Reviews

Blanche Cleans Up by Barbara Neely

astrochem's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

siria's review against another edition

3.0

This third installment of the Blanche White series sees Blanche living in Boston and temporarily working for an aspiring politician and his wife. She soon finds herself embroiled in a whole series of events: blackmail, corruption, and multiple gruesome murders. Blanche Cleans Up was very readable, and Blanche is as vivid a character as ever, but I didn't enjoy this as much as previous installments. There were times when a lighter hand might have served Barbara Neely better in making some of points she was trying to put across here, and near the end the novel took a twist into some very dark issues that I'd prefer to avoid. Readable, but not one I'll be revisiting.

letsgolesbians's review

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.25

lit_stacks's review against another edition

funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

korilondon's review against another edition

4.0

The great part of this series is that Blanche feels like an aunty who you get to go on adventures with! She is a no nonsense rebellious woman who has a niche of solving murders . Along the way Blanche is not short of her opinions, advice , and a no non sense attitude that makes the journey of solving the mysteries both educational and interesting .

I love how each book seems to touch on ideas of racism, class, and even sexuality in ways that add to the realism of the story . Without taking away from Blanche discussing masturbation, her love of her ancestors , and her mother and kids who can get on her last nerve!

I throughly enjoy these books and sad I have one left before the series ends :(

raesofsun's review

emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

gkway05's review

funny mysterious

2.5

caseythecanadianlesbrarian's review against another edition

5.0

I can't even describe how awesome this book was! It totally exceeded my high expectations. Characterization was incredible--from the smart, feisty, flawed, observant sleuth Blanche to every single side character. The novel is full of everyday wisdoms and observations about humanity and life on this earth, not to mention realistic, astute commentary about being black in the US, class, sex work, homophobia, abortion, environmentalism, domestic work, and other issues weaved seamlessly and effortlessly into the detective plot which was also greatly entertaining and had just the right amount of twists. There was not one moment that I did not love reading this book. Did I mention it's also really funny? Do yourself a favour, and even if you're not a regular mystery reader, find one of the Blanche White books (irony in the name intended) and read it asap.

emjrey's review

mysterious medium-paced

4.0

raji_c's review against another edition

4.0

It's book 3 and I like Blanche even more than I did with book 1. I really enjoy the honesty of Barbara Neely's writing. Blanche is nothing like me and makes choices that I would probably not make. But she is a creation that is raw, real and commands admiration.

And Lisa Reneé Pitts is wonderful as a narrator, making each book come alive! So grateful that Storytel has this.