Most mystery readers are familiar with Walter Moseley and his Easy Rawlins mysteries, set in bygone Los Angeles. However, there are other African American mysteries, set mostly in modern Los Angeles, that deserve your attention. Here are a few.
IQ by Joe Ide follows a young man named Isaiah Quintabe (I.Q.) who, like Easy Rawlins, does favors for people. He's not big on guns, but he does have crime in his past. Low on cash, I.Q. goes against his better judgement and takes a case involving a rapper who won't leave his house. What follows is a wild ride involving divorce, Machiavellian record producers, and one mean monster of a dog. Also an origin story, this book tells of how I.Q. became the man he is, relying almost entirely on his wits to make his way in East Long Beach. Gritty and a real page-turner, one hopes that this is the start of a new series.
Gar Anthony Haywood writes the Aaron Gunner mysteries, starring a gumshoe in the mold of Sam Spade. Contrarian Gunner will expose every poseur and hypocrite he comes across on his way to the truth and payday, though the payday is sometimes in question. Often with a political bent, our hero moves through a meticulously drawn South Central L.A., particularly the bar known as Lily's Acey Deuce. Gunner is a likeable protagonist in these intelligent, twisty mysteries.
If you like your mystery with some action, there's Gary Phillips' Martha Chainey in High Hand. Chainey is a former Vegas showgirl who has turned into a courier for organized crime. When she is robbed of 7 million in mob money, her employers unleash a minder and an ultimatum to get it all back in three days. Despite the sex and violence, these are fully realized characters in a real world. Phillips also manages to get in some of the fascinating history of black Las Vegas. A good choice if you like strong female protagonists and nonstop action.
Speaking of female protagonists, Valerie Wilson Wesley writes the Tamara Hayle Mysteries. Set in New Jersey, these compelling but heartfelt mysteries involve Tamara Hayle, a former member of the Newark police force. While some of these stories involve the fateful lack of judgement on the part of the investigator, many of these mysteries involve Hayle and her family and friends. Once again, there is a compelling protagonist and plotline, and some tidbits on the economic resurgence of Newark.
Got more stories of those who walk down these mean streets? Sure you do. Tell us about them in the comments.
Add a comment to: Down These Mean Streets…African American Detectives