Fearless Jones [Paperback]

Like the frozen expressions on Greek tragedians' masks, Fearless Jones considers three kinds of human motivation: The self-interested satisfaction of the senses; the rational mind assembling the pieces of a puzzle; and good character that comes the heart. The narration builds from the rational mind and conveys all of the classic elements of the best noir mysteries. Mosley's point is that good character will naturally triumph because of the finer emotions and responses it will evoke in others. I suspect that you will agree with him, and feel uplifted by this tale despite the plot's pathway through many dark alleys of depravity.

Few writers can take you inside the mind and body of the characters like Mr. Mosley. In this novel, you will think and feel along with Paris Minton, the owner of a used bookstore in Watts in 1954. Minton is a largely self-educated black man from Louisiana who came to California to find libraries that were open to all. His store's books are discards from local libraries. He has achieved a fragile kind of peaceful life, living and working in his bookstore (and reading when there are no customers).

Suddenly, a beautiful woman, Alana Love, walks in the door seeking his help. From that moment on, his life will never be the same. Fast-paced action takes him from the contemplative life into the crosscurrents of desperate characters in moments.

Like The Maltese Falcon, this story involves a treasure hunt with many clues, red herrings, and double-dealing villains. The plot connects back into the darkest shadows of the thirties and despicable acts of inhumanity. The plot evolves rapidly and spontaneously from the chance circumstance of Love and Minton meeting. I guarantee that you are likely to be kept on the edge of your seat and guessing right until the book's end.

Minton realizes that he is badly out of his league. He takes the last of his savings and uses the money to pay a fine to get his friend, Fearless Jones, out of jail. Fearless Jones is a larger-than-life character who will cause you to rethink your own life. "Fearless was more free in that iron cage than I was, or would be, on the outside." A World War II hero, the two met when Minton spontaneously bought Jones a drink during the post-war celebration. "He appreciated my generosity and gave me a lifetime of friendship for a single shot of scotch." As you can see, Mr. Mosley writes like an angel in this book.

Be sure to pay attention to the names of the characters and references to books. There are many interesting literary and pop culture allusions contained in them.

No review of this book would be complete without observing that Mr. Mosley again demonstrates an unbelievable ability for capturing the black experience in Southern California in the post-war period. He has an equally uncanny skill for weaving a personalized view of that vulnerable, hopeful footing into the fabric of the overall society during those years.

After you finish reading the book, I suggest that think back to the many moments of spontaneous generosity in the story. How did you feel when you read them? How would you feel if someone behaved in this way towards you? When was the last time that you offered the fullness of your heart's message to a stranger or near-stranger? How would you feel if you did so more often? Who are you? Who could you be? Who do you want to be?

Live beyond your fears and your desires . . . and be free!

When Paris Minton's book shop door opens and gorgeous Elan Love walks in, so does trouble. Paris is a laid back black man content to run his store in the Watts area of 1950s LA. He's ill prepared to deal with all the woes that beset him such as being used for gun shot practice, being robbed, and seeing his business go up in flames.

There's little choice for Paris except to send an SOS to his war veteran buddy, Fearless Jones - a man who more than lives up to his sobriquet. The pair embark on a surprise riddled chase fraught with excitement and danger.

TV and film actor Peter Francis James gives tension filled voice to this riveting thriller.