Author: Walter Mosley
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Publication Date: January 28, 2025
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Walter Mosley continues to prove why he's a master of the detective genre with his latest Joe King Oliver novel, delivering a story that masterfully weaves together family drama with high-stakes investigation. As a longtime follower of detective fiction, I found myself completely absorbed by this third installment, which elevates the series to new heights.
The narrative follows two compelling threads: King's search for his long-estranged father at the behest of his dying grandmother, and his involvement with Marigold Hart, a woman on the run from her billionaire husband with her young daughter in tow. Mosley demonstrates his storytelling prowess by balancing these plotlines with remarkable skill, each one feeding into the other to create a rich tapestry of moral complexity.
What sets this book apart is its deep dive into King's family dynamics, particularly the nuanced exploration of his relationship with his father, Chief Odin Oliver. The protagonist himself continues to fascinate - a former police detective who chose integrity over corruption, operating with his own moral compass that doesn't always point true north. His complex relationships with women and his friendship with the psychopathic Melquarth add compelling layers to his character.
Mosley's prose crackles with tension, particularly in scenes where King must navigate between personal desires and professional obligations. The author never takes the easy way out, forcing his protagonist to grapple with difficult choices that have no clear right answer. While the book can stand alone, the richness of character development through the previous novels adds significant weight to the emotional stakes. "Been Wrong So Long It Feels So Right" represents Mosley at his finest - a perfect blend of hard-boiled detective work, family drama, and moral ambiguity. It's not just a great detective novel; it's a great novel, period.
A big thank you to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
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