Easy Rawlins is a fictional character created by author Walter Mosley. He is an African American private detective living in Los Angeles during the 1940s. Rawlins is known for his sharp intellect and resourcefulness, often navigating the complexities of race and society in post-war America. The character first appeared in the novel Devil in a Blue Dress, which was published in 1990. Easy Rawlins has since become a central figure in a series of mystery novels, exploring themes of identity, justice, and the African American experience in a changing world.