FAREWELL, AMETHYSTINE Easy Rawlins, Book 16

With his amazing portfolio of voices, Michael Boatman draws listeners into PI Easy Rawlins's world in 1970s Los Angeles. Mosley's writing paired with Boatman's narration once again delivers a sociological tableau that keeps listeners engaged throughout. Rawlins accepts a missing-person case from his client, the alluring Amethystine Stoller. As Rawlins attempts to find her ex-husband, he opens a Pandora's box of corruption in the LAPD. Listeners get a window onto Easy's backstory: He grew up a poor Black boy in the Fifth Ward of Houston and then fought in WWII. Boatman skillfully portrays a myriad of characters, smoothly distinguishing genders, ages, and backgrounds and creating the illusion of a full-cast performance. The result is an engaging and immersive listening experience. E.Q. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]