meet at his friend Billy Georgelakos' place - Strange has visited there in each of the books he appears in.

A reviewer commented that the interweaving of characters from Pelecanos' other novels gives a sense of place and a story larger than the novels themselves. Pelecanos has commented that he deliberately interweaves characters from his novels to create a sense of a fictional universe that parallels the real world.