Karen G. Bates

Second and so far last in the Alex Powell series. Alex, a newspaper columnist in LA, attends a talk and book-signing by the author of a controversial book on the black upper class. When the author goes out to get more books, and doesn't return, his body is found near his car. Once again Alex is drawn into a murder investigation.

I liked this book even better than the first one, though once again find the least convincing character to be the victim. By the time the story is over, issues of class and homosexuality are involved that divide the black community. Both books in the series are rewarding.… (plus d'informations)

Alex Powell is a black woman journalist working for an L.A. newspaper. While attending a convention for blacks in the news industry, she is sent to see why the award-winner isn't at the banquet, and finds him dead in his hotel room.

Because of their knowledge of, and access to, the people involved, the police ask Alex and her friend Paul to help with the investigation. There are, sadly, no lack of suspects. The dead man had been a womanizer and had also infuriated people in his business dealings.

I found out about this series because the author collaborated on the memoirs of Ann Nixon Cooper, which I enjoyed. Since I like mysteries thought I'd give this a try, and am glad I did. Bates creates good characters. The plot was ok...the weakest character for me was the victim, who seemed a bundle of contrariness. I liked it well enough to read the second in the series. So far there are only those two, and I'd like to politely request that more be forthcoming!… (plus d'informations)

I was a little restless while the two murders were slowly building the mystery to the connection to Simp Hastings. But, it kept me connected to the characters and wanting to know who killed them. She puts a hip spin on the genre using a sort of insider's secret language. Besides "small colored world", there is her code for white people, "WP", and the Black Bourgeoisie, "Nigwazeez" and other witty terms.

I found Alex Powell Smart, opinionated, intelligent, and a-no-nonsense sleuth. And, I liked all the rest of the supporting characters. I enjoyed Paul, the humorous and caring boyfriend. Powell was able to paint a picture of the scenes vividly.

I enjoyed the fact that the book was not filled with sex scenes, which would have been a distraction from the mystery. It's the perfect book to throw in your bag when going on a short trip or a long car ride or while standing in a long line. It’s a quick read.

I’ll read her first Alex Powell novel, “Plain Brown Wrapper”, because I like the characters.… (plus d'informations)