The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey

Walter Mosley fans might be surprised to learn that his newest book is not a mystery featuring Easy Rawlins, Fearless Jones, or Leonid McGill. Instead the Last Days of Ptolemy Grey introduces a new character every bit as engaging as these old favorites.

91-year-old Ptolemy lives alone in his squalid apartment, forgotten by his friends and family - forgotten even by himself as Alzheimer's steals his recognition of his surroundings.

He depends on his grandnephew, Reggie, who visits once a week to help him deposit his social security check and buy groceries. When Reggie is murdered in a drive-by shooting, Ptolemy is left adrift and helpless.

With what little bit of mind he still has left, Ptolemy knows that something is not right about the role Reggie's widow played in her husband's death but he can't keep his thoughts together long enough to figure it out. He sees that his family is headed for trouble but he can't grasp why or how he can help them.

Ptolemy sees a doctor and "makes a deal with the Devil". The doctor gives him an experimental medicine that burns his body with fever but returns his mind to clearness. But it will only last a few weeks before it kills him.

With this gift of lucidity, Ptolemy determines not to squander his last chance to fulfill an old promise to a friend. He sets out to avenge Reggie's death and to give his family a future.

I don't like calling a book "heart-warming" - especially a Walter Mosley book, but the shoe fits in this case. It's an immensely satisfying book - especially since those who have it coming to them, get it.