A review by documentno_is
Blanche on the Lam by Barbara Neely

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Reading this novel I realized how long it had been since I read just a straightforward mystery- and I'm glad I picked one up. It's hard not to become jaded by the true crime wave of media which is in exact opposition to this novel which not only provides a page turning situation with interesting characters but also race and class commentary is interwoven throughout. This novel was executed perfectly, Blanche was a lovable heroine and her knowledge of her surroundings was equal parts believable and nuanced. It was remarkable how uninterested she was in the affairs of those around her while being simultaneously propelled by her curiosity. This novel packs a punch and is much larger than the hokey marketing of its time cracks it up to be.