MARCH - NO SPOILERS - A Free Man of Color

Never heard of this mystery before. I've got it ordered from the library. Any initial thoughts on A Free Man of Color by Barbara Hambly? I've read one or two of her other books years ago.

I love this series. Hambly is one of my favourite writers. It can be a bit grim. The period and location it's set in was not a nice one, especially if you were black. I found it fascinating, and I love Ben January, his mother and sisters, and as the series continues he does improve his lot, in a two steps forward, one step back sort of way.

I read this a few years ago, and will not be rereading it now, but I'm looking forward to following the discussion. It is an interesting book, with some depth to it, and the story was well told. I didn't pursue the series because I prefer my mysteries with a lighter touch.

I read the first few of this series, and although I love Hambly, I found them too depressing to continue reading. I prefer less reality! I may give this another shot, though.

For the longest while, like with G. G. Kay, I wouldn't touch anything by her because the first thing I picked from both (Fionavar, Darwath) was a LoTR clone with teleported contemporary real-world protagonists.

Sisters of the Raven and Circle of the Moon, picked on Bookmooch a couple years ago or so finally convinced me to add her back to authors I might read.

I'm not a big reader of mysteries but this one looks interesting because of the setting and characters. I'll be joining in when I can get hold of a copy. *heads to amazon*

As I recall, the book takes quite a while to set the scene but then picks up steam. I remember enjoying the relationship between January and a white detective. Agree that it's pretty grim, but educational.

Read this years ago, when it came out. Superb attention to setting and detail, in Hambly's usual spectacular prose. Definitely a grim story - she doesn't gloss over rough edges of the times.

What I found fascinating is that so much of the 'history' to the layers of culture and corruption that lace New Orleans - one could see the evident cultural roots in this story - how the city evolved - in the aftermath of Katrina, when so much of the mask came off the underbelly.

Of writers who can weave a great story into an atmospheric masterpiece - Hambly excels.

I'm in, purchased it for my Kindle.

Begun yesterday, loving it so far.

Will begin later today.

I started this morning and I'm liking it so far.

Started this last night, and had a hard time putting it down after 3 chapters when I needed to go to sleep!

I'm having a hard time getting into it. On the fourth chapter now.