by Steph Cha
First published 2022
This anthology from the Akashic Noir Series takes readers through South Central Los Angeles, from South Park to East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from Watts to the old railroad tracks along Slauson Avenue. Fourteen contributors including Steph Cha, Tananarive Due, Gar Anthony Haywood, Naomi Hirahara, Gary Phillips, and Jervey Tervalon craft stories about people who find themselves crossing lines they never meant to cross. Some characters walk the straight path until circumstances spiral beyond their control. Others plan their moves carefully, scheming for the big score that will change everything. Still others fight to protect themselves and the people they love. The stories span different eras of South Central, including the heyday of jazz clubs on Central Avenue. These tales capture hope and survival, revenge and triumph in a neighborhood that exists beyond newspaper headlines and media stereotypes.
Genres: fiction, american-fiction, african-american, mystery, crime
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: crossing-lines, found-family
Setting: South Central Los Angeles, South Park, East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Watts, Slauson Avenue, Central Avenue
Period: Jazz Club Heyday
280 pages · Paperback · Akashic Books