Tea With Tameka

I was excited for the #MarchMysteryMadness reading challenge. I have wanted to read more African-American mystery writers and this month gave me an excuse to do just that. I will start with my favorite which was Blanche Among the Talented Tenth. I read the first book in the Blanche White series last year and wasn’t impressed. I wasn’t going to read anymore in the series but I’m glad I gave second book a chance. The second book in the Blanche White series was sooo good. It tackles the topic of colorism, romance and friendships in the black community. A little mystery is also tied in but it doesn’t overwhelm the story and it is tied in slowly. My second favorite was Forty Acres it is about an upcoming black attorney, Martin Grey, who is invited to join a secret society with other black men. They take a trip that exposes Martin to the truth behind their group. I think this would have been better as series because the third act could have used some additional development it just felt rushed to end. I still enjoyed the premise and was a fresh concept. Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles was an easy read but some of the plot just wasn’t believable and the decisions that were made were silly. This is the first book in the Mahalia Watkins series not sure if I will be reading any of the other books but you never. I started The Cutting Season but haven’t been able to finish it I may try to finish it in April. I checked all the copies out from my local library. I listened to Kindred by Octavia Butler this isn’t a traditional mystery but it was definitely terrifying what Dana(the main character) experienced. I’m sure you have heard of Octavia Butler if not please check her out. In Kindred Dana is bouncing between 1976 and a period of time during slavery. That is all I will say but yeah you see why it can could be terrifying. These were my reads for #MarchMysteryMadness. I look forward to participating again next year and finding some new authors to enjoy.

Happy reading!