Scan barcode
momankara's review against another edition
4.0
I think Walter Mosley is slowly morphing into Percival Everett. This book is similar to previous Mosley novels in its use of language, large cast of characters, and highly complex plot. It is different in that the setting is kind of irrelevant. NY is not a character. Like an Everett novel, it is a surrealist exploration of power at this point in history. But then again, the characters contain real reflections of today's power players, including Epstein, Musk, Blackwater, etc. Truth is stranger is fiction at this point. Mosley is obviously an amazing writer. I don't think I enjoyed this one as much because it was less atmospheric and more intellectual.
debmed's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jamiers_in_ws's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mrscorytee's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
emoody's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
tfpjr492's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In this action mystery novel the main character’s (private investigator Joe King Oliver) mettle is tested with two cases that he really doesn’t want. “King” is a former NYC police detective, who was forced out of the police department, but not before he is falsely accused and brutalized in a three month incarceration.
In the first case he is retained to confirm or disprove charges against a white nationalist thought leader. As King is black, this assignment is especially reprehensible. Over the course of that investigation, King comes to surprising realizations about the life story of the white nationalist.
In the second case he tries to help the imprisoned romantic partner of his embittered ex-wife. His contempt for that man grows during the investigation, but he comes to an new understanding of his past marriage.
King works a wide network of unusual characters to get to the truth. His quest pits him against ruthless government agents and secret societies, as he ranges within and beyond the confines of NYC to various meeting places, work spaces and hideaways.
Although events become increasingly incredible, the author does a good job of presenting the main character as a principled man, who must be pragmatic to survive and to protect his family.
captainolyareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In the sequel to the highly acclaimed Down the River Unto the Sea, King Oliver is tasked with an investigation most people wouldn't have the stomach for: is white nationalist Alfred Xavier Quiller a murderer? or is this a set-up for something bigger? Promising to get to the bottom of it for a friend of the family (and a multi-billionaire no less), Oliver's search for the truth will endanger the lives of those closest to him, not even money will be able to save them. Tautly-paced, this novel will have you quickly turning the pages to finish in one sitting. My main gripe is the amount of characters in the novel, one or two could have made the cutting room floor.
mkramer's review
“Hey it’s me back again in the sequel” “Damn, these two independent cases I’m pursuing are, despite initial appearances, quite thematically linked. Wouldn’t you say so, reader?”
tbjork's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0