For many years I’ve been recommending Thomas Mullen’s The Many Deaths of The Firefly Brothers as a great American novel set during the Depression era, with its compelling period detail and a couple of superb protagonists in the guise of notorious bank robbers Jason and Whit Fireson. On the strength of this, I was keen as mustard to read Mullen’s Darktown, set in the racially charged era of 1940’s Atlanta… I will quite honestly say that I was held in Darktown’s thrall from start to finish, and felt genuinely engaged with the essence of the period, Mullen’s bold and engaging characterisation, and the compelling plotline which gravitated between claustrophobic tension and heartfelt emotion throughout. Being so firmly rooted within the conflict and racial tension of this period, the language and terms used completely reflect the era, and with our modern day sensibilities there is a slight uneasiness at the language used. However, being so much of its time, and as a testament to the weight of dignity he throws behind his maligned black characters, and the white protagonists, some sympathetic, some hostile, the rhythm, vernacular and cadence of the language used plays an essential role in the book. The depth of Mullen’s historical research shines through from the references to the inherently unjust limitations placed upon black citizens not only in their segregation from whites, but also the lack of legal redress available to them. This is mirrored in the very strict restrictions placed upon his black police officers, Boggs and Smith, as to how they conduct their police business, and the added layer of scrutiny and danger that they have to operate within. Likewise, the impunity that white police officers such as Dunlow operate under is sharply at odds with the black officer’s experience, and gives the crooked Dunlow a very long leash from which to pursue his corrupt ways.  Mullen traverses a significant amount of individual black and white experience across different realms of society throughout the book, from a lowly farmer to the higher echelons of political power, and with the distinctive backdrop of the racially and socially divided Atlanta as his backdrop, the depth and realism of his chosen period is perfectly integrated throughout. The characterisation throughout the book is never less than perfect, with all of the main protagonists, as well as lesser characters having sharply drawn edges, and more importantly, being absolutely believable in their depiction, Consequently, such is the level of emotional engagement with them as a reader, you are completely drawn into their individual stories of bravery, certitude, honour or corruption throughout. Mullen depicts beautifully their moments of doubt, the battle to retain their moral centre when pushed to the limit by injustice and racism, or the depths of depravity that wearing a police badge or holding a position of power can reveal in those that society has deigned to be above all others. The moral integrity of both black officer, Boggs, and white officer Rakestraw, operating from both sides of the racial divide is explored throughout. It was extremely gratifying to see that although this is a book firmly rooted in the differences between black and white experience both figuratively and racially that Mullen avoids plummeting his characters into overly moralistic tropes. Instead he leaves area of grey where we witness as readers bad people doing bad things, and good people being driven to bad actions navigating their way through the tinderbox flashpoints that racial division stirs up, and can then draw our own conclusions on the veracity of their actions. This is an intelligent, thoughtful and emotionally compelling read, peopled by a sublime cast of characters and a balanced and realistic portrayal of weighty issues, firmly located in the fascinating and tumultuous period of post war America. Cut through with moments of raw emotion, thought-provoking social observation, and never less than totally engrossing, Darktown is something really quite special indeed, and at times with its exploration of racial divide in America, made this reader ponder how far American society has really progressed when looking at these issues with a contemporary eye. Highly recommended.

This unsettling historical page-turner is set in 1948 based around first eight black police officers appointed by the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The setting of Darktown might be 1940s but with every page, we realise that it is also unmistakably contemporary. Recent killings of black men and the Black Lives Matter protest that show us nothing has really changed since then. The story starts with the two of the black police officers trying to investigate the murder of a black girl. This cleverly written, complex crime story tackles with issues of race, law and justice. I must say that overall Thomas Mullen really makes the time and place come alive. I would recommend everybody to read this gritty, informative and brilliant story.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review In the USA currently there is a protest movement: “Black Lives Matter”. This book is set in a place and time where black lives most assuredly did not matter, and a viable, effective black protest movement was yet to appear. This is an outstanding and upsetting book. For the first half of the book I was just very, very angry – that anyone should have had to put up with the blatant state supported racism that was prevalent in Atlanta in the 1940s. The author puts the horror of this situation across more forcefully than I have seen in print before. I knew it existed, but the way he writes really brings the situation to horrible life. Firstly, by the constant use of the word Negro, and the even more derogatory n-word. They have both become so offensive, that – especially in print – it is like reading a text full of obscene swear words. It is intended to upset the reader – and it has a really a powerful effect. Secondly, by the resignation of many of the black characters, who know their place and keep to it. To quote Bruce Hornsby, “It’s just the way it is”. It alarms them if anyone should treat them with the respect they feel is only due to white folk: “But to this poor woman, it was a word for someone else. “You blind, son? You see a ‘ma’am’ here? I look like a white lady to you?” It had broken his heart”. Thirdly, and most importantly, by the many fully rounded characters – both black and white, innocent and guilty, law enforcement and civilian. There are few stereotypes – each character is believable, multifaceted and unique. You invest a lot of emotion in the two (generally heroic) heroes Boggs and Smith, the newly instated black police officers. You so much want them to succeed, against all the odds, and particularly against the combined might of the white constabulary and white supremacists. Just as much you want Dunlow and Underhill to fail and disappear. As the story unfolds, the incredible pressures on all the characters become increasingly apparent. Boggs had “known what he was getting into, he just hadn’t braced himself for the accumulated weight of doing it hour after hour, night after night. And it had barely been four months”. All the black policemen feel the strain, but the white officers such as Rakestraw and McInnis (as well as Dunlow) are not immune. My anger never disappeared, and hopefully never will, but as the mystery of who the dead black woman was, and how and why she died, came more to the fore, I started to see this as a thrilling crime novel, as much as a comment on social history. The investigating policemen have so much more to hinder their progress than in a normal police procedural – but the basic story line would be a worthy one anywhere. The social and racial aspects just add an extra level, requiring resourcefulness and ingenuity to surmount (or side-step) the imposed barriers. So on which ever level you chose to focus, this is an excellent story. But if you can bring the two levels together, you have an outstanding, unforgettable tale that you will want to read again and again.

Really enjoyed this book but was struck by how little appears to have changed. This book could have been set in the context of today and modern America

I absolutely loved this book and predict that it will be one of my best reads of 2017. Powerful and involving, it’s tightly plotted and well written, with an authentic sense of time and place. Mullen’s crime story is woven around the introduction of black police officers in Atlanta, Georgia, seventy years ago, and is a spellbinding and often shocking read. The racial prejudices, sexism and social divides between rich and poor in the Deep South are a dark echo of today’s America, and often reveal themselves most powerfully through the small details that a talented novelist can slip into a story seamlessly. This wonderful story is gripping and atmospheric. It’s slow to reveal its secrets and is peopled with characters you’ll care about. I recommend it wholeheartedly.