Acclaimed American author Walter Mosley, known for his sharp storytelling and unforgettable characters, is bringing his latest work, Gray Dawn, to Jersey City this September.
Most readers recognize him for his iconic detective Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins. Mosley’s spent nearly four decades dedicating three hours each day to his craft, amassing over 60 books along the way.
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His visit to Jersey City is a big deal for local readers. Fans get a rare chance to engage with one of the most enduring voices in contemporary fiction.
Walter Mosley’s Enduring Literary Legacy
Over the years, Mosley’s writing has jumped across genres—from mystery to literary fiction, and even romance.
He started his disciplined daily routine in the mid-1980s and hasn’t really wavered since then. Mosley treats writing like a kind of ongoing conversation with himself—almost like psychoanalysis, he says.
This steady approach has made him one of America’s most prolific and respected authors. It’s hard not to admire that kind of consistency, honestly.
The World of Easy Rawlins
Easy Rawlins first appeared in the early 1990s. He quickly became a trailblazing figure in detective fiction, giving readers a Black private detective navigating race, morality, and history in Los Angeles.
Mosley’s newest Easy Rawlins mystery, Gray Dawn, comes out September 16, 2025. This time, Easy finds himself in the 1970s, searching for a haunting figure from his past.
The book mixes historical detail with personal stakes, which just feels like classic Mosley. He’s always been good at that.
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From Page to Screen
This year’s been especially busy for Mosley. His 2004 novel, The Man in My Basement, just became a feature film starring Corey Hawkins and Willem Dafoe.
The movie hit theaters September 12 and will start streaming on Hulu September 26. That’s bound to bring Mosley’s work to a bigger audience.
On top of that, fans of his Joe King Oliver series got a new book—Been Wrong So Long It Feels Like Right—earlier in 2025.
Looking Ahead: New Stories and Broader Themes
Mosley’s not slowing down. He’s already announced his next project—Jhalen – A Romance in Black—set to explore love and community in a Black neighborhood.
That novel drops in May 2026. Mosley’s always believed stories can bridge divides, and this one looks set to do just that.
He likes to put characters at the center and let the setting build itself around them. According to Mosley, this creates a more human truth—showing that even if people seem worlds apart, their struggles aren’t so different.
Walter Mosley Comes to Jersey City
Jersey City readers can catch Mosley in person on September 22 at Word Bookstore. He’ll read from Gray Dawn and talk about his writing process.
This event’s a must for literary enthusiasts. For folks across the Hudson, he’ll be at McNally Jackson Books in Manhattan on September 19 as part of the Atlantic Festival.
Making the Most of Mosley’s Jersey City Visit
If you’re coming in for the event, you’ll find plenty of excellent Jersey City hotels for a comfortable stay.
Not sure where to stay in Jersey City? Downtown’s got boutique spots near the waterfront, while other city districts offer more budget-friendly options with easy access to Word Bookstore.
While you’re here, carve out some time to explore the many things to do in Jersey City.
Take a stroll through Liberty State Park for those killer Manhattan views, or wander Newark Avenue’s vibrant dining scene. There’s no shortage of ways to make your literary outing a little more memorable.
Plan Your Trip
If you’re curious about getting to Jersey City, it’s honestly pretty easy. PATH trains from Manhattan run regularly, you can hop on a ferry across the Hudson, or just drive in on nearby highways.
Maybe you’re a lifelong Mosley fan, or maybe you just stumbled onto his work. Either way, pairing an author talk with a day in Jersey City feels like a genuinely cool way to soak up some culture.
Walter Mosley isn’t just here to promote a new novel. He’s showing up to connect with readers, and that says a lot about the power of books to bring people together.
Jersey City’s got this energy—diverse, creative, a bit unpredictable. It’s honestly the kind of place where conversations about stories can really spark something new.
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