A review by tfpjr492
Every Man a King by Walter Mosley, Walter Mosley

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

In this action mystery novel the main character’s (private investigator Joe King Oliver) mettle is tested with two cases that he really doesn’t want. “King” is a former NYC police detective, who was forced out of the police department, but not before he is falsely accused and brutalized in a three month incarceration. 

 

In the first case he is retained to confirm or disprove charges against a white nationalist thought leader. As King is black, this assignment is especially reprehensible. Over the course of that investigation, King comes to surprising realizations about the life story of the white nationalist. 

 

In the second case he tries to help the imprisoned romantic partner of his embittered ex-wife. His contempt for that man grows during the investigation, but he comes to an new understanding of his past marriage. 

 

King works a wide network of unusual characters to get to the truth. His quest pits him against ruthless government agents and secret societies, as he ranges within and beyond the confines of NYC to various meeting places, work spaces and hideaways. 

 

Although events become increasingly incredible, the author does a good job of presenting the main character as a principled man, who must be pragmatic to survive and to protect his family.