Bluebird, Bluebird

By: Attica Locke

Narrated by: J. D. Jackson

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

A "heartbreakingly resonant" thriller about the explosive intersection of love, race, and justice from a writer and producer of the Emmy-winning Fox TV show Empire (USA Today).

"In Bluebird, Bluebird, Attica Locke had both mastered the thriller and exceeded it." (Ann Patchett)

When it comes to law and order, East Texas plays by its own rules - a fact that Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger, knows all too well. Deeply ambivalent about growing up black in the lone star state, he was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could. Until duty called him home.

When his allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he travels up Highway 59 to the small town of Lark, where two murders - a black lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman - have stirred up a hornet's nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes - and save himself in the process - before Lark's long-simmering racial fault lines erupt.

From a writer and producer of the Emmy winning Fox TV show Empire, Bluebird, Bluebird is a rural noir suffused with the unique music, color, and nuance of East Texas.

©2017 Attica Locke (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Attica Locke knows Texas, a place that has shaped both her characters and her life. Locke's new book, Bluebird, Bluebird, is evidence of her deep knowledge and love of her community and a deep talent for writing hype thrillers that also manage to be timely, relevant, and keenly insightful." (Joe Ide, author of IQ and Righteous)

"With Bluebird, Bluebird, Attica Locke brings freshness and vitality to a beloved form. Her storytelling touch is just so strong! From the first beautifully done scene until the finale, this is a very propulsive novel concerning old deeds that keep influencing the present, injustice, and courage - a powerful and dramatic look at contemporary black life in rural America." (Daniel Woodrell, author of The Maid's Version)

"Locke's writing is both sharp-edged and lyrical. This is thoughtful, piercing storytelling with the power to transport." (Diana Evans, Financial Times)

Attica Locke knows how to tell a story

From the start Attica Locke weaves a tale of the highs and lows of family history, race relations, and life in East Texas. Great characters and vivid descriptions make this a wonderful and engrossing listen. The narrator’s velvet voice ands to the enjoyment.

I really didn't like this book

Some, not all, of the research was accurate on Texas law; but overall, the main character was so flawed he seemed to contradict himself at every turn. Next to no resolution of character issues, and the resolution received was dissatisfying. I was quite disappointed after all the positive reviews. I had higher expectations for it. And I agree with the Texas gentleman complaining about the main character frequently grabbing women, which was unrealistic and distracting. That is not likely from a Texas gentleman and it would not be something done by a Texas Ranger either.

It’s okay

Poor character development but decent story. I was thoroughly confused during the first five chapters. The narrator is great!

Interesting. Enjoyed the reader and the story.

I'm not familiar with race relations in Texas. As a black woman who has lived all her life on the East Coast and visited Dallas briefly, the story and the portrayal of race relations we're interesting and difficult to hear. Enjoyable story. Really liked the reader's voice -- made me want to keep listening and feel relaxed.

Close to five

While not THE best very close. I really liked the performance and the character development.

Predictable, but fun

narrator was good with personalities of the characters. Story was not as well written as it could have been.

Good story

Delicate balance between social commentary and a good yarn. Characters are dynamic and nuanced. Plot is decent. Narration is excellent.

First experience with this author ...

Pretty good story. I think the author did a pretty good job of character development and just enough action to keep me interested. He's peaked my interest enough to read another one of his books.
Narrator was great! Made me feel like he was telling his own story.

Great Characters

Realistic dialogue, strong characters but some unfinished/under developed plot pieces. Overall, good story worth reading. Leaves one wondering about a sequel.

Great story well told

As a Southerner, I know this is a poignant and riveting tale of murder, mystery, police integrity and......white Southern shame.