Wow, hard to put down. Parts of the story are deep and dark, other parts funny and a bit nostalgic. The story starts quickly, and like a storm it continues to build. It takes place in a Southern city that feels like New Orleans, or Memphis, or Atlanta, or Nashville--pick your own spot. You will feel like you're in the room, in the car, on the street, or in other places (no spoilers) with each character. They draw you in--you want to hug some and absolutely strangle others. There are twists and turns, and you almost never know what's coming next. I didn't want the story to end, and the story, characters, and the dark neighborhood of Sloetown stayed with me for days afterward. 

Twenty Grand is a great read, with intriguing characters that are quirky and complex. The storyline is compelling, too, but it's the characters and their twisted relationships and motivations that really kept me turning pages. Another standout feature of this book is the setting. The city is a character in its own right. I highly recommend this book!