Devil in a blue dress — Reader discussion

What struck me most about 'Devil in a Blue Dress' was how Walter Mosley seamlessly wove the noir detective genre with a nuanced portrayal of African American life in 1940s LA. Easy Rawlins isn’t just a private eye; he’s a deeply human character facing racial and economic struggles that add layers to the mystery. The setting itself feels alive—Mosley’s descriptions of Watts and the city’s tensions really ground the story. Have you noticed how the atmosphere almost becomes a character in its own right throughout the book?

The pacing of the novel kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved how Mosley balanced suspense with moments of quiet introspection, especially through Easy’s internal conflicts. It’s not just about solving the case; it’s about Easy navigating a world that’s often hostile and unfair. One scene that really stuck with me was when Easy first takes on the job—there’s this palpable mix of desperation and determination. Which scene did you find most revealing about Easy’s character?