04 May / Down the River unto the Sea by Walter Mosley [in Library Journal]
The first thing Walter Mosley (Charcoal Joe) devotees will want to know is whether Joe King Oliver is getting a series of his own. That future seems currently unclear, but should King proliferate on the page, then Dion Graham must be conscripted to continue his glorious aural interpretation.
A former cop, King now runs King Detective Service with office coordination provided by his smart, savvy, 17-year-old daughter. Nine months in prison for a crime he didn’t commit means King has experienced plenty he’d rather forget. Although charges were mysteriously dropped, King’s badge is forever gone, but he has other connections – both legal and not – to continue his crusade for justice.
Two cases keep him up at night – finding out who really sent him to Rikers and exonerating a militant journalist on death row for killing two corrupt cops. Prostitutes, dealers, addicts, and “vicious criminal” Melquarth Frost prove to be King’s most reliable allies and informants.
Graham’s vocal range shows no limits, regardless of gender, race, age, occupation, or other attributes. His richly resonating narration, infinitely capable of effortless chameleonic adaptations, never disappoints.
Verdict: Libraries should prepare for high demand.
Review: “Audio,” Library Journal, May 1, 2018
Readers: Adult
Published: 2018