"One of the best fictional detectives conjured up in years," Library Journal
BLANCHE ON THE LAM
Barbara Neely's Smart, Sassy and Groundbreaking Crime NovelWINNER OF THE AGATHA, ANTHONY & MACAVITY AWARDS
Blanche White is a plump, feisty, middle-aged African-American housekeeper working for the genteel rich in North Carolina. But when an employer stiffs her, and her checks bounce, she goes on the lam, hiding out as a maid for a wealthy family at their summer home. That plan goes awry when there's a murder and Blanche becomes the prime suspect. So she's forced to use her savvy, her sharp wit, and her old-girl network of domestic workers to discover the truth and save her own skin. Along the way, she lays bare the quirks of southern society with humor, irony, and a biting commentary that makes her one of the most memorable and original characters ever to appear in mystery fiction.
"Blanche not only solves the crime, but exhibits familiar foibles and strengths, believes in kitchen-table wisdom, and possesses a wicked sense of humor," Ms. Magazine
"A quirky mystery debut that pits Blanche against a Faulknerian cast of oddballs who may be trying to kill each other off to claim a southern fortune," Kirkus Reviews
"Endlessly entertaining," Publisher's Weekly
"The uproarious Blanche White, the Southern housekeeper who knows her own mind, opened doors to the nuances of black life for readers and writers alike. Barbara Neely is a trailblazer," Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author
I found this series through a recommended list of diverse mysteries and now I can’t find the specific web page to link. Anyways, it had nothing to do with The Help. I’ve apparently read The Help but I can’t remember and I am grateful for that.
Blanche is unlike another other Cozy protag I’ve ever read and it’s marvelous. It’s not only because of her race, class, and age though her perspective and thoughts are a home run. I have dozens of highlights, some paragraphs long, because of her turns of phrase and insights. She’s fantastic in a completely homegrown down to Earth kind of way.
Beyond that, she’s actually reluctant. Her gossip and snooping is about finding her footing with the Carters and her job. She stays out of it until morals force her hand and her decision is brilliant. Every decision that would seemingly go against her reluctant grain are explained and feel natural.
Blanche On The Lam is defined and revolves around her rather than The Carters. There’s no wacky cast of characters to carry her along and get involved with over-the-top scenarios. She has her community and her friends but they’re phone calls away and speak sense.
But don’t let that fool you, the mystery is good too. Instead of painfully obvious clues missed or ridiculous set-ups, it’s a good down home murder among the privileged. Because of Blanche’s view, the reveals are realistic and not cringe-worthy. She really does make the book in every way.
Blanche is front and center in such a positive, fun, and exciting way. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what Blanche does next.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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21 March, 2016:
Finished reading
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21 March, 2016:
Reviewed