A review by hsieh
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

dark reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I never say this, but I think the movie might be better than the book. Mosley's novel is entertaining and, yes, a page-turner... but the plotting is sloppy and the motivations often unclear. I can see a twinge of brilliance in his explorations on the themes of racial identity and American belonging, and I do think Mosley spending time on these is something missing from the film. Sadly, the film's streamlining of the plot and cast makes it a better story.