16 Feb Book Review: Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

I recently picked up Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke, drawn by its reputation as a compelling blend of crime fiction and social commentary. As someone who appreciates character-driven stories set against richly detailed backdrops, I was eager to delve into this novel.

What’s it about?

Set along Highway 59 in East Texas, the story follows Darren Mathews, a Black Texas Ranger who finds himself at a crossroads both personally and professionally. Raised in a family with deep roots in the region, Darren is deeply ambivalent about growing up Black in the Lone Star State. He was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could, until duty called him home.

When his allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, Darren travels up Highway 59 to the small town of Lark, where two murders—a Black lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman—have stirred up a hornet’s nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes—and save himself in the process—before Lark’s long-simmering racial fault lines erupt.

As Darren delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and long-standing prejudices that threaten to engulf the town—and himself. The narrative weaves together themes of race, justice, and family, painting a vivid picture of a community grappling with its past and present.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into Bluebird, Bluebird, I was immediately struck by Locke’s evocative prose. The atmospheric descriptions of East Texas create a palpable sense of place, immersing the reader in the sweltering heat and tension of the setting.

Darren Mathews is a compelling protagonist, torn between his duty as a lawman and his identity as a Black man in a region fraught with racial tensions. His internal struggles add depth to the narrative, making his journey both personal and profound.

The plot unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing the complexities of the characters and their relationships to surface organically. Locke masterfully balances the suspense of the murder investigation with insightful commentary on systemic racism and the legacy of the South.

However, some readers might find the pacing slow, and certain plot developments could feel predictable. Additionally, while the supporting characters are well-drawn, a few could have benefited from further development to fully understand their motivations.

Final Thoughts

Bluebird, Bluebird is a thought-provoking and atmospheric novel that deftly combines elements of crime fiction with a nuanced exploration of race and justice. Attica Locke’s storytelling is both engaging and enlightening, making this a worthwhile read for those seeking a mystery with depth and substance. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10 for its rich characterizations and compelling narrative.

Try it if you like:

• “Devil in a Blue Dress” by Walter Mosley
  A gripping mystery featuring a Black protagonist navigating racial tensions in post-World War II Los Angeles.
• “The Cutting Season” by Attica Locke
  Another of Locke’s novels, this one set in Louisiana, intertwining a modern murder mystery with historical secrets.
• “A Rising Man” by Abir Mukherjee
  A detective novel set in 1919 Calcutta, exploring themes of colonialism and cultural conflict.