All of Mosley's novels are marked by themes centered on racism in society, the alienation of African Americans and the deterioration of their urban neighborhoods. Mosley's writing becomes surer with each mystery. A Red Death (1991) takes Easy into 1953 and the fears of the McCarthy era. He owns rental properties bought with a windfall of money from his earlier case, and which he never declared for taxes. To avoid charges, Easy agrees to do undercover FBI work against a Jewish communist engaged in charity projects at the local African American church.

People are murdered as Easy dallies with Mouse's wife and struggles with the idea of betraying a Jewish friend.

White Butterfly (1992) presents Easy in 1956 as a married man with two children. He grapples with marital problems while he reluctantly assists a police investigation of serial killings.

His impetus is the unjust arrest of Mouse for the...