"Devil in a Blue Dress" is a mystery novel by Walter Mosley, first published in 1990. The novel follows the story of Easy Rawlins, an African American World War II veteran living in Los Angeles in the late 1940s. Easy is struggling to make ends meet and is approached by a mysterious white man named DeWitt Albright, who offers him a job as a private detective.
The job involves finding a woman named Daphne Monet, who is described as a "blue-eyed blonde in a blue dress." Easy is initially hesitant to take the job, but eventually agrees to it after some persuasion from Albright. As Easy begins his investigation, he quickly realizes that things are not as simple as they seem and that he has stumbled upon a complex web of deceit and danger.
Throughout the novel, Mosley explores themes of racial inequality, social class, and the corrupting influence of power. Easy's experiences as a black man living in a white-dominated society are a central part of the narrative, and his struggle to navigate these challenges serves as a metaphor for the larger issues of racism and injustice in the United States.
One of the most striking elements of "Devil in a Blue Dress" is its portrayal of Los Angeles in the 1940s. Mosley's depiction of the city is vivid and evocative, and he paints a picture of a place that is at once vibrant and dangerous. The city is a melting pot of different cultures and social classes, and this diversity is reflected in the characters that Easy encounters on his journey.
As Easy delves deeper into the mystery of Daphne Monet, he is drawn into a world of corruption and violence. He finds himself facing off against a number of powerful and ruthless characters, including a corrupt police officer and a wealthy socialite. Despite the danger he faces, Easy remains determined to see the job through to the end and to uncover the truth behind Daphne Monet's disappearance.
In the end, "Devil in a Blue Dress" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that deals with themes of racism, social inequality, and the corrupting influence of power. Mosley's portrayal of Easy Rawlins is complex and nuanced, and the mystery at the heart of the novel keeps readers engaged until the very end. Overall, "Devil in a Blue Dress" is a highly recommended read for fans of mystery novels and anyone interested in exploring the social and cultural issues of mid-20th century America.
