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Cover of Devil in a Blue Dress
Mystery & Thriller· United States

Devil in a Blue Dress

by Walter Mosley
Aggregate Editorial Score59/100
★Edgar Award
Published 1990219 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When Walter Mosley published Devil in a Blue Dress in 1990, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of mystery & thriller. Easy Rawlins, a Black veteran and homeowner in late-1940s Los Angeles, is hired to find a white woman known to frequent Black jazz clubs and uncovers a conspiracy that reaches into city hall. Mosley's debut introduced one of crime fiction's most beloved heroes and a vivid portrait of African American life in postwar LA. Themes of race, Los Angeles, 1940s run through the work. The book has received recognition from Edgar Award 1990.

Book Details

AuthorWalter Mosley
Published1990
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages219
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780671872373
Editorial Score59/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley sits within the tradition of mystery & thriller that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1990 in United States, it engages with race, Los Angeles, 1940s, Black community in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Edgar Award 1990. Its aggregate editorial score of 59/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to Devil in a Blue Dress for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of race, Los Angeles, 1940s, Black community is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within United States's literary landscape, Walter Mosley occupies a significant position. Devil in a Blue Dress is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Edgar Award
winner · genre
199045
✍️
About the Author
Walter Mosley
United States
View Author →

Walter Mosley is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of mystery thriller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Devil in a Blue Dress about?

Easy Rawlins, a Black veteran and homeowner in late-1940s Los Angeles, is hired to find a white woman known to frequent Black jazz clubs and uncovers a conspiracy that reaches into city hall. Mosley's debut introduced one of crime fiction's most beloved heroes and a vivid portrait of African American life in postwar LA.

Who wrote Devil in a Blue Dress?

Devil in a Blue Dress was written by Walter Mosley, from United States. First published in 1990.

What awards has Devil in a Blue Dress won?

Devil in a Blue Dress has received the following awards and honours: Edgar Award 1990.

Is Devil in a Blue Dress worth reading?

Devil in a Blue Dress is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 45/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in race, Los Angeles, 1940s.

Where can I buy Devil in a Blue Dress?

You can buy Devil in a Blue Dress on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Devil in a Blue Dress?

Devil in a Blue Dress is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is Devil in a Blue Dress from?

Devil in a Blue Dress originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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