This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. A Rage In Harlem

   A Grave Digger and Coffin Ed Novel

   

   This novel is a gripping tale set in the vibrant yet tumultuous streets of Harlem, where intrigue and danger lurk around every corner. It follows the desperate and chaotic journey of a man, deeply in love, as he navigates the dark underbelly of the city in an attempt to recover a fortune that he believes will win back the heart of his beloved. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters as colorful and unpredictable as the neighborhood itself, including con men, crooked cops, and a femme fatale who is as dangerous as she is alluring. This story masterfully combines elements of crime, noir, and black humor, offering a vivid and unflinching look at life in mid-20th century Harlem.

   The 2440th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Blind Man with a Pistol

   

   In the heart of Harlem, a blind man shoots his pistol aimlessly, setting off a series of chaotic events. Two detectives are tasked with investigating the resulting crimes, which include a restaurant bombing and a murder. The narrative is filled with dark humor, social commentary, and vivid descriptions of Harlem life, as the detectives navigate the complexities of their community and the absurdity of their situation.

   The 2982nd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. If He Hollers Let Him Go

   

   Set in Los Angeles during World War II, the novel follows the life of an African-American shipyard worker who is battling racial tensions and discrimination. The protagonist, constantly living in fear of being falsely accused of a crime because of his race, is also dealing with a complicated relationship with a white woman, further complicating his life. The book explores the themes of race, class, and the psychological effects of racism and discrimination.

   The 5325th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Cotton Comes To Harlem

   

   This novel is a vibrant and gritty detective story set in the heart of Harlem, where two astute African American detectives, Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, find themselves embroiled in a complex case involving a bale of cotton stuffed with stolen money. As they navigate through the neighborhood's colorful characters and chaotic events, the detectives confront racial tensions, economic disparities, and the intricate dynamics of their community. The narrative combines humor, social commentary, and action, offering a vivid portrayal of Harlem in the 1960s and a critical look at issues of race and justice.

   The 5761st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Lonely Crusade

   

   Set in the racially charged atmosphere of post-World War II Los Angeles, this novel delves into the struggles of an African American labor organizer as he navigates the complexities of race, politics, and personal identity. The protagonist finds himself caught between the oppressive forces of a predominantly white society and the internal conflicts within the Black community. As he grapples with his own ideals and the harsh realities of systemic racism, the narrative explores themes of betrayal, ambition, and the quest for justice in a world resistant to change. Through vivid storytelling, the book paints a poignant picture of the challenges faced by those fighting for equality in a divided America.

   The 7216th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. My Life Of Absurdity

   The Autobiography of Chester Himes

   

   In this candid and introspective memoir, the author delves into the tumultuous journey of his life, marked by a series of unpredictable and often surreal events. From his early struggles with racial discrimination and incarceration to his eventual rise as a celebrated writer, the narrative is a poignant reflection on the absurdities of existence. The memoir offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the author's psyche, revealing his resilience, wit, and unyielding determination to navigate a world rife with contradictions and challenges. Through a blend of humor and stark realism, the story captures the essence of a life lived on the edge of societal norms.

   The 13313th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Real Cool Killers

   

   In the gritty streets of Harlem, a white man is murdered, and the investigation leads to a tangled web of violence, deception, and racial tension. The story follows two black detectives, Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, as they navigate the complexities of their community and the underworld to uncover the truth. As they delve deeper, they encounter a gang of teenagers known as "The Real Cool Killers," whose involvement in the crime is as mysterious as it is dangerous. The narrative is a fast-paced exploration of justice, identity, and the harsh realities of life in a racially divided society.

8. 8. The Necromancer's Dance

   

9. 9. Plan B

   

   Set against the backdrop of Harlem, this gripping narrative delves into the complexities of racial tensions and societal injustices. The story follows a series of interconnected characters, each grappling with their own struggles and aspirations, as they navigate a world rife with prejudice and inequality. As the plot unfolds, the characters' paths intertwine, leading to a crescendo of events that challenge their beliefs and force them to confront the harsh realities of their environment. Through its vivid portrayal of urban life, the narrative offers a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the quest for justice.

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10. 10. The Heat's On

    

    In this gripping crime novel set in Harlem, two detectives, Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, are on a relentless pursuit to solve a series of brutal murders that have the community on edge. As they navigate the gritty streets, they encounter a web of deception, betrayal, and racial tension, all while trying to maintain their own moral compass in a world rife with corruption. The narrative is a vivid portrayal of the complexities of urban life, where justice is often elusive, and the line between right and wrong is blurred.

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11. 11. All Shot Up

    

    In this gripping crime novel set in the vibrant yet gritty streets of Harlem, two detectives, Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, navigate a tangled web of corruption, violence, and racial tension. As they investigate a series of seemingly unrelated crimes, including a hit-and-run and a bizarre robbery, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches deep into the heart of the community. With sharp wit and relentless determination, the detectives must unravel the truth while confronting the harsh realities of their environment, ultimately revealing the complex interplay of power and justice in a society on the brink of chaos.

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12. 12. The Big Gold Dream

    

    Set in the gritty streets of Harlem, this gripping crime novel follows the relentless detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones as they navigate a tangled web of deceit, murder, and greed. When a seemingly innocuous gold coin leads to a series of brutal killings, the detectives must unravel the mystery behind the coin's significance and the dangerous individuals who will stop at nothing to possess it. Amidst the chaos, the story delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of ambition, desperation, and the pursuit of the American Dream in a world where morality is often overshadowed by the lure of wealth.

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13. 13. The Crazy Kill

    

    In a vibrant and bustling Harlem, a seemingly innocuous wake takes a sinister turn when a body is discovered in a bread basket, setting off a chain of events that unravel a web of deception, jealousy, and hidden motives. As the investigation unfolds, the streets pulse with tension and intrigue, drawing in a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets and desires. The narrative weaves through the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth amidst the chaos of urban life.

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14. 14. The One That Got Away

    

    In this gripping tale of suspense and intrigue, a former convict finds himself entangled in a web of deception and danger as he attempts to start anew. Haunted by his past and driven by a desire for redemption, he navigates a world filled with unexpected twists and turns, where trust is a rare commodity and survival depends on outsmarting those who wish him harm. As he delves deeper into a labyrinth of crime and betrayal, he must confront his own demons and make choices that will determine his fate, all while racing against time to uncover the truth and seize a second chance at life.

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15. 15. The Old English Epic Of Waldere

    

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16. 16. The Essential Harlem Detectives

    

    A hard-boiled collection that follows two tough, street-smart Black detectives as they patrol mid-20th-century Harlem, confronting racketeers, corruption, and brutal street violence; the stories blend gritty police procedural action, mordant humor, and sharp social commentary to illuminate racial tensions, moral ambiguity, and the vivid, dangerous rhythms of life in the neighborhood.

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