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holdenkillfield's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very sharp and nuanced story that not only has a murder mystery to solve, but seamlessly weaves the social commentary of race, gender, and class. Blanche White is a delightful sleuth to follow along with on this complex unveiling of the murderer. The story was very character-driven and took its time to deliver a reveal that was amusing as was frightening. I will continue to the second book right away as Blanche White is a very interesting character that was very enjoyable to read.
maddiepalmer443's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sowebeaton's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ohno_joreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
agemme10's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
blairlynn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
3.0
Barbara is an activist so her writing is very issue oriented. She takes on racism, sexism, and classism all in this writing through our witty and wise character Blanche.
This was a good mystery, it has a nice build and you really get into Blanche's character. She's great and I hear the series only gets better from here!
Great read, it's been on my radar for a while and it was worth it!
This was a good mystery, it has a nice build and you really get into Blanche's character. She's great and I hear the series only gets better from here!
Great read, it's been on my radar for a while and it was worth it!
efrance's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Slow-burn murder mystery where the detective is a smart, savvy 40-year-old black domestic worker. Story deals with the realities of class and racism, but main antagonist also gets a satisfying comeuppance. Writing could inspire you to clean your house and cook a delicious meal.
paperbacksandpines's review against another edition
3.0
If you're looking for a cozy mystery, I'm not sure whether this book will meet your requirements. However, if you're looking for a book that lets you peer into the psyche of a Black domestic servant working in the thick of the Civil Rights movement South, this may fit the bill.
The time period in which this book is set is never explicitly mentioned but it does mention the 1960s in the past tense. This initially threw me for a loop because Blanche was treated as if she were a slave and not paid for her household help. [b:Blanche on the Lam|23269388|Blanche on the Lam (Blanche White, #1)|Barbara Neely|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1411610473l/23269388._SY75_.jpg|579693] made me think of [b:The Help|4667024|The Help|Kathryn Stockett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572940430l/4667024._SY75_.jpg|4717423] if [b:The Help|4667024|The Help|Kathryn Stockett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572940430l/4667024._SY75_.jpg|4717423] were written from a Black perspective. Having not grown up in the South nor experienced the Civil Rights movement, it surprised me how Black domestic servants were treated in the not so distant past. It shouldn't have surprised me but it did.
As the book's protagonist, Blanche was no shrinking violet and she definitely had her reasons for not trusting whites, employer or otherwise. While I questioned some of her choices, the biggest thing this book has going for it was allowing me to see the world from a different perspective. I wouldn't say that the mystery in this book was top rate. The character study in this book is the most interesting part of it.
The time period in which this book is set is never explicitly mentioned but it does mention the 1960s in the past tense. This initially threw me for a loop because Blanche was treated as if she were a slave and not paid for her household help. [b:Blanche on the Lam|23269388|Blanche on the Lam (Blanche White, #1)|Barbara Neely|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1411610473l/23269388._SY75_.jpg|579693] made me think of [b:The Help|4667024|The Help|Kathryn Stockett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572940430l/4667024._SY75_.jpg|4717423] if [b:The Help|4667024|The Help|Kathryn Stockett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572940430l/4667024._SY75_.jpg|4717423] were written from a Black perspective. Having not grown up in the South nor experienced the Civil Rights movement, it surprised me how Black domestic servants were treated in the not so distant past. It shouldn't have surprised me but it did.
As the book's protagonist, Blanche was no shrinking violet and she definitely had her reasons for not trusting whites, employer or otherwise. While I questioned some of her choices, the biggest thing this book has going for it was allowing me to see the world from a different perspective. I wouldn't say that the mystery in this book was top rate. The character study in this book is the most interesting part of it.