Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke follows Black Texas Ranger Darren Mathews as he investigates racially charged murders in the small town of Lark, Texas, while navigating his own personal struggles and suspension from duty. Darren's quest for justice reveals the town's secrets through encounters with various residents, leading to a complex web of relationships and hidden truths.

Attica Locke's Bluebird, Bluebird is a compelling mystery novel that blends elements of crime and social commentary. Reviewers praise its well-developed characters and intricate plotting. However, some find the pacing uneven. The exploration of racial tensions in East Texas receives acclaim for its depth and realism, although the resolution may feel predictable to some.

A reader who enjoys Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke likely appreciates gripping, socially conscious crime thrillers steeped in Southern atmosphere. Fans of The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead and Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley will find the mix of racial tension and intricate mystery compelling.

Mysterious / Gritty / Dark / Suspenseful / Challenging

- Bluebird, Bluebird was awarded the prestigious 2018 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel, highlighting its critical acclaim within the mystery and crime fiction genres.
- The novel marks the first installment in Attica Locke's Highway 59 series, showcasing her exploration of racial tensions and justice in rural East Texas.
- Bluebird, Bluebird was selected for inclusion in the Reese's Book Club in 2017, which helped to increase its popularity and reach a wider audience.

**Darren Mathews**  
Texas Ranger dealing with racially motivated crimes and personal struggles, whose commitment to justice is tested by the complexities of race and law enforcement in America. His journey involves solving a murder case in Lark, Texas, while battling an addiction that affects his personal life.

**Geneva Sweet**  
A resilient café owner in Lark who, despite personal losses, remains a steadfast figure in her community while raising her granddaughter. Her cafe becomes a focal point in the investigation, revealing deeper community tensions.

**Randie Winston**  
The estranged wife of a murdered man, driven by the need to uncover the truth behind her husband's death. Her presence in Lark illuminates the dichotomies of the town's traditions versus her expectations.

**Wallace “Wally” Jefferson III**  
A wealthy and influential man in Lark whose deep-seated prejudices indirectly shape much of the town’s racial tensions. His past relationship with Geneva Sweet adds layers to his antagonistic role in the community.

**Isaac Snow**  
A barber with an intellectual disability whose quiet presence at Geneva’s café becomes more significant as the story unfolds. His connections with the town's power dynamics reveal complexities in the community fabric.

Attica Locke

Adult

Novel

Highway 59

Fiction

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Bluebird, Bluebird Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 1

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 2

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 1, Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-6

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 2, Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-8

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 2, Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 9-10

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 3, Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 11

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 3, Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 12

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 3, Chapter 12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 13-14

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 3, Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 15-16

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 3, Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 17-18

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 4, Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 19-20

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 4, Chapters 19-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 21-22

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 4, Chapters 21-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 23-24

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 4, Chapters 23-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 25-Epilogue

Bluebird, Bluebird Part 4, Chapters 25-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Bluebird, Bluebird Character Analysis

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Bluebird, Bluebird

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