From the Bookshelf of Tyler Public Library…

[close] 1948. The city of Atlanta has just hired its first eight African-American police officers, incurring great resistance from the Atlanta Police Department. Mullens' nourish-crime novel paints a harsh picture indeed, of the challenges faced by these first black officers who are forbidden to arrest offenders. Black officers are also not allowed guns, patrol cars, or even entrance into the Atlanta police station. The new officers are segregated in the leaky, mildewed basement of the black YMCA. One summer evening while patrolling Darktown, Boggs and Smith witness a white man crashing his car into one of the few new street lamps in Darktown. Pursuing the car on foot, Boggs and Smith realize that a young black girl is being battered in the car and watch as she jumps, runs from the still moving vehicle, and disappears into the dark. Days later the same young woman's body is discovered in a garbage dump and it becomes clear that Boggs and Smith are the only officers interested in solving her murder. Mullens' novel is complete with the racial epithets of the era and at times overwhelming depressive, considering the multitude of obstacles which these officers faced on a daily basis. Highly recommended for all crime & mystery readers.