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Leonid McGill #6
Trouble is What I Do
From innovative bestselling novelist Walter Mosley comes the return of the beloved Leonid McGill detective series featuring a morally ambiguous P.I. who solves crimes and whose victims are society's most downtrodden.
Leonid McGill's spent a lifetime building up his reputation in the New York investigative scene. His seemingly infallible instinct and inside knowledge of the crime world make him the ideal man to help when Phillip Worry comes knocking.
Phillip "Catfish" Worry is a 92-year-old Mississippi bluesman who needs Leonid's help with a simple task: deliver a letter revealing the black lineage of a wealthy heiress and her corrupt father. Unsurprisingly, the opportunity to do a simple favor while shocking the prevailing elite is too much for Leonid to resist.
But when a famed and feared assassin puts a hit on Catfish, Leonid has no choice but to confront the ghost of his own felonious past. Working to protect his client, and his own family, Leonid must reach the heiress on the eve of her wedding before her powerful father kills those who hold their family's secret.
Joined by a team of young and tough aspiring investigators, Leonid must gain the trust of wary socialites, outsmart vengeful thugs, and, above all, serve the truth-- no matter the cost.
Audio CD
First published February 25, 2020
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About the author
Walter Mosley
213 books3,866 followersWalter Mosley (b. 1952) is the author of the bestselling mystery series featuring Easy Rawlins, as well as numerous other works, from literary fiction and science fiction to a young adult novel and political monographs. His short fiction has been widely published, and his nonfiction has appeared in the New York Times Magazine and the Nation, among other publications. Mosley is the winner of numerous awards, including an O. Henry Award, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, a Grammy, and PEN America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 477 reviews
April 8, 2021
"To paraphrase the great Sugar Ray Robinson," I said, "trouble is what I do."
And Walter Mosley knows how to make it rain trouble through his very multi-faceted character of Leonid McGill, private investigator hanging his hat in New York City. Leonid and I had not met before I picked up Trouble Is What I Do. He's caused me to look over my shoulder at the previous five novels from his creator, Walter Mosley. Will be embracing those very soon.
As I gather, Leonid walks face first into highly complicated cases with characters surrounding situations bathed in complexity. He knows the individuals who walk on the dark and shady side of the streets because he's been there himself. And they know him....
Leonid's office is run alongside his son, Twill, and his hovering, take-no-prisoners receptionist, Mardi. Through a signal system, Mardi declines visitors to the office. But this time, she escorts ninety-four year old Catfish Worry down the hall to see Leonid. He's come all the way from Mississippi to ask for a favor from Leonid.
The so-called favor is not as simple as Catfish purposes. Leonid must deliver a letter to a certain bride-to-be from an upscale address in New York. Catfish has an unusual connection to this young lady and the sealed letter will explain all that. But someone very close to the bride doesn't want that letter delivered. Both Catfish and Leonid may pay a steep price for this service.
Walter Mosley is a master writer hands down. He's won numerous awards over the years. My head has turned as well as these pages rapidly. It's a treasure of a read concisely in only 166 pages. Looks like Leonid, Walter, and I are gonna be on a first name basis.
And Walter Mosley knows how to make it rain trouble through his very multi-faceted character of Leonid McGill, private investigator hanging his hat in New York City. Leonid and I had not met before I picked up Trouble Is What I Do. He's caused me to look over my shoulder at the previous five novels from his creator, Walter Mosley. Will be embracing those very soon.
As I gather, Leonid walks face first into highly complicated cases with characters surrounding situations bathed in complexity. He knows the individuals who walk on the dark and shady side of the streets because he's been there himself. And they know him....
Leonid's office is run alongside his son, Twill, and his hovering, take-no-prisoners receptionist, Mardi. Through a signal system, Mardi declines visitors to the office. But this time, she escorts ninety-four year old Catfish Worry down the hall to see Leonid. He's come all the way from Mississippi to ask for a favor from Leonid.
The so-called favor is not as simple as Catfish purposes. Leonid must deliver a letter to a certain bride-to-be from an upscale address in New York. Catfish has an unusual connection to this young lady and the sealed letter will explain all that. But someone very close to the bride doesn't want that letter delivered. Both Catfish and Leonid may pay a steep price for this service.
Walter Mosley is a master writer hands down. He's won numerous awards over the years. My head has turned as well as these pages rapidly. It's a treasure of a read concisely in only 166 pages. Looks like Leonid, Walter, and I are gonna be on a first name basis.
December 14, 2024
3.5 stars
In this 6th book in the 'Leonid McGill' series, the private detective runs into trouble when he agrees to deliver a letter. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Leonid McGill is a 60-year-old black man who runs a detective agency in New York City. Leonid's employees are his capable secretary/receptionist Mardi and his son Twill.
Mardi quickly assesses visitors to the agency, and uses a simple code to convey her observations to Leonid over the intercom. For example, when Mardi announces a caller and asks, "Do they have an appointment?"...….it means they're cops; and when Mardi asks "Shall I bring them back?".....it means they're okay.
And Twill - who's Leonid's favorite child - is a clever young man who scams and schemes in his spare time.
In some ways, the apple didn't fall far from the tree because Leonid himself was a career criminal until he changed his ways. In fact, Leonid still has associates on the wrong side of the law, like his friend Hush, who lends a hand when the detective needs a tough guy on his side.
Leonid's newest client is 92-year-old Catfish Worry, an African American blues guitarist from Mississippi.
Many years ago Catfish was the summer gardener for a rich white family, and the musician got involved with the daughter of the house. The girl gave birth to a baby boy called Charles Sternman, and Catfish went home to his wife and children.
Before Catfish left though, his lover gave him a letter to give their future granddaughter before she married.
Catfish's biological son - Charles Sternman - looks white, has no idea he's biracial, and is a vicious racist. Now Charles' daughter Justine is about to wed, and Catfish came to New York to give her the letter.
Unwisely, Catfish approached Charles first, and told him they were blood kin. The horrified bigot threw Catfish out and forbid him to contact Justine under penalty of death.....and he means it!
Now Catfish has hired Leonid McGill to deliver the letter. This turns out to be a tricky business because Charles hired vicious goons to keep Catfish, or anyone associated with him, from approaching Justine. Leonid is a clever guy though, with friends in the right places......so the battle is on!!
The book is a thriller, with Leonid's team trying to outmaneuver Charles' hitmen.....who are trying to murder Catfish. This leads to threats, shootings, abductions, standoffs, and so on.
Leonid McGill is a compelling character with an interesting past; an intimate knowledge of New York City; an unreliable wife; three beloved children; helpful friends; deadly enemies; and a taste for aged moonshine. The story's other characters are also engaging, especially Catfish, who's a loving and empathetic man.
Walter Mosley has a deft hand with description, and brings the city and its inhabitants to vivid life. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to fans of thrillers.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 27, 2021
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In spite of its short length Walter Mosley’s Trouble Is What I Do packs a punch. This is noir at its finest. Mosley doesn’t waste words, and we can tell that by the fact that each description and dialogue in his novel has a certain significance.
The very first opening pages of Trouble Is What I Do grabbed my attention. Mosley’s first person narrator is Leonid McGill who as a ‘crook’ turned P.I. is all too familiar with navigating the crime world. When Phillip Worry, known as Catfish, a 92-year-old bluesman, asks Leonid to deliver a letter it would seem like a fairly straightforward task. Except that this letter is addressed to Penelope Sternman, heiress of one of America’s most wealthy and influential families, and the contents reveal her black lineage. Her father, Catfish’s son, is a corrupt racist who will stop at nothing in order to keep his parentage secret.
Thankfully, Leonid is the man for the job. Aided by old ‘friends’, he sets out to deliver this letter.
Leonid’s distinctive narration makes him stand out from other P.I.s. He is charming, incisive, and, unlike many other detectives, doesn’t take himself too seriously. He doesn’t need to throw his weight around, his reputation precedes him: “This man you’re walking up on is Leonid McGill. He’ll break half the bones in your body for business and the other half for fun.”
Yet, in spite of his past, readers will be able to see how humane he is. His moral compass does waver, but only occasionally. Speaking of his past, Mosley manages to give Leonid a lot of history without rehashing his whole life story.
The dialogues are snappy, in equal measure amusing and tense. Leonid’s lyrical narrative provides us with evocative descriptions that truly bring his world to life.
Leonid’s engrossing assignment provides a relevant commentary on race that doesn’t provide readers with simple answers. The ending is surprisingly heart-rendering.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of James Lee Burke and Dennis Lehane or for those who are interested in reading a more poetic take on noir.
“I was so hardened to suffering that somehow even the casualties of history fell outside the borders of my self-imposed sovereignty.”
In spite of its short length Walter Mosley’s Trouble Is What I Do packs a punch. This is noir at its finest. Mosley doesn’t waste words, and we can tell that by the fact that each description and dialogue in his novel has a certain significance.
“Slowly, he lowered onto a chair, looking at me as if I was the bad news he’d been waiting for his entire life ”
The very first opening pages of Trouble Is What I Do grabbed my attention. Mosley’s first person narrator is Leonid McGill who as a ‘crook’ turned P.I. is all too familiar with navigating the crime world. When Phillip Worry, known as Catfish, a 92-year-old bluesman, asks Leonid to deliver a letter it would seem like a fairly straightforward task. Except that this letter is addressed to Penelope Sternman, heiress of one of America’s most wealthy and influential families, and the contents reveal her black lineage. Her father, Catfish’s son, is a corrupt racist who will stop at nothing in order to keep his parentage secret.
Thankfully, Leonid is the man for the job. Aided by old ‘friends’, he sets out to deliver this letter.
“Catfish had given me drink and song and trust. These were sacred gifts and, in a way, I was born again.”
Leonid’s distinctive narration makes him stand out from other P.I.s. He is charming, incisive, and, unlike many other detectives, doesn’t take himself too seriously. He doesn’t need to throw his weight around, his reputation precedes him: “This man you’re walking up on is Leonid McGill. He’ll break half the bones in your body for business and the other half for fun.”
Yet, in spite of his past, readers will be able to see how humane he is. His moral compass does waver, but only occasionally. Speaking of his past, Mosley manages to give Leonid a lot of history without rehashing his whole life story.
The dialogues are snappy, in equal measure amusing and tense. Leonid’s lyrical narrative provides us with evocative descriptions that truly bring his world to life.
Leonid’s engrossing assignment provides a relevant commentary on race that doesn’t provide readers with simple answers. The ending is surprisingly heart-rendering.
I would definitely recommend this to fans of James Lee Burke and Dennis Lehane or for those who are interested in reading a more poetic take on noir.
“At one time I blamed my father’s abandonment for these sins, but I had learned that in the end, wrong is wrong and every man has to carry his own water.”
January 8, 2021
"The honest cop drew in a deep breath.
“Look, man,” I said. “I know you been mad that the brass had you shut down surveillance on my activities. I know we’ll never be friends, but why don’t you relax for a minute and have a drink with me? I just got hold of some good whiskey.”
Kit took four, maybe five long breaths before saying,
“You got everybody fooled, don’t you, L.T.? Maybe you even believe the bullshit yourself.…”
I wondered for a moment if the constant cop was aware of the depth of his own question. I shrugged."
Let me tell you about L.T.
It’s Leonid McGill’s nickname. He is a more recent and more complicated version of the iconic Easy Rawlins
"Looking around the room, I found unbidden memories filling my mind. The recollection of past meetings disturbed me. I had done some bad things in my life: helped the worst criminals evade justice, sent men and women on that one-way trip down the river. Some of them never returned. They might have been guilty of other crimes but not the ones I set them up for. At one time I blamed my father’s abandonment for these sins, but I had learned that in the end, wrong is wrong and every man has to carry his own water."
I like what Mosley is showing me about NY City. Lots of it not available to the average tourist. And I like how well grounded Mosley makes McGill. He has deftly mixed one part Philip Marlowe "knight errant" with the part of Sam Spade that cautioned: "Don't be too sure I'm as crooked as I'm supposed to be. That sort of reputation might be good business, bringing high-priced jobs and making it easier to deal with the enemy..." To this he has added Easy Rawlins' world of color. Let’s emphasize that. In a world where racism can be most anywhere, Mosley would like us readers to understand more what a person of color feels and endures.
Here in Trouble is What I Do, L.T. agrees to deliver a letter on behalf of Catfish,an ancient blues musician, to the daughter of a very rich and powerful man. There is great risk and a lot that could go wrong. In fact, it starts going wrong almost from the moment L.T. says he will do it.
"Sternman was the billionaire son of a poor man he wished dead. I had put my body in the way and so made myself, and my son, potential casualties. Then there was Justine Sternman and the letter I intended to deliver. There was no telling what response she’d have to learning about her true lineage. And I wasn’t forgetting Hilton Zeal, who had made an honest-to-goodness profession out of being a gangster."
"“You don’t need to worry about Catfish,” I said.
“Lana says he’s doing great, and I intend to do what he wants, then deal with the response.”
“But would that get you in trouble?”
“To paraphrase the great Sugar Ray Robinson,” I said, “trouble is what I do.”"
Mosley can convey a lot about a place -
"When he was younger, Sal’s betters belonged to a club that was exclusively Italian and housed in Little Italy. But as time has passed, Peretti and his generation have had to settle for a multicultural Caucasian fraternity, an association much like colonial America, when all the different tribes of Europe agreed that they were white people—whatever that meant."
"There’s a breakfast place on Thirty-Third Street near Eighth Avenue. It doesn’t have a name, but the cook is French and the omelets are too.
“Damn,” Ernie said. “This some good shit here.”
I sipped my coffee and took a bite of sage-accented sausage.
“I plan to retire next year,” he said. “At least I will if I live that long.”
“You’re not even fifty, are you?”
“This ain’t a old man’s trade.”
“Now you tell me.”"
Or about a person -
"Slowly, he lowered onto a chair, looking at me as if I was the bad news he’d been waiting for his entire life. Behind his eyes, Antonio was trying to find the exit, the magic words to end the spell."
This can be read by itself but it carries L.T.’s life forward in some significant ways. I am on board for the ride.
“Look, man,” I said. “I know you been mad that the brass had you shut down surveillance on my activities. I know we’ll never be friends, but why don’t you relax for a minute and have a drink with me? I just got hold of some good whiskey.”
Kit took four, maybe five long breaths before saying,
“You got everybody fooled, don’t you, L.T.? Maybe you even believe the bullshit yourself.…”
I wondered for a moment if the constant cop was aware of the depth of his own question. I shrugged."
Let me tell you about L.T.
It’s Leonid McGill’s nickname. He is a more recent and more complicated version of the iconic Easy Rawlins
"Looking around the room, I found unbidden memories filling my mind. The recollection of past meetings disturbed me. I had done some bad things in my life: helped the worst criminals evade justice, sent men and women on that one-way trip down the river. Some of them never returned. They might have been guilty of other crimes but not the ones I set them up for. At one time I blamed my father’s abandonment for these sins, but I had learned that in the end, wrong is wrong and every man has to carry his own water."
I like what Mosley is showing me about NY City. Lots of it not available to the average tourist. And I like how well grounded Mosley makes McGill. He has deftly mixed one part Philip Marlowe "knight errant" with the part of Sam Spade that cautioned: "Don't be too sure I'm as crooked as I'm supposed to be. That sort of reputation might be good business, bringing high-priced jobs and making it easier to deal with the enemy..." To this he has added Easy Rawlins' world of color. Let’s emphasize that. In a world where racism can be most anywhere, Mosley would like us readers to understand more what a person of color feels and endures.
Here in Trouble is What I Do, L.T. agrees to deliver a letter on behalf of Catfish,an ancient blues musician, to the daughter of a very rich and powerful man. There is great risk and a lot that could go wrong. In fact, it starts going wrong almost from the moment L.T. says he will do it.
"Sternman was the billionaire son of a poor man he wished dead. I had put my body in the way and so made myself, and my son, potential casualties. Then there was Justine Sternman and the letter I intended to deliver. There was no telling what response she’d have to learning about her true lineage. And I wasn’t forgetting Hilton Zeal, who had made an honest-to-goodness profession out of being a gangster."
"“You don’t need to worry about Catfish,” I said.
“Lana says he’s doing great, and I intend to do what he wants, then deal with the response.”
“But would that get you in trouble?”
“To paraphrase the great Sugar Ray Robinson,” I said, “trouble is what I do.”"
Mosley can convey a lot about a place -
"When he was younger, Sal’s betters belonged to a club that was exclusively Italian and housed in Little Italy. But as time has passed, Peretti and his generation have had to settle for a multicultural Caucasian fraternity, an association much like colonial America, when all the different tribes of Europe agreed that they were white people—whatever that meant."
"There’s a breakfast place on Thirty-Third Street near Eighth Avenue. It doesn’t have a name, but the cook is French and the omelets are too.
“Damn,” Ernie said. “This some good shit here.”
I sipped my coffee and took a bite of sage-accented sausage.
“I plan to retire next year,” he said. “At least I will if I live that long.”
“You’re not even fifty, are you?”
“This ain’t a old man’s trade.”
“Now you tell me.”"
Or about a person -
"Slowly, he lowered onto a chair, looking at me as if I was the bad news he’d been waiting for his entire life. Behind his eyes, Antonio was trying to find the exit, the magic words to end the spell."
This can be read by itself but it carries L.T.’s life forward in some significant ways. I am on board for the ride.
October 22, 2020
A great short story that is timely today, yesterday and tomorrow. 10 of 10 stars
February 24, 2020
I love revisiting Mosley's characters and Leonid McGill is one of my favorites. Like Easy Rawlins he is a smooth character who easily navigates this dangerous world with wit and charm. In this installment McGill has been tasked to carry a letter to a new bride. This letter decrees her ancestry is not as pale as her Mayflower heritage suggests. Sounds like a simple task for a complicated man like McGill. But fans would know that if Leo had any luck it is bad luck. Danger quickly finds him and threatens to thwart his endeavor. Trouble Is What I Do may be a short novel but in typical Mosley fashion there is much to chew on. For the book is not simply about the case at hand, but rather a look at the broader issues that haunt the Black community. If you are new to Mosley or McGill have no fear, Trouble Is What I Do reads well as a standalone. So come on in and settle down. The bourbon is poured, the lights are dimmed and your armchair awaits.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Mulholland Books and Walter Mosley for advanced access to this book.
Special thanks to NetGalley, Mulholland Books and Walter Mosley for advanced access to this book.
September 4, 2021
Leonid McGill is a New York P.I. who has a history of working both sides of the law in the name of justice. The black former boxer is approached by Catfish, an old Mississippi blues singer. Catfish wants Leonid to deliver a letter to his granddaughter, a wealthy heiress who has never been told of her black racial heritage. But there are corrupt people who will go to any length to make sure this letter never gets delivered. The lives of Catfish, Leonid, and others that know the family secret are in danger.
"Trouble is What I Do" is a fast-paced book with snappy urban dialogue. It's a short, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages. 3.5 stars
"Trouble is What I Do" is a fast-paced book with snappy urban dialogue. It's a short, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages. 3.5 stars
October 4, 2023
Walter Mosley, as always, has written a taut, well-developed, and colorful cast of characters in his novel "Trouble is What I Do", the sixth book featuring his New York P.I. Leonid McGill. This is the first one I've read, and I loved it.
In this one, McGill is hired by an old Mississippi bluesman named Catfish to do a seemingly simple thing: deliver a letter to a young white socialite prior to her highly-publicized wedding. Nothing about this is simple, however, as multiple parties---including the socialite's billionaire racist father and a legendary Mississippi hitman---will stop at nothing to prevent Leonid from getting that letter in the young woman's hands.
Great book, and the Audio CD is narrated wonderfully by Dion Graham.
In this one, McGill is hired by an old Mississippi bluesman named Catfish to do a seemingly simple thing: deliver a letter to a young white socialite prior to her highly-publicized wedding. Nothing about this is simple, however, as multiple parties---including the socialite's billionaire racist father and a legendary Mississippi hitman---will stop at nothing to prevent Leonid from getting that letter in the young woman's hands.
Great book, and the Audio CD is narrated wonderfully by Dion Graham.
July 10, 2020
Trouble
Trouble Is What I Do is the sixth novel (or novelette) in Mosley's Leonid MCGill series. It's a bluesy riff of a crime novel that takes a Mississippi bluesman and connects him in a surprising way to one of the founding families. Rich in character, the plot falters a bit.
Trouble Is What I Do is the sixth novel (or novelette) in Mosley's Leonid MCGill series. It's a bluesy riff of a crime novel that takes a Mississippi bluesman and connects him in a surprising way to one of the founding families. Rich in character, the plot falters a bit.
March 6, 2020
In Walter Mosely’s novel, Trouble is What I Do, private investigator Leonid McGill is tasked with delivering a letter to the daughter of a wealthy, powerful and racist politician. The letter reveals a black lineage to this heiress (as well as her pops). But Mosley’s book is more than just this humdinger of a crime story, freely peppered with thugs and assassins. It is a plea for everyone to get along. For us to treat our fellow humans like the brothers and sisters they are. Leonid is assisted in every step of his investigation by the many people he has helped before in previous cases or by folks he has treated fairly and with respect. This, Mosley is saying, is how we need to treat those around us and if we do, we too will be supported and aided in our life-long journey to deliver our own personal letters of unity and love to the great heiress in the sky. And sure, it’s understandable to be weary of those different then you. I get it. There are a lot of weirdos out there. People who look different. People who have different thoughts and opinions. People who attempt to slip dill pickles into your luggage at the airport. But instead of turning from these oddballs, these kooks eating pizza with pineapple, these misfits who make their pets wear sweaters, these outcasts with their dress shirts tucked into their underpants you should hug the living crap out of them. By doing this you will take one giant step closer to becoming not only the Leonid McGill your family needs, not only the Leonid McGill this great country of ours needs, but the Leonid McGill the world needs.
February 11, 2020
A thrifty novel, just 166 pages but filled with the usual Mosley charm, wit, wisdom and humor. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe that one can pack drama, tension, intrigue and riff on racism, privilege and family in those too few pages. But Mosley shows up as the master he is and works magic.
Leonid McGill simply has to deliver a letter. But fans of McGill, know nothing is ever “simple” with McGill and this letter though brief is far from simple. It has life altering information and that makes it dangerous and explosive. One man wants to suppress this information, even though he is unfamiliar with the contents, but extremely familiar with the person trying to act in spaces where he doesn’t belong.
McGill gets involved at the request of an old man, nicknamed Catfish and he gets right to work, the novel speeds along as quickly as McGill‘s mind and the only disappointment about the denouement is it arrived too soon. A one sitting read that should be done that way to maximize enjoyment.
Very well done and has a lot to say subtly about family secrets and privilege perceptions. A thrill for sure. ♥️♠️♦️♣️. Thank you to Mulholland books for gifting me the book. Book is out February 25, set your calendar!
Leonid McGill simply has to deliver a letter. But fans of McGill, know nothing is ever “simple” with McGill and this letter though brief is far from simple. It has life altering information and that makes it dangerous and explosive. One man wants to suppress this information, even though he is unfamiliar with the contents, but extremely familiar with the person trying to act in spaces where he doesn’t belong.
McGill gets involved at the request of an old man, nicknamed Catfish and he gets right to work, the novel speeds along as quickly as McGill‘s mind and the only disappointment about the denouement is it arrived too soon. A one sitting read that should be done that way to maximize enjoyment.
Very well done and has a lot to say subtly about family secrets and privilege perceptions. A thrill for sure. ♥️♠️♦️♣️. Thank you to Mulholland books for gifting me the book. Book is out February 25, set your calendar!
March 4, 2020
Very quick read. Part of a series, but works as a standalone. There were too many names thrown at me, but I liked the main plot about identity. I also liked the rapid fire dialog. The narration by Dion Graham of the audio book was excellent.
March 1, 2021
Crime Writers of Color podcast: Listen to my interview with Walter Mosley!
"Writing, Rejection and Trouble is What I Do"
https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/c...
"Writing, Rejection and Trouble is What I Do"
https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/c...
March 15, 2020
To Paraphrase The Great Sugar Ray Robinson “TroubleIsWhatIDo”
May 21, 2024
Pendiente de reseña.
July 9, 2024
This series is truly rounding into top form.
Walter Mosley has created another memorable character in Leonid McGill. For me, he is a combination of Easy Rawlins and Socrates Fortlow and much more. The story in Mosley’s works are incidental to the characters he creates and his descriptive settings. The plot is always fast paced, though. Enjoy the ride!
Walter Mosley has created another memorable character in Leonid McGill. For me, he is a combination of Easy Rawlins and Socrates Fortlow and much more. The story in Mosley’s works are incidental to the characters he creates and his descriptive settings. The plot is always fast paced, though. Enjoy the ride!
July 14, 2020
"'You know Eckles?'
'I know what they say he can do.'
'And you still took the job?'
'You should hear what they say about me.'"
'I know what they say he can do.'
'And you still took the job?'
'You should hear what they say about me.'"
August 27, 2021
Admittedly, this book was not targeted for me as I do not have much experience reading detective stories. I have skimmed a book of his previously and enjoyed the writing but this one not so much. The book is based on a quote from the boxer, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, one of the most revered and arguably the greatest pugilist of all-time. Apparently, this is a sixth in Leonid McGill series and I should have started from square one. For me the biggest flaw was a lack of continuity in the characters. Leonid, the protagonist would be engaged with one character than another character with a brief biography attached would be talking or making threats when another character would appear with another brief bio. The names become a maelstrom with not much difference in action between "good" and "bad" guys. Not that there is anything wrong with ambiguous intentions or characters but it further aided me in my indifference. I do not know if it was an ode to James Bond but the names were so over-the-top that it became comical, such as Foxy Donk. I guess Foxy Donk would be the modern equivalent of Pussy Galore. The story itself is fast moving and involves a forbidden love from many decades passed. The potential scandal to one of the founding families of the United States is at the heart of this mystery. While, the story and even its conclusion was okay, the pacing and redundant expositions (did you know Leonid was 5 foot 5 and 5/8ths inches or that he weighs 182 lbs) watered down an interesting plot. Perhaps, I'll pick up another Mosley work but it will probably not be from the Leonid McGill series.
August 9, 2020
3.5 stars
This is my first Walter Mosley and it certainly won’t be my last!
Leonid McGill is a morally ambiguous P.I. in NYC. He’s had some shady dealings, knows all the right/wrong people (depending on the situation), and he can be discreet.
An old Mississippi bluesman known as Catfish shows up to his office with a simple request: deliver a letter to a wealthy heiress.
Things get complicated when Leonid learns that the letter that reveals a family secret that the corrupt father of the heiress would rather keep buried.
Leonid quickly learns there’s a hit on his client and in order to protect him and his own family, he has to reach the heiress before her father gets to him.
This is crime fiction at its best. Leonid is a complex character and this story is an entertaining and quick read when you have an hour or two to spare! I pictured every scene like a black and white noir detective film.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
This is my first Walter Mosley and it certainly won’t be my last!
Leonid McGill is a morally ambiguous P.I. in NYC. He’s had some shady dealings, knows all the right/wrong people (depending on the situation), and he can be discreet.
An old Mississippi bluesman known as Catfish shows up to his office with a simple request: deliver a letter to a wealthy heiress.
Things get complicated when Leonid learns that the letter that reveals a family secret that the corrupt father of the heiress would rather keep buried.
Leonid quickly learns there’s a hit on his client and in order to protect him and his own family, he has to reach the heiress before her father gets to him.
This is crime fiction at its best. Leonid is a complex character and this story is an entertaining and quick read when you have an hour or two to spare! I pictured every scene like a black and white noir detective film.
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March 2, 2020
I’m Walter Mosley’s #1 fan but this book was just ok. Off the top I didn’t like that it was a short book. So I already felt some type of way going in. I loved catching up with usual suspects and meeting new ones. This story overall was good but it left me wanting more. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat trying to read it in one day excited about this book. Maybe next book will do it for me because I love Leonard McGill.
February 21, 2024
The only novella in the McGill series, its narrative mirrors the others, complete with a list of characters that boggle the mind. Fortunately, it wasn't another hunt for a missing person, but instead, the delivery of an ancient letter.
McGill meets a 92 year-old blues player named Catfish Worry, along with his son Lamont. Catfish has ties to a former client of LT's whom he owes a debt so Leonid agrees to handle the contract for free. LT is handed a letter written decades previous that tells the tale of a tryst Catfish had with Lucinda Pitts-Sternman when they were young, and how she kept the pregnancy secret. Now that her son, Charles Sternman was a billionaire whose daughter Justine was soon to be married, Catfish wanted to letter delivered to her prior to the wedding. Being an affluent 'connected' white man with 'pilgrim heritage', and aware of the tryst, keeping his daughter shielded had high priority.
Sternman gets word Catfish arrived from MS and hires a dangerous hit man to do away with him. Like all of LT's journeys, the labyrinth he dives into is filled with twists, turns and surprises from a cast of characters that had my head spinning!
The book is a hardcover formatted the size of a paperback and at 168 pages, it could easily be read in one sitting. That said, its consistent with the other McGill series and worth adding to your list.
McGill meets a 92 year-old blues player named Catfish Worry, along with his son Lamont. Catfish has ties to a former client of LT's whom he owes a debt so Leonid agrees to handle the contract for free. LT is handed a letter written decades previous that tells the tale of a tryst Catfish had with Lucinda Pitts-Sternman when they were young, and how she kept the pregnancy secret. Now that her son, Charles Sternman was a billionaire whose daughter Justine was soon to be married, Catfish wanted to letter delivered to her prior to the wedding. Being an affluent 'connected' white man with 'pilgrim heritage', and aware of the tryst, keeping his daughter shielded had high priority.
Sternman gets word Catfish arrived from MS and hires a dangerous hit man to do away with him. Like all of LT's journeys, the labyrinth he dives into is filled with twists, turns and surprises from a cast of characters that had my head spinning!
The book is a hardcover formatted the size of a paperback and at 168 pages, it could easily be read in one sitting. That said, its consistent with the other McGill series and worth adding to your list.
October 30, 2021
This is a novella set in modern-day NYC and revolving around private investigator Leonid McGill. Like some of the classic hardboiled PIs from the 1930s and '40s, McGill has a tendency to bend rules and stick to his own moral code. I haven't read any of Mosley's previous books featuring McGill, but I would like to because he is a cool, nuanced character, and I loved his narrative voice.
Leonid McGill takes on the job of delivering a personal note to the daughter of an uber-rich socialite family that will enlighten her as to the truth of her heritage. That main plot gets sidetracked a few times as McGill tells us about other cases he worked that involve people who also become tangled up in this plot. After a while, those began to feel just a little like filler, but I was enjoying the writing so much that I didn't mind.
Do be aware that this is a very adulty, modern mystery, though. Not something I would let my kids read.
Leonid McGill takes on the job of delivering a personal note to the daughter of an uber-rich socialite family that will enlighten her as to the truth of her heritage. That main plot gets sidetracked a few times as McGill tells us about other cases he worked that involve people who also become tangled up in this plot. After a while, those began to feel just a little like filler, but I was enjoying the writing so much that I didn't mind.
Do be aware that this is a very adulty, modern mystery, though. Not something I would let my kids read.
April 13, 2024
First time I've read Mosley, and man can write characters. Quite enjoyable single-day read filled with mystery, city dangers on both sides the Law, fascinating personalities, thrills, sensuality, noir PI stuff, and philosophical bits of life. Great cast.
March 14, 2021
3/14/2021:
This was a short but thrilling read.
As I truly enjoy Walter E. Mosley books, this wasn’t as “fast paced” as I’m used to. Leonid McGill put me in the mind set of Denzel Washington with his suave and cool approach to matters.
He also has a way with the ladies.
Mr. McGill knows his craft and performs it effortlessly; well known in the PI business and trustworthy. This was my first read of the Leonid McGill series.
Set in New York, Mr. Mosley does a phenomenal job of intertwining race and history-once McGill takes the case of “Catfish” Worry, 94 year old blues musician from Mississippi.
As we continue the fight for social justice and equality, this read fits right in serving as one of many reminders that the fight is not over and we must persevere!
A worthy read!
This was a short but thrilling read.
As I truly enjoy Walter E. Mosley books, this wasn’t as “fast paced” as I’m used to. Leonid McGill put me in the mind set of Denzel Washington with his suave and cool approach to matters.
He also has a way with the ladies.
Mr. McGill knows his craft and performs it effortlessly; well known in the PI business and trustworthy. This was my first read of the Leonid McGill series.
Set in New York, Mr. Mosley does a phenomenal job of intertwining race and history-once McGill takes the case of “Catfish” Worry, 94 year old blues musician from Mississippi.
As we continue the fight for social justice and equality, this read fits right in serving as one of many reminders that the fight is not over and we must persevere!
A worthy read!
February 26, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. Here is that review:
Four stars
Fans of Walter Mosley - like me - will get exactly what they hope for here: an engaging and fast moving plot, the characteristic charm of Leonid, the juxtaposition between visible and invisible players/motives/settings, and a complex investigation of race, family, and human connection.
I love Mosley's work, and this novel - despite its brevity - reminded me of exactly why.
Four stars
Fans of Walter Mosley - like me - will get exactly what they hope for here: an engaging and fast moving plot, the characteristic charm of Leonid, the juxtaposition between visible and invisible players/motives/settings, and a complex investigation of race, family, and human connection.
I love Mosley's work, and this novel - despite its brevity - reminded me of exactly why.
March 13, 2022
This is my first Walter Mosley detective story. Loveeeed it. Its gritty detective story with excellent snappy dialogue and film noir in style. Leonid McGill is just a character that is forever forged in my psyche. Definitely reading more of Leonid McGill series.
January 15, 2021
Never Disappointed
Leonid came through again. Uniting am of man with his granddaughter. This time with little violence, yet some intrigue. Loved it!
Leonid came through again. Uniting am of man with his granddaughter. This time with little violence, yet some intrigue. Loved it!
March 9, 2021
Perfect comfort food.
March 1, 2023
Short and streamlined crime fiction, expertly crafted by Mosley and beautifully performed by Dion Graham. I clearly need more Leonid McGill in my life.
March 5, 2020
This is a great little Mosley novel. It served two purposes for me.
The first was to continue the voyeurism into the lives of the McGill clan, sort of like a soap opera of a loving half-dysfunctional family of people who live just below the line of the law. The second was as one of Mosley's treatises of his winding philosophies.
While Mosley always includes his philosophies in his writings, some of his books function more as a storytelling vehicle and others as more of a philosophical theory in storytelling clothing. "Trouble Is What I Do" is definitely more of the latter, along the lines of "The Man In My Basement" from 2004, or "The Tempest Tales" from 2008.
For me, this is no slight, as I equally enjoy both. Even moreso when Mosley manages to mix both the storytelling and the philosophizing in equal measure. He successfully does so here.
My only true disappointment with the book was the ending. The apparent suicide of one of the characters put too pat a bow on the story. It rang untrue. The only way to reconcile that death in my mind is to decide that character was surreptitiously murdered by one of the other characters. While entirely possible in the set-up of the novel, Mosley says nothing to indicate this.
So, I am left with the memory of one bad meal in a vacation of 20 meals. I can live with that and still recognize one bad meal of twenty meals still leaves room for a lot of great vacation time.
The first was to continue the voyeurism into the lives of the McGill clan, sort of like a soap opera of a loving half-dysfunctional family of people who live just below the line of the law. The second was as one of Mosley's treatises of his winding philosophies.
While Mosley always includes his philosophies in his writings, some of his books function more as a storytelling vehicle and others as more of a philosophical theory in storytelling clothing. "Trouble Is What I Do" is definitely more of the latter, along the lines of "The Man In My Basement" from 2004, or "The Tempest Tales" from 2008.
For me, this is no slight, as I equally enjoy both. Even moreso when Mosley manages to mix both the storytelling and the philosophizing in equal measure. He successfully does so here.
My only true disappointment with the book was the ending. The apparent suicide of one of the characters put too pat a bow on the story. It rang untrue. The only way to reconcile that death in my mind is to decide that character was surreptitiously murdered by one of the other characters. While entirely possible in the set-up of the novel, Mosley says nothing to indicate this.
So, I am left with the memory of one bad meal in a vacation of 20 meals. I can live with that and still recognize one bad meal of twenty meals still leaves room for a lot of great vacation time.
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