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Thomas Mullen
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Lightning Men: A Novel (The Darktown Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Thomas Mullen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 869 ratings
From the acclaimed author of “the most compelling new series in crime fiction” (Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author) comes “a sharply observed novel” (New York Times) that explores race, law enforcement, and justice in mid-century Atlanta.

Officer Denny Rakestraw and “Negro Officers” Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith have their hands full in an overcrowded and rapidly changing Atlanta. It’s 1950 and racial tensions are simmering as black families, including Smith’s sister, begin moving into formerly all-white neighborhoods. When Rake’s brother-in-law launches a scheme to rally the Ku Klux Klan to “save” their neighborhood, his efforts spiral out of control, forcing Rake to choose between loyalty to family or the law.

Across town, Boggs and Smith try to shut down the supply of white lightning and drugs into their territory, finding themselves up against more powerful foes than they’d expected. Battling corrupt cops and ex-cons, Nazi brown shirts and rogue Klansmen, the officers are drawn closer to the fires that threaten to consume the city once again.

With echoes of Walter Mosley and Dennis Lehane, Mullen “expands the boundaries of crime fiction, weaving in eye-opening details from our checkered history” (Chicago Tribune).
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  1. Book 2 of 3
    The Darktown
  2. Print length
    385 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    37 Ink
  5. Publication date
    September 12, 2017
  6. File size
    11.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Thunderously good. There is a pace to this story, a beating pulse that drives it forward with every word and every page. Once you start this story there is no turning back.” (Huffington Post)

"Mullen unfolds his multifaceted plot with a sure hands and lively characterization. Lightning Men is far from predictable and rich with sociological and emotional detail." (The Wall Street Journal)

"Black vs. white doesn't begin to cover the complexity of the diverse relationships in this sharply observed novel." (New York Times Book Review)

"Mullen expands the boundaries of crime fiction, weaving in eye-opening details drawn from our checkered history." (Chicago Tribune)

"Morally complex and boasting more finely drawn characters, this outstanding follow-up to Darktown deepens Mullen's portrait of pre-civil rights America and deserves a place on every suspense reader's list." (Library Journal)

“Mullen again brilliantly combines a suspenseful plot with a searing look at a racist south,” (Publishers Weekly)

Tense and heated suspense envelop Thomas Mullen's second in his Darktown series. Lightning Men is a lit fuse about to go off at any time. (Mystery Scene Magazine)

"a keen reminder that American racism has a long, ugly, hateful tradition and that we still have a lot of work to do rooting it out and destroying it." (A Bookish Type)

"strikes a frighteningly current note," (Literary Hub (lithub.com))

“Certain books have the ability to crawl deep inside of a reader, to force one to live in that place amongst the author's vibrant characters, and occasionally to even inhabit one's dreams. Lightening Men is one of those novels - do not miss reading this book, trust me.” (LAURIE'S LIT PICKS)

“For readers who loved the first installment in Thomas Mullen’s critically acclaimed Darktown series, September 12 is your lucky day. The second installment, Lightning Men, is here.” (Bookish)

"Mullen does a masterful job layering emotional turmoil." (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

"The story was ever moving and kept me on my toes. I was rarely bored."

(UP ALL NIGHT BOOK ADDICT BLOG)

"Not only is this story a good one, but it is highly recommended!' (Char's Horror Corner)

"Hard-boiled. Explosive. Riveting. Timely! " (JUDITH COLLINS BLOG)

"This is an impressive series." (THE BOWED BOOKSHELF)

"The world Mullen so carefully creates in these pages will be familiar the readers of Jim Thompson, P.D. James and, especially James Ellroy, a world full of compromises for where there's nevertheless a wide, almost evangelical divide between good and evil. Lightning Men is even more engrossing but it's terrific predecessor." (Open Letters)

Best Crime Novels of 2017 (New York Times Book Review)

"Lightning Men [is]even better than Darktown, which is saying something." (Sarah Weinman The Crime Lady)

About the Author

Thomas Mullen is the author of The Lightning Men, Darktown, and The Last Town on Earth, which was named Best Debut Novel of 2006 by USA TODAY. He was also awarded the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for excellence in historical fiction for The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers and The Revisionists. His works have been named to Year’s Best lists by The Chicago Tribune and USA TODAY, among others. His stories and essays have been published in Grantland, Paste, and the Huffington Post, and his Atlanta Magazine true crime story about a novelist/con man won the City and Regional Magazine Award for Best Feature. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and sons.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MD0SFL0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ 37 Ink; Reprint edition (September 12, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 11.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 385 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 869 ratings

About the author

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Thomas Mullen

Thomas Mullen

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Thomas Mullen is the author of Darktown, an NPR Best Book of the Year, which has been shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, the Indies Choice Book Award, has been nominated for two Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards, and is being developed for television by Sony Pictures with executive producer Jamie Foxx; The Last Town on Earth, which was named Best Debut Novel of 2006 by USA Today and was awarded the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for excellence in historical fiction; The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers; and The Revisionists. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and sons.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
869 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's writing fantastic and appreciate its historical fiction elements, with one noting how it grabs readers from the first chapter. Moreover, the characters are well-developed, and the book provides an eye-opening view of post-World War II Atlanta. Additionally, customers praise its powerful narrative and its portrayal of racial issues, with one review highlighting the integration of black police officers.

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9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a good read with fantastic writing.

"...the Klan, prejudice and so much more was woven into this well written book. I thought that the lightening men would be moonshiners...." Read more

"...The writing is fantastic--It drew me in-and grabbed me from the very first chapter-actually from the prologue! A page- turner!!!..." Read more

"The story line like his other books is terrific, yes, but, it reminds me of a commode with drawers to compartment each protagonist...." Read more

"...about the South immediately after the Second World War and a enjoy a good read, this book is for you." Read more

9 customers mention "Story quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this historical fiction novel, praising its promising plot and noting it's a must-read for history students.

"...The characters were well developed and believable. It was impressed with the story...." Read more

"...Lightning Men (and Darktown) to anyone interested in terrific historical fiction or who appreciates stories with strong character development...." Read more

"...The plot was promising but it was wayyyy too much going on...." Read more

"...They will knock your socks off. The stories are really good, and the characters are easy to relate to, but the background research the author has..." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer specifically noting the inclusion of both white and black characters that readers care about.

"...The characters were well developed and believable. It was impressed with the story...." Read more

"...in terrific historical fiction or who appreciates stories with strong character development. The characters are so complex that they seem real...." Read more

"...The stories are really good, and the characters are easy to relate to, but the background research the author has done is eyeopening for readers..." Read more

"...Characters white and black that you care about. Both and entertainment and a social history education." Read more

4 customers mention "Eye opening"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book eye-opening, with one review noting it provides an interesting look at post-WWII Atlanta.

"...And, this book offers a glimpse into a fascinating and overlooked period in history.(1950)..." Read more

"Eye opening view of post WW11 Atlanta and the integration of black police officers. We’ve certainly come a long way since then...." Read more

"Interesting look back at a time we need to remember. Jim Crow era became real with this story. Read Darktown first. Hope this series continues." Read more

"Exceptional book! Very eye opening...." Read more

3 customers mention "Power"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book powerful.

"I read "Darktown"and it made me think. This book was equally powerful...." Read more

"...It is powerful but too much of the book seems obsessed with gratuitous violence...." Read more

"Though set in the 1950s, this unforgettable novel offers powerful, painful insight into the raw racism that still plagues our nation in 2017." Read more

3 customers mention "Racism"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of racial issues, with one review highlighting its painful insight into raw racism and another noting the integration of black police officers.

"...This book was equally powerful. Racial divide, family, loyalty, corruption, the Klan, prejudice and so much more was woven into this well written..." Read more

"Eye opening view of post WW11 Atlanta and the integration of black police officers. We’ve certainly come a long way since then...." Read more

"...in the 1950s, this unforgettable novel offers powerful, painful insight into the raw racism that still plagues our nation in 2017." Read more

3 customers mention "Sequel"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this sequel to Darktown.

"A great follow up to Darktown, building on the characters and local history in that book...." Read more

"A great follow up novel" Read more

"A great sequel to Darktown." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • bdoc
    5.0 out of 5 stars WORTHWHILE READ!!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I read "Darktown"and it made me think. This book was equally powerful. Racial divide, family, loyalty, corruption, the Klan, prejudice and so much more was woven into this well written book. I thought that the lightening men would be moonshiners. While moonshine has a part in the book that was not what it meant. Lightening men were men who were not moonshiners but a group like the Neo-Nazi 's of today. The characters were well developed and believable. It was impressed with the story. It was hard to imagine just because you want housing or to move up in the world, you were terrorized. The only reason was race. The book was not black is good and to be white is bad. It showed faults for all. I'd recommend to read Darktown first. This is a true sequel . If you like historical fiction, mystery and a thriller, this is the book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Received on time, clean packaging.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Great packaging, excellent condition of book. I even got a bookmark inside of the book. Thank you.
    Helpful
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  • Kathy S
    5.0 out of 5 stars UNFORGETTABLE STORY- GREAT BOOK CLUB CHOICE-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I am so glad Thomas Mullen wrote a follow up to Darktown! I also highly recommend Darktown, but don't worry if you haven't read it yet--Lightning Men stands on its own.
    The writing is fantastic--It drew me in-and grabbed me from the very first chapter-actually from the prologue! A page- turner!!!
    There are plots and subplots, twist and turns, surprises and shocks.
    Many reviews will probably focus on the great crime story-and it certainly is one, but I would also recommend Lightning Men (and Darktown) to anyone interested in terrific historical fiction or who appreciates stories with strong character development.
    The characters are so complex that they seem real. I understood what they were going through and why they are the way they are. And, this book offers a glimpse into a fascinating and overlooked period in history.(1950)

    It would be a great choice for book clubs, since it offers a lot of topics and quandaries to discuss.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Robbin Tiara Braswell
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 ⭐️⭐️
    Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the first book in the series a lot better than this one! The plot was promising but it was wayyyy too much going on. I also feel like a lot of dilemmas presented by the author weren’t really elaborated on, which took away from the story overall. Way too many moving parts. Also poor Jeremiah, I felt so bad for him. Seems as though he was used and abused by pretty much everyone. Broke my heart how the story ended for him, just seemed so unfair. He didn’t deserve half the things that happened to him. The situation with him alone had me looking at officer Boggs and Smith completely different and not in a good way. I also definitely was dying to see the Rake and Dale situation fully play out , I couldn’t believe that’s where their story stopped 😩 I do feel like there’s room for a continuation of the series and I would definitely read a 3rd book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • hbdawg
    4.0 out of 5 stars Compelling but too violent for my taste
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A follow up to Darktown, Lightning Men focuses on the Klan and white plight as well as on the black cops and black plight. It is powerful but too much of the book seems obsessed with gratuitous violence. However the next book holds much promise when ex-detective Smith becomes a reporter for the voice of the black community, the Atlanta Daily World.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    If you want an idea of what Atlanta and Georgia were like for black people in the late 1940's and early 50's , read this book and its predecessor "Darktown". They will knock your socks off. The stories are really good, and the characters are easy to relate to, but the background research the author has done is eyeopening for readers like me, who until recently didn't even understand what white privilege was. I have lived Georgia all my life and these books were revelations for me. (if you are really interested in the subject, read Lillian Smith's "Strange Fruit", written in 1944)
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Arlene A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars I read the first one was fast I knew this one wasn't going to disappoint me. This one deals with the smuggling in ...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The second book in the Darktown series by Thomas Mullen was something that I just couldn't wait anymore to read and thank goodness my library came in the clutch again with the audio right after I ordered the book in the mail. I read the first one was fast I knew this one wasn't going to disappoint me. This one deals with the smuggling in of both moonshine and marijuana, the KKK and its connection to the local APD and the fact that neighborhoods are starting to get their first black residents and some folks (the white residents) aren't having it. Of course, we still have our two favorite protagonists Boggs and Smith have they go through the mean streets of Atlanta, trying to the best of their abilities to serve and protect. In this book, some of the issues that I mentioned in at the start here hit home for both Boggs and Smith and even affect the relationship between the two. I really enjoyed this book and I hope more are to come in this series.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Carolyn Elkins
    4.0 out of 5 stars Recommend reading Blacktown first
    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Eye opening view of post WW11 Atlanta and the integration of black police officers. We’ve certainly come a long way since then. Gone With The Wind with the Atlanta police and the rural south. Recommend reading Blacktown first. Lighting Men in the sequel.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Dr. Rainer Lentz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Erschreckend gut recherchiert
    Reviewed in Germany on August 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Sehr beeindruckend
    Report
  • Ole
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good context
    Reviewed in Australia on March 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The most interesting aspect of this book for me is the pervasive impact of segregation in spite of it being the mid-20th century. The plot a bit stretched.
    Report
  • John
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 15, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A wonderful sequel. It was not a good life being Black in Atlanta in the period depicted in the book. Being a Black policeman was even worse. As a white guy I can’t fathom what life must have been like.
    The writing is taut. Nice short sentences. The realism is in your face.
    Report
  • Keith Davies
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Lightning men, the follow up to Darktown is just as good as it's prequel. Wonderful characters brought to life by Thomas Mullin's superb writing.
    Evoking the time of change in 50s Atlanta, the story grips from the very beginning, with white and black characters trying to come to terms with the new world altering around them.
    I love the fact that both sides of the coloured divide, are shown to be human, and flawed. Some welcoming the changing times while others are horrified by it.
    The story is fast moving and never fails to grip. Mr Mullen is at the top of his game, and he presents all the separate parts of the story in an exciting and enjoyable way, bringing them together in an explosive climax.
    A wonderful book. Highly recommended
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  • Fredo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Suite de darktown toujours aussi Haletant
    Reviewed in France on January 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Si vous avez aimé darktown, vous allez adorer la suite qui se passe deux ans après les débuts des premiers policier noirs à Atlanta . Plongée au cœur de la ségrégation effrayante aux USA dans les années 50
    Report

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