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whiskeylifter's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
trizboss's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
omgitsmandy's review against another edition
3.0
I'm finding that Hard Boiled detective fiction is not being my favorite genre. I thought I would enjoy it because my instructor mentioned that [b:The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo|2429135|The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)|Stieg Larsson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327868566s/2429135.jpg|1708725] was the Swedish equivalent of Hard Boiled, and I loved that book; however the last two novels we have read, including this one, have not been as appealing.
The character Easy is a relatively moral detective compared to others of the same genre, but still plays by his own rules. Mouse, his sort of assistant, is completely opposite, and almost has no solid morals. Seeing the two characters gain their footing as private detectives was interesting, but overall the book was just okay. It was easier to appreciate because I understand it is very significant to the genre, but I was not very drawn in by the story and compelled to consume the entire book in one sitting, as I am with many others. Would recommend for people who know they like the genre, and want a short and easy read.
The character Easy is a relatively moral detective compared to others of the same genre, but still plays by his own rules. Mouse, his sort of assistant, is completely opposite, and almost has no solid morals. Seeing the two characters gain their footing as private detectives was interesting, but overall the book was just okay. It was easier to appreciate because I understand it is very significant to the genre, but I was not very drawn in by the story and compelled to consume the entire book in one sitting, as I am with many others. Would recommend for people who know they like the genre, and want a short and easy read.
smalefowles's review against another edition
dark
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
3.75
Easy Rawlins is a great protagonist, and the Los Angeles of the late 1940s is so fascinating (and filled with racism).
liinukka's review against another edition
2.0
Kind of boring, especially for a murder mystery. I didn't care about what happened to anybody. I won't be reading any more from this series.
The setting was the star of this story, from the speak easies to the shady neighborhoods of LA... Rampant racism permeates the world of Easy Rawlins, providing a dark and chilling framework for a gritty novel. I'm sorry I couldn't appreciate the book more. I really wanted to like it.
The setting was the star of this story, from the speak easies to the shady neighborhoods of LA... Rampant racism permeates the world of Easy Rawlins, providing a dark and chilling framework for a gritty novel. I'm sorry I couldn't appreciate the book more. I really wanted to like it.
bioniclib's review against another edition
4.0
Easy Rawlins is basically a black Philip Marlowe.
Mr. Mosley's style if reminiscent of Raymond Chandler. I've read that this is a popular opinion. Some folks feel that Mosley onr-ups Chandler because he's clear where Chandler could be vague. I guess I'd agree that I wasn't left scratching my head at some slang Rawlins used like I was wont to do with Marlowe, but I'm not sure that's better or not.
They both have a pretty good way with words and created fantastic characters though I'd have to give the edge to Chandler. That's far from a shame, though. I consider Chandler one of the best mystery writers ever and the fact that I can compare Mosley to Chandler with a straight face speaks volumes.
In case you're interested in the plot: Rawlins (who isn't a detective yet) is hired by some rich white dude to find a white woman that frequents black bars. Taking place in 1948, there's plenty of overt racism and WWII is still freshly remembered since Easy is a veteran. There are a lot of different players and its fast-paced enough that when you know what's going on, another character throws a wrench in your plans.
Like Chandler? Pick up this book. Haven't read any Chandler? Go read The Big Sleep and then come back to this one. I always try to read things in chronological order. You should too or else you'll think Chandler sounds like Mosley not the other way around.
Mr. Mosley's style if reminiscent of Raymond Chandler. I've read that this is a popular opinion. Some folks feel that Mosley onr-ups Chandler because he's clear where Chandler could be vague. I guess I'd agree that I wasn't left scratching my head at some slang Rawlins used like I was wont to do with Marlowe, but I'm not sure that's better or not.
They both have a pretty good way with words and created fantastic characters though I'd have to give the edge to Chandler. That's far from a shame, though. I consider Chandler one of the best mystery writers ever and the fact that I can compare Mosley to Chandler with a straight face speaks volumes.
In case you're interested in the plot: Rawlins (who isn't a detective yet) is hired by some rich white dude to find a white woman that frequents black bars. Taking place in 1948, there's plenty of overt racism and WWII is still freshly remembered since Easy is a veteran. There are a lot of different players and its fast-paced enough that when you know what's going on, another character throws a wrench in your plans.
Like Chandler? Pick up this book. Haven't read any Chandler? Go read The Big Sleep and then come back to this one. I always try to read things in chronological order. You should too or else you'll think Chandler sounds like Mosley not the other way around.
radominic's review against another edition
2.0
It was a well-written story, but the motivations were confusing and I was disappointed with a few characters. Mouse was great!
aryanightshade's review against another edition
2.0
2.5. Had to read it for a class so my opionon is slightly negativlt biased by how annoying the class is