Reviews

Blanche on the Lam by Barbara Neely

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raeanne's review against another edition

4.0

I found this series through a recommended list of diverse mysteries and now I can’t find the specific web page to link.  Anyways, it had nothing to do with The Help. I’ve apparently read The Help but I can’t remember and I am grateful for that.

Blanche is unlike another other Cozy protag I’ve ever read and it’s marvelous. It’s not only because of her race, class, and age though her perspective and thoughts are a home run. I have dozens of highlights, some paragraphs long, because of her turns of phrase and insights. She’s fantastic in a completely homegrown down to Earth kind of way.

Beyond that, she’s actually reluctant. Her gossip and snooping is about finding her footing with the Carters and her job. She stays out of it until morals force her hand and her decision is brilliant. Every decision that would seemingly go against her reluctant grain are explained and feel natural.

Blanche On The Lam is defined and revolves around her rather than The Carters. There’s no wacky cast of characters to carry her along and get involved with over-the-top scenarios. She has her community and her friends but they’re phone calls away and speak sense.

But don’t let that fool you, the mystery is good too. Instead of painfully obvious clues missed or ridiculous set-ups, it’s a good down home murder among the privileged. Because of Blanche’s view, the reveals are realistic and not cringe-worthy. She really does make the book in every way.
Blanche is front and center in such a positive, fun, and exciting way. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what Blanche does next.

dramaqueenv's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

mysterymom40's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

dracula_but_slay's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Full disclosure: I only read this book for a class. That being said, I enjoyed it, which could be considered rare for class-assigned books. Blanche on the Lam is not only an interesting crime novel, but a commentary on race in late 20th century America. It’s not the most groundbreaking when it comes to either subject; however, such a perspective is still invaluable in a genre that is heavily tied to the police and thus the current racial tension within that institution. The novel’s final twist took me by surprise, so if you’re also a fan of interesting twists this novel is for you! It’s rather short and sweet as well, making it an easy read.