"Rose Gold" by Walter Mosley / Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert
Killer Nashville Book of the Day
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Walter Mosley
"Rose Gold" by Walter Mosley
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert
Set in the corrupt, racially charged Los Angeles of the late 1960s, Walter Mosley’s "Rose Gold"examines its social backdrop as much as its detective examines the mystery within it. "Rose Gold" is the newest addition to Mosley’s Easy Rawlins mysteries, but can be readily enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.
Private detective Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins finds himself entangled in jurisdictions and lies as he investigates the kidnapping of Rosemary Goldsmith, daughter of a military weapons developer, and her involvement with boxer-turned political activist Bob Mantle. As Rosemary’s case unfolds, Easy delves deeper into the world of communes and revolutionaries while relying on old friends and favors to help his investigation along. To clear names, navigate additional cases, and find Rosemary Goldsmith, Easy Rawlins will have to work his way through blatant prejudice and constant misdirection.
"Rose Gold" is more a mystery of connections than a thriller, with a constant, steady pace that picks up toward the climax of the novel. Mosley’s grasp on the culture of Vietnam-era L.A. is organic, and his use of setting will delight readers. His writing style is straightforward and easy to process, and is laced with moments of original, beautiful description.
Readers who are unfamiliar with the rest of the Easy Rawlins mysteries may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of characters in this novel, as they will have to meet both old and new figures and sort through their involvement. Those looking for a mystery with a smooth pace, humor, and a very involved narrator and those who are interested in postwar social interactions will find Mosley’s narrative captivating.
Alycia Gilbert studies English and French at a local university with an emphasis in both literature and writing majors, which thankfully excuses the large amount of time she spends reading. An aspiring writer, Gilbert enjoys penning short stories and poems, and she is currently expanding a short story in an attempt at writing a full novel. She acts as editor-in-chief of her university's two literary journals, and loves to help other student writers through editing and strengthening the products of their talents.
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