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Lyrics of a Blackbird: A Jazz Age Mystery
Old loves, festering hatreds, and buried family secrets: A man returns from the dead in this sweeping tale of Jazz Age New York.Civil rights attorney David McKay disappeared years ago while investigating a lynching down South. Now, he's back, very much alive and very determined to unearth the truth about his sister's brutal death. His search rips back the curtain on the glittering world of the Harlem Renaissance to reveal a world of lies, hypocrisy, and tragic betrayal. Each day he spends in town brings him closer to the truth-and closer to ruin. How soon before time runs out? How soon before his enemies find out what he's been doing all these years? Before they uncover his own bitter and shameful secret-the sin that could destroy him?Lyrics of a Blackbird is an absorbing and powerful standalone in Persia Walker's series of 1920s noir mysteries. If you want a late-night page-turner full of romantic suspense, then grab Lyrics of a Blackbird.(Previously titled: Harlem Redux)
466 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2002
24 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Persia Walker
25 books184 followersReaders of Persia's 1920s novels know they're in for a fast-paced trip through one of the most fascinating periods in U.S. history, the Jazz Age. In designing her stories, and developing her characters, Persia draws upon her theatrical training as well as her journalistic experience.
She has worked for The Associated Press and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She has lived in Germany, Brazil and Poland.
She has worked for The Associated Press and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. She has lived in Germany, Brazil and Poland.
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February 7, 2021I love this book. Of course, I do! I wrote it!
August 14, 2022
Harlem Redux/Lyrics Of A Blackbird
Persia Walker's 2001 mystery novel was originally titled "Harlem Redux" , but the title has been changed to "Lyrics of A Blackbird". It is appropriate to be confused by the two titles of this novel. Walker's book explores shifting, changing identities in which individuals are rarely fully what they seem.
The novel is set in 1926 in the middle of the Harlem Renaissance and has important scenes in Philadelphia and rural Georgia in addition to Harlem. The book centers upon the apparent suicide of a young woman Lilian, in her late 20s, in her family home in the wealthy Strivers Row section of Harlem. Lilian has a twin sister, Gem. The twins are identical but of opposite character: Lilian is reserved and intellectual while Gem is flamboyant, emotional and a jazz singer. The primary character in the story is David McKay, 35, the brother of Lilian and Gem. A WW I decorated hero, David is a lawyer who worked for the Movement, a Civil Rights organization fighting lynching, but who for the four years before the story begins has disappeared to work in Philadelphia under mysterious circumstances. David and Lilian had been close but hadn't communicated for some time before her apparent suicide. After her death, the long time family servant, Annie, finds his address and lets David know. He comes to Harlem and becomes convinced that Lilian had been killed by her ambitious husband, Sweet, with the murder framed to look like suicide. The plot of the book centers on David's efforts to discover the cause of Lilian's death. In the process, the book offers many twists of plot and many surprises about the identity of several characters in the story.
Although it is largely interesting, the mystery and its ultimate resolution are the weakest parts of the book. The story drags on too long and often flags. Much of the story unfolds through lengthy diary entries and long conversations rather than through action. Some of the story turns too much on coincidence. On occasion, the story becomes too much the vehicle for authorial preaching. I found the development of the plot less than captivating in places.
The stronger part of "Harlem Redux"/ "Lyrics of a Blackbird" lies in its depiction of place, its vibrancy, and its many characters. Walker understands the Harlem Renaissance well, through her love for its writers and her studies of its historians and is able to bring it to life. Her book shows the Harlem literary and artistic scene and the many characters and hangers on. For example, a key character is a wealthy white woman who inveigles her way into Harlem to write sensational works about Renaissance figures for white readers. I was reminded of a recent historical study "Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Harlem Renaissance" by Carla Kaplan which casts light on the "Miss Anne" character in Walker's novel and on many other characters and scenes. Walker's novel captures Harlem in many other ways, including its depiction of the large majority of Harlem residents who lived in squalid conditions far removed from glamour and intellectual and artistic life. Anne Petry's novel "The Street" captures much of the poverty-ridden unromantic aspect of Harlem depicted in Walker's murder mystery.
The novel includes effective scenes of David's old haunts as he walks Harlem streets upon his return. Here is an example set just after David comes to his old home.
"As David waited for a streetlight to change, his gaze drifted over the street life around him. There were so many half-forgotten, familiar sights. Mamas tired after a long week's work dragged toddlers with one had and hugged grocery bags with the other. Tail-wagging dogs strained against leashes to gain the nearest fire hydrant. Stray cats with scarred faces and ripped ears huddled alongside the entrances to alley-ways. Hip young men with cool ambition in their eyes hustled by. Others, with deadened dreams, sat on stoops or leaned languidly against street lamps. Street vendors hawked toys, perfume, dresses, stockings, and watches. Their goods spread out on torn blankets, they proudly displayed a profusion of glittery items one might desire, but would never use. And an abundance of dreary items one could use, but would never desire."
An outstanding scene of violent low life takes place in an establishment called The Lizard Lounge. Harlem itself during the 1920's and its early history is the primary character of this novel when it is at its best.
A portion of the novel is set in a small Georgia town and describes a lynching of the sort that was all too common following the end of WW I. Walker chillingly and effectively describes the lynching and the local Georgia community. The scene is more effective as a vignette for itself rather than in in its role in the elaborate plot of the story and in the arc of David's life when he moves to Philadelphia and assumes a new identity, just as "Harlem Redux" and "Lyrics of a Blackbird" are two aspects of the identity of this book.
This book offers a compelling portrait of Harlem and its people in their varied characters and often is beautifully written. The mystery story line was inadequate, I found, to carry the strengths of the book in terms of place and development of character. As do many characters of the book and the double title, this book is both a mystery and a portrayal of Harlem and its people. It is more effective as the latter.
Robin Friedman
Persia Walker's 2001 mystery novel was originally titled "Harlem Redux" , but the title has been changed to "Lyrics of A Blackbird". It is appropriate to be confused by the two titles of this novel. Walker's book explores shifting, changing identities in which individuals are rarely fully what they seem.
The novel is set in 1926 in the middle of the Harlem Renaissance and has important scenes in Philadelphia and rural Georgia in addition to Harlem. The book centers upon the apparent suicide of a young woman Lilian, in her late 20s, in her family home in the wealthy Strivers Row section of Harlem. Lilian has a twin sister, Gem. The twins are identical but of opposite character: Lilian is reserved and intellectual while Gem is flamboyant, emotional and a jazz singer. The primary character in the story is David McKay, 35, the brother of Lilian and Gem. A WW I decorated hero, David is a lawyer who worked for the Movement, a Civil Rights organization fighting lynching, but who for the four years before the story begins has disappeared to work in Philadelphia under mysterious circumstances. David and Lilian had been close but hadn't communicated for some time before her apparent suicide. After her death, the long time family servant, Annie, finds his address and lets David know. He comes to Harlem and becomes convinced that Lilian had been killed by her ambitious husband, Sweet, with the murder framed to look like suicide. The plot of the book centers on David's efforts to discover the cause of Lilian's death. In the process, the book offers many twists of plot and many surprises about the identity of several characters in the story.
Although it is largely interesting, the mystery and its ultimate resolution are the weakest parts of the book. The story drags on too long and often flags. Much of the story unfolds through lengthy diary entries and long conversations rather than through action. Some of the story turns too much on coincidence. On occasion, the story becomes too much the vehicle for authorial preaching. I found the development of the plot less than captivating in places.
The stronger part of "Harlem Redux"/ "Lyrics of a Blackbird" lies in its depiction of place, its vibrancy, and its many characters. Walker understands the Harlem Renaissance well, through her love for its writers and her studies of its historians and is able to bring it to life. Her book shows the Harlem literary and artistic scene and the many characters and hangers on. For example, a key character is a wealthy white woman who inveigles her way into Harlem to write sensational works about Renaissance figures for white readers. I was reminded of a recent historical study "Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Harlem Renaissance" by Carla Kaplan which casts light on the "Miss Anne" character in Walker's novel and on many other characters and scenes. Walker's novel captures Harlem in many other ways, including its depiction of the large majority of Harlem residents who lived in squalid conditions far removed from glamour and intellectual and artistic life. Anne Petry's novel "The Street" captures much of the poverty-ridden unromantic aspect of Harlem depicted in Walker's murder mystery.
The novel includes effective scenes of David's old haunts as he walks Harlem streets upon his return. Here is an example set just after David comes to his old home.
"As David waited for a streetlight to change, his gaze drifted over the street life around him. There were so many half-forgotten, familiar sights. Mamas tired after a long week's work dragged toddlers with one had and hugged grocery bags with the other. Tail-wagging dogs strained against leashes to gain the nearest fire hydrant. Stray cats with scarred faces and ripped ears huddled alongside the entrances to alley-ways. Hip young men with cool ambition in their eyes hustled by. Others, with deadened dreams, sat on stoops or leaned languidly against street lamps. Street vendors hawked toys, perfume, dresses, stockings, and watches. Their goods spread out on torn blankets, they proudly displayed a profusion of glittery items one might desire, but would never use. And an abundance of dreary items one could use, but would never desire."
An outstanding scene of violent low life takes place in an establishment called The Lizard Lounge. Harlem itself during the 1920's and its early history is the primary character of this novel when it is at its best.
A portion of the novel is set in a small Georgia town and describes a lynching of the sort that was all too common following the end of WW I. Walker chillingly and effectively describes the lynching and the local Georgia community. The scene is more effective as a vignette for itself rather than in in its role in the elaborate plot of the story and in the arc of David's life when he moves to Philadelphia and assumes a new identity, just as "Harlem Redux" and "Lyrics of a Blackbird" are two aspects of the identity of this book.
This book offers a compelling portrait of Harlem and its people in their varied characters and often is beautifully written. The mystery story line was inadequate, I found, to carry the strengths of the book in terms of place and development of character. As do many characters of the book and the double title, this book is both a mystery and a portrayal of Harlem and its people. It is more effective as the latter.
Robin Friedman
May 29, 2014
My thoughts:
• I have read other novels (mysteries) by the author and enjoyed them. But I will have to say this is my least favorite of her books.
• While I like character-driven plots more than action-driven plots – I am not a fan of the stream-of-consciousness literary technique. So the beginning of the book where this was used the most made the story seem dry and slow going for me. In fact it made seem like I was reading this book forever.
• But when David was not being so introspective – I enjoyed the story much more.
• I loved how the author evoked the time period and place – 1920s Harlem and how the characters reflected and reacted to the issues of color, gender, race and class. I could see and relate to some of the same issues still confronting the black community today.
• I thought the characters were engaging and well-developed.
• I liked how the characters provided the twists and turns to the various mysteries. I liked that the author provided the clues that I could figure out who did what to who.
• Rachel certainly represented the saying “Hell has no fury like a woman scorned”
• Overall I liked the middle to the ending much better than I did the beginning.
• I have read other novels (mysteries) by the author and enjoyed them. But I will have to say this is my least favorite of her books.
• While I like character-driven plots more than action-driven plots – I am not a fan of the stream-of-consciousness literary technique. So the beginning of the book where this was used the most made the story seem dry and slow going for me. In fact it made seem like I was reading this book forever.
• But when David was not being so introspective – I enjoyed the story much more.
• I loved how the author evoked the time period and place – 1920s Harlem and how the characters reflected and reacted to the issues of color, gender, race and class. I could see and relate to some of the same issues still confronting the black community today.
• I thought the characters were engaging and well-developed.
• I liked how the characters provided the twists and turns to the various mysteries. I liked that the author provided the clues that I could figure out who did what to who.
• Rachel certainly represented the saying “Hell has no fury like a woman scorned”
• Overall I liked the middle to the ending much better than I did the beginning.
July 24, 2023
This was one good yarn! It is always a pleasure to go on a journey this good. A whodunnit to beat the band. I only trusted David, everyone else was circumspect. Some of my suspicions were justified but more often than not I was off base. All of the characters were interesting but not all were likable as it should be. In real life, you just can’t like everybody. This story gives you the ugly and the pretty sides of life in the roaring twenties of Harlem, NYC. Murder, jealousy, parties, family drama, racism within the race, colorism and pure hatred are all woven together; the end result is a beautiful tapestry of right and wrong, true and false, ugly and beautiful and these realities are all placed between the pages of a book, it may sound like a lot, but it is a book that is hard to put down. I highly recommend.
May 17, 2011
An engaging and titillating novel, author Persia Walker does a notable job of creating an impressively written murder mystery that captures the spirit and ambiance of 1920’s Harlem, New York. The story takes place during a tumultuous time when Black Americans were dealing with unapologetic racism, unthinkable brutality, and inhumane lynchings. In Harlem Redux, the reader embarks on a thrilling journey with main character David McKay, as he engages in a riveting flight to discover the truth behind his sister‘s inexplicable death. McKay is a war hero and a gifted Civil Rights lawyer from a prominent and wealthy family, who grapples with the exposure of his own skeletal past, while discovering numerous lies and secrets concerning his family.
I appreciated Walker’s ability to base her murder mystery around a period of time when African Americans were surviving through the woes of Jim Crow. Walker bravely addressed controversial race and class issues during that era, while holding the reader’s interest in the enthralling story. As a result, I highly recommend this book to others.
I appreciated Walker’s ability to base her murder mystery around a period of time when African Americans were surviving through the woes of Jim Crow. Walker bravely addressed controversial race and class issues during that era, while holding the reader’s interest in the enthralling story. As a result, I highly recommend this book to others.
July 10, 2014
Beyond exceptional!
I've never heard of this lady. Than obviously haven't read anything written by Ms Walker. Having read this book, I can only say that I will be reading anything and everything she has written and will write.
This is a fabulous book written about a time none of us are able to recall. It's honest, heartfelt, insightful, simply wonderfully written! Having just taken a chance on reading this amazing effort I must say it's one of the most riveting stories I've read in years.
I was totally captivated, couldn't lay it down, read it in two nights. It would have been only one but these weary eyes were becoming painful. Still I read on. A surprise on every page. Masterful! If you don't read this don't bother reading anything else. It will only pale in comparison. Write on, Ms Walker! I'm tremendous grateful for allowing me and thousands of others to share your work.
I've never heard of this lady. Than obviously haven't read anything written by Ms Walker. Having read this book, I can only say that I will be reading anything and everything she has written and will write.
This is a fabulous book written about a time none of us are able to recall. It's honest, heartfelt, insightful, simply wonderfully written! Having just taken a chance on reading this amazing effort I must say it's one of the most riveting stories I've read in years.
I was totally captivated, couldn't lay it down, read it in two nights. It would have been only one but these weary eyes were becoming painful. Still I read on. A surprise on every page. Masterful! If you don't read this don't bother reading anything else. It will only pale in comparison. Write on, Ms Walker! I'm tremendous grateful for allowing me and thousands of others to share your work.
August 18, 2014
As a murder mystery, I suspected where this was going well before the end. But that doesn't matter because what this is really is a historical novel which evokes the period of the Harlem Renaissance, a period in which in the "brown bag rule" was sadly in full effect in Black society and, more chillingly, a period in which, in most of the country, lynch law was the rule of the day. I know some peer reviewers here think Walker's later, more straight-forward mystery novels (also set in the Harlem Renaissance era) are the better books, but somehow I suspect this early, more "literary" novel may be the better work of art. But I certainly plan on reading her later novels as well. I'm sure they will be worth it.
December 23, 2008
Masterfully written mystery that captures the feel of my favorite era, the Harlem Renaissance. David McKay an attorney who grew up on famed Striver's Row in Harlem, returns upon the death of one of his twin sisters, Lilian. To learn the truth, McKay searches through Harlem's nightlife and underground speakeasies meeting his sister's new friends in an effort to find the truth surrounding her murder. Only the truth is closer to home than he imagined.
Excellent read. I really enjoyed it and would read more books by this author.
Excellent read. I really enjoyed it and would read more books by this author.
August 9, 2012
The description of this book sounded so good that I strongly supported it when it was recommended for our book club. That made it all the more disappointing when I read it. The prose was leaden and preachy. The characters without exception were unlikeable. There were literally times when I was unable to read more than ten pages at a time. I am glad that I finished it if for no other reason than the resolution was a little more satisfying than the set-up even if it strained credibility.
December 15, 2014
Loved this book from beginning to end. It was a bit of a mystery with measured historical nuances. Excellent reflection of the light skinned, dark skinned competition in the black community.
August 7, 2023
I loved this book. It has all the intrigue and mystery of a classic whodunnit. The author blends racial and social injustices and the sultry, Harlem renaissance with a page turning mix of suspense and even adds a bit of romance. The tale surrounds the McKay family; a wealthy and educated family that lives in Harlem on Striver’s Row. Lilian, the prim and proper writer, has taken her own life. Her older brother, David, a handsome attorney who has been away from the family for 4 years, a member of “The Movement” comes home to find out why Lilian has committed suicide. He comes to find out that things aren’t as they seem. Lilian’s twin sister, Gem, happens to be Lilian’s polar opposite. She is loud, bawdy, and lives a life of excess, in Paris as well as the speakeasy clubs in the seamy underside of Harlem. Miss Annie, the loyal housekeeper of the McKay household has her own secrets as well. Gem didn’t come home for Lilian’s funeral, Lilian married a man, Jameson Sweet, also an attorney and member of The Movement, after only a short courtship. He has assumed the role of patriarch in the McKay household which puts David’s teeth on edge and has him wondering if Lilian really took her own life. Childhood friend, Rachel, also plays a role in this mysterious story. The characters are well-developed and there are a few red herrings in the story that will have the reader thinking up new theories with every new chapter. This was a well-written book and I would love to see it adapted to the big screen. It would make a great movie or mini series. I give this book 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2010
Walker writes beautifully, she completely draws me in with her compelling prose. My complaint with this book is pacing and the ending. I think the plot began to meander toward the middle of the book and much of it added nothing to the book's overall content. However, I wish she had spent more time on the ending. I love the way the book ends, however, I think more than a few pages should have been devoted to it. It just didn't seem fully fleshed out to me. However, I liked this book well enough, that I have already gone out and bought her next one.
January 20, 2015
New York is a city to know street by street, and Persia Walker knows a Harlem of the heart. The current flowering of Harlem should bring readers flocking to this novel, to relive the complex lives of former residents of Strivers Row. I read an early edition of the book and am delighted to learn that it is now in its 12th edition. Brava, Persia Walker!
January 17, 2017
Absolutely enjoyed this book...felt like I was right there in Harlem. Read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. Great read!
October 30, 2021
I got this book because it appeared to be a mystery set in the 1920's in Harlem, so it sounded interesting. Instead there wasn't much of a traditional mystery in the story. It turned out to be about a black man who was from the upper crust of Harlem. He had been away working for the 1920s civil rights movement, and had secretly been living as a white man working as an attorney in Philadelphia. He returns home after one of his sisters died mysteriously determined to find out the truth about her death. As I was reading this I began to wonder when the actually solving of the mystery would take place. I came to believe that the main characters sisters who were twins switched places. His twin sisters seemed to be polar opposites of each other and I believed the wild twin had switched places with the "normal" twin. The wild twin then was murdered and the "normal" twin who had been a writer had disappeared in order to get the book she'd written finished and published. Unfortunately, the only thing I was right about was that the twins had switched places. However, it was the wild twin who had murdered her "normal" and assumed her identity in an effort to steal her sister's life and husband, she secretly desired. Her plan failed and she was drugged and murdered by the husband. Then a series of horrible events befell the main character. He ended up being wrongfully charged and convicted of murdering his brother-in-law and was sentenced to death row. The truth did come to light before he was executed, and he was able to regain his freedom and live out a happy life in Harlem.
April 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the first chapter onwards I just knew I was going to love reading this story. Persia Walker colourfully depicts life as a black person in 1920's Harlem- the prejudices, obsessions and biases that permeated that era. I found myself drawn into that time period and was fascinated to see not just the abject racism of that time, but also the differences between black life in Harlem/New York and more southern states of America, and even the splits between rich and poor, Afro American and Caribbean black cultures.
The story itself is deeply intriguing and will keep you guessing right up until the last moment. The author has intertwined so many hidden secrets throughout the book; every character seems to have something to hide and the words of one of the characters that 'Ain't everything as it seems' rings true throughout the book.
One of the best parts about this mystery novel for me was that the story keeps making you think that you've worked out who the killer is, only to end up second guessing yourself a few chapters later. I think Persia Walker has done a masterful job of leaving clues throughout the book that keep you engaged and thinking what the answer is, but subtle enough to surprise you as each new discovery unfolds.
All in all, I found this book a joy to read and would eagerly read another entry featuring the character David McKay.
The story itself is deeply intriguing and will keep you guessing right up until the last moment. The author has intertwined so many hidden secrets throughout the book; every character seems to have something to hide and the words of one of the characters that 'Ain't everything as it seems' rings true throughout the book.
One of the best parts about this mystery novel for me was that the story keeps making you think that you've worked out who the killer is, only to end up second guessing yourself a few chapters later. I think Persia Walker has done a masterful job of leaving clues throughout the book that keep you engaged and thinking what the answer is, but subtle enough to surprise you as each new discovery unfolds.
All in all, I found this book a joy to read and would eagerly read another entry featuring the character David McKay.
May 20, 2020
Despite the flaws, I was pretty swept away by this story. I can give you a lot of reasons why this mystery shouldn't work, but I liked it enough that I was engaged throughout and continued to think of the characters and the dynamics of their relationships even after I was done. And that's the big ask for any book. So even though there's a bunch of negatives (it was pretty melodramatic; the writing needed a lot of editing; the reveal is easy to see coming; the dialogue can sometimes feel off; the gender issues rubbed me the wrong way), I can recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical mystery in a unique setting.
And to be sure, Walker does a great job with Harlem in the 1920s. A big part of the appeal of the book is how it pulls you in and sets you right on the street corners and bars. If you enjoy digging into racial and class politics, this is a good book for you too (although the ending will feel a bit unresolved on this front). It's a testament to Walker's understanding and knowledge of this history.
And to be sure, Walker does a great job with Harlem in the 1920s. A big part of the appeal of the book is how it pulls you in and sets you right on the street corners and bars. If you enjoy digging into racial and class politics, this is a good book for you too (although the ending will feel a bit unresolved on this front). It's a testament to Walker's understanding and knowledge of this history.
July 8, 2017
More 4.5-is due to the predictability, but highly engaging nonetheless.
David McKay has been summoned home after the sudden suicide of his sister. It becomes clear that she had a lot of secrets that point to something other than suicide. David has been away from his family and friends for years, hiding his own secrets, but now cannot leave until his suspicions are either confirmed or definitively proven wrong. To do that, he has to accept all that he's done since leaving his family.
Although mystery surrounding the events of the David's sister's death become clear to the reader long before they become clear to David, this is still a very enjoyable book. It is exceptionally well written. In addition to the mystery plot, this book is also a poignant reminder of African American life in the early 1900s. It encapsulates the themes of racism, passing, and civil rights deftly. I would strongly recommend this book... and now I'm off to find more from this author!
David McKay has been summoned home after the sudden suicide of his sister. It becomes clear that she had a lot of secrets that point to something other than suicide. David has been away from his family and friends for years, hiding his own secrets, but now cannot leave until his suspicions are either confirmed or definitively proven wrong. To do that, he has to accept all that he's done since leaving his family.
Although mystery surrounding the events of the David's sister's death become clear to the reader long before they become clear to David, this is still a very enjoyable book. It is exceptionally well written. In addition to the mystery plot, this book is also a poignant reminder of African American life in the early 1900s. It encapsulates the themes of racism, passing, and civil rights deftly. I would strongly recommend this book... and now I'm off to find more from this author!
June 4, 2023
A really great mystery! Please, do yourself a favor and read this book!
Positives: the characters once you like them you really really like them. They shine a lot. The pacing is generally good for majority of the book and the mystery keeps you engaged. Had a conclusion I never expected. The book was brilliant!
Few issues / nitpicks, didn't give enough of a 1920s vibe being set in the time period, the characters took me almost towards the end of the book to like even the main character , and some of the pacing really prevented me from wanting to pick it up mostly happened within the 1st 100 pages.
Positives: the characters once you like them you really really like them. They shine a lot. The pacing is generally good for majority of the book and the mystery keeps you engaged. Had a conclusion I never expected. The book was brilliant!
Few issues / nitpicks, didn't give enough of a 1920s vibe being set in the time period, the characters took me almost towards the end of the book to like even the main character , and some of the pacing really prevented me from wanting to pick it up mostly happened within the 1st 100 pages.
November 21, 2020
As a mystery novel, I'd give it 2 1/2 stars. The author tried to make it rather convoluted but much was pretty obvious. As a historical novel, I'd give it 3 1/2 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the Harlem setting and found the secondary characters populating it intriguing. The descriptions of life for the black population of America was gripping and enlightening. My main complaint is that the tone of the novel sometimes became rather preachy but well worth the read for the wonderful atmosphere.
December 17, 2019
Such a pleasure read
This is the first time I read a novel from the 20s. The stories revealed slowly, with a leisure pace. I can see what happens as if watching a movie with the characters revealing themselves very clearly.
Until one by one things happen way beyond our expectations. And then at the last few pages, we discovered who the criminal is.
It is a must read.
This is the first time I read a novel from the 20s. The stories revealed slowly, with a leisure pace. I can see what happens as if watching a movie with the characters revealing themselves very clearly.
Until one by one things happen way beyond our expectations. And then at the last few pages, we discovered who the criminal is.
It is a must read.
January 12, 2020
An entertaining crime novel. The background of Harlem during the height of the Jazz Age, and the Roaring 2o's, sets the mood nicely.
The crime story also provides an excellent umbrella to discuss the racial and social history of the United States, especially the difficulty that faced the black community...and which continues to this day.
The crime story also provides an excellent umbrella to discuss the racial and social history of the United States, especially the difficulty that faced the black community...and which continues to this day.
June 12, 2017
This is my first time reading the work of Persia Walker but best believe it won't be my last. Her words absorbed me. While I was doing other things, I couldn't wait to get back to this book. Can't wait to see this on the big screen!
September 7, 2019
What a delightful read.
Thanks to my book club member for selecting this novel as introduction to Persia Walker. The story was engaging with enough twist, turns and historical references to keep my interest. This promises to lead us to lively discussion.
Thanks to my book club member for selecting this novel as introduction to Persia Walker. The story was engaging with enough twist, turns and historical references to keep my interest. This promises to lead us to lively discussion.
May 7, 2019
Really enjoyed this book full of mystery and history of Harlem Renaissance. I will read more of her novels!!
October 14, 2019
One of my 10 best first mysteries read in 2002.
February 20, 2021
unusual page turner...good characters
April 29, 2024
Stellar!
December 9, 2025
Loved the time and place. The writing could've been better.
August 29, 2020
Totally absorbing...
I love finding a book that's hard to put down. Glad to have found this one. Lots of twists, turns and secrets. Strong characters, great setting, pain and peace, rolled together with superb writing. A recipe for a great book. Bravo!
I love finding a book that's hard to put down. Glad to have found this one. Lots of twists, turns and secrets. Strong characters, great setting, pain and peace, rolled together with superb writing. A recipe for a great book. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews