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kimminy's review against another edition
2.0
Murder doesn’t happen until just over half way through the book. Slow. Mystery not all that exciting. Kind of predictable.
tracielee's review against another edition
4.0
I was thinking I didn’t like reading cozy mysteries then this series was recommended and realized it was just the ones I was reading were not good. lol This series is great and I can’t wait to continue on. I loved Blanche as a main character and the supporting characters were all well fleshed out and interesting. It was heart warming and funny and entertaining. Highly recommend!
jenleah's review against another edition
1 star. I did not like this book at all. I did not like the characters, the plot, or the writing style. I did come to have respect and some understanding of Blanche, but not enough to redeem the story for me. Would have quit reading, but this is for a cozy book club I'm in and I wanted to finish.
jennylimmy's review against another edition
4.0
Such a treat to finally find a new, exciting mystery series! This one did not contain the genius complexity of an Agatha Christie novel; instead, it focused much more on the funny, interesting protagonist. Unlike Christie’s protagonists who mostly sail through life in upper-class comfort (except for the occasional brush with death), Blanche has many troubles, and her handling of them is written with humor and sympathy. Ultimately, I take the greatest joy in complex and unlikely murder plots, so I doubt that Neely will replace Christie in my heart. But I’ll definitely keep reading the series, with pleasure.
bigsexy's review against another edition
4.0
Blanche White is a formidable black housekeeper who not only has the challenge of working as a domestic (smarter than most of her employers) but the racism that accompanies it. She also has a knack for solving mysteries in a clever Agatha Christie way. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
rion_gale's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
3.5
raeanne's review against another edition
4.0
I found this series through a recommended list of diverse mysteries and now I can’t find the specific web page to link. Anyways, it had nothing to do with The Help. I’ve apparently read The Help but I can’t remember and I am grateful for that.
Blanche is unlike another other Cozy protag I’ve ever read and it’s marvelous. It’s not only because of her race, class, and age though her perspective and thoughts are a home run. I have dozens of highlights, some paragraphs long, because of her turns of phrase and insights. She’s fantastic in a completely homegrown down to Earth kind of way.
Beyond that, she’s actually reluctant. Her gossip and snooping is about finding her footing with the Carters and her job. She stays out of it until morals force her hand and her decision is brilliant. Every decision that would seemingly go against her reluctant grain are explained and feel natural.
Blanche On The Lam is defined and revolves around her rather than The Carters. There’s no wacky cast of characters to carry her along and get involved with over-the-top scenarios. She has her community and her friends but they’re phone calls away and speak sense.
But don’t let that fool you, the mystery is good too. Instead of painfully obvious clues missed or ridiculous set-ups, it’s a good down home murder among the privileged. Because of Blanche’s view, the reveals are realistic and not cringe-worthy. She really does make the book in every way.
Blanche is front and center in such a positive, fun, and exciting way. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what Blanche does next.
Blanche is unlike another other Cozy protag I’ve ever read and it’s marvelous. It’s not only because of her race, class, and age though her perspective and thoughts are a home run. I have dozens of highlights, some paragraphs long, because of her turns of phrase and insights. She’s fantastic in a completely homegrown down to Earth kind of way.
Beyond that, she’s actually reluctant. Her gossip and snooping is about finding her footing with the Carters and her job. She stays out of it until morals force her hand and her decision is brilliant. Every decision that would seemingly go against her reluctant grain are explained and feel natural.
Blanche On The Lam is defined and revolves around her rather than The Carters. There’s no wacky cast of characters to carry her along and get involved with over-the-top scenarios. She has her community and her friends but they’re phone calls away and speak sense.
But don’t let that fool you, the mystery is good too. Instead of painfully obvious clues missed or ridiculous set-ups, it’s a good down home murder among the privileged. Because of Blanche’s view, the reveals are realistic and not cringe-worthy. She really does make the book in every way.
Blanche is front and center in such a positive, fun, and exciting way. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what Blanche does next.
dramaqueenv's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.25
mysterymom40's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Ableism, Racism, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Hate crime, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism
Minor: Slavery
dracula_but_slay's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Full disclosure: I only read this book for a class. That being said, I enjoyed it, which could be considered rare for class-assigned books. Blanche on the Lam is not only an interesting crime novel, but a commentary on race in late 20th century America. It’s not the most groundbreaking when it comes to either subject; however, such a perspective is still invaluable in a genre that is heavily tied to the police and thus the current racial tension within that institution. The novel’s final twist took me by surprise, so if you’re also a fan of interesting twists this novel is for you! It’s rather short and sweet as well, making it an easy read.