Wow! I have had the good fortune to read several great books so far this year, and this one goes right to the top of the list of most enjoyed. I actually got into trouble with the wife, because I would not put it down and go to bed. It was that mesmerizing.
The book is set in Los Angeles in 1993, after the Rodney King riots. The plot follows an attempted murder of a young gangster drug dealer, and of the two men arrested for the crime. It uses multiple voices, that of the person shot, of the two arrested men, of parole agents, detectives, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and other gang (or wanna-be's) members. I think there are about a dozen different characters.
The story is excellent. Entirely believable. Riveting. The confusion of the crime scene, the motives of some of the law enforcement, the political maneuverings to get ahead in careers (and in gang reputations), the jail scenes, the prison scenes, the courtroom scenes, descriptions of the gang (I think it's the Mexican Mafia). All were spot-on!
The author expertly uses the multiple characters voices to make you feel like you are there.
I spent seven years as a Deputy Sheriff, then another 21 years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (in various positions). I can vouch for the author's descriptions. He really hits the nail on the head!
All in all, this is an incredible book. After finishing the book (and taking a day to catch my breath), I immediately ordered some more of his books. I think I have a new favorite author to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Reading Copy of this book.
Highly, highly recommend!

After reading Gattis last effort Safe I knew his next novel was going to be big. It sure proved to be all of that and more. Crime novel fans rejoice we have the next crime novelist must read. A page turning epic suspense novel that takes you through the criminal justice system. Recommend.

Very interesting approach to a criminal case. When two inner-city men are accused of multiple crimes, including murder, the story unfolds form multiple perspectives. First person jumps from character to character as the criminal justice system is examined/explained/revealed/exposed.