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zoefruitcake's review against another edition
3.0
Read this as part of the 2016 Read Harder Challenge as the 'first book in a series by a person of colour' and enjoyed it very much. Blanche is a very likeable character even when I struggled to understand why she acted the way she did some of the time
beanpod's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, fast read. I heard about it through the New York Times, or maybe through the list of best the best mystery books of all time. Now I can’t believe I hadn’t ever heard of Neely, and her amazing heroine Blanche, before!
I read more about Neely. An activist who didn’t write her first Blanche mystery until she was in her 50’s, there is so much in that slim book that I loved. Blanche’s examination of the tilted dynamics between black employees and their white employers, who feign interest and caring, yet display otherwise so subtly. The careful way Blanch slides along doing the work to find out what really is going on, all the while understanding how much people underestimate her. I loved her internal dialog - Blanche is not a hero, she’s complex and flawed.
I loved it so much I’m going right to book #2
I read more about Neely. An activist who didn’t write her first Blanche mystery until she was in her 50’s, there is so much in that slim book that I loved. Blanche’s examination of the tilted dynamics between black employees and their white employers, who feign interest and caring, yet display otherwise so subtly. The careful way Blanch slides along doing the work to find out what really is going on, all the while understanding how much people underestimate her. I loved her internal dialog - Blanche is not a hero, she’s complex and flawed.
I loved it so much I’m going right to book #2
notartgarfunkel's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
edshara's review
4.0
This was exactly what I was expecting and I loved it. Blanche is sassy, funny, caring and with the exception of going on the run, she's smart too.
Blanche's profession doing day work, while necessary, is one that is usually looked down upon. I loved the fact that Blanche was unashamed of her job and I'm glad that the author chose to specifically highlight that. Blanche had very different relationships with her mom and her best friend, however, I liked how they both rallied to help her when she really needed it.
The writing style immediately draws you into the story. The mystery was well developed and had many layers. This is one of those books that allows you to try and figure things out or just go along for the ride and see how it is all going to unfold. I enjoyed being able to do a bit of both.
The author did choose to use the "R" word to refer to a character that has a form of Down's Syndrome. Even though, I think she attempted to use it more as a description(by a character who lacked knowledge and education about disabilites) and not a slur, its still an insensitive term and dates the book. It did however, also end up being a lesson learned for Blanche, because she did question the word and its usage later in the book. Other than that I think the character was positively represented. Blanche was able to see him as more than just his disability and treated him as such. I listened to the audiobook, while following along in the physical copy, and the audiobook omits the usage of that word in those instances. The audiobook by itself was really good and made the reading experience better.
I do plan to continue the series and I'm curious to see if Barbara Neely is going to expand on certain aspects of Blanche's past that were mentioned in the book. Really glad to have found what appears to be a great mystery series featuring an African-American woman as the main protagonist. I can't wait to see what Blanche is up to next.
Blanche's profession doing day work, while necessary, is one that is usually looked down upon. I loved the fact that Blanche was unashamed of her job and I'm glad that the author chose to specifically highlight that. Blanche had very different relationships with her mom and her best friend, however, I liked how they both rallied to help her when she really needed it.
The writing style immediately draws you into the story. The mystery was well developed and had many layers. This is one of those books that allows you to try and figure things out or just go along for the ride and see how it is all going to unfold. I enjoyed being able to do a bit of both.
The author did choose to use the "R" word to refer to a character that has a form of Down's Syndrome. Even though, I think she attempted to use it more as a description(by a character who lacked knowledge and education about disabilites) and not a slur, its still an insensitive term and dates the book. It did however, also end up being a lesson learned for Blanche, because she did question the word and its usage later in the book. Other than that I think the character was positively represented. Blanche was able to see him as more than just his disability and treated him as such. I listened to the audiobook, while following along in the physical copy, and the audiobook omits the usage of that word in those instances. The audiobook by itself was really good and made the reading experience better.
I do plan to continue the series and I'm curious to see if Barbara Neely is going to expand on certain aspects of Blanche's past that were mentioned in the book. Really glad to have found what appears to be a great mystery series featuring an African-American woman as the main protagonist. I can't wait to see what Blanche is up to next.
harymouck's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Fun and entertaining, but also gave me a lot to think about. Blanche has quickly become one of my favorite mystery protagonists. She engages not just in the mystery at hand, but the real, human dynamics at play. She is cautious with her heart, but when she meets a worthy recipient, loves quickly and with a real understanding of them. I like to think (or at least I hope) I would qualify.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Racism, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Classism
holdenkillfield's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very sharp and nuanced story that not only has a murder mystery to solve, but seamlessly weaves the social commentary of race, gender, and class. Blanche White is a delightful sleuth to follow along with on this complex unveiling of the murderer. The story was very character-driven and took its time to deliver a reveal that was amusing as was frightening. I will continue to the second book right away as Blanche White is a very interesting character that was very enjoyable to read.
maddiepalmer443's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sowebeaton's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0