Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 12/1/2023 + 599 more book reviews

I've heard great reviews for Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke for years (it published in 2018) ... and they were right. I shouldn't have let this gem linger on my TBR shelves for so long.

The plot features Darren Mathews, a Black man who's a Texas Ranger living in Houston. While being investigated for a situation that could end his career, he receives a tip from a friend in federal law enforcement about two mysterious deaths - a Black man and a white woman - occurring within days in tiny Lark, Texas. With no official authority, he heads north on Highway 59 through east Texas to investigate. What he finds is a small town with no police force and lots of tension between its Black and white residents.

This plot is equal parts police procedural mystery and character study. It explores Southern life, specifically in rural Texas, and the many ways race and economic status impact it. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable, but they were very interesting. The writing is excellent and cinematic - I'd love for this to be adapted to the screen. The novel has a strong sense of place, although the author seemed overly focused on describing (unpleasant) odors in numerous scenes.

The story ends on a cliffhanger that I hope will be carried into the sequel Heaven My Home (which is also patiently waiting on my TBR shelves.)

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