Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) is spotlighting Black voices in literature this February, with a focus on mystery, crime, and noir genres. The initiative comes ahead of the upcoming All Henrico Reads event, which will feature author Walter Mosley and his latest novel, “Gray Dawn.”
The library has curated a list of works by Black authors for readers interested in detective stories and suspenseful fiction. Among the highlighted titles are “August Snow” by Stephen Mack Jones, where a former Detroit police detective becomes involved in an investigation after leaving the force; “Black Noir: Mystery, Crime, and Suspense Stories by African-American Writers,” edited by Otto Penzler and including work from Walter Mosley; and “Blanche on the Lam” by Barbara Neely, which follows a Black housekeeper accused of murder.
Other featured books include “Bluebird, Bluebird” by Attica Locke, about a Texas Ranger investigating murders in a small town; “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead, centered on a furniture store owner navigating Harlem’s underworld; and “Hollywood Homicide” by Kellye Garrett, featuring an actress turned amateur sleuth.
Additional recommendations are “Razorblade Tears” by S.A. Cosby, involving two fathers seeking justice for their murdered sons; “The Red Queen Dies” by Frankie Y. Bailey; “Three-Fifths” by John Vercher; and “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams.
Readers are also encouraged to explore titles such as “As the Wicked Watch” by Tamron Hall, “Blacktop Wasteland” by S.A. Cosby, “History Lessons” by Zoe B. Wallbrook, “Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes” by Sandra Jackson-Opoku, and “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocum.
HCPL serves its community through various offerings beyond book collections. The library enhances community life with programs like homework help, tax assistance and job search support according to its official website. It also provides meeting spaces for groups of different sizes and operates mobile library services that reach retirement facilities and day care centers (source). HCPL has nine locations across its service area (source) and some facilities certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (source).
According to HCPL’s mission statement: “Henrico County Public Library works to encourage reading, lifelong learning and community enrichment by connecting people to vital information.”
With these efforts to highlight diverse voices in literature while supporting educational resources for all ages, HCPL continues its role as an essential part of the community.
