Darktown (novel)

37Ink

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Headquarters	New York , United States
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Darktown, released in 2016, marks the fourth novel by American writer Thomas Mullen. Its narrative was continued with the first sequel, Lightning Men, published in September 2017, followed by the second sequel, Midnight Atlanta, which came out in 2020.

The story unfolds in 1948 Atlanta, blending elements of historical fiction and crime fiction. It centers on Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith, two among the city's inaugural African-American police officers. Together, they investigate the homicide of a young African-American woman while navigating systemic racial barriers and significant professional challenges.

Author's background

Thomas Mullen chose to settle in Decatur, Georgia, drawn by its dynamic literary community of authors and readers. His inspiration for Darktown arose after reading Where Peachtree Meets Sweet Auburn: A Saga of Race and Family by Gary Pomerantz. Mullen completed his initial draft in the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting, finding parallels between historical racial issues and contemporary police violence. This connection motivated him to highlight that such events have longstanding precedents.

Historical Context

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Atlanta underwent rapid expansion driven by burgeoning commerce and a growing labor force. Nevertheless, social, political, and racial frictions led city leaders to divide Atlanta into two distinct areas: the "Great White Way," designated for white inhabitants, and "Sweet Auburn," home to African-Americans. This segregation enabled African-American residents of Sweet Auburn to acquire property and live in homes ranging from modest to affluent.

Despite these opportunities, some African-American neighborhoods endured poverty in areas disparagingly known as Darktown and Shermantown. In response to increasing population demands, the Atlanta Police Department sought greater efficiency by expanding its force and establishing a Central Headquarters. African-American communities advocated for representation within the police department, prompting Mayor William B. Hartfield to negotiate the hiring of eight African-American officers in 1948 in exchange for political backing. These officers faced strict limitations: their patrols were confined to African-American neighborhoods, they were prohibited from arresting white citizens, and their firearm use was severely restricted. They operated from a separate facility at the Butler Street YMCA, referred to as Atlanta's "Black City Hall," designed to shield them from discrimination by white officers.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of 1940s Atlanta, Darktown follows Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith as two pioneering African-American police officers. While patrolling an area predominantly inhabited by African-Americans, they witness Brian Underhill, a white man, fleeing after crashing into a lamppost with an African-American woman seated beside him. Due to racial prejudice obstructing justice, Underhill is released without charges after white officers Lionel Dunlow and Dennis "Rake" Rakestraw arrive as backup.

Subsequently, Boggs and Smith discover the woman’s body bearing a fatal gunshot wound. Their inquiry reveals that Underhill had been dismissed from the police force in 1945. When Dunlow assaults a stabbing victim instead of providing aid, Rake discloses that Underhill's involvement has been erased from official murder reports.

Boggs identifies the victim as Lily Ellsworth, stepdaughter of a Peacedale farmer who formerly worked as a maid for Senator Prescott before resigning several months earlier. Meanwhile, Rake monitors suspicious movements involving Underhill and Dunlow near "Mama Dove's," a brothel where women vanish after encounters with Underhill.

Following a confrontation resulting in Underhill’s mysterious death, Rake deepens his investigation. He uncovers that Underhill belonged to the "Rust Division," a secretive unit tasked with concealing crimes committed by powerful individuals. Dunlow shares a personal tragedy connected to Mama Dove and attempts to intimidate Rake.

Boggs and Smith travel to Peacedale seeking information but encounter hostility; shortly afterward, Lily’s family residence is set ablaze. Boggs discovers that Lily’s mother had been exploited decades earlier by Senator Prescott.

Rake confronts Silas Prescott, who confesses to killing Lily upon learning she was his half-sister; Silas then takes his own life. Dunlow tries to assassinate Boggs but is ultimately overpowered and killed by him. The story concludes with Auburn Avenue’s lamppost restored—a symbol of justice reclaimed.

Major characters

Lucius Boggs – Among the pioneering eight African-American officers in the Atlanta Police Department, Boggs is the son of Reverend Boggs and partner to Tommy Smith. Due to racial bias, he was prohibited from army combat roles. Boggs spearheads the inquiry into Lily Ellsworth’s homicide and kills Lionel Dunlow in self-defense.

Thomas "Tommy" Smith – An early African-American officer in Atlanta's police force, known for his fiery temperament and partnership with Boggs. He plays a crucial role in resolving Lily Ellsworth’s murder case and assists in disposing of Dunlow’s body.

Brian Underhill – A former Atlanta police officer removed from duty for gambling-related misconduct, now working within the "Rust Division." Stopped by Boggs and Smith for driving under the influence, he was last seen with Lily Ellsworth before being fatally shot during a confrontation; the identity of his assailant remains unknown.

Lionel Dunlow – A seasoned Atlanta officer with over two decades of service and the partner of Dennis Rakestraw. He is aware of Underhill’s troubled history, has ties to Mama Dove’s brothel, and tracked down fugitive James Jameson. After attempting to kill Boggs, Dunlow is fatally shot by him; Boggs and Smith subsequently bury his body.

Dennis "Rake" Rakestraw – A novice Atlanta officer, married and a father, working alongside Dunlow. He contributes to solving Lily Ellsworth’s murder and convinces Silas Prescott to admit guilt. Upon uncovering Dunlow’s illicit connections, he requests reassignment.

Otis Ellsworth – Lily Ellsworth’s stepfather who raised her on a farm south of Atlanta. After identifying her body, he is detained and subjected to intense questioning by APD. Using hush money from Lily, he purchases a truck but relocates his family to Chicago due to police intimidation. Otis is ultimately shot by Peacedale Police, who claim he confessed to Lily’s murder before dying.

Lily Ellsworth – The daughter of Senator Prescott, initially employed as a maid for the Prescott family before residing at Mama Dove’s brothel. Last seen with Brian Underhill, she is found murdered—having been raped and killed by her half-brother Silas Prescott.

Senator Prescott – A Georgia congressman and Lily Ellsworth’s biological father. Although his political agenda advocates for African-American communities, it largely serves his own interests. He sexually assaulted Lily’s mother when she worked as a maid in his household.

Mama Dove – Proprietor of a brothel who once had romantic feelings for Dunlow; her son died prematurely. She offers refuge to Lily at Underhill’s request and cooperates with white officers to safeguard her establishment.

Silas Prescott – Son of Senator Prescott and half-brother to Lily; he raped and murdered her. After initially denying involvement during interrogation, he confesses and subsequently takes his own life in front of Rake.

Publication

• (2016). Darktown (softcover, first edition) New York: 37Ink. 978-1-50113-835-5
• (2016). Darktown (hardcover, first edition) New York: 37Ink/Atria Books. 978-1-50113-386-2
• (2016). Darktown (hardcover, large print edition) Michigan: Wheeler Publishing Large Print. 978-1-41049-377-4
• (2016). Darktown (ebook reprint edition) New York: Simon & Schuster. 978-1-50113-388-6
• (2016). Darktown (audiobook edition) New York: Simon & Schuster Audio. 978-1-44239-949-5
• (2017). Darktown (softcover reprint edition) New York: 37 Ink. 978-1-50113-387-9

Reception

Darktown quickly garnered praise from prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, HuffPost, and The Economist. In 2016, Jamie Foxx secured the television adaptation rights for the novel.

Described by The Economist as "a compelling and candid example of how crime fiction increasingly addresses social themes," the book received notable commendation. NPR emphasized its portrayal of police brutality in the 1948 era as "eerily recognizable," drawing clear connections to contemporary law enforcement issues. Marilyn Stasio of The New York Times admired its "intense fervor" and "striking imagery" that powerfully propel the story forward. David Troutt from The Washington Post highlighted Mullen’s talent for vividly reconstructing historical incidents like the Bobby Hall lynching, while underscoring the novel’s intricate depiction of systemic racism and police misconduct as still pertinent today. Troutt further praised Mullen as "an exceptional designer of interwoven narratives" who thoughtfully explores history through his characters.

Despite frequent use of epithets, The Library Journal recommended the novel to enthusiasts of literary thrillers, acknowledging its masterful execution.

Although police corruption serves as a core motif, Mullen also delves into historical topics such as the emergence of Dixiecrats and tensions between moonshiners and distributors. Conversely, Kirkus Reviews presented a more critical perspective, arguing that characters function more as symbolic representations than fully fleshed-out personalities and describing the book as a "formulaic portrayal" of an important historical subject.

Awards

• Nominated for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize
• Finalist for Fiction at the 2017 Audie Awards (nominated)

References

Further reading

• Calder, Jeff. "Racism, Corruption Simmer in Atlanta-Based 'Darktown.'" Atlanta Journal Constitution. Sept. 2016.
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom World War II and Post War (1940-1949). Library of Congress.
• "The Civil Rights Movement And The Second Reconstruction, 1945-1968 | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives."
• Mullen, Thomas. "Black in Blue: Atlanta's First African American Police Officers Were Vanguards of the Civil Rights Movement." Atlanta Magazine. Sept. 2016.
• Pomerantz, Gary M. Where Peachtree Meets Sweet Auburn: The Saga of Two Families and the Making of Atlanta. New York: Lisa Drew/Scribner, 1996.
• Reece, Chuck. "8 Questions for Thomas Mullen." The Bitter Southerner.
• Stasio, Marilyn. The Latest and Best in Crime Fiction. The New York Times. Sept. 2016.