Time's Undoing

A Novel

By: Cheryl A. Head

Narrated by: Jade Wheeler, Ronald Peet

A searing and tender novel about a young Black journalist’s search for answers in the unsolved murder of her great-grandfather in segregated Birmingham, Alabama, decades ago—inspired by the author’s own family history

Birmingham, 1929: Robert Lee Harrington, a master carpenter, has just moved to Alabama to pursue a job opportunity, bringing along his pregnant wife and young daughter. Birmingham is in its heyday, known as the “Magic City” for its booming steel industry, and while Robert and his family find much to enjoy in the city’s busy markets and vibrant nightlife, it’s also a stronghold for the Klan. And with his beautiful, light-skinned wife and snazzy car, Robert begins to worry that he might be drawing the wrong kind of attention.

2019: Meghan McKenzie, the youngest reporter at the Detroit Free Press, has grown up hearing family lore about her great-grandfather’s murder—but no one knows the full story of what really happened back then, and his body was never found. Determined to find answers to her family’s long-buried tragedy and spurred by the urgency of the Black Lives Matter movement, Meghan travels to Birmingham. But as her investigation begins to uncover dark secrets that spider across both the city and time, her life may be in danger.

Inspired by true events, Time’s Undoing is both a passionate tale of one woman’s quest for the truth behind the racially motivated trauma that has haunted her family for generations and, as newfound friends and supporters in Birmingham rally around Meghan’s search, the uplifting story of a community coming together to fight for change.

Incredible!!! Must read!!!

This work of life brings everything that is racism into reality, especially for those who are not a poc. Hard truths about the depth of hatred and the ramifications of hateful actions are depicted with authority and brilliance. Read this and then read it again. And read it with others.

Excellent dual stories; reads like a screenplay

Cheryl Head writes genuine characters and history. The stories alternate between present day Detroit and a 1920s Alabama mystery. She deftly weaves them together. The action really builds.

1929: Robert Lee Harrington was brutally murdered

A young Black journalist from Detroit searches for answers in the unsolved murder of her great-grandfather in 1929 segregated Birmingham, Alabama. Meghan wants to tie it into the Black Lives Matter movement in 2019, but discovers more than she expected.

1929: Robert Lee Harrington was brutally murdered by police. He was 28 years old, had a pregnant wife and daughter, and was a master carpenter who moved to Birmingham from St. Petersburg, FL for the opportunity. But his new city is a stronghold for the Klan. And with his beautiful, light-skinned wife and snazzy car, Robert begins to worry that he might be drawing the wrong kind of attention.

90 years later, Meghan McKenzie, has grown up hearing family lore about her great-grandfather’s murder—but no one knows the full story of what really happened back then, and his body was never found. But as her investigation begins to uncover dark secrets that spider across both the city and time, her life may be in danger.

Historical fiction with a sprinkle of the supernatural, this was an excellent book about a community coming together to fight for change... but not everyone wants racial equality, and Meghan runs into those who want her to keep the past in the past.

The audiobook version was well narrated.

Wonderful Storytelling - Wonderful narration

This was a fascinating book to read. Not only was the story compelling, but the dialogue was so natural and fluid. The narrators were excellent and really made the words come alive. I could almost "see" the action as they read to me.

I look forward to reading any of Ms. Head's books and recommend this one without reservation!

Okay

This story started off long and boring. However by chapter 25 it did pick up. I enjoyed the middle and ending of this book.