Only the Wicked An Ivan Monk Mystery
Only the Wicked An Ivan Monk Mystery by Gary Phillips is a First Edition published by Write Way Publishing in 2000. This 335-page novel unfolds in a vibrant setting, beginning with the sudden death of Old Man Spears at the Abyssinia Barber Shop, where regulars, including private investigator Ivan Monk, gather. As Monk delves into the mystery surrounding Spears, he uncovers connections to the Negro Baseball Leagues and his estranged cousin, Kennesaw Riles, whose own death raises further questions. The narrative intertwines personal stakes with a broader investigation, leading Monk to confront a dark past.
Readers will find a gripping exploration of crime and community as Monk navigates the complexities of his family’s history and the dangers posed by the remnants of the racist Southern Citizens League. The story is steeped in themes of mystery and detective work, reflecting the hard-boiled style of the genre. As Monk seeks justice, he is also drawn into the haunting legacy of music, particularly the mythical lost recording of Charlie Patton’s ‘Killin’ Blues,’ which adds depth to the unfolding drama. This edition offers a compelling glimpse into city life and the challenges faced by African American private investigators.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Old Man Spears was a quiet, regular attendee at the Abyssinia Barber Shop, a man nobody paid much attention to until the day he dropped dead, while the other regulars including Ivan Monk sat around playin’ the dozens and cracking jokes on one another. It turns out Spears played in the famed Negro Baseball Leagues along with Monk’s cousin, Kennesaw Riles, who had been ostracized by the family for his questionable testimony, which put a political firebrand in a southern prison more than 25 years before. Then Riles dies, but not from natural causes. As Monk becomes immersed in finding out who murdered his cousin, his mother is brutally attacked, and the case turns personal. Events take him to the Mississippi Delta to solve these crimes. There Monk hunts for a killer and crosses paths with the remnants of the racist Southern Citizens League — while the wind wails Charlie Patton’s ‘Killin’ Blues,’ a mythical lost recording whose lyrics haunt the case.” —
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