Devil in a Blue Dress

Walter Mosley wrote and published Devil in a Blue Dress in 1990. It is the first book in the Easy Rawlins noir detective series. Set in Los Angeles in the 1940s, the story revolves around the protagonist, Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, as he becomes entangled in a web of crime and corruption.

The novel begins with Easy Rawlins, a Black American World War II veteran who is recently laid off from work. Desperate for money to pay his mortgage, he accepts an offer from a mysterious white man named DeWitt Albright. The job is to find a missing woman named Daphne Monet.

As Easy delves into his investigation, he encounters dangerous thugs, corrupt police officers, and femme fatales. His search for Daphne Monet leads him into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. He uncovers a web of deceit, racial tensions, and political corruption.

Throughout the novel, Mosley explores themes of race, identity, and power dynamics. Easy Rawlins, as a black man in a predominantly white society, faces discrimination and racial prejudice. The story portrays the racial tensions and social inequalities of the era. It provides a snapshot of Los Angeles during a time of significant racial and social upheaval.

He captures the essence of the period, including jazz, cultural references, and the social dynamics of the era.

The novel features a compelling plot, well-drawn characters, and its exploration of race and social issues. It offers a noir-style mystery narrative that combines elements of hard-boiled detective fiction with social commentary.