The Blanche White Series by Barbara Neely

 Happy Black History Month!

I wanted to share the Blanche White books all together. Barbara Neely created this realistic, "average" yet incredibly intelligent sleuth that is one of the most memorable characters I've read. She doesn't shy away from racism, sexism, misgynoir, and other important societal issues. She's a cleaning lady and a stand-in mother for her niece and nephew yet still has romance (without getting in over her head, which is refreshing) and adventures.

This series was brought to my attention thanks to Sisters in Crime having a Reading Like a Writer discussion about the first book, Blanche on the Lam. I was hooked on Neely's writing style plus Blanche's larger-than-life personality, so I had to read the whole series.

Each book is worth a read, getting better and better as it goes on. Check out my reviews for the whole series:

Blanche on the Lam

Blanche Among the Talented Tenth

Blanche Cleans Up

Blanche Passes Go

A New Day by Sue Mell

 

A New Day by Sue Mell

This has been one of my favorite books read recently, so please check it out!

In A New Day, Sue Mell delivers a collection of short stories that feel honest and familiar. The book follows three women—Rachel, Emma, and Nina—through the highs and lows of relationships, creative pursuits, and life’s everyday disarray.

What stands out most about these stories is how real they feel. Mell doesn’t sugarcoat or neatly resolve everything. Instead, she gives us glimpses of decisions that ripple through later stories, sometimes offering closure but more often reflecting how life works—messy, unpredictable, and full of loose ends. It’s like catching up with old friends through mutual acquaintances, where you slowly piece together what’s been happening in their lives.

Read the full review here!