Cheryl A. Head

Cheryl Head has not only created a dynamic and interesting lead character in Charlene "Charlie" Mack, but an equally interesting and dynamic mystery along with a terrific supporting and diverse cast of characters and one huge backdrop in the city of Detroit (and for this story, its sidekick, Birmingham).

Which is a really long way of saying, I liked this book. I love a mystery, populated with interesting thoughts and characters.. and this is a smart one. No old-school British drawing room show more here, but a rough and tumble all American big city story shouldered by an up-to-the-task, all American, lesbian, private eye. show less

Beautifully written book about a young woman reporter determined to find the truth about her family.
Told in 2 timelines, 1929 and 2019.
In 1929, a master carpenter, Robert, and his wife, along with their daughter, moved to AL from FL. Sadly, Robert is targeted by the police and the Klan, and tragedy happens.
In 2019, Meghan, a journalist, wants to research about her great-grandfather (Robert) and his murder. She heads to Birmingham to write a story, and to research the murder. She stumbles show more upon help in unlikely sources, and also rips off the bandage hiding some tragic history.
I loved this book, it kept me interested and engaged, and I enjoyed Meghan's drive for the truth. show less

Meghan McKenzie is a young journalist for the Detroit Free Press primarily covering Black Lives Matter in 2019. The novel is narrated by two people, Meghan (2019) and Robert Lee Harrington (1929). In 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama, her great-grandfather Robert Lee Harrington, an exceptional carpenter, was killed at the age of 28. No one knows where or if he was buried or why he was killed. He was married to Anna Kate, a light-skinned woman, had one child Mae, and another on the way. He drove a show more Franklin Victoria, a flashy car, dressed very well, and had a short temper. Meghan travels to Birmingham to research police violence against Blacks traced back to the conditions in 1929 and ultimately to find out what happened to her great-grandfather. She finds allies in a goth-girl librarian named Kristen Gleason; a local Black Lives Matter leader, Monique Hendricks; and the mayor's office liaison to BLM, the handsome and charming Darius Curren. She first finds the murder of a corrupt police officer, Simenon, around the time of her great-grandfather's death. Her allies introduce her to people who had some connection to her great-grandfather. show less

I like reading about this period. This is the first that I have found by a Black author (though I'm sure there must be more). Mostly I've been reading about events in Britain. This is in the US. What a struggle these folks put up with continually. It is hard for me to imagine. I'm grateful to Cheryl Head for bringing this world to my attention. She did it with great characters and an interesting plot. A good read and kept me turning pages.