In writing Reckless Eyeballing, Reed does not employ as many of the unconventional experimental devices as in some of his earlier works. Still, Reed's basic underlying structure is that used in even the more experimental novels.

A wide range of characters are introduced, some having very much to do with the direct plot, along with others that are loosely connected to the plot but carry on a separate subplot of their own. A good example is Lawrence O'Reedy, a white New York detective.

O'Reedy serves a number of functions in the novel, from symbolizing the racist, murderous attitudes (and latent guilt) of some New York Police Department veterans, to exhibiting racist sexual attraction toward black women like Tremonisha Smarts (whose case he is investigating). O'Reedy, then, can provide an interesting subplot while commenting on the action of the main plot.

Neo-HooDooism is still at the core of the...