A Red Death (Easy Rawlins #2)
A Red Death (Easy Rawlins #2)
Book Brief
Beta284
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles • 1950s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Red Death, author Walter Mosley continues the story of Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, a Black private investigator in 1950s Los Angeles. Easy is coerced by the FBI to infiltrate a communist group, while balancing personal and legal challenges. The novel explores themes of race, politics, and morality.
Reviews & Readership
6,861 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Walter Mosley's A Red Death is lauded for its gritty depiction of 1950s Los Angeles and rich, complex characters. Reviewers praise Mosley's ability to weave social issues into an engaging mystery. However, some critique the pacing and found occasional plot points less compelling. Overall, it's a strong, atmospheric novel with a blend of historical and crime fiction.
Who Should Read A Red Death (Easy Rawlins #2)?
Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric mysteries with rich historical settings will find Walter Mosley's A Red Death captivating. Fans of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep or Chester Himes' If He Hollers Let Him Go will appreciate Mosley's complex characters and social commentary woven into a 1950s Los Angeles backdrop.
6,861 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Red Death, published in 1991, continues the story of Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, a Black private detective navigating post-World War II Los Angeles, highlighting Walter Mosley's dedication to exploring themes like race, identity, and the socio-political climate of the era.
Walter Mosley received the PEN America Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, recognizing his impactful contributions to literature, including his work on the Easy Rawlins series.
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The Easy Rawlins series, including A Red Death, has been praised for its authentic portrayal of African American life in the mid-20th century, bridging the gap between literary fiction and the hard-boiled detective genre.
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284
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles • 1950s
2004
Adult
18+ years
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