Acclaimed novelist Walter Mosley is set to appear at the Buena Vista Branch of the Burbank Public Library on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, for an evening celebrating the release of his latest novel, Gray Dawn, the newest installment in the iconic Easy Rawlins mystery series. The event, which runs from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., promises to be a highlight for fans of Mosley’s work and lovers of contemporary crime fiction. Attendees will also be able to purchase copies of the novel beginning at 6:00 p.m., with a signing session to follow the main program.
The event will feature a live conversation between Mosley and Los Angeles-based crime fiction writer Steph Cha, known for her Juniper Song detective novels and for her editorial work amplifying voices in the genre. Their discussion is expected to delve into the creative process behind Gray Dawn, Mosley’s reflections on the evolving landscape of Los Angeles, and the broader themes that have come to define the Easy Rawlins series over the decades.
Gray Dawn revisits Easy Rawlins in the mid-1970s, a period marked by political shifts, cultural changes, and growing tensions in the city of Los Angeles. In this installment, Rawlins is no longer just the gritty private eye from his earlier days; he now owns a detective agency and is trying to build a quieter life surrounded by friends and family. But that semblance of peace is upended when Lutisha James—a woman from his past—suddenly reappears. Her arrival stirs long-dormant memories and entangles Rawlins in a case that pulls him back into a darker, more dangerous version of the city he thought he knew.
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Mosley has long used the Easy Rawlins novels as a lens through which to explore the historical and social dimensions of Los Angeles, especially as experienced by African American communities. His books have been celebrated not only for their tight, compelling plots but also for their richly drawn characters and deeply political undercurrents. With Gray Dawn, he continues that tradition, capturing both the cultural shifts of the 1970s and the timeless moral dilemmas faced by those navigating power, memory, and justice.
The Buena Vista Branch Library, located at 300 N. Buena Vista Street in Burbank, is a fitting venue for such a literary occasion. The library has hosted numerous authors over the years and remains committed to providing access to literature and cultural programming for the broader Los Angeles area. Library officials have encouraged fans to arrive early, as seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking on-site is free, and no advance registration is required for entry.
Mosley’s visit to Burbank is part of a broader promotional tour for Gray Dawn, which has already garnered attention from critics and readers for its timely narrative and emotional resonance. The author, who has written more than 60 books across genres—from literary fiction and science fiction to essays and political commentary—remains one of America’s most respected literary voices.
His return to public readings marks a continued engagement with audiences after a career spanning more than three decades. For many longtime fans, the chance to hear Mosley speak in person about his craft and his beloved character, Easy Rawlins, is a rare and meaningful opportunity.
As the evening promises both literary insight and personal reflection, Mosley’s appearance at the Burbank Public Library is likely to draw a diverse crowd of readers eager to celebrate the enduring power of storytelling—and the man who has helped redefine what crime fiction can be.
