Devil in a Blue Dress (Easy Rawlins Mysteries)

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Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins has few illusions about the world--at least not about the world of a young black veteran in the late 1940s in Southern California. His stint in the Army didn't do anything to dissuade him from his belief that justice doesn't come cheap, especially for men like him. "I thought there might be some justice for a black man if he had money to grease it," Easy says. Fired from his job on the line at an aircraft plant, he's in danger of losing his home, symbol of his tenuous hold on middle class status. That's a good enough reason to accept a white man's offer to pay him for finding a beautiful, mysterious Frenchwoman named Daphne Monet, last seen in the company of a well-known gangster. Easy's search takes the reader to an L.A. few writers have shown us before--the mean streets of South Central, the after-hours joints in dirty basement clubs, the cheap hotels and furnished rooms, the places people go when they don't want to be found. Evocative of a past time, and told in a style that's reminiscent of Hammet and Chandler, yet uniquely his own, Mosley's depiction of an inherently decent man in a violent world of intrigue and corruption rang up big sales when it was published in 1990 (although the movie version, with Denzel Washington as Easy, never found the audience it deserved). The minor characters are deftly and brilliantly developed, especially Mouse, who saves Easy's life even as he draws him deeper into the mystery of Daphne Monet. Like many of Mosley's characters, Mouse makes a return appearance in the succeeding Easy Rawlins mysteries, such as A Red Death, Black Betty, and White Butterfly, every one of which is as good as Devil in a Blue Dress, his first. --Jane Adams

Book Description

Los Angeles, 1948: Easy Rawlins is a black war veteran just fired from his job at a defense plant. Easy is drinking in a friend's bar, wondering how he'll meet his mortgage, when a white man in a linen suit walks in, offering good money if Easy will simply locate Miss Daphne Money, a blonde beauty known to frequent black jazz clubs....

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-04

Easy Rawlins is an ex-military man looking to get by after the war. He loses his job, and is looking to do something else to pay the bills. He falls into a private investigator type of job, being asked to track down a white woman that likes to hang out in black clubs.

It is all not quite as simple as that of course. Time for some music, violence, and the other usual bits and pieces.

Wonderfully Atmospheric Writing.......2007-06-01

DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS is the first in Walter Mosley's "Easy Rawlins" mysteries, featuring a black private detective in 1940s Los Angeles.

I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS is incredibly well written for a first novel, and features some of the best dialogue I've ever read in a book of this type. Mosley does a great job of portraying the atmosphere of the 1940s, and how the races related to one another during that time period. In many ways, this is what great fiction is about -- transporting the reader to a completely different time and place. Mosley succeeds admirably in doing exactly this.

Unfortunately, Mosley stumbles a bit with his incredibly convoluted plot. DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS is a relatively short novel, but it's overstuffed with a series of minor characters who all have complex interrelationships with one another. Toward the end, when Mosley begins explaining these relationships, the plot gets incredibly confusing. As a result, I felt the ending lacked punch.

Still, this book is superb in many ways. I was enormously impressed with Mosley's skill with language, characterization and dialogue. I will definitely be purchasing some of his other books.

substantially overrated.......2007-03-11

'Devil in a Blue Dress' has a oodles of atmosphere and quirky characters but the plot is so convoluted that this reader was bored with it all half way through. Kudos to the author for capturing the feel of 1940s Los Angeles. But I think he went a bit haywire in trying to stitch together a story with too many odd characters and mini plot twists,

Bottom line: rather disappointing after a promising start. 'Devil in a Blue Dress' does not inspire me to read anything else by this author.

good story.......2006-11-10

Not sure why but I wasn't as taken with this novel as I have been with the other of his books. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book but it's wasn't up to his usual standards.

Distinctive Character.......2006-09-16

I read Devil in a Blue Dress in one sitting. Obviously, writer Jonathan Kellerman did too, because he later wrote, "I read Devil in a Blue Dress in one sitting and didn't want it to end. An astonishing first novel." Fortunately for Mosley fans, there are more Easy Rawlins mysteries. Devil in a Blue Dress remains my favorite. It's set in 1948 in Los Angeles. Easy Rawlins is a war veteran just fired from his job at a defense plant. (This is the role Denzel Washington plays in the movie.) Devil is much more than a hard-boiled mystery. The book left me wanting to read more about Easy Rawlins whereas many of the Hammett/Chandler/Cain novels are so formulaic that I have trouble remembering which ones I've read. Not a problem with Devil in a Blue Dress.

The Travelers' Guide to African Customs & Manners: How to converse, dine, tip, drive, bargain, dress, make friends, and conduct business while in sub-Saharan Africa

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The Travelers' Guide to African Customs & Manners: How to converse, dine, tip, drive, bargain, dress, make friends, and conduct business while in sub-Saharan Africa
Elizabeth Devine , and Nancy L. Braganti
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Customs & Traditions | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312119097

Book Description

Business travelers and vacationers alike are heading to the burgeoning continent of Africa in ever-increasing numbers. But, for the American traveler, there are few places on the earth that present more cultural difference than Africa. For example, how do you know which countries will consider it perfectly sensible for you to wear a safari outfit--and which will take it as an insult? How do you know which countries are strict in observing Muslim or Jewish or tribal holidays, during which time no business appointments are possible? How should you behave when invited into a tribal home? Will they give you utensils, or should you eat with your fingers like everyone else--and do you eat with your right or left hand? What's the proper amount to tip your safari guide?This well-researched and fascinating guide provides all the dos and taboos for travelers venturing into Botswana, Cameroon, Conte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganada, and Zimbabwe. Topics covers includes: conversations, telephones, currency, transportation, meals, hotels, business, private homes, holidays, legal matters, key phrases. This fascinating and invaluable guide will lessen the stress and heighten the enjoyment of anyone's trip to Africa.

'Mammy': An Appeal to the Heart of the South--The Correct Thing to Do-To Say-To Wear

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'Mammy': An Appeal to the Heart of the South--The Correct Thing to Do-To Say-To Wear
Charlotte Hawkins Brown
Manufacturer: G. K. Hall & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0783813953

Traditional African Dress and Textiles: An Exhibition of the Susan B. Aradeon Collection of West African Dress at the Museum of African Art; Washington, D.C.; April, 1975

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Traditional African Dress and Textiles: An Exhibition of the Susan B. Aradeon Collection of West African Dress at the Museum of African Art; Washington, D.C.; April, 1975
Barbara K Nordquist
Manufacturer: The University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006XFPLA

Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals

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Rhonda Fleming
All I can say is -- WOW!
Men of Color - What a find
A Must Have for All Stylish Men
Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals

Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals
Lloyd Boston
Manufacturer: Artisan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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LL Cool J's Platinum Workout: Sculpt Your Best Body Ever with Hollywood's Fittest Star

ASIN: 1579651127

Book Description

Wonderful reviews and word-of-mouth helped make the hardcover edition of this title--a unique celebration of African-American male fashion and style--a best-seller. Essence called it "a testament to the creative spirit of Black men . . . filled with striking photographs of Black legends and insightful essays about the historical context of their apparel." With sleek photographs and a host of celebrity interviews, the special value hardcover edition captures the elegance of Nat King Cole, comfort of Bill Cosby, hip-hop style of LL Cool J, and sex appeal of Denzel Washington. Expert advice rounds out the "history of fabulous sartorial style" (Essence), showing readers how to accomplish the same looks on their own. This is a must-have for Black men--and the women who love them.

Customer Reviews:

Rhonda Fleming.......2005-01-29

Lloyd Boston is totally awesome to have written this book. I stumbled upon this book while researching men's hats for a school research thesis. What I found was not only men and their hats, but historical detail about the Black man and his hat and who the man is with and without his headcovering. The sad thing at the time was that I had to return it to the library; but now that someone gave me a gift from Amazon.com, I am now purchasing this reference material, conversation piece This book a must have in my library and collection of fine art.

THANKS LLOYD BOSTON for sharing Men of Color: Fashion, History, and Fundamentals. And Thanks Amazon.com for allowing me to get it at an affordable price.

All I can say is -- WOW!.......2000-06-03

This book is NOT a fashion book as the understated subtitle suggests. Instead, I am looking at a GALLERY of fine Black men throughout the ages with their "fashions" being very secondary.

This book is filled with WONDERFUL color and black and white photos of Black men -- famous and unknown, past and present. This book is monumentally political for it demonstrates why the Black man is loved, hated, feared, hunted, and reverenced throughout the world! This book is a job well-done.

Men of Color - What a find.......2000-05-09

I thought the book was excellent. It artfully combines historical content with practical advice that any African American male can use. I always thought it took a lot of money to look great. But using this book as a guide definitely helped.

A Must Have for All Stylish Men.......2000-04-15

This book is simply amazing. I received the book as a gift from my fiancee and have treasured this book ever since. First, the photographs are amazing, pleasant, and necessary reminders of the way stylish men of color have shaped style and fashion over the years. Second, there is the instructional aspect of the book that covers matters outside of clothing and which I can't say enough about. After reading the section of the book that dealt with hair and skin care, I was motivated to go buy shaving soap and shaving brush and dispense with the shaving gel. Thanks to Lloyd Boston and this book I have had the best shaving experiences of my life. I can't say how necessary this book is for the many black men who go through the drama of ingrown facial hair. I have less drama than most in that department, but I have still seen a remarkable improvement in my skin, as would any man after following the book's advice. The book even arms you with the necessary vocabulary to navigate your way around a men's shop with ease. There is even instructions on how to do the perfect shoe shine! And as Lloyd Boston points out, well-shined shoes are the best complement to any wardrobe. So,to sum up this book, it is NECESSARY! It is necessary for any stylish man and any man who strives to be so. It is more than worth the money.

Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals.......2000-01-25

After reading and reading and reading Lloyd Boston's book "Men of Color: Fashion, Historyi, Fundamentals", I can honestly say that I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is a source of reference to me when I buy gifts for the special men in my life or when they are unsure of how to buy for themselves. It is a conversation piece with all who enter my home. We reminisce about the pictures and ooh and ahh over beauty held within the pictures. My favorite interview is when Mr. Boston speaks with Jesse Jackson on youth culture and fashion. Thanks to Mr.Boston for the picture of Tyson Beckford and the other fine men!

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Pretty Good Book
I Wish I Had A Red Dress
Nice Red Dress
Title is a misnomer. Spoonfeeder.
Appeared to be a Male Bashing Book.

I Wish I Had a Red Dress
Pearl Cleage
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0380977338
Release Date: 2001-07-03

Book Description

Joyce Mitchell was widowed far too young when her beloved husband, Mitch, died in a tragic accident five years ago. Since then she's kept her hands full and her mind and heart occupied by running The Sewing Circus, an all-girl group she founded to provide badly needed services like day care and job counseling to young women, many of whom are single mothers. More important, The Circus is a place for lively, wide-ranging, heart-to-heart discussions that will help members grow into what Joyce likes to call "twenty-first-century free women."

All in all, Joyce has a full and rich life. She has her work, her family, her friends, and her town. But there are some nights when she crawls into bed alone and has to admit that something is missing. What she doesn't have is that red dress she keeps dreaming about or a social life that would accommodate it even if she braved the mail and bought one. To further complicate matters, she may not have The Sewing Circus much longer, as the state legislature has decided not to fund the group's vital but hard-todefine work with young women who are too often regarded as problems rather than possibilities.

Feeling defeated and pessimistic, Joyce reluctantly agrees to keep a date for dinner at the home of her best friend, Sister -- a reverend like no other-and finds not only a perfect meal but a tall, dark stranger named Nate Anderson. Nate has just joined the administration at the high school and his unexpected presence in Idlewild touches a chord in Joyce that she thought her heart had forgotten how to play. Nate feels the same immediate connection, but both have enough experience with broken hearts to take it real slow. Besides, they've got too much work to do to concentrate on falling in love....

But life moves at its own pace, and as Sister says, "if you want to make God laugh, make plans." Particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. Joyce decides the trick is to stay focused and to remember that nothing is as sexy as the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, especially if you tell it while you're wearing a perfect red dress....

Download Description

"PerfectBound e-book extra: A Reading Group Guide to I Wish I Had a Red Dress. From Oprah favorite Pearl Cleage comes a delightful new e-book edition of a beloved novel. Since Joyce Mitchell was widowed five years ago, she's kept herself occupied by running the Sewing Circus, an all-girl group she founded to provide badly needed services to young women at risk, many of whom are single mothers. But some nights, home alone, she has to admit that something is missing. And soon she may not even have the Sewing Circus to fill up her life, as the state legislature has decided not to fund the group. Feeling defeated and pessimistic, Joyce reluctantly agrees to dinner at the home of her best friend, Sister, and finds not only a perfect meal but a tall, dark stranger named Nate Anderson. His unexpected presence touches a chord in Joyce that she thought her heart had forgotten how to play. Suddenly, Joyce feels ready to grab a sexy red dress and the life that goes with it. if she can keep her girls safe from the forces -- useless boyfriends and government agencies alike -- arrayed against them."

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good Book.......2007-05-01

I really enjoyed this book, I read it in one sitting. I believe it to be even better than What Seems Ordinary. Enjoyable, witty and very entertaining.

I Wish I Had A Red Dress.......2007-01-09

If this book was written by a caucasian it would be considered racist and separatist. I have an African American grandson and I hope he never reads books that encourage one race to view another with disgust. In the book the author refers to blacks who are going to see a movie for the sole reason it has a black director. I don't understand this line of thinking. If you had a book that referred to having an all white movie weekend-only white actresses, only white directors, I think the author would be called to task.
To say for example that Richard Gere is a perfect actor because he would never kiss a black woman. Yet it is ok if it is Denzel Washoington never kissing a white woman. A true example of a double standard here. I think this author can not get beyond her own racism to write the story. The story might have been good-Pamela Mutch Stevens

Nice Red Dress.......2007-01-06

This was a most enjoyable novel, I found it very interesting without drifting in to a great deal of self hate that quite a few authors indulge thier readers with. Pearl Cleage has a very useful and positive story to tell, she tells it well and it is very entertaining. She has again picked a subject area that is well away from mainstream and she makes it relevant to more than just a few folks. This is the second of her novels that I have read and I can say that she is one of my favorite authors.

Title is a misnomer. Spoonfeeder........2006-08-03

The title of this book makes you think you're about to read about a character that is attempting to feel a little more free - maybe adding some spice to the love life and other spicier thing - but that's really not the case. The character instead spends a lot of time trying to help troubled women in her community, which is quite noble - just not something somebody necessarily does with a red dress on.

The reason the story must go this way is so that Ms. Cleage can take the time to spoonfeed the reader on how they should feel about the city of Idlewild, black culture, and black women. Some of the very uncreative dialogue among the characters is so overopinionated and irrelavant that I think even Ms. Cleage might have forgotten at times what her book is supposed to be about. The love exchange that happens (but never really goes far enough) is the highlight for me.

I must also add that the rushed ending also does the book little justice.

Appeared to be a Male Bashing Book. .......2006-07-08

I'm a fan of Pearl Cleage's work but I am not enjoying this book.

I'm 30 pages from the ending but couldn't wait to write a review. I agree that women should uplift one another but the main character Joyce seemed to be more about male bashing than uplifting women.

I'm so emotional over this book. I'm sure it will show in my writting. Bare with me. I found Joyce to be a bit contradicting.

For example; in one chapter she didn't want Nate to follow behind to her make sure she was safe. Nate decided to follow her anyway but got caught. (page 133-135) She seemed offended when she noticed that he had followed her anyway to make sure she was safe. In several chapters later; when a member of "The Circus" gets hurt because one of the bad-guys ran her off the road, she questions (page 289) what good are the so called good-guys if they can't protect woman. I immediately thought to myself, when one of the good guys wanted to protect her she scolded him like a child. But now that a woman was hurt, it's the males fault for not protecting them. MEN CAN'T WIN in this book.

Another example; When the members of "The Circus" watch the movie "Waiting To Exhale", Joyce points out that it's not only the mans fault for treating angela bassette (can't think of the name of the character she plays)terribly but it's also Angela Bassett's choice for staying, giving up her own career and dreams to pamper her marriage. Why doesn't she feel that way about the women in "The Circus". She blames every one except Sheila for choosing to stay in an abusive household full of abusive brothers.

Joyce claims to be a free woman. But a woman can't be free holding on to so much anger.

Ok, I'm done. Going to read the last 30 pages now. Maybe Joyce will change...I dont know. Right now I'm just so worked up over this book.

ONE BAD APPLE DOESN"T SPOIL THE BUNCH. Maybe Joyce hasn't realized that yet although she has 2 great men right there for her.

COLONIAL ARMIES IN AFRICA 1850-1918: Organisation, Warfare, Dress and Weapons (Armies of the Nineteenth Century)

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COLONIAL ARMIES IN AFRICA 1850-1918: Organisation, Warfare, Dress and Weapons (Armies of the Nineteenth Century)
Peter Abbott
Manufacturer: Foundry
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Africa | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

19th Century | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1901543072

Book Description

In the second half of the 19th century, European-led columns began to fan out across the African continent from their coastal footholds, smashing whatever forces could be brought against them, no matter how brave or determined the latter were. The process began at different dates in different parts of the continent, but much of the main activity was concentrated into the two decades between 1881 and 1902, subsequently but accurately nicknamed the 'Scramble for Africa'.

By 1914 the Europeans had overrun the greater part of the continent, and, remarkably, had managed to do so without clashing with each other in the process: conflict between them only occurred after 1914 because what was essentially a European power-struggle was inevitably projected on to the African landscape. The armies responsible for this extraordinary period of expansion have seldom been surveyed as a whole, and never in the organisational detail attempted here.

As well as including an outline of the principal campaigns of the period, military historian Peter Abbott examines in detail the structure, dress and armament of the colonial armies fielded by the Congo Free State, the Belgian Congo, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, and includes in his text an unprecedented amount of order of battle material. Illustrations include 229 drawings of soldiers, 58 other illustrations, and two maps.

Soul Style : Black Women Redefining the Color of Fashion

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Soul Style : Black Women Redefining the Color of Fashion

Manufacturer: Universe Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fashion | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

ASIN: 078930466X
Release Date: 2000-11-11

Book Description

On these pages you'll find more than 101 reasons why "Black is Beautiful". From the sultry stars of film and television to the sexy divas of fashion and music, this book pays tribute to those women who are changing the way America defines fashion and beauty.

Full-color photographs from such top photographers as Steven Meisel, Gilles Bensimon, Paolo Roversi, and George Holz showcase unforgettable Black women at the forefront of style and beauty--woemn who have helped lift the self-esteem of sisters everywhere. SoulStyle features the newly annoitned and the continuously crowned royalty of fashion.

Arranged in categories from Glamour Girls to Hip-Hop chic, Seventies Goddesses to Supermodels, these remarkable photos are accompanied by insightful biographies and commentary from leading arbiters of fashion and style. The book is distinct, sensual, and extraordinary. Each chapter is a candid and provocative look at the influences these women have had on popular culture.

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Just For You! The Girls In The Circle
Nikki Giovanni
Manufacturer: Teaching Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0439568617

Book Description

The girls are having so much fun dressing up in Grandma's clothes! Where are they going looking like that?

Tradition and Politics: Indigenous Political Structures in Africa

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Tradition and Politics: Indigenous Political Structures in Africa
Olufemi Vaughan
Manufacturer: Africa World Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1592212174

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