Grace F. Edwards

Grace F. Edwards was an African American crime fiction writer known for her Mali Anderson mystery series set in Harlem, New York. She wrote six novels in total between 1994 and 2007, drawing heavily on her experiences living and working in Harlem. Edwards' most well-known works feature Mali Anderson, a former NYPD officer turned private investigator who solves crimes in her Harlem neighborhood. Her first novel in the series, "If I Should Die" (1997), established the character and was followed by several sequels including "A Toast Before Dying" and "No Time to Die." Prior to becoming a published author, Edwards worked as the executive director of the Harlem Writers Guild, the oldest African American writers' organization in the United States. She also taught creative writing at several institutions including the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center and Marymount Manhattan College. Born in 1933, Edwards spent most of her life in Harlem and remained an active member of its literary community until her death in 2016. Her works are particularly noted for their authentic portrayal of Harlem's streets, culture, and community during the late 20th century.

Readers appreciate Edwards' authentic portrayal of 1980s Harlem in her Mali Anderson mystery series, with detailed descriptions of the neighborhood and community dynamics. Many note her skill at weaving social issues into the crime narratives without becoming preachy. Positive reviews focus on the strong female protagonist Mali Anderson and the well-developed supporting characters. Readers on Goodreads highlight Edwards' ability to create tension and deliver satisfying conclusions. Some readers find the pacing slow in the middle sections of her books and note that certain plot points rely too heavily on coincidence. A few reviews mention dialogue that can feel unnatural. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 average across all books (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 average (150+ ratings) "If These Walls Could Talk" and "A Toast Before Dying" received the strongest reader reviews, while "No Time to Die" garnered more mixed feedback about its plot resolution. Note: Review data is limited as many of Edwards' works were published before widespread online reviews.

In the Shadow of the Peacock (1988) A murder mystery set in 1970s Harlem following private investigator Mali Anderson as she investigates the death of a jazz musician.

If I Should Die (1997) Mali Anderson searches for answers when her friend's teenage son is killed in what appears to be a gang-related shooting.

A Toast Before Dying (1998) Mali Anderson investigates the suspicious death of a wealthy African-American businessman found dead in his mansion.

Do or Die (2000) When a local basketball star is murdered, Mali Anderson must navigate Harlem's streets to uncover the truth behind his death.

No Time to Die (2001) Mali Anderson becomes involved in investigating the murder of a prominent church leader in Harlem.

The Viaduct (2003) Following social worker Agnes Miller, this historical novel depicts life in 1930s Harlem during the Great Depression.

Murder Follows Money (2012) A detective novel where former police officer Mali Anderson investigates corruption and murder in Harlem's real estate market.