Blood Grove (Easy Rawlins, 15)

Delve into the sun-drenched, yet darkly shadowed world of 1969 Los Angeles with Walter Mosley's "Blood Grove," the 15th installment in the acclaimed Easy Rawlins mystery series. This First Edition Hardcover, published by Mulholland Books in 2021, marks a powerful and poignant chapter in the life of Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins, the Black private investigator who has captivated readers for decades. As societal flames rise with protests and unrest, Easys small detective agency is finally finding its footing. A troubled white Vietnam veteran walks through his door with a disjointed story: an attack in a citrus grove, a missing lover, a dead man, and a haunting sense of guilt. Despite his reservations, Easy's inherent sense of duty, deepened by a shared bond with the veteran, compels him to take the case. This seemingly simple investigation quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit, danger, and the hidden darkness lurking beneath the veneer of California sunshine. Mosley masterfully crafts a narrative that is both a thrilling mystery and a profound exploration of the human condition. As Easy navigates the labyrinthine streets of Los Angeles, he encounters a diverse cast of characters hippies, tycoons, radicals, sociopaths, cops, and grifters each with their own agenda and secrets. He relies on the support of his loyal friends, including the brilliant Jackson Blue and the formidable Mouse Alexander, to unravel the truth and confront the sinister forces at play. But the professional case is not Easy's only challenge. Personal turmoil erupts when his adopted daughter Feather's estranged white uncle unexpectedly appears. While Feather embraces the prospect of a family reunion, Easy senses a more sinister motive lurking beneath the surface a threat to the carefully constructed life he has built for Feather and himself. This familial tension adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, forcing Easy to confront his own past and the complexities of race, identity, and belonging in a rapidly changing America. "Blood Grove" is more than just a crime novel; its a vivid portrait of a turbulent era and a testament to the enduring power of friendship, loyalty, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. Walter Mosley's evocative prose and insightful characterizations create a reading experience that is both gripping and thought-provoking. Prepare to be transported to a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and where Easy Rawlins must confront his own demons to protect those he loves and uphold his moral code. This "crowning achievement" in the Easy Rawlins saga is a must-read for fans of hard-boiled mysteries, historical fiction, and anyone seeking a compelling story with depth and resonance. A substantial book at 499 grams, and 320 pages long, "Blood Grove" is a must-add to any collection and a great gift for any lover of mysteries.