The Long Fall by Walter Mosley

Author of Easy Rawlins' Series Introduces New Protagonist

Apr 21, 2009

Best known for his Easy Rawlins and Fearless Jones series that are both set in his native-Los Angeles, Mosley has set The Long Fall in present-day New York City.

Proliferation in today’s economic climate has become a dirty word. When applied to author Walter Mosley it is high and well-deserved praise for a man who has penned more than 30 books in nearly as many genres.

“I live in New York. And I’ve always wanted to write about New York. It has taken me a long time to feel comfortable enough with the city to be able to do it convincingly,” states Mosley. “The Long Fall” is a contemporary mystery, a departure for the author whose usual genre is historical mysteries.

Leonid McGill is the protagonist of The Long Fall (published by Riverhead Books)and while he is a typical gruff private detective, his inner self is reflective and loving. His exterior is tempered by his love for and protectiveness off his stepson. Twill is an intelligent teenager who deeply cares for his friends and family and provides an interesting twist in the story.

According to Mosley, McGill is caught between two "giant forces" his criminal past and his upbringing. Throughout the book, McGill is searching for his identity and to find his footing on a life path that suits him. A duality throughout his spirit and character keeps McGill interesting throughout the pages. He loves his wife but is having an affair with the manager of his office building. He is tender to those he loves but works out his anger and lifelong frustrations in the boxing ring. He is a detective (in the classic noire style states Mosley) but could have been a professional boxer. His is lost himself but knows how to mentor his stepson toward a morally correct future.

Race In 2009

In his first contemporary mystery, Mosley continues to incorporate race as an issue into his plots. "Race in the 1940s, 50s and 60s was about separation. Race today is an unbelievably more complex and fragmented issue," said Mosley. "Hopefully I've been able to deal with race in this book without too much of a heavy hand."

Mosley is recipient of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award presented to an author whose work increases the appreciation and understanding of race in America. “Race in the 1940s, 50s and 60s was about separation. Race today is an unbelievably more complex issue,” says Mosley. “Hopefully I’ve been able to deal with it in this book without too much of a heavy hand,” he continues. He has also received the Sundance Risktaker Award and the PEN American Center's Lifetime Achievement Award.

For mystery-lovers The Long Fall is a well-written and enjoyable first step in what will hopefully be a long and intriguing Leonid McGill series. For those who have never dipped into this genre, Mosley’s new characters are compelling and well worth straying from one’s typical fare.

The copyright of the article The Long Fall by Walter Mosley in Detective Fiction is owned by Dindy Yokel. Permission to republish The Long Fall by Walter Mosley in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.