Pleasantville

By: Attica Locke

Narrated by: JD Jackson

LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEY’S WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION

From Attica Locke, a writer and producer of FOX’s Empire, this sophisticated thriller sees lawyer Jay Porter—hero of her bestseller Black Water Rising—return to fight one last case, only to become embroiled in a dangerous game of shadowy politics and a witness to how far those in power are willing to go to win.

Fifteen years after his career-defining case against Cole Oil, Jay Porter is broke and tired. That victory might have won the environmental lawyer fame, but thanks to a string of appeals, he hasn't seen a dime. His latest case—representing Pleasantville in the wake of a chemical fire—is dragging on, shaking his confidence and raising doubts about him within this upwardly mobile black community on Houston's north side. Though Jay still believes in doing what's right, he is done fighting other people's battles. Once he has his piece of the settlement, the single father is going to devote himself to what matters most—his children.

His plans are abruptly derailed when a female campaign volunteer vanishes on the night of Houston's mayoral election, throwing an already contentious campaign into chaos. The accused is none other than the nephew and campaign manager of one of the leading candidates—a scion of a prominent Houston family headed by the formidable Sam Hathorne. Despite all the signs suggesting that his client is guilty—and his own misgivings—Jay can't refuse when a man as wealthy and connected as Sam asks him to head up the defense. Not if he wants that new life with his kids. But he has to win.

Plunging into a shadowy world of ambitious enemies and treacherous allies armed with money, lies, and secrets, Jay reluctantly takes on his first murder trial—a case that will put him and his client, and an entire political process, on trial.

Wow!!!!!Shocker

It’s a story that catches your eye by the title, feeds you with its sides of a good book, but it’s surprises you with the distinct flavors that Ms. Locke throws in there. Finally blesses you with a great and shocking dessert for an ending. Great book.

Good and relavant

Very good story a little drawn out but well developed and it would make a good movie. After listening to an interview with Attica Locke on NPR last week I wanted to hear one of her books. I am happy I chose this one. As I said It is a good story. I struggled, to keep the characters straight in the beginning. This put me off a bit because there were so many of them. So the story feels drawn out. This is because some characters and their descriptions are lengthy. While it is drawn out a little bit it keeps you on the edge of you seat. I found myself going from PC to phone to take the story with me as I was on the move. A couple of times I thought I knew who did it but the reveal comes at the end. Do yourself a favor and listen to this book

It just keeps getting better!

Attica Locke is now my favorite mystery thriller writer right next to Walter Mosley. J.D. Jackson's talented narration is spot on! Anyone who loves mystery will love Attica Locke.

Interesting and fast moving!

A twisty, convaluted mystery wrapped inside an interesting case. Tight but believable dialogue and characters who look and sound real.

This is an excellent author. I will be reading all of her books. I am a Houston native, 81 years of age.

Attica tells a fantastic Houston/East Texas story. As a 81 yr old Houston native, I revel in the accuracy of her setting.