BLACK HISTORY 365: A Rage in Harlem
2 min read
By Chester Himes
Black History Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Chester Himes – The Godfather of Black Crime Fiction Notable Work: A Rage in Harlem (1957) Genres: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Noir
“I grew up in a racially segregated society, and I learned early in life that there were two kinds of law—one for white people and one for Black people.”
Before Shaft and Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins, Chester Himes set the blueprint for Black crime fiction with his groundbreaking Harlem Detectives series. His sharp-witted, hardboiled mysteries brought Harlem to life, blending brutal realism with dark humor.

His first novel in the series, A Rage in Harlem, introduces readers to Coffin Ed Johnson and Gravedigger Jones—two no-nonsense Black detectives navigating the gritty streets of 1950s Harlem. The story follows Jackson, a naïve man who gets entangled in a scheme involving a fake gold scam, his manipulative girlfriend, and a whole lot of trouble. What follows is a fast-paced, razor-sharp thriller filled with double-crosses, chaos, and the kind of streetwise energy only Himes could deliver.
Himes didn’t just write crime fiction—he exposed the racial and social realities of Black life in America. His Harlem isn’t a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character, pulsating with danger, hustle, and survival.
Book Review: A Rage in Harlem
Title: A Rage in Harlem
Author: Chester Himes
Publication Year: 1957
Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Noir
The Book That Defined Harlem Crime Fiction
The Harlem Crime Classic That Changed the Game
Chester Himes kicked off his legendary Harlem Detectives series with A Rage in Harlem, a novel that crackles with grit, humor, and tension. This isn’t just a detective story—it’s a wild, high-stakes ride through the streets of Harlem, where cons, crooked cops, and desperate lovers collide.
The story follows Jackson, a gullible man whose love for a beautiful woman named Imabelle leads him into a deadly scam involving counterfeit gold. When things spiral out of control, Coffin Ed Johnson and Gravedigger Jones enter the picture, determined to restore order—Harlem-style.
Himes’ writing is raw, electric, and cinematic, blending crime, satire, and razor-sharp social commentary. His portrayal of Harlem is rich and unflinching, painting a world where survival depends on street smarts and a little bit of luck.
Why You Should Read It
A page-turning mix of detective fiction, social commentary, and dark humor. One of the most influential Black crime novels of all time. A must-read for fans of Walter Mosley, S.A. Cosby, and gritty detective fiction.
5/5 – A timeless, razor-sharp masterpiece that still resonates today.