Little Scarlet: An Easy Rawlins Mystery

Watts, California in the middle 1960's. Racial unrest is at an all-time high. Innocents suffer the blame of the guilty. So begins the newest piece by Walter Mosley - a searing cat-and-mouse chase built around the bastard children of War...

Riots.

Total fiction built around a true blight on history, "Little Scarlet" is about the mysterious murder of a black woman and the police won't do anything about it. When more women show up dead under similar circumstances, enter Easy Rawlins, part-time amatuer detective, full-time Sojourner Truth School janitor. Any reader familiar with Easy's past exploits will find a totally different man from his first entry, "Devil In A Blue Dress." The former womanizer and unemployed binge drinker is pretty much settled down with his adopted daughter and son, making a family with his main squeeze Bonnie. His only vice is smoking and he's the head janitor at the school he works for. From time to time he plays detective in the form of "doing favors for people who repay him in favors." Likeable cop Det. Suggs comes knocking and asks Easy to do a little investigating about the murders. With the police too worried about their own bad reputations in the enraged black neighborhoods, Easy is not only left with the task of solving a very intricate murder plot, but he also has to deal with the melting pot of Negro anger. Stores are up in flames, people are fighting in the streets and someone is committing murder after murder. With only a few close friends and a sort of "immunity letter" signed by the police to watch his back, off he goes into the hazardous, dark domain of 1960's Los Angeles. Talk about the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mosley really kicks butt with this one. I have long criticized his penchant for throwing numerous characters at us at tornado speed, making them far too difficult to identify with or even remember at crucial points. This time out, Det. Suggs, the alluring Juanda, poor Geneva, et al., were easy to feel out and keep track of. It was a really pleasant change for a Mosley novel.

Another nice twist was Easy's figuring out who the killer was in the middle of the book. Normally, we are shown a few generous red herrings and sparse truths that hold their ground until all is revealed in the last few pages of your average Rawlins mystery. Not even Sherlock Holmes would be able to figure out where he was going with these books until the "this is what happened and who is guilty of it" segment at the end.

Don't get me wrong, I love Mosley's writing, but it was nice to just watch Easy know who he was chasing for once. He really has grown as a character over the years, as have many of the supporting characters. His homicidal sidekick Mouse is forever the nutcase but I was a bit annoyed that we were offered no feasible explanation as to why he is alive, having been allegedly killed in "White Butterfly" and presumed dead all through "Bad Boy Brawly Brown." Long-time stable Mofass has finally met his maker and Easy's son Jesus has quit school and become quite the self-made sailor. Lots of times it's a treat to read these mysteries just to see what all the characters have been doing between novels. Also, the inclusion of Paris Minton from the "Fearless Jones" books was very stylish as he chats with Easy while sitting outside his bookstore, ready to fend off any would-be vandals. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this well-made masterpiece.

The Easy chronicles have been going along at a good, if at times leisurely clip, when Mosley offers up this scorching instant classic. The portrait of Watts in the aftermath of the riots unleashes something in Easy (and the author) and each page offers insight, anger and great writing. As always the supporting characters who populate the story are richly drawn in little strokes, but for maybe the first time in the series we get a potent villain. And while the historical context of the book is powerful, it never overwhelms the plot which is a high tension grabber. These days it seems Mosley isn't as in vogue as when he debuted, and I'm not sure this book got the critical praise lavished (justly) on peers like Lehane and Pelicanos. But this is as good as it gets and stands as a masterpiece of American fiction, crime or otherwise.

I work at an independent bookstore and have access to advance reading copies of forthcoming books. I was able to get an ARC of Walter Mosley's most recent book 'Cinnamon Kiss' before it was released and so I read it before I read 'Little Scarlet' in paperback. Let me go on record that I really enjoyed 'Cinnamon Kiss' (see my review), but 'Little Scarlet' is a far better book. I like the idea that the entire story is set in and around Los Angeles, rather than all over the map. The Mosley really takes his time building plot and characterization. And above all else he really delves into the tension that existed during the days after the Watts Riots finally ended. Because of the way Mosley writes the book, the reader wants to nail the killer almost as much as Easy wants to get him off the streets. Familiar faces appear throughout the story, like old friends you have been waiting to see again.

If you like a well-plotted murder mystery with plenty of social commentary, you should read this book. You won't be able to put it down.

Yarns involving crime and punishment are the excuses cultural philosopher Walter Mosley uses to draw us into his explication of the relationship among blacks and whites who find themselves living in the same world. In Little Scarlet, Easy Rawlins goes out into Los Angeles in the immediate aftermath of the Watts riots to find a white man the police believe killed a young black woman who sheltered him from marauders who attacked him during the riots. The police fear that investigating the crime themselves would draw attention to the crime and that its white-on-black nature would spark further rioting.
Through the story pass the many and varied personalities familiar from earlier Easy Rawlins novels. As in most Easy Rawlins stories, finding the bad guy is secondary to helping the reader see why blacks think as they do in Los Angeles. Mosley's trenchant and direct style does this unambiguously.

These Easy Rawlins books are great because of their complexity while still being entertaining reading. Of the various basic conflicts a story can be based on, Mosley integrates at least three...man vs man, man vs (human) nature, and man vs himself. The larger story of Easy Rawlins is told in the entirety of the series and is best read starting with DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS and continuing with each volume including SIX EASY PIECES which relates some important landmarks in Easy's life including the beginning of trouble with Bonnie, the resurrection of Mouse, and the introduction of Harold who's an important character in this novel.Very highly recommended as are all the Easy Rawlins books.

In 1965, the riots have devastated Los Angeles, but Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins knows that atrocities will follow as some of the mom and pop storeowners will lose more than their livelihood in the aftermath. As he tries to keep a friend Theodore Steinman safe, LAPD Detective Suggs demands that Easy come with him or face arrest for practicing private sleuthing without a license, not that a Negro will be granted such a permit. Though he insists that he is just a custodian at Sojourner Truth JHS who also does Research and Delivery, Easy knows he has no choice but to accompany the cop.
Suggs, Captain Fleck, and Deputy Chief Jordan show Easy the corpse of scarlet haired Nola Payne, whom they claim is victim #34 of a killer. The cops also say that the suspected culprit was seen entering the apartment building where the murder of Little Scarlet occurred. Because of the riots, the brass wants white cops to keep their presence to a minimum to avoid inciting further disturbances. Thus, Jordan drafts Easy to find the culprit before others are killed.
LITTLE SCARLET is a terrific private investigator tale that is enhanced by the insightful look at the 1965-Watts riots. The story line moves fast along two interconnecting plots as the audience follows Easy with Mouse's assistance search for the vanished prime suspect to a backdrop of a raging populace that come to life as only Walter Mosley can achieve. It is the historical perspective that makes for a gripping tale that readers will appreciate and have to come expect from one of the best authors of any genre over the five or so.
Harriet Klausner

Walter Mosley has a knack of telling about life as it is for the black man. He doesn't sensationalise their plight in the 20th century in his books, simply tells it like it was at certain periods in that century.

This book takes place in 1965 in the aftermath of the Watts riots in LA and sees Easy Rawlins on the case of finding the killer of a young black woman.

I found that the mystery itself was a touch confusing and not Mosley's best, but the surrounding issues of racism and the historical feel of the book was worth my time reading it.

Recommended reading.

I approached this book with great anticipation. The reviews it garnered from some reputable sources would lead anyone to the conclusion that they were in for a treat, but overall I was disappointed in Little Scarlet. I've read a few other Mosley mysteries and have loved them -- A Red Death, Black Betty, White Butterfly -- so I expected this to be just as enjoyable. Where this book fell short for me was the mystery itself; there was, simply, no mystery. This is one of those books where you find out relatively early on "who done it" and the rest of the story is devoted to catching the killer. This, to me, is a lazy mystery, and I expected more from Mosley, whom I respect as a writer.

One thing I will say about this book, though, is Mosley's unflinching discussion of the Watts riots and race relations in America. He doesn't back down once, and good for him. He exposes the complexities of the issues and does so simply and within character for people like Easy and Mouse. He deserves praise for this.

This is the first Walter Mosley book I have read (I listened to it on CD) and I was delighted to discover what a good writer he is. I plan to read the rest of the books in this series as well as some of his other books.

There were so many things to like about the book: the dialog, the story, the characterization...and I especially liked the tone of the book--not dark or too stressful. It was enjoyable to listen to...and the reader did a magnificent job!

Set during the 1965Watts riots---the acrid smell of charred ruins, the property destruction, the tension in the air---the reader is quickly drawn in to the ninth installment of The Easy Rawlins Series.

The L.A. Police department taps "Research and Delivery" expert Easy Rawlins to help them solve the murder of a black woman last seen with a white male suspect. Detective Suggs reason for making this request of Easy is thin...to keep fresh riots from erupting. But once Suggs tosses out a few scenarios where the cops would have grounds to take Easy into custody if he refuses, he reluctantly begins the investigation.

With more than thirty characters, this tale flies as quickly as rounds from a sniper's rifle. After the disappointment of Bad Boy Brawley Brown I was glad to see Mouse's return, though his resurrection was not explained. I also liked that the list of players included Paris Minton and Fearless Jones, but the meandering way these two characters where pulled in added nothing to the storyline.

Mosley captures the feeling of the time, the fear that had everyone on edge and the loss and the promise of the riots aftermath. Easy is older and feeling his age at every turn, refusing young sex and losing against young fists. This book continues the noir that we fell in love with in Mosley's Devil In A Blue Dress and brings us back to the subject of passing and self-loathing, which unfortunately, still exists in our culture today. Little Scarlet is a must read for fans of the series.

Walter Mosley delivers crime fiction set during a turning point in America's racial history. His protagonist, Easy Rawlins, is a man who, more often than not, would like to be left alone--he just keeps getting caught up murders that require his special expertise in detection. The great pleasure of reading Mosley is the classic, sharp-paced action mixed with commentary on the problems of being African American in a racist society.

Because I grew up there, because I was a burgeoning adolescent at the time of its setting, because the events in this story were the ones that began the formation of my view of the socio-political world... and above all because it was well written and entertaining... I LOVED IT! Mr. Mosley has skillfully driven another of his fiction-vehicles to a place where the reader hits pay dirt. For those who might not otherwise have a clue, here is a cruise through understanding what the '65 Watts Riots were about. For those of us who know the bitter-sweet road from our own journeys, he takes us on a trip down memory lane that can renew focus, sharpening the edges of our consciousness and memory.

This is fantastic reading with a mixed of history. The plot with Easy Rawlins being hired to investigate the death of the woman nicknamed Little Scarlet. Despite the obstacles put in Easy Rawlins way he stays on top. Also to added to the plot a woman who may give Easy's woman a run for her money. With a book like this it is easy to see why he's my favorite author.

After Elmore Leonard, Walter Mosley is my favorite crime/mystery writer. He has a great writing style and his story lines have a good mix of humor, violence, intrigue... Why don't they make more Easy Rawlins movies with Denzel?

Excellent--As with all his novels he makes them come alive in characters and location. Easy Rawlins stands out as a good man who really gets a bad reputation without deserving it. Walter Mosely should make the top of the list of authors to read.

I started reading Walter Mosley in 1994. I think that becoming a new mother slowed me down from reading my favorite Easy Rawlins mysteries until recently. I have collected all the Walter Mosley I could find and have re-started with Little Scarlet. This book reminds me of why I started reading Mr. Mosley in the first place and want to kick myself for not keeping up.. lol. To me, Walter Mosley can do no wrong (well.. except for Blue Light.. haha). I'm a loyal fan and want a plate of anything/everything he's serving up.

My favorite character is ALWAYS "Mouse" and that's why I enjoyed reading this again.

I hope now that Don Cheadle has proven himself with "HOTEL RWANDA", they will make a new movie focusing on MOUSE so that he can really shine in the part that he was born to play.