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Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom Kindle Edition

by McCracken Poston Jr. (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 273 ratings
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“Wildly entertaining…. Zenith Man By McCracken Poston, Jr. is a true crime book but the events described seems more like a John Grisham novel.” —Mystery Tribune

Like a nonfiction John Grisham thriller with echoes of Rainman, Just Mercy, and a captivating smalltown Southern setting, this is the fascinating true story—sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking—of an idealistic young lawyer determined to free an innocent neurodivergent man accused of murdering the wife no one knew he had.

An inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice for readers of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Just Mercy.

Was this small-town TV repair man “a harmless eccentric or a bizarre killer” (Atlanta Journal Constitution). For the first time, Alvin Ridley’s own defense attorney reveals the inside story of his case and trial in an extraordinary tale of friendship and an idealistic young attorney’s quest to clear his client’s name—and, in the process, rebuild his own life.

In October 1997, the town of Ringgold in northwest Georgia was shaken by reports of a murder in its midst. A dead woman was found in Alvin Ridley’s house—and even more shockingly, she was the wife no one knew he had. 

McCracken Poston had been a state representative before he lost his bid for U.S. Congress and returned to his law career. Alvin Ridley was a local character who once sold and serviced Zenith televisions. Though reclusive and an outsider, the “Zenith Man,” as Poston knew him, hardly seemed capable of murder. 

Alvin was a difficult client, storing evidence in a cockroach-infested suitcase, unwilling to reveal key facts to his defender. Gradually, Poston pieced together the full story behind Virginia and Alvin’s curious marriage and her cause of death—which was completely overlooked by law enforcement. Calling on medical experts, testimony from Alvin himself, and a wealth of surprising evidence gleaned from Alvin’s  junk-strewn house, Poston presented a groundbreaking defense that allowed Alvin to return to his peculiar lifestyle, a free man.

Years after his trial, Alvin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a revelation that sheds light on much of his lifelong personal battle—and shows how easily those who don’t fit societal norms can be castigated and misunderstood. Part true crime, part courtroom drama, and full of local color, Zenith Man is also the moving story of an unexpected friendship between two very different men that changed—and perhaps saved—the lives of both.
 
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  1. Print length
    401 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Citadel Press
  5. Publication date
    February 20, 2024
  6. File size
    15833 KB
  7. Page Flip
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for ZENITH MAN
 
“McCracken Poston is a good storyteller and has a good story to tell, with the kinds of twists and turns that will make readers think it’s great fiction—except it all happened.” —Jon Meacham, New York Times bestselling author, winner of the Pulitzer Prize

“Poston found himself defending a guy he knew was guilty in what appeared to be a slam-dunk murder case.  But the amazing truth in this true crime drama is there was no crime at all. It’s one hell of a story.” —Jonathan Karl, author of Betrayal, Chief Washington Correspondent for ABC News

“Poston is a natural storyteller in the great Southern Gothic tradition. He sees the pain, but finds the humor, too, and ultimately the humanity, turning a tale of murder into a remarkable story of love, friendship and justice.” —Rory Kennedy, Emmy Award‑winning documentary filmmaker

“Autistic, paranoid, and a recluse, Alvin Ridley is charged with murdering his wife, only to be found innocent thanks to overlooked peculiar evidence and a dogged small-town lawyer struggling with his own demons. McCracken King Poston Jr.’s skillful account in Zenith Man is a warning about prejudice, a rush to judgment, and how Americans who are different can be swept up unfairly in our justice system. An inspiring tale about courage and how both lawyer and client helped each other find redemption. A must-read.” —Pete Earley, New York Times bestselling author of The Hot House, Crazy, and No Human Contact

“Poston's unique voice has brought to life two fascinating characters thrown into a case that challenges our basic assumptions about law enforcement, the courts, and the media. You won't be able to put down The Zenith Man until the very last word.” —Charles Bosworth, Jr, and Joel Schwartz, authors of Bone Deep --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

About the Author

McCracken King Poston, Jr., is a criminal defense attorney and former state legislator in the Georgia House of Representatives. He gained national attention for his handling of several notable cases that were featured on CNN Presents, Dateline NBC, A&E's American Justice and Forensic Files. He lives in Ringgold, Georgia. Visit him at McCrackenPostonJr.com or @RealZenithMan. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C6FVLPCF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Citadel Press (February 20, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 20, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 15833 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 401 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 273 ratings

About the author

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McCracken Poston Jr.

McCracken Poston Jr.

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McCracken King Poston, Jr. was born and raised in Catoosa County in Northwest Georgia. A four-term member of the Georgia House of Representatives, his world unraveled after a number of personal and professional setbacks, including a losing bid for the U.S. Congress.

Soon, Poston found himself representing a most unusual client - a man once revered as a natural TV repairman who had also suffered several downfalls, including being accused of holding his wife captive in their basement for almost three decades before killing her. Poston went on to complete the representation of Alvin "Zenith Man" Ridley, and the community was shocked to hear the truth of what went on at the dilapidated house in Ringgold, Georgia.

Only recently, Alvin Ridley was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which explains much about how throughout his life he was misunderstood by his community.

Poston's first book is a story of redemption, of more than one man in Catoosa County, Georgia.

Poston went on from this case to a distinguished career as a criminal defense lawyer, with cases featured on television's "Forensic Files," A&E's "American Justice," and several national publications. He and his secretary continue to help Mr. Ridley, now eighty-one, making and getting him to appointments, and helping him navigate a neurotypical world.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
273 global ratings
'To Kill a Mockingbird' With a Happier Ending
5 Stars
'To Kill a Mockingbird' With a Happier Ending
Imagine “To Kill a Mockingbird” with a more satisfying courtroom resolution. That’s a preview of the highly sensationalized murder trial in “Zenith Man” by McCracken Poston Jr. I’ve known the defense attorney author since he was just Ken, little brother of my dear friend from our hometown, the setting for the book. What’s striking to me as a reporter is that the writer is as honest about his failures as his successes. He tells his client’s story and his own in the hope of helping someone else – a high place for law and journalism to meet. With an extraordinary epilogue and touching acknowledgements, Ken shows us that sometimes the hardest times in our lives can melt into saving grace.
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Top reviews from the United States

Maddie Abbott
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting and informative
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I knew some of the story from Forensic Files, and, as an autistic person myself, could see the signs in Alvin and sympathized with his struggle. So I knew I would read this as soon as I learned it was coming.

This book kept me reeled in the whole time! The pacing was good, the style is sophisticated, the dialogue reads so real I could hear it! Even knowing the verdict, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I also enjoyed being walked through a real trial, as my legal knowledge and experience is limited.

The story was wrapped up well, and I felt almost like I knew the people portrayed so candidly in the text.

I definitely enjoyed this book and will recommend it to anyone who likes true crime and has an autistic loved one!
9 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping tale of a small town mystery
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
I received my copy of the book late Tuesday evening and began reading it. I did not want to put it down and read approx 1/3 of the book that evening. I finished the book yesterday and being from Ringgold - learned a lot about this case I did not know. Have a profound respect for Alvin for maintaining his innocence and also respect for Ken for standing by his client through all they went through together. This book has small town drama, mystery, some laughter and heart tugging moments in it. Thank you Ken for finally sharing this case and showing everyone the true Alvin and the love he had for his wife. God bless you both!
7 people found this helpful
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Gavines
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
Ok, here's my disclaimer. I grew up in this small town and know most of the characters described so brilliantly in this book. However, I did not know all the details of the trial and Alvin. McCracken (Ken) Poston has written with a thoroughly delightful story that is at times so poignant and other times so hilarious. Ken's interweaving of his story with Alvin's brought a thoughtful look into marriage, politics, and understanding of differences in personalities.This is such a well written read and a beautiful snapshot of small town USA.
8 people found this helpful
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Anna
5.0 out of 5 stars Read the book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
Zenith Man is a true page turner that I started one afternoon and finished the next evening! McCracken (Ken) Poston, Jr., a lawyer, tells the true story of his struggles in defending a tv repairman, Alvin Ridley, charged with murdering his wife of 30 years, in a small town. This is a heartfelt story mixed with dread, mystery, and laugh out loud moments. The entire book is a rollercoaster ride with perfect timing. Throughout the book, Ken slowly and perfectly reveals the mystery of the often avoided Alvin Ridley, to the reader.

I grew up in Ringgold, Georgia , where this story took place. Alvin Ridley visited my childhood home to repair our television, and as an adult, I became familiar with the small town rumors. I attended high school with Mr. Poston, and actually worked for him for a while after he became a lawyer. I have always admired Ken, a good and respected person who treats everyone the same, always approachable. He is a brilliant writer as well. These two men changed one another’s lives as their paths crossed again. It’s a captivating story of redemption. Read the book!
4 people found this helpful
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Katheryn Hayes Tucker
5.0 out of 5 stars 'To Kill a Mockingbird' With a Happier Ending
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
Imagine “To Kill a Mockingbird” with a more satisfying courtroom resolution. That’s a preview of the highly sensationalized murder trial in “Zenith Man” by McCracken Poston Jr. I’ve known the defense attorney author since he was just Ken, little brother of my dear friend from our hometown, the setting for the book. What’s striking to me as a reporter is that the writer is as honest about his failures as his successes. He tells his client’s story and his own in the hope of helping someone else – a high place for law and journalism to meet. With an extraordinary epilogue and touching acknowledgements, Ken shows us that sometimes the hardest times in our lives can melt into saving grace.
Customer image
Katheryn Hayes Tucker
5.0 out of 5 stars 'To Kill a Mockingbird' With a Happier Ending
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Imagine “To Kill a Mockingbird” with a more satisfying courtroom resolution. That’s a preview of the highly sensationalized murder trial in “Zenith Man” by McCracken Poston Jr. I’ve known the defense attorney author since he was just Ken, little brother of my dear friend from our hometown, the setting for the book. What’s striking to me as a reporter is that the writer is as honest about his failures as his successes. He tells his client’s story and his own in the hope of helping someone else – a high place for law and journalism to meet. With an extraordinary epilogue and touching acknowledgements, Ken shows us that sometimes the hardest times in our lives can melt into saving grace.
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3 people found this helpful
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audreysvaultofhorror
4.0 out of 5 stars Really Good!
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
This case was featured on Forensic Files, American Justice, and People but I didn't have any previous
knowledge of the case. This book was so well written that at times I thought I was reading a John Grisham
novel. From the first page, I was drawn in to the story of Alvin Ridley and the tragic death of his wife, Virginia. The courtroom scenes were intense, heartbreaking, and infuriating at times. I felt like I was in the courtroom and even found myself getting anxious for Alvin as they were waiting for the verdict.

I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of true crime, courtroom dramas, legal thrillers, unusual buddy stories, or have an autistic loved one.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

shayne warren
5.0 out of 5 stars If you read one book this year, read this one.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Best book I've read this year. It will make you laugh and cry. Definitely recommend.
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