Grace F. Edwards (1933–2020)

This novel, considered "lost", is a saga of Black travail and Black joy in Harlem and opens with a riot against the police killing of a GI after WWII. Frieda loses her husband and gives birth to daughter Celia on that same dreadful night. There's also a full background of oppression and murder down South in the backgrounds of most of the characters. Celia grows up studious and overprotected, but her friendship with Tessie, the upstairs neighbor, who's "fast" according to the stoop queens, changes her life. Celia fights against the prevailing racism at the publishing company where she's hired as a token, and falls in love with two men who are both right for her. She is able to resist and persevere, despite the crushing burdens she carries.… (mais)

Mali Anderson and her jazz-musician father are raising her orphaned nephew, Alvin, in New York City. Mali was a police officer until an altercation with other officer over sexual slurs left her off the force with a suit against NYPD. The books are noted for their vivid portrayal of Harlem.

Mali's friend Kendrick is arrested for a brutal murder that she cannot believe he committed. Mali's informants include one of her most reliable sources of information: the patrons and staff of a beauty salon.… (mais)