Blessed Sons

by Eric McKinley

After forty years on the same corner, variety store owner Saul Keenan is done. His store is closed. He is jailed. The reason: Saul shot and killed Jerrel Walker, an academic and athletic star in their inner city Philadelphia neighborhood. The shooting immediately divides the city along racial and political lines. Charged with murder, Saul's appointed counsel is Jon, a former resident of the same inner city Philadelphia neighborhood. Blessed Sons tells the story of how Jon brings Saul's case to trial, and how racial and political lines often become blurred.

441 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2012

About the author

Eric McKinley is the author of Blessed Sons (WragsInk 2012) and Intrusion (WragsInk 2013). Samplings of his published work can be found at eric-mckinley.com

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compelling read - packed with complicated interpersonal dynamics, a great courtroom drama component, and frustrating cringe-inducing racial dynamics. I absolutely cannot add any spoilers, because even the jacket comments gave a bit too much away, in my opinion. Although even knowing a bit what was coming did not hinder my emotional reaction to it.

In the first 50 pages I was wary that the characters, especially the female ones, would become racial and gender stereotypes - but forge ahead, they have heart and depth - and are treated as individuals.

The author's voice is a refreshing mix of a casual/urban narrative style with a masterful eye for how to move the story along and keep the reader engaged. I'm looking forward to more from this young author. Since I know many of my Goodreads friends are professional editors, be warned - this first edition has some distracting mistakes.

And one final note on my favorite character - the City of Philadelphia - it is a nuanced, living, breathing part of this story. Regardless of whether you are a native or if you've never been, you'll get a great glimpse into this fascinating city.

(Disclaimer: I am acquainted with both the author and the publishers, but I feel very objective in this review)

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncorrected proof so I will not discuss the minor errors in that regard. I did find certain parts confusing as multiple characters would have thoughts/feelings in the same chapters without a real separation. (Kind of like watching a show where music is playing and you see what various characters are doing in the same time period in different places.)

I can sympathize with Jon's feeling about his professional and personal life. He feels like he is stagnant: working with the same law firm for 6 year with no raise or promotion, doesn't care for the types of cases that come his way, a wife, Cheryl, whose career is taking off so he is feeling like "Mr. Cheryl".

After receiving a case that could make or break him, he uses it as his opportunity to break free. All the relationships that seemed to drain him, are cut and he embarks on a new life.

[Marianne]

Good story, and characters that stayed with me.