Black Betty

Vintage LA Crime with Smooth Narration

Written byWalter Mosley

Narrated byMichael Boatman

Length8h35m

Release dateOctober 15, 2009

GenreLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Literary Fiction

Languageenglish

★★★★☆ 4.5 (4 ratings)

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Quick Facts

Author	Walter Mosley
Narrator	Michael Boatman
Runtime	8h35m
Published	October 15, 2009
Rating	★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Categories	Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Literary Fiction, Literary History & Criticism, African American, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Crime Fiction, Noir, Mystery, Hard-Boiled
Format	Audiobook (Digital)
Platform	Audible

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About This Audiobook

Experience 1960s Los Angeles through the eyes of Easy Rawlins, a detective navigating racial tensions in this gripping literary mystery. Walter Mosley's Black Betty is a vivid exploration of noir storytelling set against the backdrop of post-war America. The audiobook brings the characters and setting to life with Michael Boatman’s nuanced narration, which seamlessly blends depth and warmth. His portrayal of Easy Rawlins is particularly standout, offering a rich emotional layer that elevates the narrative.

Tags: 1960s crimenoir mysteryLA settingracially chargedcharacter-driven

Why Listen to Black Betty?

Expert narration by Michael Boatman brings every character and scene to life across 8h35m of immersive audio.
Bestseller-quality story from Walter Mosley, rated 4.5 stars by 4 listeners.
Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

Michael Boatman's narration in Black Betty shines, especially his interpretation of Easy Rawlins. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in the atmosphere. Mosley’s dialogue and character development are masterful, painting a picture of mid-20th century LA that feels both authentic and timeless. However, some plot elements could have been more tightly woven for maximum impact. Despite this, the audiobook remains a compelling listen, especially for fans of classic noir with a social conscience.

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Black Betty by Walter Mosley is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Michael Boatman with a runtime of 8h35m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.