They Can't Take Your Name
A Novel
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Laced with atmospheric poetry and literature and set in the heart of Denver's black community, this gripping crime novel pits three characters in a race against time to thwart a gross miscarriage of justice—and a crooked detective who wreaks havoc…with deadly consequences.
What happens to a deferred dream—especially when an innocent man's life hangs in the balance? Langston Brown is running out of time and options for clearing his name and escaping death row. Wrongfully convicted of the gruesome Mother's Day Massacre, he prepares to face his death. His final hope for salvation lies with his daughter, Liza, an artist who dreamed of a life of music and song but left the prestigious Juilliard School to pursue a law degree with the intention of clearing her father's name. Just as she nears success, it's announced that Langston will be put to death in thirty days.
In a desperate bid to find freedom for her father, Liza enlists the help of Eli Stone, a jazz club owner she met at the classic Five Points venue, The Roz. Devastated by the tragic loss of his wife, Eli is trying to find solace by reviving the club…while also wrestling with the longing to join her in death.
Everyone has a dream that might come true—but as the dark shadows of the past converge, could Langston, Eli, and Liza be facing a danger that could shatter those dreams forever?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Justice debuts with a sensitive legal drama. Langston Brown, a Black man, has been on death row in Colorado for a decade for a fatal bank robbery he didn't commit. His daughter, Liza, a single mother in her final year of law school in Denver, dedicates herself to exonerating him. She convinces her school to launch an innocence project and focus on Langston's case. Meanwhile, she starts work at Eli Stone's newly renovated club in the predominantly Black Five Points neighborhood. Eli, mourning his wife's death, overheard the detective who arrested Langston confess to framing suspects years before, but has told no one. When the governor, who's up for reelection, announces that Langston will be executed in 30 days, Liza's team files one final motion, and Eli's attempts to bring the truth to light without exposing himself or admitting to Liza he's been keeping information from her has devastating consequences. The countdown to Langston's execution adds a propulsive tension, while the slowly growing tenderness between Eli and Liza balances out the grim story. This is a taut tale of perverted justice.
Customer Reviews
Enjoyed this book
I enjoyed reading the book. I wanted a different ending but the author left room for a sequel. Well written. I ate also given insight that more of us need to challenge the system. Corrupt cops and innocent men being executed. Well written😍