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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Digital audiobook performed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
3.5***
Book two in the Darktown series continues the story of a newly integrated Atlanta police force in the 1950s. Officer Danny Rakestraw (“Rake”) and “Negro Officers” Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith have their hands full. Rake’s brother-in-law tries to rally the Ku Klux Klan to “save” their all-white neighborhood after a handful of black families, including Smith’s sister, beginning moving in. Boggs and Smith, meanwhile are trying to shut down the supply of white lightning and drugs.
There’s a lot going on here from the basic police procedural involving the crimes the officers are trying to solve, to the racism on the force, to the ugly and dangerous tactics of the Klan, to some personal marital issues, to political corruption. It certainly captured my attention, but I felt a little lost regarding the relationships between the characters. Still, Mullen crafts a tight thriller, with complex characters, and a couple of stunning scenes.
I came to this book because it was recommended for my F2F book club by one of the members. I hadn’t read the first book in the series and I think I really missed something because I didn’t fully understand the interrelationships of the characters. When I asked the person why she didn’t recommend the first book, she said she thought this one was better written, and that “If you are interested enough in the characters you’ll go back and read the first book.” Clearly, she doesn’t understand the concept of spoilers. I expect that knowing what will happen to these people will completely spoil the author’s attempt to develop of their relationships in book one. S*I*G*H.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II does a good job of narrating the audiobook version. He sets a good pace and tries to give the many characters sufficiently unique voices to distinguish them from one another.
3.5***
Book two in the Darktown series continues the story of a newly integrated Atlanta police force in the 1950s. Officer Danny Rakestraw (“Rake”) and “Negro Officers” Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith have their hands full. Rake’s brother-in-law tries to rally the Ku Klux Klan to “save” their all-white neighborhood after a handful of black families, including Smith’s sister, beginning moving in. Boggs and Smith, meanwhile are trying to shut down the supply of white lightning and drugs.
There’s a lot going on here from the basic police procedural involving the crimes the officers are trying to solve, to the racism on the force, to the ugly and dangerous tactics of the Klan, to some personal marital issues, to political corruption. It certainly captured my attention, but I felt a little lost regarding the relationships between the characters. Still, Mullen crafts a tight thriller, with complex characters, and a couple of stunning scenes.
I came to this book because it was recommended for my F2F book club by one of the members. I hadn’t read the first book in the series and I think I really missed something because I didn’t fully understand the interrelationships of the characters. When I asked the person why she didn’t recommend the first book, she said she thought this one was better written, and that “If you are interested enough in the characters you’ll go back and read the first book.” Clearly, she doesn’t understand the concept of spoilers. I expect that knowing what will happen to these people will completely spoil the author’s attempt to develop of their relationships in book one. S*I*G*H.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II does a good job of narrating the audiobook version. He sets a good pace and tries to give the many characters sufficiently unique voices to distinguish them from one another.
akira0513's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
zmull's review against another edition
4.0
Darktown was a promising start to what could become a very interesting series. Lightning Men is a step up from that. Technically, these are crime novels with plenty of thriller beats and twists, but in ambition Mullen is going for something bigger. These novels could be a fictional take on the history of Atlanta in the same way that the Wire was a fictional take on Baltimore in the 1990-2000s. Think Walter Mosley meets David Simon. Recommended.
alisonlaw's review against another edition
Listen to my interview with [a:Thomas Mullen|43391|Thomas Mullen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1495542802p2/43391.jpg] in Episode 12 of the Literary Atlanta podcast, released October 19, 2017.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
The 30 Best Books of 2017
5 Stars + From the acclaimed author, Thomas Mullen who introduced readers to the hit, Darktown landing on my Top Books of 2016 —racial integration of Atlanta’s police department in 1948 — with an explosive multi-layered complex follow up: LIGHTNING MEN.
Racial violence and corruption continue in 1950’s Atlanta, with African-American police officers, Boggs and Smith.
As they say in the South, these two find themselves in a "heap of trouble.” (Among others).
“Hot Atlanta” is not just sizzling. It is blistering. Fiery. Tensions and emotions run high. Loyalties tested between family and law. Color lines threatened. Moral lines blurred.
The second in the Darktown series, Mullen uses his hard-boiled crime, cop procedural, to explore post-WWII racism in the South. The highly anticipated character-driven LIGHTNING MEN is much more than just a crime-fictional thriller. Infused with critical historical details and timely controversial subjects we face today.
“Any candid observer of American racial history must acknowledge that racism is highly adaptable.” – Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow
Highly-charged, Mullen turns up the intensity with characters facing moral, family, social issues and compromises.
Tensions rise. From racial prejudice, moonshining, drugs, greed, conspiracy, Klansmen, fascist Columbians, white supremacist, corruption, bigotry, violence, Jim Crow laws, preachers, shootouts, paybacks, fear, power, and segregated neighborhoods.
In Darktown, we met rookies: Officer Lucius Boggs and his partner, Tommy Smith.
From different backgrounds, their office was housed in the basement of the Negro YMCA, a makeshift precinct. They were not even allowed to arrest white men, nor allowed to drive a squad car. They could not patrol outside of the Negro neighborhoods that constituted their beat. No respect and little support.
Only ten black officers patrolled those thousands of souls. A third of Atlanta were black, yet crowded into only a fifth of the land.
Boggs and Smith had not taken bribes; however, with two years on the force, it appeared half of the white officers took bribes, so how long would the Negro officers resist?
Tired of their powerlessness. The son of a preacher, Boggs was all too familiar with the fallibility of men, even men with power.
Denny Rakestraw (white) is distrusted by his fellow officers for his suspected role in the disappearance of his former partner, Lionel Dunlow.
Rakestraw is not a racist but finds it difficult to fit in with his fellow white cops and work with the ten black cops. Neither side, fully trusts him.
Denny’s problems increase when his Klansman brother-in-law, Dale Simpkins, gets involved in a plot to stop the influx of African-Americans into his neighborhood, Hanford Park.
Some cops are part of the Klan. Will they accuse one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta of selling moonshine and marijuana?
Boggs had come to respect McInnis over the last two years. He had stuck up for his charges during a few disputes with white officers. How far can he go to protect them?
Boggs (preacher’s son) is dating Julie with a young son, Sage. Soon to be married. His family opposes the relationship since she is not of their social status. She has a secret past. She is intimidated by their prestigious family.
When a black man, Jeremiah released from prison after five years, things get personal. Boggs life gets complicated when he learns the connection.
Two years earlier, Boggs came close to resigning his position and had second thoughts after a near-death experience. Now, he is unsure again.
Too many mistakes that weighed heavily on his soul. He is sure there would be more guilt and an awkward relationship with his partner. Can he remain as a cop?
Events will lead each character to major soul-searching. Smith had crossed another line as well. He was afraid.
Three policemen struggle. Each has an agenda and react in different ways to protect. Loyalties tested. Family versus law.
Can they continue to work with one hand tied behind their packs without the proper support to do their jobs? Will the latest emotional events, their actions, and tensions make them second guess their current careers? Will they continue to serve and make Atlanta a better city, or is it a useless effort?
After violence and a shootout, will Hanford Park be transformed? Will the lines between white and black be blurred after the postwar crowding, pushing blacks into areas formerly considered whites-only?
From racial politics and struggles of history, Mullen does not miss a beat!
The complex emotions of each character are portrayed in depth, making the characters jump off the page. Others threaten lives. Others protect. Struggles both interior and exterior.
Complications. Affairs interrupted. Old scores settled. Blood feuds magnified. Pride. Costs were high. Greed.
Hard-boiled. Explosive. Riveting. Timely!
Love this enthralling series and looking forward to seeing what is in store next for Smith and Boggs.
When reading of Boggs at his dad’s house for dinner with Julie, reminds me strongly of Greenleaf (a favorite show) and their preacher/family dinners. Heaven forbid, their children do not follow their well-laid controlled plans.
Movie-worthy! For those who enjoy good crime fiction, and historical fiction as Mullen meticulously traces the civil rights movement through his well-written crime stories and cop procedurals, that involve "real" characters you come to care for.
Fans of TV mini-series: Underground, Greenleaf and Queen Sugar will enjoy this intense series as well as Michael Connley’s Harry Bosch and Greg Iles' Penn Cage series.
In addition to the early digital reading copy (thank you) provided by NetGalley and Atria, I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – for an award-winning performance. Just finished.
Move this series to the top of your list. If you reside in the South, this is a “must read.” Especially for those of us who found (find) Atlanta our home for many years. Another Southern winner!
I purchased hardcover copies of the series, and they are stunning!
JDCMustReadBooks
5 Stars + From the acclaimed author, Thomas Mullen who introduced readers to the hit, Darktown landing on my Top Books of 2016 —racial integration of Atlanta’s police department in 1948 — with an explosive multi-layered complex follow up: LIGHTNING MEN.
Racial violence and corruption continue in 1950’s Atlanta, with African-American police officers, Boggs and Smith.
As they say in the South, these two find themselves in a "heap of trouble.” (Among others).
“Hot Atlanta” is not just sizzling. It is blistering. Fiery. Tensions and emotions run high. Loyalties tested between family and law. Color lines threatened. Moral lines blurred.
The second in the Darktown series, Mullen uses his hard-boiled crime, cop procedural, to explore post-WWII racism in the South. The highly anticipated character-driven LIGHTNING MEN is much more than just a crime-fictional thriller. Infused with critical historical details and timely controversial subjects we face today.
“Any candid observer of American racial history must acknowledge that racism is highly adaptable.” – Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow
Highly-charged, Mullen turns up the intensity with characters facing moral, family, social issues and compromises.
Tensions rise. From racial prejudice, moonshining, drugs, greed, conspiracy, Klansmen, fascist Columbians, white supremacist, corruption, bigotry, violence, Jim Crow laws, preachers, shootouts, paybacks, fear, power, and segregated neighborhoods.
In Darktown, we met rookies: Officer Lucius Boggs and his partner, Tommy Smith.
From different backgrounds, their office was housed in the basement of the Negro YMCA, a makeshift precinct. They were not even allowed to arrest white men, nor allowed to drive a squad car. They could not patrol outside of the Negro neighborhoods that constituted their beat. No respect and little support.
Only ten black officers patrolled those thousands of souls. A third of Atlanta were black, yet crowded into only a fifth of the land.
Boggs and Smith had not taken bribes; however, with two years on the force, it appeared half of the white officers took bribes, so how long would the Negro officers resist?
Tired of their powerlessness. The son of a preacher, Boggs was all too familiar with the fallibility of men, even men with power.
Denny Rakestraw (white) is distrusted by his fellow officers for his suspected role in the disappearance of his former partner, Lionel Dunlow.
Rakestraw is not a racist but finds it difficult to fit in with his fellow white cops and work with the ten black cops. Neither side, fully trusts him.
Denny’s problems increase when his Klansman brother-in-law, Dale Simpkins, gets involved in a plot to stop the influx of African-Americans into his neighborhood, Hanford Park.
Some cops are part of the Klan. Will they accuse one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta of selling moonshine and marijuana?
Boggs had come to respect McInnis over the last two years. He had stuck up for his charges during a few disputes with white officers. How far can he go to protect them?
Boggs (preacher’s son) is dating Julie with a young son, Sage. Soon to be married. His family opposes the relationship since she is not of their social status. She has a secret past. She is intimidated by their prestigious family.
When a black man, Jeremiah released from prison after five years, things get personal. Boggs life gets complicated when he learns the connection.
Two years earlier, Boggs came close to resigning his position and had second thoughts after a near-death experience. Now, he is unsure again.
Too many mistakes that weighed heavily on his soul. He is sure there would be more guilt and an awkward relationship with his partner. Can he remain as a cop?
Events will lead each character to major soul-searching. Smith had crossed another line as well. He was afraid.
. . . The Armor. The façade victims’ families typically wore when they needed to protect themselves or the memory of their loved ones. Folks who wore The Armor sometimes had secrets to hide.
The Armor was firmly in place as they parried the officer’s attempts to learn more about the deceased. They wore The Armor to keep the cops from learning things. The secrets.
The Armor is worn by the innocent, who had nothing to hide but their dignity, and they were so deeply offended to be questioned by these employees of the corrupt City of Atlanta, these paid enforcers of Jim Crow, that they refused to play along. They may be innocent, hurt, or protective.
. . . “And lines are only ideas people dream up, to govern what should be possible, to keep you from moving toward the forbidden.”
Three policemen struggle. Each has an agenda and react in different ways to protect. Loyalties tested. Family versus law.
Can they continue to work with one hand tied behind their packs without the proper support to do their jobs? Will the latest emotional events, their actions, and tensions make them second guess their current careers? Will they continue to serve and make Atlanta a better city, or is it a useless effort?
After violence and a shootout, will Hanford Park be transformed? Will the lines between white and black be blurred after the postwar crowding, pushing blacks into areas formerly considered whites-only?
From racial politics and struggles of history, Mullen does not miss a beat!
The complex emotions of each character are portrayed in depth, making the characters jump off the page. Others threaten lives. Others protect. Struggles both interior and exterior.
Complications. Affairs interrupted. Old scores settled. Blood feuds magnified. Pride. Costs were high. Greed.
Hard-boiled. Explosive. Riveting. Timely!
Love this enthralling series and looking forward to seeing what is in store next for Smith and Boggs.
When reading of Boggs at his dad’s house for dinner with Julie, reminds me strongly of Greenleaf (a favorite show) and their preacher/family dinners. Heaven forbid, their children do not follow their well-laid controlled plans.
Movie-worthy! For those who enjoy good crime fiction, and historical fiction as Mullen meticulously traces the civil rights movement through his well-written crime stories and cop procedurals, that involve "real" characters you come to care for.
Fans of TV mini-series: Underground, Greenleaf and Queen Sugar will enjoy this intense series as well as Michael Connley’s Harry Bosch and Greg Iles' Penn Cage series.
In addition to the early digital reading copy (thank you) provided by NetGalley and Atria, I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – for an award-winning performance. Just finished.
Move this series to the top of your list. If you reside in the South, this is a “must read.” Especially for those of us who found (find) Atlanta our home for many years. Another Southern winner!
I purchased hardcover copies of the series, and they are stunning!
JDCMustReadBooks
ridgewaygirl's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second installment in a crime series by [[Thomas Mullen]]. Set in Atlanta, Georgia in the middle of the last century, the series follows Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith, two of the first black police officers hired by the city. It's not an easy job. They work out of the basement of a YMCA, because the white officers will not allow them into their headquarters. And they are denied patrol cars and the right to arrest white suspects. They patrol one of the black parts of town, where previously there had been no police presence, outside of those cops who were running their own criminal activity in a place they could operate unhindered.
Smith's brother has managed to buy a house for his family, moving into a white working class neighborhood. There are a few other black home owners and tensions are high. This is also the neighborhood of Denny Rakestraw, a white police officer who has helped Smith and Boggs in the past, motivated largely by his deep antipathy for the Klan. Rake has troubles of his own; his brother-in-law, a Klan member, did a favor for someone claiming to be from an out of town Klavern, but things go very wrong and he needs Rake's help to protect himself. At work, Smith and Boggs are trying to find out who is involved in a enterprise bringing in moonshine and weed to Darktown, the neighborhood they patrol.
There's a lot going on in this book, but Mullen manages to keep all the different plot lines moving and brings them together at the end. It's well-plotted, well researched and well-written. Mullen manages to write characters who are firmly rooted in their time and place, without making them unlikeable. Rakestraw is a fascinating example. By the standards of his time, he's very liberal and open minded, but today's reader can't help but cringe at many of the things he says and things. Mullen isn't afraid to make his characters complex and full of contradictions.
Smith's brother has managed to buy a house for his family, moving into a white working class neighborhood. There are a few other black home owners and tensions are high. This is also the neighborhood of Denny Rakestraw, a white police officer who has helped Smith and Boggs in the past, motivated largely by his deep antipathy for the Klan. Rake has troubles of his own; his brother-in-law, a Klan member, did a favor for someone claiming to be from an out of town Klavern, but things go very wrong and he needs Rake's help to protect himself. At work, Smith and Boggs are trying to find out who is involved in a enterprise bringing in moonshine and weed to Darktown, the neighborhood they patrol.
There's a lot going on in this book, but Mullen manages to keep all the different plot lines moving and brings them together at the end. It's well-plotted, well researched and well-written. Mullen manages to write characters who are firmly rooted in their time and place, without making them unlikeable. Rakestraw is a fascinating example. By the standards of his time, he's very liberal and open minded, but today's reader can't help but cringe at many of the things he says and things. Mullen isn't afraid to make his characters complex and full of contradictions.
carolpk's review against another edition
The Hook - I could not wait to read the second installment of Thomas Mullen’s Darktown, a crime procedural featuring the first “colored” police force in Atlanta in the 50’s.
The Line - ” He tried to walk a moral path, yet it was littered with the bodies of his good deeds—and too many other bodies.“
The Sinker - When we were first married my husband often accused me of being a rather “black and white” person when it came to my views on issues. If I read Lightning Men and did not consider the grays of life, I might have been extremely frustrated with where the book took me. Allowing myself to see things beyond good or bad, all or nothing, right or wrong, to view the plot in terms, black nor white, but in circumstance or necessity, made this a compelling read. Lightning Men draws lines, lines of race, line of boundaries, and lines of moral turpitude. Take a chance, venture across these lines. You won’t be disappointed.
The Line - ” He tried to walk a moral path, yet it was littered with the bodies of his good deeds—and too many other bodies.“
The Sinker - When we were first married my husband often accused me of being a rather “black and white” person when it came to my views on issues. If I read Lightning Men and did not consider the grays of life, I might have been extremely frustrated with where the book took me. Allowing myself to see things beyond good or bad, all or nothing, right or wrong, to view the plot in terms, black nor white, but in circumstance or necessity, made this a compelling read. Lightning Men draws lines, lines of race, line of boundaries, and lines of moral turpitude. Take a chance, venture across these lines. You won’t be disappointed.
sandin954's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent historical crime novel from the author of [b:Darktown|27274326|Darktown (Darktown, #1)|Thomas Mullen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471854756s/27274326.jpg|47328159]. Great atmosphere, plotting, and characters.
gjmaupin's review against another edition
4.0
Really good stuff - may even do something I almost never do at work...pick up the previous book in the series.
skattkatten_'s review against another edition
4.0
Atlanta 1950 ... Ku Klux Klan, blandade villakvarter, droger och alkohol ... Boggs och Smith har det inte lätt och hotet kommer nära denna gången. Välskriven och spännande historia.