They Can't Take Your Name by Robert Justice
A Review By: SY
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 30 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?
Inspired by the atmospheric poetry of Langston Hughes 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...with deadly consequences.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): JD Jackson
A tangled tale of characters' unexpected connections to each other and to the truth of a man's fate.
Robert Justice's debut novel is a strong showing of his potential as a writer. The plot pace and character development were deliberate and steady, with new revelations being well-placed throughout the storyline to keep the listener engaged and guessing. Mr. Justice's commentary about the intersection of race and the U.S. criminal justice system are not new, but he does a good job of creating interesting characters who are motivated by their own perceptions of what they are entitled to and what qualifies as justice. The addition of Langston Hughes' poetry as an anchor and frame for the Black characters' experiences is fitting.
While this story is well-written, narration icon, JD Jackson, adds a layer of depth and richness to the cast of characters with his delivery; injecting thoughtful pauses, inflections, and voice textures for the listener to absorb the full drama of the scene.
This book doesn't necessarily end on a cliffhanger, but it does raise questions as to whether this book is the beginning of a series.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: 4 (It’s lit!)
Content Warnings? Physical abuse/violence
