Blanche Cleans Up

Rating:
Summary: BarbaraNeely has done it again!
Review: I am a 20 year old, African American college student and I work at a public library in Mississippi. While shelving books one day I saw "Blanche Cleans Up." This was rare to me because I very seldom see books by African Americans at this library, so I decided to read this one. I couldn't put it down! This book was awesome! I loved the way the author used politics and racial issues that almost all African Americans can relate to. After reading "Blanche Cleans Up," I read the two previous books in the series ("Blanche on the Lam" and "Blanche Among the Talented Tenth") and needlees to say, the were also great. I look forward to reading "Blanche Passes Go."

Keep up the good work Ms. Neely!

--Toni

Rating:
Summary: Positively Wonderful! We LOVE Blanche!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I had read Walter Mosley's mystery novels and was pleased to see African-American characters in a murder-mystery - a genre that seems to be sadly under-represented in our community. I enjoyed Mr. Mosley's treatments immensely, but alas, the undercurrent suggested that only men should be involved in the business of solving mysteries. Then just a week ago I was introduced to Blanche White. I'm in love!!!!!!! This is a wonderful introduction to an African-American domestic embroiled in a murder mystery invovling her employer which lends itself to startlingly candid observations on life from this perspective. While I readily admit that the mystery itself tends to sometimes take a back seat to Blanche's astute observations on American life, in time, Ms. Neely will hone her murder-mysteries with Blanche as the ultimate sleuth who ranks right up there with Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Sam Spade, and yes, even Dirty Harry! I have already ordered all of the Blanche books because after reading one chapter, I knew one story would hardly satisfy my desire for a female detective like this one. A definite must. I applaud Ms. Neely's efforts, heartily recommend, and look forward to reading the others!

Rating:
Summary: Blanche does it again!
Review: I love Blanche; she's down to earth, has real life problems and a woman trying to raise two children alone in the 90s. Blanche is a hero, a neighbor you would want living next door and superwoman. Who else would have time to raise two children, work, maintain a relationship with her best friend, deal with everyday problems, including other's problems, maintain a good relationship with her neighbors, can find the inside scoop on her employers without causing too much of a stir, and solve murder mysteries - no one but Blanche. This is my second Blanche mystery which I have read & I have thoroughly enjoyed both. Can't wait to read Blanche Among the Talented Tenth. I hope this author continues the Blanche series!