Black Heat

By Norman W. Kelley

BLACK HEAT is Norman Kelley's novelistic exploration of the turbulent legacy of the 1960s black liberation movement-its continuance in a watered-down post-nationalist Afrocentrism, its perversion in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1887276033
• ISBN13: 9781887276030
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Cool Grove Press
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Great!

On a fluke I picked up this audiobook at the library when they were out of Stephanie Plum novels and anything else that looked interesting. Normally, I don't go for "black" novels, because they have a tendency to embody the "authentic" black experience that smacks back to a misogyny or masculate black women - people that I can't live up to and have no desire to imitate. This book is hilarious, moving, and just feels honest. Highly recommended. I can't wait to start reading other books in the series.

GREAT SURPRISE!!

This was the first book I read by Norman Kelley - I thought it started off a bit slow for me, but then BAAAAAAANG!! It took off and began to run!! I couldn't put the book down. I couldn't wait to see what would be uncovered next. Nina Halligan is a sho' nuff, kick-ya-butt, intellectual-educated sista that won't punk out under any circumstances. She's "street smart" and formally educated - she's a true double threat. I would like to see Nina and Zee hook up again - I think they would make a damn good team. Zee provided balance to Nina's infrequently episodes of instability...Anna was funny too!! The manner in which Nina unearthed the truth behind the entire New Nation and De Lawd, and her "resources" kept my interest. I'd like to see Nina and Zee take on Nate Ford - Nina's demon from her past. I thought the book was GREAT!!!

A dark nor novel dealin with todays civil rights movement

Over two decades ago an assassin killed Malik Martin, a middle of the road African-American leader who was rising to a level that Martin and Malcolm would have envied. At his side at the time of the murder was his spouse Veronica, an actress who just was freed from an asylum. Though never obtaining closure on the senseless death of Malik, whose killer was never caught, Veronica needs to find their daughter Malika and hires private investigator Nina Halligan. This simple missing person case turns into a grand tour of the urban African American pantheon. Nina, who feels an affinity with Veronica through the homicides of her own family, finds more than just a lost adult case. She begins to learn why both the White and Black establishment needed Malik removed as his approach to civil rights actually might have succeeded and has begun a revival that still remains in disfavor amidst the powerful. BLACK HEAT is an exciting ethnic private investigative tale that brings home a different perspective on the Civil Rights movement. Though at times overloaded with subplots that subtract from a powerful main theme, the story line is extremely interesting and will hook the audience. Nina's flawed personality is in the reader's face, but her investigation requires that triple A personality type if anything is to be learned. Norman Kelley has written a superb mystery that will bring him many fans, who will want Nina to return, but next time without the Pinta and the Santa Maria.Harriet Klausner

Highly Recommended

This book is great -- a page turner from the start, and intertwined with the mystery is a spirited political and social commentary. The politics are thought provoking, but an easy read without being insulting or oversimplified. Looking forward to the sequel!

Politique Noir?--Just Plain Excellent

This refreshing mystery, described by the author as a politcal noir, was very surprising and refreshing. This mystery excited me intelligently. The herione of the book was one of the most strongest black women and I would love to read a series about her. Kelly left a huge opening for a continued story. He also paints vivid pictures of his villians and the historical aspect further inticed me.