Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

Set in 1940s Los Angeles, the novel follows an African American war veteran who, after losing his job, becomes a private investigator to pay his mortgage. He is hired to find a white woman known to frequent African American jazz clubs, and in the process, he gets entangled in a web of political scandal and corruption. The story explores themes of race, class, and the complex social dynamics of the time.

The 1178th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

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Total Points: 431

Since this book was first published in 1990, there is a penalty of 25.6%. The age adjusted score is 320.66.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.