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A review by bioniclib
Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley
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.