Have only recently discovered Himes. His Harlem crime novels are violent, morbid - and hilarious. ( )

Heard the name Chester Himes for years, but never got around to reading any of his books. My lost! Great book with great characters and even comical in parts. Look forward to reading more Chester Himes. ( )

“Every time he struggled to get out, he went in deeper.”

Good first chapter, even though I have no idea how that counterfeiting process (The Blow) works! Neither does Jackson, who the story is about. He gets taken by that con, and then gets bounced about the city, trying to get his money back.

Grave Digger and Coffin Ed enter the story on page 44 (of the copy I read). They “…weren’t crooked detectives, but they were tough. They had to be to work in Harlem.”

The “Sisters of Mercy” are humorous throughout! As is Imabelle’s “trunk full of gold ore”! It's a really enjoyable read, very well written! I definitely will check out the next one in the series! Now, to get MY ashes hauled…!

“Don’t make graves.” ( )

Really strong sentences and creation of atmosphere. ( )

Awesome imaging. Himes lets you taste, smell and see Harlem. ( )