Easy Rawlins Books: Order Guide to Mosley's Series

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

If you're a fan of suspenseful detective stories imbued with social commentary, then chances are you've heard of Walter Mosley's Easy Rawlins series. And if you're looking for the best way to navigate this compelling series, you're in the right place. This blog will guide you through the Easy Rawlins books in order, giving you the lowdown on everything from character profiles to key discussion points. Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a longtime fan revisiting Easy's world, this guide is the perfect companion for your literary journey.

1. Meet Easy Rawlins

Before you start reading the Easy Rawlins books in order, let's take a moment to get acquainted with the hero of our story: Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins.

Character Profile

Easy Rawlins is no ordinary detective — he's a black war veteran trying to make his way in post-World War II Los Angeles. He's defined by his moral compass, toughness, and sharp mind. His experiences as a black man in a racially divided society give the series its unique perspective. Here's what you need to know about Easy:

Occupation: Unofficial private investigator
Background: A World War II veteran from Houston, Texas
Characteristics: Tough, street-smart, and deeply principled

Setting: Los Angeles, California

The Easy Rawlins series takes place in Los Angeles, a city that serves as more than just a backdrop. LA is a dynamic, complex character in its own right. From its sun-soaked streets to its shady underworld, the city is a place of stark contrasts — much like Easy himself. So, as you read the Easy Rawlins books in order, watch out for the vibrant descriptions of LA and its diverse neighborhoods.

Theme

The Easy Rawlins series is more than just a collection of detective stories. It's a deep dive into the social and racial tensions of post-war America. Through Easy's investigations, we get a glimpse into a world rarely explored in detective fiction. Each book tackles themes of race, class, and moral ambiguity. So, get ready for a reading experience that's as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

2. Begin with 'Devil in a Blue Dress'

Now that you're familiar with Easy Rawlins and the world he inhabits, it's time to start your reading journey. And where better to start than the beginning? 'Devil in a Blue Dress' is the first book in the series and serves as a perfect introduction to Easy's Los Angeles.

Book Overview

'Devil in a Blue Dress,' published in 1990, is a gritty noir that introduces us to Easy Rawlins, a recently laid-off worker who turns to detective work to pay the bills. When a wealthy man hires him to find a woman known for her blue dress, Easy gets drawn into a dangerous world of wealth, power, and crime. The book is a riveting start to the Easy Rawlins books in order, setting the stage for the gripping stories to follow.

Reading Guide

As you start reading 'Devil in a Blue Dress,' take note of the following:

Easy's transformation: Pay attention to how Easy evolves from a reluctant detective to a determined investigator.
The setting: Notice how Mosley uses the LA backdrop to enhance the story's atmosphere and themes.
The mystery: Try to solve the mystery alongside Easy. It's a great way to engage with the plot.

Discussion Points

Once you've finished the book, consider the following discussion points:

Easy's morality: How does Easy's moral compass guide him through his investigations? How does it affect his interactions with other characters?
Racial tensions: How does Mosley portray racial tensions in post-war LA? How do these tensions influence the story?
The mystery's resolution: Was the mystery's conclusion satisfying? Why or why not?

Now, with 'Devil in a Blue Dress' under your belt, you're well on your way through the Easy Rawlins books in order. Ready for the next one?

3. Follow up with 'A Red Death'

After the thrilling ride of 'Devil in a Blue Dress,' it's time to delve deeper into Easy Rawlins' world with the second book in the series, 'A Red Death.'

Book Overview

'A Red Death,' published in 1991, takes us further into Easy's life as a detective. Set during the Red Scare of the 1950s, Easy is pressured by the FBI to spy on a union organizer at his aircraft factory job. As he gets caught up in the dangerous world of political intrigue, Easy must navigate through the murky waters of loyalty, morality, and survival. It's another must-read in the Easy Rawlins books in order.

Reading Guide

As you delve into 'A Red Death,' consider the following:

Historical context: Pay attention to the era's politics and societal norms, and how they shape the story and characters.
Easy's dilemmas: Keep track of the various moral and ethical quandaries Easy faces, and how he tackles them.
Character development: Observe how Easy and other characters evolve over the course of the story.

Discussion Points

After finishing 'A Red Death,' mull over these discussion points:

Easy's choices: Discuss Easy's decisions throughout the book. Were they justified given the circumstances?
Theme of fear: How does fear—of communism, of change, of the unknown—drive the narrative?
Reflection on society: How does the book reflect the societal issues and tensions of the 1950s?

With 'A Red Death' behind you, you're making great progress through the Easy Rawlins books in order! What's next on the reading list? Let's find out.

4. Dive into 'White Butterfly'

Next up in the Easy Rawlins books in order is 'White Butterfly.' As the third book in the series, it presents yet another side of Easy's adventures in detective work.

Book Overview

'White Butterfly' made its debut in 1992. The plot thickens as Easy is plunged into a case involving the murders of black women, which the police have largely ignored. However, when a white woman falls victim, the case gains attention, and Easy is hired to investigate. His pursuit of justice in racially tense Los Angeles forms the crux of this gripping novel.

Reading Guide

As you turn the pages of 'White Butterfly,' consider these points:

Racial Disparity: Note how racial disparity is portrayed in the book. How does it affect the characters and the unfolding of the plot?
Easy's role: Consider the challenges Easy faces in his role as a detective in a racially divided society. How does he navigate through these challenges?
Character dynamics: Observe the interactions between Easy and other characters. How do these interactions shape the narrative?

Discussion Points

Once you've read 'White Butterfly,' think about the following:

Social commentary: Discuss the social commentary presented in the book. How does it reflect the era it is set in?
Morality and justice: How do Easy's views on morality and justice evolve in this book?
Impact of the setting: How does the Los Angeles setting influence the story and characters?

And there you have it! You're now halfway through the Easy Rawlins books in order. Up next? 'Black Betty.' Stay tuned!

5. Explore 'Black Betty'

The next stop on our journey through the Easy Rawlins books in order is the thrilling 'Black Betty.' This fourth installment adds a fresh layer of complexity to the series.

Book Overview

Published in 1994, 'Black Betty' presents Easy with a high-stakes mission. Hired to find Elizabeth Eady—also known as Black Betty—an old acquaintance from his Texas childhood, Easy navigates the twisted paths of past relationships and looming dangers. His search for Black Betty in the underbelly of Los Angeles paints a vivid and gritty picture of life in the 1960s.

Reading Guide

As you delve into 'Black Betty,' keep these points in mind:

Past and Present: Pay attention to the interplay between Easy's past and present. How do his old ties with Black Betty impact the present?
Mystery and Suspense: Note the building suspense as Easy's search for Black Betty intensifies. How does this suspense drive the narrative?
Character Development: Observe Easy's character development through the novel. How does his character evolve as he faces new challenges?

Discussion Points

After finishing 'Black Betty,' consider these discussion points:

Theme of Identity: Discuss the theme of identity in the book. How does the search for Black Betty relate to Easy's own identity?
Impact of the Past: How does Easy's past influence his present actions and decisions?
Social Context: Reflect on the social context of the 1960s. How does it impact the narrative?

And just like that, you've navigated through another enthralling tale in the Easy Rawlins series. Up next, 'A Little Yellow Dog'—the final stop in our Easy Rawlins books in order. Excited? You should be!

6. Conclude with 'A Little Yellow Dog'

Now we come to the final stage of our journey through the Easy Rawlins books in order, 'A Little Yellow Dog.' This fifth installment will wrap up your initial adventure into the gripping world of Easy Rawlins.

Book Overview

Published in 1996, 'A Little Yellow Dog' places Easy in the heart of a mystery that begins at his day job as a custodian in a Los Angeles high school. The sudden appearance of a little yellow dog, a damsel in distress, and a body or two, pulls Easy into a vortex of intrigue and danger.

Reading Guide

While reading 'A Little Yellow Dog,' keep in mind:

Unexpected Twists: Stay alert to the plot's twists and turns. How do these surprises keep you engaged?
Character Interactions: Pay attention to the interactions between Easy and new characters. How do these relationships advance the plot?
Mood and Tone: Notice the mood and tone of the book. How do they reflect the novel's themes and setting?

Discussion Points

After finishing 'A Little Yellow Dog,' consider these discussion points:

Theme of Deception: Discuss the role of deception in the book. How does it impact the characters and plot?
Easy's Growth: How has Easy's character changed from 'Devil in a Blue Dress' to 'A Little Yellow Dog'?
Ending Thoughts: Reflect on the end of this initial journey through the Easy Rawlins series. What are your overall thoughts and feelings?

And there you have it! You've successfully navigated through the world of Easy Rawlins. But remember, the beauty of a book series is that you can always revisit your favorite parts. So, whether you're starting again from 'Devil in a Blue Dress' or continuing with the next Easy Rawlins book in order, enjoy the ride!

If you're a fan of Easy Rawlins and inspired to create your own book series, check out the workshop 'Turning A Project Into A Book' by Wesley Verhoeve. This workshop will guide you through the process of turning your creative ideas into a book, providing you with valuable insights and advice on how to successfully embark on your literary journey.