Rockstars and Executions: A mid-Atlantic drug kingpin, a pro bono lawyer who rescued the innocent, and how they saved each other

by Andrew Mallin

A history of violence in his family, he joined the boxing club. She grew up poor in Stone Mountain, Georgia, birthplace of the modern Ku Klux Klan, and with reading as her only weapon fought her way to Yale, then Columbia Law. He was surrounded by guns, drugs and some of the biggest stars on earth. She went to death row, of her own accord, to save an innocent man from death. He toured with some of the most famous people alive, and they all wanted his drugs. More women, more drugs, more brushes with fame, more cars, more furs, more. He only cared about himself. She didn't think to care for herself. He cut a deal, fled the country, and lived on a beach. She had three strokes, and fell into a coma. He had not gone looking for her. Her goal is to walk to the end of the street, step over the sand, and swim in the ocean once again. This is the true story of my two weeks with Frank Sumner and Kathleen Behan, about the rockstars, and the dead.

Genres: True Crime, Drugs

259 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Exploring the world through words and teaching. Former geographer turned author and educator. Join me on my journey

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rockstars and Executions” reads like a film noir but we should not oversimplify this book. The author Andrew Mallin introduces us to the curious characters of Frank (who tells us about the untold scenes of drugs and rock n roll) and Kathleen (whose prominent law position leads her to fight for the innocent) and how their lives intersect. Their intriguing journey and their want for more is a fascinating read!!! Lisa

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rockstars and Executions is a captivating book. Frank, a drug kingpin, tells fascinating stories about his first hand accounts working security with rock bands and solo artists who are icons in the music world. Kathleen's stories about her pro bono work as a lawyer with inmates on death row was powerful. Andrew Mallin's success in getting Frank and Kathleen to open up and share their experiences and then writing the story in this riveting book is a display of his talent.

[James Hield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of two people who lived a bit larger than life, which after finishing the story I can't help feeling they both paid for it, and yet are better off for it as well. Interesting lives and wild stories are told in a fast-paced easily read manner.

Recommended for anyone interested in true crime, people with histories of violence, or the private lives of some of the most famous people from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. A fun, gripping and surprisingly tender book.

[Peter Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book that reads like a cross between a documentary and a Rolling Stones article. Some of the biggest names from my childhood are seen from...new angles! Kathleen's life story is fascinating, and a bit heartbreaking. Frank's redemption arc...I want to know more!

Documentary next?! Would certainly watch, or listen to a podcast about these two and how their lives intertwined with a variety of famous true crime stories.

Great book.

[Devin Headrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book after running into Frank in person and hearing a story or two from the man himself. An overall wild collection of high energy stories spanning decades of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I would have loved to have heard a bit more about Katherine's life; her sections of the book inserted pleasant seriousness and sobriety in between the chaos of Frank's stories. She likely deserves a book of her own, and I'd be especially interested in a follow-up on her road to recovery!

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique story about real individuals who would make interesting movie characters. It was nice to see where they started and the journey to where they are now. Once I got used to the jumps from one memory to the next, I really enjoyed it.

[Geena Hammersmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books I read in a few sittings. Some shocking stuff here but the story just rolls along. Funny, scary, and heart-warming moments. Great read!