Blending fact and fiction, heartbreak and survival, THEY CAN'T TAKE YOUR NAME is a gripping, powerful, moving story of hope and determination, and the unwavering strength to right a wrongful conviction before it's too late. Robert Justice's remarkably fluid, lyrical writing is unflinching in its exposure of hard-hitting truths, life after loss, and racial injustice, told through the compelling stories of three interconnected characters

3 stars

They Can't Take Your Name is a beautifully written story about prejudice, lies, joys, oppression, and perseverance under difficult times. It's a struggle for the truth and for doing right when doom is on the brink. The theme is relatable to our reality, not only in the US but anywhere in the world. Besides the story what really hooked me up is Robert Justice's way of writing and expressing himself! Loved it!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

This was a captivating story with the elements of racism and justice. It was well written and I enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a great thriller about racism and the American justice system. Kept me gripped throughout with good characters and great writing. Would highly recommend.

This book covers a vast number of important and talked about topics- along with being a crime novel it has tried to invoke a lot of emotions while i was reading the ARC copy of this

I love a good thriller. Something to get the mind working, heart racing and having you on the edge of your seat. Great writing, great characters and a great storyline.

They Can’t Take Your Name is an amazing story about racism and the American justice system. The writing style is really great and you could really feel for the characters. This was very heartwarming and eye opening at the same time. If you’re a fan of thrillers or contemporary fiction you will enjoy this book. Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review of this book.

This debut is literary with suspenseful elements. I mainly listened to the audiobook. I appreciate J.D. Jackson’s stellar narration as his talent ranges from an older man to the man’s young granddaughter for this recording. During scenes in the novel, Langston, the older man on death row, quotes poems from his well-known namesake and chants out loud, making these moments heartbreaking and potent. There is also the beginnings of a romance, which does not overshadow the seriousness of the plot. The injustice of this story is countered with enduring faith and the love of family, whether born into or found. Readers will see the potential for a sequel.

Thanks to Crooked Lane, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for advanced access. My ratings and reviews are my own.

TW and CW: graphic scenes of execution; mentions of SA and kidnapping; death of a loved one; scene of suicide on page; self-harm on page; depiction of mental illness

Author interview on the Crime Writers of Color Podcast: https://www.crimewritersofcolor.com/cwoc-podcast/robert-justice

Robert Justice's debut novel They Can't Take Your Name is a perceptive, moving—and angering—read and promises much more to come. It's a buy-it-now, read-it-now title.

The novel focuses on Eli and Liza, both going through a process of grieving and fighting back. Eli still mourns the death of his wife, Antoinette, and struggles to fulfill their shared dream of bringing the Roz, a Black night club in the Five Points district of Denver, back to life. Liza dreamed of being a singer, but when her father was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, she put those dreams aside to become a lawyer and to fight to clear her father's name.

Eli is retreating from the world. Liza engages with it, retaining a relationship with her father's friends, who join her in the fight on her father's behalf—and to help Eli with his dream of reopening The Roz. This is novel about two individuals and also a novel about communities and the impact of their presence or absence.

As Eli and Liza slowly build a friendship, Colorado politics are making Liza's crusade all the more pressing. The Governor has decided to speed up executions in the state, and her father is high up on that list.

They Can't Take You Name is a novel of fighting back, of sometimes winning, sometimes losing. Not all ends well, but enough ends well to make me eager to see what Justice will do next with this cast of characters. I strongly recommend this book for readers who want a good story that wrestles with our times and allows us to follow the lives of two very human individuals.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Y'all. I read this twice- once in print and once in audio. Gripping and real and emotional and gut wrenching either way... but as I am an unrepentant audiophile, I lean toward the audio version, simply because JD Jackson brings Langston and Eli and Liza and Antoinette to life. I rarely turn around at the end of a book and go back to read it again, especially when I JUST read it, but... I had to do it.
To know me is to know that I love several true crime podcasts- one of my new favorites is Wrongful Conviction. My housemate is always laughing at me because I like to listen to 'serious stuff'. This book? Serious stuff. But it's so good. While many of those stories end with an exoneration, many don't. This book feels like a meld of The Wrongful Conviction podcast, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and The Life of David Gale. I still think about Just Mercy and David Gale far too often and now I'll be thinking of They Can't Take Your Name.

At its foundation, this is a solid story: a woman is fighting to save her dad from being executed for a crime he didn't commit. However, the book frequently became either preachy or cliché, detracting from the point of the story. That, and I started to wonder if perhaps this story was trying to teach a lesson but that they only people that would hear the lesson already know how unjust our legal system is. However, just because you start the book aware of the inequity doesn't mean you can't enjoy reading the book and seeing how the author and their characters approach the situation. That I enjoyed and I wish some avenues had been explored more. One storyline that felt like a distraction was Eli dealing with the passing of his wife, Antoinette. While I understand his character was grieving, it added nothing to the central storyline and interrupted the flow of the book.

First time novelist Robert Justice has written They Can't Take Your Name, which is the beginning of a crime series predicated on wrongful convictions. An unusual fiction lens but intriguing one given the recent focus on the American Justice system. A man is found guilty of a murderous robbery, known as the Mother's Day Massacre. His young daughter at the time, is now a law student and working to prove his innocence. A third man who is struggling with his wife’s death and trying to open a jazz club, may be able to help. Thus, begins this fighting injustice saga, with its initial almost lyrical quality narrative and characters with depth. However, it’s crime fiction and although a most satisfying read, the ending is somewhat flat, albeit the preamble to a sequel. Oddly, with the disappointing ending, it makes for a four-star rating. With thanks to Crooked Lane Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and are made without fear or favour.

Liza left Julliard for law school in the hope that she would be able to work through and around the system to prove her father's innocence before his execution. Langston has been in prison a very long time, convicted of a murder he did not commit. Eli Stone, a widower who owns the jazz club where Liza works, did not come forward with information that might have helped Langston but now he agrees to help Liza, who has also enlisted her law school classmates. Help yes, but will Eli now provide the key info? It's an emotional rollercoaster with good characters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A nice debut.

“No action in the face of injustice is injustice too.”

“Langston was convinced that his-and Liza’s-freedom would arrive only when the needle pierced his arm.”

There might be nothing worse then being on death row for a murder you did not commit. The only thing worse would be being executed for that murder.

They Can’t Take Your Name by Robert Justice is an intense, powerful, difficult read. There were times I couldn’t go on, had to take a breathe, pause and collect myself. There is a race against time to try and free Langston Hughes, a black man on death row for a murder he didn’t commit. His daughter, Liza, is on a mission and has devoted her life to clearing his name.

I loved many of the characters, but had a very hard time understanding Eli and many of the decisions he made. I would love to hear the author speak and get some things cleared up in my mind.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more books by Robert Justice.

Let's get the warnings out of the way first. This is the story of a man in prison for murder, so obviously there is death, also some profanity, and considerable religious material.
Now, a new author for me, the subject is an innocent man on death row for murders he didn't commit. Langston Brown is on death row, all appeals exhausted, his execution date looming. His daughter, Liza, gives up her dream of becoming a singer to attend law school. She steadfastly maintains her father's innocence.
The story is set in Denver, the black Five Points neighborhood. Widower Eli Stone lives there
with dreams of restoring and reopening The Roz, a former jazz club. Eli has demons and is a dark, multifaceted character.
Father Myriel is like a real father to Eli during his troubled youth. Detective Slager is supposed to represent and support his community, but his confession indicates secrets and a dark truth.
Fredricka runs the local newspaper. She and Eli have a complicated history.
Liza becomes part of Project Joseph, an innocence project, to free her father. All of these characters cross paths as some try to obtain new evidence and others want to bury facts.
It's an emotional, thought provoking look at the justice system, guilt, innocence and the death penalty. While it isn't a new subject, it is an interesting and certainly timely one. There is drama, grief, love, romance, suspense and is an emotional rollercoaster.
As a member of Netgalley I received an advance digital copy of "They Can't Take Your Name". I would like to thank the author, Robert Justice, and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and give my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

They Can’t Take Your Name is one of those books where you can literally feel the emotions jump right off the page. Langston is serving time for a crime he did not commit. As he sits on death row, his daughter Liza tries desperately to free her father. While she is dedicated to her cause, going as far as to put her dream of singing on hold to attend law school, it may still not be enough to save Langston. Eli, a man who is grieving the premature death of his wife, gives Liza a job at the Rossonian, a jazz club in their Five Points neighborhood. Soon, the two do what they can to overturn Langston’s wrongful conviction.

Justice’s way with words really made this book special, particularly because the reader is able to view the story through the eyes of multiple characters. To be able to experience Eli’s heartbreak, Liza’s determination amid devastation, and Langston’s awareness of his situation (and that’s just looking at three characters) made the story that much more captivating. I also appreciated the description of the setting, from The Rossonian to Five Points to the city of Denver in general. I would consider the location another character in the story because of the role it played in the lives of the main characters.

This was such an emotional book for me because it was so hauntingly accurate when it comes to the way in which the wrongfully convicted (particularly Black men) are treated. I know that doesn’t even begin to cover it but it’s all I can muster to say considering the feelings the story evoked. It’s definitely a story I will never forget, and I look forward to reading more from Robert Justice.

This book was a difficult one to read. Not because it was boring or I couldn’t connect with the subject matter or the characters - no, it was just the opposite. It was written with so much emotion, such depth, so many terrifying and wonderful feelings, that I often could only read a few chapters at a time before needing a break. It’s intense. Then about 100 pages to the end, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

I don’t know if I can possibly do this novel the justice it deserves with my review, the justice that the characters Langston, Liza, Elizabeth, Father Myriel and others so deserved. It is gut wrenching and painful in a way but yet also so hopeful too. It’s the sort of story that reminds me to be kinder to every human I encounter in my life. We all could learn something from reading this book.

The story was powerful, one of something so simple yet incredibly complex… injustice. The wrongly accused. Dirty or lazy law enforcement officers (often both), incorrect and unreliable eyewitnesses, bad lab testing, political BS, ineffective representation… the list goes on.
All of that often leads to far too many innocent people being found guilty of crimes they did not commit, and guilty ones being acquitted and set free on stupid technicalities. This book was written as fiction, but it pulls details from Denver’s own local history, so it reads like nonfiction, the story is that realistic. It’s amazing.

One of my classes in college I learned a lot about white privilege / supremacy and black inferiority. Sad to say, I had no clue about any of it. Of course I knew racism existed, but I didn’t know just how deep it all went. This cluelessness is far too common. I learned what it is, and why I’ve never had to live with the gut clenching fear in the pit of my stomach, day in and out, that every “child of Africa” as the author terms it, has to live with, every day of their lives.

That they have to either stay locked in their homes as prisoners - the only somewhat safe space they have; knowing that as soon as they walk out their doors, they’re targets for any of the aforementioned slights of our justice system and this country. To be thrown to the ground, put in prone and have guns pointed at you by police when all you’re doing is walking around, just because maybe you look like a suspect. To be treated like you are inhuman… it’s just wrong. Eyewitnesses are unreliable. I wish minorities didn’t have to deal with such racism, I wish it didn’t exist.

This book puts a gigantic spotlight on the huge racial injustices in this country that in my mind, should never exist. We are all human. We all bleed the same. We deserve the same rights, the same treatment, the same opportunities, the same protections, the same respect. Black lives DO matter. ALL lives matter, regardless of the color of our skin. Yet it is not this way in this world, and it makes me sad. I try to champion those with enough courage to stand for those who can’t. To bring awareness where there is none. I hope others will read this book and begin to support those who can’t support themselves when they are victims of this far too political country and broken justice system.

The message from this author, very aptly said in the title alone, “they can’t take your name” is so true. They can accuse you of a senseless crime, strip you of your freedom, throw you behind bars when you know you are innocent and even execute you out of pure corruption… but you will always be you. They can’t take your name. Ever. I live in a state where capital punishment is legal. I don’t agree with it. I think our government has been broken for far too long. The status quo we live with in this day and age isn’t okay anymore. I think some are finding their voices and speaking up more now, and I applaud them. I hope it leads to some effectual change someday.

It is a very powerful and incredible story. One that everyone should read. It will be in my head and heart for a long time. I recommend this book to literally everyone. We all need a little more humility, more honesty, more care and respect for our fellow humans, to be more humble. All of us. Read this book. Just read it. Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Robert Justice for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book for free!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

This was a story of love and tragedy . A man grieving for his dead wife and a daughter trying to save her father who is on death row for a horrific crime he did not commit. An unscrupulous detective and state governor. who will incriminate their own people for their own political power . This story is based in the black community of Denver USA. Each character has their own sad story to tell in graphic detail.

The writing style is poetic and readable . There were some unanswered questions in the narrative which was disappointing in the context of the story however a good read . 4 stars.

What. A. Book.

Rating: 4.5/5

Content Notice:: Racism, death, needles, & loss of a loved one.

Things I liked
- The author's writing style.
- The characters. All versatile yet relatable in their own ways.
- Eli and Liza's story. I hope there is more to them in the future.
- Depiction of Eli's loss. While the inspiration did stem from the author's personal life, the transition was truly heartbreaking.
- Plot twists and shocking scenes. Some of which made my stomach. Brilliant.
- The research was conducted to turn real-life incidents into a true crime book.

"I am black, not because of a curse, but because my skin has been able to capture all the cosmic effluvia. I am truly a drop of sun under the earth."


Things that I didn't like much?
- There seemed to have been an oversimplification in terms of such a complex topic. The ending seemed a little over the top with the garden scene.

"What all of this has led me to believe is that they never really see us. When they do, they don’t. It’s like we can’t go anywhere and yet we can go everywhere. I mean, as I was leaving Slager’s place, that couple saw me up close. We were face-to-face, but it seems to me that all they really saw was a son of Africa. They didn’t see me."


While it might have been exaggerated, I don't think it would be true in all cases? I am not sure. If anyone could educate me on that matter, I would appreciate it.

Overall, fantastic book. I truly enjoyed reading it. Will definitely read more books by this author.

I received a complimentary advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.