Customer Reviews

Black Heat

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is great -- a page turner from the start, and intertwined with the mystery is a spirited political and social commentary. The politics are thought provoking, but an easy read without being insulting or oversimplified. Looking forward to the sequel!

Nina takes no prisoners. Kelley does a good job of creating a reasonably believable story line. His sleuth, Nina is feisty,funky and fun. The barely veiled anger and bitterness about her lost family are just sublimated enough to provide time for investigating. I appreciated the black nationalist gone amuck with corruption stuff, but I was happier with Nina's ability to bounce back from major issues. She is smart, credentialed and able to defend her concerns intellectual and otherwise. Looking forward to future encounters with Ms. Halligan.

This refreshing mystery, described by the author as a politcal noir, was very surprising and refreshing. This mystery excited me intelligently. The herione of the book was one of the most strongest black women and I would love to read a series about her. Kelly left a huge opening for a continued story. He also paints vivid pictures of his villians and the historical aspect further inticed me.

Over two decades ago an assassin killed Malik Martin, a middle of the road African-American leader who was rising to a level that Martin and Malcolm would have envied. At his side at the time of the murder was his spouse Veronica, an actress who just was freed from an asylum. Though never obtaining closure on the senseless death of Malik, whose killer was never caught, Veronica needs to find their daughter Malika and hires private investigator Nina Halligan.

This simple missing person case turns into a grand tour of the urban African American pantheon. Nina, who feels an affinity with Veronica through the homicides of her own family, finds more than just a lost adult case. She begins to learn why both the White and Black establishment needed Malik removed as his approach to civil rights actually might have succeeded and has begun a revival that still remains in disfavor amidst the powerful.

BLACK HEAT is an exciting ethnic private investigative tale that brings home a different perspective on the Civil Rights movement. Though at times overloaded with subplots that subtract from a powerful main theme, the story line is extremely interesting and will hook the audience. Nina's flawed personality is in the reader's face, but her investigation requires that triple A personality type if anything is to be learned. Norman Kelley has written a superb mystery that will bring him many fans, who will want Nina to return, but next time without the Pinta and the Santa Maria.

Harriet Klausner

On a fluke I picked up this audiobook at the library when they were out of Stephanie Plum novels and anything else that looked interesting. Normally, I don't go for "black" novels, because they have a tendency to embody the "authentic" black experience that smacks back to a misogyny or masculate black women - people that I can't live up to and have no desire to imitate. This book is hilarious, moving, and just feels honest. Highly recommended. I can't wait to start reading other books in the series.

This was the first book I read by Norman Kelley - I thought it started off a bit slow for me, but then BAAAAAAANG!! It took off and began to run!! I couldn't put the book down. I couldn't wait to see what would be uncovered next. Nina Halligan is a sho' nuff, kick-ya-butt, intellectual-educated sista that won't punk out under any circumstances. She's "street smart" and formally educated - she's a true double threat. I would like to see Nina and Zee hook up again - I think they would make a damn good team. Zee provided balance to Nina's infrequently episodes of instability...Anna was funny too!! The manner in which Nina unearthed the truth behind the entire New Nation and De Lawd, and her "resources" kept my interest. I'd like to see Nina and Zee take on Nate Ford - Nina's demon from her past. I thought the book was GREAT!!!

A guick read book till the end. Nina was a strong black woman considering all she had been through. At times I saw her strength as a weakness for her; then she would loose control, but she always pulled it back together.The women who were her supporting cast, Donna, Anna, Ronnie had the same strength. Each one was strong in her on way. I only gave it 4 stars because, I relly thought that in the end we could bring Nate Ford down, when she took the case with a Anna, I thought there were two goals to get Malika back and to bring Nate Ford down.

When I started reading this book, my expectations were very high. I really thought I would be rating this book a five. But, as I go close to the end I realized the story was not as interesting as I thought. Therefore I gave it three stars wich is something I don't often do. This is my first time rating a book three stars.

I don't think some of the characters were well developed. The character nate ford who was responsible of killing her family was not mentioned at the end at all. I thought the end was too quiet. I was expecting more action at the end.

Being that this was the authers first book, I think I might give it a second chance and read his next book entitled "THE BIG MANGO"

I enjoyed every page of this book. The story was great and the characters were nothing short of great. It really makes you think and that was the great thing about the book. I found it really interesting that while Nina was helping other people overcome their demons, she had to come to grips with her own. I look forward to reading more Nina Halligan mysteries.