3.62
Part of "Harlem Cycle" series
"Blind Man with a Pistol" is a gripping crime novel written by Chester Himes, first published in 1969. This book is the ninth and final installment in Himes' Harlem Detective series, featuring the iconic detective duo of Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones. The story begins with a practical joke that goes horribly wrong, leading to a series of violent events that grip the Harlem community. A blind white man, armed with a pistol, mistakenly shoots and kills a black man, sparking outrage and chaos in the streets. As the situation spirals out of control, Coffin Ed and Grave Digger are called in to restore order and bring the shooter to justice. Himes' vivid and gritty portrayal of Harlem is on full display in this novel, as he explores the racial tensions and social issues that plague the community. The author's use of dark humor and sharp dialogue adds depth to the characters and keeps the reader engaged throughout the story. What sets "Blind Man with a Pistol" apart from other crime novels is Himes' unflinching examination of race and power. The blind white man's accidental shooting of a black man serves as a metaphor for the systemic racism that pervades American society. Through the lens of the Harlem Detective series, Himes offers a powerful critique of the criminal justice system and its impact on marginalized communities. In "Blind Man with a Pistol," Himes delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. With its complex characters, sharp social commentary, and gripping narrative, this book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in exploring the intricacies of race and power in America...
Chester Himes
Cotton Comes to Harlem
If you enjoyed 'Blind Man with a Pistol', you'll likely appreciate 'Cotton Comes to Harlem' - another thrilling novel in the Harlem Detective series by Chester Himes. This time, detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones are on the trail of a stolen shipment of cotton, leading them through a labyrinth of Harlem's criminal underworld.
Learn MoreChester Himes
A Rage in Harlem
Another great read in the Harlem Detective series, 'A Rage in Harlem' follows the exploits of Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones as they investigate a case involving a beautiful woman, a numbers racket, and a missing stash of cash. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will enjoy the fast-paced action and gritty realism of this novel.
Learn MoreWalter Mosley
Devil in a Blue Dress
If you're looking for a new author to explore, Walter Mosley's 'Devil in a Blue Dress' is a great choice. This novel introduces Easy Rawlins, a black private investigator in post-war Los Angeles, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous case involving a missing white woman and a powerful criminal organization. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will appreciate the noir style and complex characters.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Long Goodbye
Raymond Chandler's 'The Long Goodbye' is a classic of the noir genre, featuring private detective Philip Marlowe as he becomes entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and violence. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will enjoy the sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and atmospheric prose of this novel.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
Red Harvest
Dashiell Hammett's 'Red Harvest' is a brutal and uncompromising novel about a private detective who is hired to clean up a corrupt town, only to find himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the local gangsters. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will appreciate the gritty realism and hard-boiled style of this novel.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
Another classic of the noir genre, 'The Big Sleep' follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates a blackmail case that leads him into the darkest corners of Los Angeles' criminal underworld. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will enjoy the fast-paced action, sharp dialogue, and intricate plotting of this novel.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
Farewell, My Lovely
In 'Farewell, My Lovely', private detective Philip Marlowe becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a missing person, a stolen jewel, and a cast of dangerous characters. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will appreciate the gritty realism, sharp dialogue, and intricate plotting of this novel.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Maltese Falcon
Dashiell Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon' is a classic of the noir genre, featuring private detective Sam Spade as he investigates the murder of his partner and the theft of a priceless artifact. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will appreciate the hard-boiled style, intricate plotting, and sharp dialogue of this novel.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Glass Key
In 'The Glass Key', private detective Ned Beaumont becomes embroiled in a complex case involving political corruption, organized crime, and a deadly power struggle. Fans of 'Blind Man with a Pistol' will appreciate the gritty realism, hard-boiled style, and intricate plotting of this novel.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Dain Curse
In 'The Dain Curse', private detective
Learn More