This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →
Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
A lot
Gun battles, car chases, and street violence; several characters killed
Language
Some
Period language and profanity
Sexual Content
Barely any
Brief references to sexual activity; a drag queen character
Substance Use
Barely any
Social drinking
Emotional Intensity
Some
Corruption, racial politics in Harlem, and the absurdity of the Black experience in mid-century America
What this book is about
Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones investigate when a hearse carrying a political payroll is ambushed in Harlem on New Year's Eve. A drag queen, a corrupt politician, and a vicious gang intersect in Himes's characteristically chaotic and darkly funny crime novel. Part of his series of Harlem detective novels, this one is among the more action-packed, with car chases, gun battles, and Himes's sardonic view of Harlem politics.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Significant crime violence
Racially charged social critique
Reader Verification
Be the first to verify
this rating
Have you read All Shot Up? Submit a community rating to confirm or correct the AI estimate. Your review helps other readers make an informed choice.
Rate this book →Free · ~5 minutes · No account required
Similar reads
More Crime Fiction books from the catalog.
Think this AI estimate is off?
Flag an inaccuracy →Where to Buy
Affiliate links — BookLens earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.