ohsheread's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
shoshthemost's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Rape, and Racism
koramin's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
mmull1024's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kathrynwilliams's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this. I will continue the series.
3readingcircus's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Ableism, Suicide, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury, Cancer, and Rape
amberunmasked's review against another edition
5.0
I did something different than a typical review of BLANCHE ON THE LAM. I used it as a study in writing cozy mysteries and made detailed notes about Neely's structure, character development of her protagonist, and grammar style.
Here are some excerpts, but I hope you check out the full analysis at my blog: http://www.amberunmasked.com/analysis-blanche-on-the-lam/
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
In regards to crafting the main character, Blanche White, Barbara Neely does an exceptional job of making her a regular human being that’s relatable with strengths and weaknesses. Too many mysteries have protagonists with nearly paranormal abilities, whether it’s being too tough to die, perfect martial artists, or Sherlockian super human observation skills. Blanche is a basic woman, adopted mother of two kids she can’t raise because she needs to go make money, and a woman who weighs moral dilemmas like a real live person. Because Blanche is an African-American housekeeper, she has the distinction of being ignored, practically invisible at times, and she’s never quite trusted by her employers. She’s curious/nosy which gives her the information-gathering mind of a sleuth; she has escalating money troubles and keeps her emotional distance from the rich white folks to the point of even considering stealing cash from them they would never miss.
Strengths:
In her own town, she can’t find any black people to employ her which is where she’d be more comfortable. Her role in the pyramid of perceived importance is something that other people try to take advantage of. Blanche’s strong will and bulldog attitude keep her from being anybody’s abused servant.
SENTENCE STRUCTURE/WRITING TECHNIQUE
Neely doesn’t completely avoid adverbs as I’ve heard other well-seasoned authors advise. She doesn’t smother the reader with them either, so they exist, but sparingly.
She also doesn’t force dialog tags of any kind. I generally adhere to the methods of people like Joe Lansdale and Stephen King who I’ve heard in interviews state that “said” is the absolutely only thing you need to explain who is delivering dialog. They say to avoid “asked, yelled, mumbled, whispered” or anything else and use a surrounding sentence to describe how the words are spoken. However, since drafting and revising my own mystery, I’ve scoured several advice columns and have noticed the currently acceptable trend: no tag at all. No “said.” No nothing. Use the surrounding sentences to tell the reader who it is.
Here are some excerpts, but I hope you check out the full analysis at my blog: http://www.amberunmasked.com/analysis-blanche-on-the-lam/
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
In regards to crafting the main character, Blanche White, Barbara Neely does an exceptional job of making her a regular human being that’s relatable with strengths and weaknesses. Too many mysteries have protagonists with nearly paranormal abilities, whether it’s being too tough to die, perfect martial artists, or Sherlockian super human observation skills. Blanche is a basic woman, adopted mother of two kids she can’t raise because she needs to go make money, and a woman who weighs moral dilemmas like a real live person. Because Blanche is an African-American housekeeper, she has the distinction of being ignored, practically invisible at times, and she’s never quite trusted by her employers. She’s curious/nosy which gives her the information-gathering mind of a sleuth; she has escalating money troubles and keeps her emotional distance from the rich white folks to the point of even considering stealing cash from them they would never miss.
Strengths:
In her own town, she can’t find any black people to employ her which is where she’d be more comfortable. Her role in the pyramid of perceived importance is something that other people try to take advantage of. Blanche’s strong will and bulldog attitude keep her from being anybody’s abused servant.
SENTENCE STRUCTURE/WRITING TECHNIQUE
Neely doesn’t completely avoid adverbs as I’ve heard other well-seasoned authors advise. She doesn’t smother the reader with them either, so they exist, but sparingly.
She also doesn’t force dialog tags of any kind. I generally adhere to the methods of people like Joe Lansdale and Stephen King who I’ve heard in interviews state that “said” is the absolutely only thing you need to explain who is delivering dialog. They say to avoid “asked, yelled, mumbled, whispered” or anything else and use a surrounding sentence to describe how the words are spoken. However, since drafting and revising my own mystery, I’ve scoured several advice columns and have noticed the currently acceptable trend: no tag at all. No “said.” No nothing. Use the surrounding sentences to tell the reader who it is.
menniemenace's review against another edition
3.0
This is quite explosive for a cozy mystery.
I liked how angry it is, how resourceful and daring Blanche is, and the complicated relationships between Blanche and Mumsfield.
I didn't like how the story took too long to get on. I was so bored at first and I didn't find the mystery all that entertaining.
However, I'll read book 2 at some point because all cozy mysteries don't have a good first book.
I liked how angry it is, how resourceful and daring Blanche is, and the complicated relationships between Blanche and Mumsfield.
I didn't like how the story took too long to get on. I was so bored at first and I didn't find the mystery all that entertaining.
However, I'll read book 2 at some point because all cozy mysteries don't have a good first book.
emilykathleenwrites's review against another edition
4.0
This book pulled me out of the worst reading rut. The language was beautiful and specific, and Blanche is such a rich and complex character. The story had me thinking about class and race and gender and the choices we are forced to make and those we have the freedom to make.