Karla F. C. Holloway

Karla F.C. Holloway's Gone Missing in Harlem moves at a deliberative pace. The lives of its characters are challenging, and Holloway's pacing creates a sense of dread much more effective than emotionally laden writing could produce. The characters are faced with the problem of how to make choices when they too often have no choice in what happens to them.

Like many Black families at the time the Mosby family moves north—flees, really. In their case, this move is spurred by threatened white violence. That early "choice/not-a-choice" lands them in Harlem, where they do well for a time. However, with a death (not a choice) and a threat against one of its members (another not-a-choice), the family is split apart. Set during the Influenza pandemic and at the time of the Lindbergh kidnapping the novel makes clear the disparate values placed on the lives of wealthy and poor, white and Black, without becoming heavy-handed. When the Mosby daughter finds herself pregnant as the result of rape (most certainly not a choice), the choices become even more difficult. How to protect the baby when its father's family would prefer that it disappear? How to maintain any sense of love and connectedness when circumstances make such things an unattainable luxury?

When the baby, Chloe, is kidnapped, one more character enters the story: Weldon Thomas, New York City's first Black policeman. He knows Chloe's kidnapping will not receive the publicity and active response that resulted from the Lindbergh kidnapping. When the case starts to fade (not-a-choice) without any real investigation, he takes it upon himself (choice) to discover what's happened to Chloe and whether she is still alive.

Gone Missing in Harlem is a wonderful period piece, true to its time and well-researched. It also offers a compelling narrative that pulls readers in gradually until the book becomes un-put-down-able. I was attracted to this title because I enjoy reading historical mysteries, but this novel is much more than a genre piece and will provide rewarding reading for anyone who appreciates character-driven fiction.

I received a free electronic review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.… (more)