Gray Dawn: An Easy Rawlins Novel

L.A. private eye Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins gets entangled in a knot of interconnected murders in the solid latest installment of Mosley’s long-running series (following Farewell, Amethystine). When Santangelo Burris asks Easy to locate his aunt, Lutisha James, the empathetic detective feels compelled to say yes even though it’s been more than a year since his last case. Easy’s inquiries lead him to a grim Bel-Air crime scene, where he discovers three bodies and a terrified nine-year-old survivor. While Lutisha, a live-in domestic worker, is not among the victims, she’s undeniably connected to the murders. The subsequent search lures Easy into multiple skirmishes and shoot-outs before he unexpectedly stumbles on yet another homicide. After being arrested at that scene and taken to county jail, Easy agrees to assist an inmate trying to find his missing father. Upon his release, Easy tracks down Lutisha, only to discover that she’s a swindler with a far more complicated past than he anticipated. Mosley’s intricate plot feels a little more contrived than usual, but his stirring prose and vivid evocation of 1970s L.A. carry the day, and Easy himself is as charming as ever. Series fans will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: Gloria Loomis, Watkins Loomis Agency. (Sept.)