Walter Mosley

Walter Mosley is the author of the intelligent and entertaining Easy Rawlins mysteries. This series, set in mid-20th-century South Central Los Angeles, blends classic hardboiled pulp style with the racially charged political and social dynamic of the era (think Raymond Chandler with more social relevance).

Note: Mosley has also written a science fiction novel, apparently.

Aftertaste:
They made an indifferent movie version of the first Easy Rawlins book, Devil in a Blue Dress.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
Anything by Josephine Tey

Anything by Raymond Chandler

Anything by Dashiell Hammett

Website:
http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/features/waltermosley/index.html -