Pleasantville: A Novel

As one who lived in Houston both when the first Jay Porter novel and this second one were set, reading these was like a visit home. Ms Locke writes with vivid detail, and tells a ripping good story. I recommend these books for anyone, but especially for those with a connection to Houston.

A year or so ago, I saw a newspaper story about Attica Locke and her first novel. I immediately knew I had to read that book. After all, it was set in Houston, where I’ve lived for over forty years, and Locke was a Houston native. And to top it all off, she wrote for the hit TV series Empire, a show I’m not particularly fond of, but I was impressed by Locke’s credentials. I loved that book. I then read her second novel, and I loved it as well. And this, Pleasantville, is her third novel, the second to feature a Houston setting and lawyer Jay Porter as the protagonist. Oddly enough for books in a series, in Pleasantville a number of years have passed since Porter first appeared in that debut novel. Locke weaves a tale, set in the 1990s, largely set in and about a black Houston neighborhood (Pleasantville) and the political doings that occur when a young girl is murdered there. I have to admit that the book started slow—for me, anyway. I was well into it, perhaps 150 pages, before I was hooked. But once I was hooked, I was fascinated. And I was clobbered right between the eyes when the resolution came. This is masterful storytelling. And it is masterful writing. Locke creates an almost alternate Houston universe. Landmarks and national figures are authentic, but the other characters are made up, particularly the Houston political figures of the time. We know, especially those of us who have lived in Houston for decades, who was actually in power, but Locke simply creates her own power people in order to fuel her story. I was truly impressed with that, for she does it so skillfully that I was not bothered by her complete creation of a Houston that was similar to the one I know, and yet not authentic at all. I truly recommend this book whether you have lived in Houston or not. It is good, good, good.

Pleasantville was a planned community after WW II, a Levittown for middle class black families. Hispanic people are moving in and contesting the political power structure. Jay, the protagonist, is a middle- aged attorney whose wife recently died, who hopies to win a large class action lawsuit . His fee will be large enough to retire early.Jay's life suddenly becomes complicated when the town's most powerful political family, whose youngest son is running in a local election, asks him to represent the candidate in a criminal case. Jay does civil cases, has never done criminal work and is still depressed over the loss of his wife, but he's told to take the case or his big lawsuit will be given to an eager young hispanic attorney.The candidate is accused of the rape and murder of a teenage campaign volunteer. He refuses to reveal his alibi for the time of the volunteer's. He claims not to remember her, though her phone number is on his pager. Was the defendant set up by a rival candidate? Will the "alibi person" come forward? Will Jay get his confidence and energy back in time for the trial? Who is breaking into the files in Jay's office? A rival candidate, or someone working for the rival attorney attempting to take over the class-action suit? And most important , if the candidate didn't commit the murder, who did? There's so much circumstantial evidence, that the only way to win is to find a reasonable-doubt substitute.

Take the first affluent Black neighborhood in Houston, add a murder and political intrigue and you have Pleasantville! What a fun ride and a page turner. Attica Locke really knows how to tell a story with lots of twists and turns until the end. I’m hoping Jay Porter is retiring after he clears the ProFerma case. LOL!

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.

Never trust a person who seams to good to be true, this is how suspicious I am . Good read,Fisrt book was hard to get into , but I really enjoyed Pleasantville

When I first worked in Houston I worked for men whose father was an early builder. At that time, things were done on a handshake, and the promises of those handshakes were carried out by the sons. This story is infused with those individuals and points out the the dangers of losing of this. The texture of the writing evokes places that are filled with a history that makes them characters in their own right. The plot twists keep you guessing.

At about half past midnight I had to make a decision whether to put it down or power through. I finished it at 2am this morning.This is simply an outstanding political thriller deeply lured in both racial and local politics. Once again Locke delivers a wholly satisfying plot and a wholly believable reflection of an African American community fighting for relevance in pre-Dubya Texas.Published during Obama's second term this feels sharp and prescient. At this point I will read anything Attica Locke publishes.

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.

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!

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.

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.