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Attica Locke
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Pleasantville (The Jay Porter mysteries by Attica Locke Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Attica Locke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,349 ratings

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA GOLD DAGGER AND LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2016, THE TIMES 10 Best Thrillers of 2010s

It's 1996, Bill Clinton has just been re-elected and in Houston a mayoral election is looming. As usual the campaign focuses on Pleasantville -- the African-American neighbourhood of the city that has swung almost every race since it was founded to house a growing black middle class in 1949. Axel Hathorne, former chief of police and the son of Pleasantville's founding father, was all set to become Houston's first black mayor. But his lead is slipping thanks to a late entrant into the race -- Sandy Wolcott, a defence attorney riding high on the success of a high-profile murder trial.

And then, just as the competition intensifies, a girl goes missing, apparently while canvassing for Axel. And when her body is found, Axel's nephew is charged with her murder.

Sam is determined that Jay Porter defends his grandson. And even though Jay is tired of wading through other people's problems, he suddenly finds himself trying his first murder case, a trial that threatens to blow the entire community wide open, and reveal the lengths that those with power are willing to go to hold onto it.

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  1. Book 2 of 2
    Jay Porter Series
  2. Print length
    41 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Serpent's Tail
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    9 April 2015
  7. File size
    2.7 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 2 books in this series.
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Product description

Review

Praise for Black Water Rising: 'What a ride! A superlative debut ... Locke is a stand-out in every imperative-young-writer way -- James Ellroy The most impressive crime debut I've read this year The Times Praise for The Cutting Season: 'Rich in atmosphere, strong in story, hinges on human complexity --Val McDermid Genuinely unnerving ... subtle, complex questions of identity, family and history Daily Mail

From the Back Cover

From Attica Locke, a writer and producer of FOX's Empire, this sophisticated thriller sees lawyer Jay Porter--hero of her bestseller Black Water Rising--return to fight one last case, only to become embroiled in a dangerous game of shadowy politics and a witness to how far those in power are willing to go to win.

Fifteen years after his career-defining case against Cole Oil, Jay Porter is broke and tired. That victory might have won the environmental lawyer fame, but thanks to a string of appeals, he hasn't seen a dime. His latest case--representing Pleasantville in the wake of a chemical fire--is dragging on, shaking his confidence and raising doubts about him within this upwardly mobile black community on Houston's north side. Though Jay still believes in doing what's right, he is done fighting other people's battles. Once he has his piece of the settlement, the single father is going to devote himself to what matters most--his children.

His plans are abruptly derailed when a female campaign volunteer vanishes on the night of Houston's mayoral election, throwing an already contentious campaign into chaos. The accused is none other than the nephew and campaign manager of one of the leading candidates--a scion of a prominent Houston family headed by the formidable Sam Hathorne. Despite all the signs suggesting that his client is guilty--and his own misgivings--Jay can't refuse when a man as wealthy and connected as Sam asks him to head up the defense. Not if he wants that new life with his kids. But he has to win.

Plunging into a shadowy world of ambitious enemies and treacherous allies armed with money, lies, and secrets, Jay reluctantly takes on his first murder trial--a case that will put him and his client, and an entire political process, on trial.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00UJD8AGE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Serpent's Tail
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 9 April 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Main
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 41 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1847659774
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Jay Porter Series
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,349 ratings

About the author

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Attica Locke

Attica Locke

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Attica Locke is the author of the widely acclaimed debut novel Black Water Rising, which was nominated for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, an Edgar Award, and an NAACP Image Award, and was short-listed for the UK’s Orange Prize. As a screenwriter, Locke has produced scripts for Paramount, Warner Bros., Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and HBO. She was a fellow at the Sundance Institute's Feature Filmmakers Lab and has served on the board of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. A native of Houston, Texas, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,349 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a brilliant read with an emotionally satisfying political thriller that features plenty of twists and turns. The writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as beautifully written. They appreciate the historical background, with one review highlighting the extensive background about city politics in Houston, and find the characters believable.

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13 customers mention ‘Readability’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a brilliant read.

"Great read...." Read more

"A good read and a very goodmystery" Read more

"Fair read." Read more

"I loved this book. I hadn't realised that there was one before it so I have ordered that one to read too. This was gripping and unexpected." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Plot’11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as an emotionally satisfying political thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

"...She has captured Texas and its intricacies with ease and she paced the plot perfectly and her characters leapt off the pages...." Read more

"...from Blackwater Rising here and once again sweetens her exploration of social and political issues with a well constructed plot and and authentic..." Read more

"A bit of a slow burner to start with but then off and running. A gripping courtroom and political drama to keep you on the edge of your seat...." Read more

"A good read and a very goodmystery" Read more

4 customers mention ‘Historical background’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical background of the book, with one customer noting its detailed analysis of city politics in Houston.

"...but her prose sparkles, the historical background to her work is always detailed and impeccable, and she writes from the heart with..." Read more

"The combination of court case, murder mystery and politics with interesting main character held my attention and I read to the finish." Read more

"...Her excellent historical analysis and subtle nuancing of class and racial deprivation underpin the kind of story telling you stay awake all night to..." Read more

"...place during the G W Bush election year and provides extensive background about city politics in Houston with its attendant deals and corruption...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Characterization’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the characterization in the book, finding the characters believable, with one customer particularly loving Jay Porter.

"Great read. I love the character Jay Porter - a sort of latter day Atticus Finch in his sense of justice - and the picture of his family life is..." Read more

"...of court case, murder mystery and politics with interesting main character held my attention and I read to the finish." Read more

"...emotionally satisfying political thriller, peopled by flawed, believable characters...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Writing style’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one describing it as beautifully written and another noting how the prose sparkles.

"...writes very little (I think this is only her third novel) but her prose sparkles, the historical background to her work is always detailed and..." Read more

"Attica Locke's books, are beautifully written, and this is no exception...." Read more

"I really love the way Attica Locke writes and hope there is plenty more Jay Porter books on the way from her!" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Je suis Charlie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, brilliant Locke
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    It's a delight to find a new title by the fantastic Attica Locke. She writes very little (I think this is only her third novel) but her prose sparkles, the historical background to her work is always detailed and impeccable, and she writes from the heart with skill and intelligence. This book uses the memories of her father's political activism to tremendous effect and I quickly became immersed in the story of a period of American history which is both fascinating and frightening. If you haven't yet discovered Ms Locke you are in for a literary treat; if you already know her writing, this is the best yet. Enjoy!
    One person found this helpful
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  • WhatCathyReadNext
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining thriller
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 January 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great read. I love the character Jay Porter - a sort of latter day Atticus Finch in his sense of justice - and the picture of his family life is authentic. Amongst the thriller elements is also a touching and realistic picture of coping with bereavement. Hope Attica Locke writes another one soon.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Locke has written a book that should appeal to everyone. She has captured Texas and its intricacies with ease and she paced the plot perfectly and her characters leapt off the pages. The first Locke book I have read and certainly not the last.
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  • David O'Neill
    3.0 out of 5 stars The combination of court case, murder mystery and politics ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 February 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The combination of court case, murder mystery and politics with interesting main character held my attention and I read to the finish.
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  • DottieG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Attica Locke's books, are beautifully written, and this is no exception. She resurrects one of the main characters from Blackwater Rising here and once again sweetens her exploration of social and political issues with a well constructed plot and and authentic characterisation. Her excellent historical analysis and subtle nuancing of class and racial deprivation underpin the kind of story telling you stay awake all night to finish.. My only complaint is there isn't another to read yet.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dr. Jack
    4.0 out of 5 stars it has to be said that this is a bit of a disappointment. Set in Houston - the same milieu as ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 February 2016
    Verified Purchase
    After 'The Cutting Season' and 'Blackwater rise', it has to be said that this is a bit of a disappointment. Set in Houston - the same milieu as Blackwater - the dogged lawyer Jay is again the hero, now minus his wife. The plot takes place during the G W Bush election year and provides extensive background about city politics in Houston with its attendant deals and corruption. But it is all a bit long-winded and the trial section in particular reads rather like a courtroom transcript. I think Attica is better with female characters.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 April 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A bit of a slow burner to start with but then off and running. A gripping courtroom and political drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. More twists and turns than a country lane.
    Helpful
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  • dennis vick
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 July 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A good read and a very goodmystery
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Winebore
    4.0 out of 5 stars Starts slow but grips by the end
    Reviewed in Spain on 23 January 2020
    Verified Purchase
    If you try this book, be patient. The story has many strands and getting each one going does not making for the most exciting of reads at first (hence my only 4 star review). But once these elements come together, the book becomes gripping and to to use the old cliché, unputdownable - I was up until 3am this morning finishing the story.
    Highly recommended and I'll be looking out for more from Attica Locke.
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  • Andrea Besson
    1.0 out of 5 stars Tolles Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on 21 April 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Musste zurückgeschickt werden, da ich es in Englisch bestellt hatte.
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  • Carol Siegel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Good Read from a Rising Star Author
    Reviewed in the United States on 23 October 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Very well written with a strong plot line, likable characters, and good suspense. It is a combination classic "village" murder mystery filled with interesting characters and many suspects and a political thriller that resonates for anyone who follows American political changes of the last 20+ years. But what I like best about this and the previous book in the series is that it opens a window on an important part of America that many white people are oblivious to: the lives of middle class black people. Black lives not only matter, they are different from white lives in many ways and Locke presents a detailed vision of what those differences are. Like many other black artists, she concentrates here on the struggle to protect and care for family in a world where black people are marginalized and their needs ignored and their children unfairly vulnerable to being preyed upon. I appreciate that she also shows the way this situation can corrupt the morally weak and inspire the morally strong. Locke is a rare talent.
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  • D. H. Burney
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 18 August 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Not great. Formulaic.
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  • Debra
    3.0 out of 5 stars Slow paced
    Reviewed in Australia on 22 April 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved Black Water Rising but unfortunately I can't say the same for Pleasantville. Jay is a fantastic character, but I felt bogged down by the volume of characters and several different storylines confused things for me. It has a much slower pace than her other book, and I actually put it down a few times to read something else. I love the author's use of language, but this book just didn't grab me.
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