I didn't know before I started that PI Lew Griffin was black. Then I didn't find out until I'd finished that author James Sallis was white.

Maybe it doesn't matter, but I've read too many of Walter Mosley's books about Easy Rawlins, some of which share a historical setting with parts of this book, not to compare the two and be concerned about appropriation and authenticity.

Sure, Sallis is playing with narrative and storytelling, but I'm not sure that saves him. This was an unsettling read and I'm not sure if I shall try another.