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| Reviews
of Inner City
Blues |
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"Violent,
fast-paced, more twisted than a pretzel, "Inner City Blues"
offers a good read laced with knowledgeable sociology."
– Los Angeles Times Book Review
"This is a well-written novel with well-drawn characters
that uses the backdrop of a criminal investigation to study
race and racism at a boiling point in American history."
– The Denver Post
"Paula Woods delivers a strong, energetic debut in "Inner
City Blues" that serves as a historical view of L.A. and
an inside look at the city's upwardly mobile black elite.
..."Inner City Blues" is a debut that sings." – The Fort
Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
"Woods proves she can do something crucial for
a whodunit: She sets scenes that snatch you in and hold
you. The fact that her cast of characters is dominated
by a Rainbow Coalition of good guys, bad guys, rich guys,
poor guys, liars and lovers proves one thing if nothing
else—a good story well-told has no racial or ethnic boundaries."
– The Dallas Morning News
"Compelling and often witty, "Inner City Blues"
is for the most part written with power and grace.
From the opening lines you know you're in the hands of a
skilled and confident storyteller." – The
Detroit News/Free Press (4 Stars)
"What's terrific about "Inner City Blues," besides the crime-solving,
is the rich portrait Woods paints on the multifaceted black
community of Los Angeles. Her marvelous sense of humor
and keen eye for detail put readers exactly where she wants
them to be without the use of stereotypes or cliches—especially
when it comes to depicting the forces driving Justice.
This new series promises to be a winner." – The Chicago
Tribune
"...energetic, tough-talking debut" – Publishers
Weekly
"Woods puts an African-American spin on Sara Paretsky's
trademarks (the broad canvas filled with big events, the
tough-as-the-boys heroine, the gimlet eye for urban corruption)
in this important debut." – Kirkus Reviews (Starred
Review)
"...a terrific debut that reminds us of Sara Paretsky and
Walter Mosely ... Like all the best stories, this one is
complex and filled with authentic detail, raw emotion, and
the tart, tough, vulnerable voice of a heroine we're looking
forward to meeting again." – Book Of The Month Club
"Author Woods weaves palette upon palette of nuance into
her story. ...the novel is intelligent, engaging and
well researched." – The Black Book Review
"Woods' characterization and pacing are excellent.
As the plot twists, the author maintains complete control."
– TheMysteryReader.com
"Paula L. Woods has done an exceptional job of weaving in
the intricacies of a homicide investigation while peppering
it with a cast of suspects, dead ends, dead bodies, and
a dose of gang violence and philosophy. The pacing
is even with never a dull moment. Woods' character
development sparkles, with her secondary characters giving
outstanding performances."
— MosaicBooks.com
""Inner City Blues" is a tremendous police procedural that
stars a refreshing new character." – Bookbrowser.com
"Much like the Marvin Gaye song from which the title
is borrowed, "Inner City Blues" successfully provides the
reader with much more than a suspense-filled story line.
Through Charlotte Justice, the hard-edge world of law enforcement
is humanized. With deft finesse, she navigates gender
and racial politics in her stride toward justice."
– Emerge Magazine
"...this first novel has a surety and poise which inks the
characters indelibly—they're very real, making this one
of the most enjoyable police procedurals in some time."
– Partners & Crime Bookstore
""Inner City Blues" is a fantastic first novel... Tough,
sassy, and smart, Charlotte Justice is a great protagonist
in an enthralling mystery that keeps you guessing until
the end." – Vromans Bookstore
"Paula Woods got the goods
On all the crooks and thieves,
In Spooks and Spies and Private Eyes
She brings them to their knees.
So when you want to get serious
to the point of delirious
about things quite mysterious
tune in to those "Inner City Blues"
which will bring you the good news
that Justice is still in the race
to close the book on another case.
Uh huh!"
– Nikki Giovanni, Poet and author, LOVE POEMS, RACISM 101
"Paula L. Woods's debut novel crackles with originality,
grit and fine writing. LAPD homicide detective Charlotte
Justice is a wonderfully complex and realistic heroine,
and "Inner City Blues" is an important and gripping novel.
Paula L. Woods is definitely one to watch." – Harlan Coben,
author of the Myron Bolitar mystery series and ONE FALSE
MOVE
""Inner City Blues" is insightful, exciting and offers readers
the delightful debut of a tough, idealistic LA cop determined
to make her city live up to her dreams. Welcome to the world,
Charlotte Justice! You do your name proud." – Valerie Wilson
Wesley, author of the Tamara Hayle mystery series and EASIER
TO KILL
"What an intelligent, savvy mystery. Bring on the
next Charlotte Justice mystery." – Tina McElroy Ansa, author
of UGLY WAYS and THE HAND I FAN WITH
"Smart, sassy, and as authentic as they come, Paula
L. Woods' INNER CITY BLUES takes the police procedural places
never visited before. If you've ever wondered what
it's like to be a female officer of color within the LAPD,
wonder no more: Woods' Charlotte Justice is your dynamic
answer." – Gar Anthony Haywood, author of the Aaron
Gunner mystery series
"There is a vibrant new voice on the mean streets of Los
Angeles. Streetwise, smart, and sassy—and definitely
together—Charlotte brings Justice and more than just a touch
of class to the LAPD. Tough and vulnerable, savvy
and sensitive, her honesty, commitment, and integrity add
a much needed dimension to policing in L.A." – Eleanor Taylor
Bland, author of the Marti McAlister mystery series and
SEE NO EVIL
"An exceptional first novel that creates a fully realized
world, rich in character, as deep as it is wide, as flavorful
as the complex interracial stew that is Los Angeles in the
late 90's. And on top of all that—it's sexy!
Not to be missed by anyone, black or white, female or male,
who loves a good read about real, live people who love and
hate with passionate intensity." – Carolyn Wheat, author
of the Annie and Max Darling mystery series
"A sharp, insightful look at the multidimensional, multiethnic
stew of L.A. cops and robbers, saints and sinners.
Charlotte Justice is a heroine for the nineties—tough when
she needs to be, tender when she wants to be, and on the
case 24/7! I look forward to her next adventure."
– Barbara Neely, author of BLANCHE CLEANS UP
"LAPD Detective Charlotte Justice, heroine of Paula Woods'
debut mystery "Inner City Blues," is a sleuth to be savored
— smart, tough, funny, and brave. Woods has crafted
a marvelous, touching, sassy, superb novel. Don't miss this
one." – Carolyn Hart, author of the DEATH ON DEMAND series
and YANKEE DOODLE DEAD
"The authentic feel of Paula Woods's Los Angeles, from the
weary, embittering life of a secret cop to the glittering
homes in the hills, is matched by the it's-all-there human
believability —- and humor — of her heroine, Charlotte Justice.
This is the work of an accomplished writer: Every note in
this book rings true." – S.J. Rozan, author of Bill
Smith/Lydia Chen mystery series and A BITTER FEAST |
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