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A review by raeanne
Blanche on the Lam by Barbara Neely
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.