The year is 1963. Two years after the traumatic events of Black Betty, Easy Rawlins is attempting to build a life of quiet normalcy. He’s out of the favor-doing business, focused on his legitimate work, and cherishing the growth of his two adopted children. However, this hard-won peace is shattered when a captivating woman enters his life one morning at his daughter’s school. This encounter marks a point of no return, drawing Easy back into a dangerous world of murder, international drug smuggling, and a fight for his reputation. Before the mystery is unraveled and his name cleared, the grittier corners of Los Angeles will be littered with bodies, heroin will flow in from France, Easy will face his demons and relapse, a president will meet his end, women will be drawn to him, and a small yellow dog will exact its revenge.
Walter Mosley’s distinctive prose has a way of drawing readers back, time and again. The debut Easy Rawlins mystery, Devil in a Blue Dress, introduced a compelling protagonist and set a high standard for noir fiction. While subsequent installments in the series haven’t consistently reached those initial heights, Mosley’s evocative portrayal of the era and setting, the richly drawn characters populating Easy’s life, and the complex inner world of Easy himself, all contribute to the enduring appeal of these novels. The relaxed, first-person past-tense narration further enhances the immersive experience, making each return to Easy’s world a worthwhile endeavor. This series of books is highly recommended for those who enjoy mystery and noir, and if you ever come across his Socrates Fortlow series, starting with the impressive Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, they are also worth reading for their unique style and compelling characters.
A Little Yellow Dog stands out as the first novel since Devil in a Blue Dress where the plot and mystery truly engaged me, alongside the captivating window into Easy Rawlins’s life. While there’s a moment where the narrative seems to rely on a deus ex machina to overcome plot entanglements, the overarching story is a compelling tale of a good man doing what’s necessary for survival in a time and place where an innocent Black man was often presumed guilty. The novel subtly weaves in socio-political commentary, presented in a way that even the most prejudiced reader would find it hard to take offense. In fact, it’s noted that Bill Clinton is a great admirer of these books.
This particular installment feels like the end of an era for Rawlins. Many threads are left intentionally unresolved, making it clear that a return to the past is impossible. The narrative powerfully illustrates how many of Rawlins’s troubles stem from his own actions. Until he can learn to manage his anger and confront his inner darkness, lasting happiness will likely remain elusive for him. The intricate plot, combined with the deep character development, makes A Little Yellow Dog a standout entry in the Easy Rawlins series.
For anyone seeking gripping mysteries with a strong sense of place and time, Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series is a must-read. The series offers a unique blend of thrilling plots, complex characters, and insightful social commentary that remains relevant today. The detailed descriptions of 1960s Los Angeles and the challenges faced by its Black community provide a rich backdrop for Rawlins’s investigations.
This journey through 1963 Los Angeles with Easy Rawlins is a testament to Mosley’s skill in crafting compelling narratives. The novel delves into themes of survival, justice, and the struggle for self-control, all within the context of a racially charged society. The inclusion of a “little yellow dog” as a catalyst for revenge adds a unique and memorable element to the story, underscoring the unexpected ways justice can manifest. The novel’s exploration of Rawlins’s internal conflicts and his external battles makes it a deeply resonant story.
Walter Mosley’s writing offers a potent mix of suspense and social observation. The books are not just crime thrillers; they are deep dives into the African American experience during a pivotal period in American history. The raw and authentic voice of Easy Rawlins, coupled with Mosley’s sharp prose, makes each mystery a compelling read. The way the author integrates historical context and cultural nuances into the narrative is particularly noteworthy, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience.
References
- Mosley, Walter. Devil in a Blue Dress. Black Lizard, 1990.
- Mosley, Walter. A Little Yellow Dog. Black Lizard, 1996.
- Mosley, Walter. Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned. Pocket Books, 1998.
