What do you think?
Rate this book
Carter Brothers #1
Sins of Survivors
Harlem Shuffle meets The Godfather in this fierce and dazzling crime family saga presented by award-winning actor and producer Blair Underwood and written by filmmaker Joe McClean, set in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit in the dark and dangerous days of the 1930s.
In 1908 Alabama, precocious young Benjamin Carter brings deadly consequences down upon his father’s head when he dares to use a white drinking fountain instead of the "colored" one.
With his fierce and protective older brother Jasper, Ben escapes Alabama, joining the Great Migration to Black Bottom, Detroit’s flourishing Black neighborhood. There, the brothers rise from the ashes to become kingpins of this new community, owning businesses, playing politics, and diving into Detroit's violent criminal underbelly.
Through their wit and grit, Ben and Jasper establish the Carter dynasty, securing a prosperous future for their families. But heavy are the heads that wear the crowns. Seeing their children come of age, young men and women fueled by ambitions of their own, the brothers clash over which direction to steer the Carter empire.
With the scent of brotherly discontent, competing Detroit power players will use every advantage—and weakness—to bring the family to its knees.
In Sins of Survivors, Hollywood legend Blair Underwood and Joe McClean have created a scorching crime saga featuring a dynamic cast of characters—a thrilling and cinematic story about family and what it means for a Black community to not just survive, but thrive.
In 1908 Alabama, precocious young Benjamin Carter brings deadly consequences down upon his father’s head when he dares to use a white drinking fountain instead of the "colored" one.
With his fierce and protective older brother Jasper, Ben escapes Alabama, joining the Great Migration to Black Bottom, Detroit’s flourishing Black neighborhood. There, the brothers rise from the ashes to become kingpins of this new community, owning businesses, playing politics, and diving into Detroit's violent criminal underbelly.
Through their wit and grit, Ben and Jasper establish the Carter dynasty, securing a prosperous future for their families. But heavy are the heads that wear the crowns. Seeing their children come of age, young men and women fueled by ambitions of their own, the brothers clash over which direction to steer the Carter empire.
With the scent of brotherly discontent, competing Detroit power players will use every advantage—and weakness—to bring the family to its knees.
In Sins of Survivors, Hollywood legend Blair Underwood and Joe McClean have created a scorching crime saga featuring a dynamic cast of characters—a thrilling and cinematic story about family and what it means for a Black community to not just survive, but thrive.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
33 people are currently reading
4245 people want to read
About the author
Joe McClean
1 book2 followersJoe McClean is a screenwriter and director whose 2013 breakout indie feature, Life Tracker, screened at dozens of film festivals and sci-fi conventions before streaming on demand in one hundred million homes through cable providers. His follow-up, the indie darling The Drama Club, premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in 2017 before finding a home on Tubi. His most recent endeavor, Viral, which he wrote and produced, was directed by and stars Blair Underwood.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 24, 2025
Narration/Audiobook: 4/5
ARC/Overall Story: 3/5
This was a solid generational crime and historical fiction novel. After the release of Sinners I can see a lot of people being drawn to stories like this. There’s a lot of moving parts to this story and something in every chapter to keep us turning pages.
By far, my favorite components of this book are the historical ones. I appreciated the intention to include those informational elements that enhanced our placement in the story.
Now I do have one grievance… This book should’ve been longer. Undoubtedly, McClean’s screenwriting talent shines in keeping the story moving forward with dynamic moments of action and tension. Though in a book of this pace there are moments that read as scenes shifting without time to settle in them. I would’ve loved to had more time to marinate with the character’s decisions. I enjoyed the fast pace overall, but in this read I was searching for more time to connect with the characters.
Thanks to Amistad for this ARC!
ARC/Overall Story: 3/5
This was a solid generational crime and historical fiction novel. After the release of Sinners I can see a lot of people being drawn to stories like this. There’s a lot of moving parts to this story and something in every chapter to keep us turning pages.
By far, my favorite components of this book are the historical ones. I appreciated the intention to include those informational elements that enhanced our placement in the story.
Now I do have one grievance… This book should’ve been longer. Undoubtedly, McClean’s screenwriting talent shines in keeping the story moving forward with dynamic moments of action and tension. Though in a book of this pace there are moments that read as scenes shifting without time to settle in them. I would’ve loved to had more time to marinate with the character’s decisions. I enjoyed the fast pace overall, but in this read I was searching for more time to connect with the characters.
Thanks to Amistad for this ARC!
July 14, 2025
I took some notes while reading this about a few things in the book that bothered me so here it goes...
First of all this book left me feeling lost and confused. I felt there were too many things the author didn't explain well enough for me to enjoy this story.
And sadly the confusion started right on the very first page. With this sentence:
"The UMW says NO to Big Mules!"
Exactly who or what is this "UMW"?? This name is mentioned throughout the book but it is never explained who this is. Or what it is. In my experience named that often start with a "U" often mean "University". W could mean Washington?? But the story is in Detroit Michigan. So the W is probably not Washington.. and that only leaves me lost.
And what is "Big Mules"? Do you mean equines?? Or do you mean something else?? No idea.
The story started out in 1908. And after a few short pages the year is suddenly 1937. And the kids who were lucky to have a few pennies suddenly have a bunch of businesses. This I found very confusing too. It was never explained how a poor family with no father suddenly owned a printing place, a drycleaner, a big nightclub and also a whore house. I also didn't understand why the main character was always handing out envelopes of money to certain people.
Then Trump was mentioned in here. Near the beginning. Yes, President Trump. But the story takes place in 1937. Donald Trump was born in 1946. I looked it up. He wasn't even born yet. It's very jarring to have modern stuff inserted into historical fiction. It's impossible for anyone in 1937 to know that a man named Donald Trump is going to be President in the far future.
The book is about a family. They have problems. There are some crooked deals and disagreements. Somebody goes missing.
The plot didn't hold my interest at all. I tried, but none of the events in here captured my attention. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. And there was too much confusion about what was going on.
How can I enjoy the story if I don't even understand why Ben was handing envelopes of money to various people?? The book doesn't explain it.
There is a long list of things in here the book never explains. And you can't figure it out by reading the other text either.
And if you want your people to succeed than why do you call your town "Black Bottom"... Bottom means the bottom. You can't get any lower than the bottom of a thing. It's like sending a message. A mental message. You should pick a better word if you want the residents to be successful. I am guessing you want that double B name but couldn't you find a better B word than "Bottom"?
DNF this around page 200...
First of all this book left me feeling lost and confused. I felt there were too many things the author didn't explain well enough for me to enjoy this story.
And sadly the confusion started right on the very first page. With this sentence:
"The UMW says NO to Big Mules!"
Exactly who or what is this "UMW"?? This name is mentioned throughout the book but it is never explained who this is. Or what it is. In my experience named that often start with a "U" often mean "University". W could mean Washington?? But the story is in Detroit Michigan. So the W is probably not Washington.. and that only leaves me lost.
And what is "Big Mules"? Do you mean equines?? Or do you mean something else?? No idea.
The story started out in 1908. And after a few short pages the year is suddenly 1937. And the kids who were lucky to have a few pennies suddenly have a bunch of businesses. This I found very confusing too. It was never explained how a poor family with no father suddenly owned a printing place, a drycleaner, a big nightclub and also a whore house. I also didn't understand why the main character was always handing out envelopes of money to certain people.
Then Trump was mentioned in here. Near the beginning. Yes, President Trump. But the story takes place in 1937. Donald Trump was born in 1946. I looked it up. He wasn't even born yet. It's very jarring to have modern stuff inserted into historical fiction. It's impossible for anyone in 1937 to know that a man named Donald Trump is going to be President in the far future.
The book is about a family. They have problems. There are some crooked deals and disagreements. Somebody goes missing.
The plot didn't hold my interest at all. I tried, but none of the events in here captured my attention. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. And there was too much confusion about what was going on.
How can I enjoy the story if I don't even understand why Ben was handing envelopes of money to various people?? The book doesn't explain it.
There is a long list of things in here the book never explains. And you can't figure it out by reading the other text either.
And if you want your people to succeed than why do you call your town "Black Bottom"... Bottom means the bottom. You can't get any lower than the bottom of a thing. It's like sending a message. A mental message. You should pick a better word if you want the residents to be successful. I am guessing you want that double B name but couldn't you find a better B word than "Bottom"?
DNF this around page 200...
May 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of this book. The depiction of life in 1930s Detroit (specifically Black Bottom) was very vivid.
The first half of the book seemed much stronger than the second half. By the end of the book, it seemed like a a lightly fleshed out outline. I also had trouble with the use of coincidence in the plot, especially in regard to Rose.
Despite the weaker second half, it was an interesting read.
The first half of the book seemed much stronger than the second half. By the end of the book, it seemed like a a lightly fleshed out outline. I also had trouble with the use of coincidence in the plot, especially in regard to Rose.
Despite the weaker second half, it was an interesting read.
April 16, 2025
Sins of Survivors is a good historical fiction crime novel.
July 31, 2025
Update 7/31/25: Still thinking bout this book.
Original review:
I don't quite know how to review this. The story had a lot of pieces, but I think they came together okay. The title, Sins of Survivors, fits the plot.
The Carter Family business is a front for... the real Carter Family business. And every member is involved. Lots of family drama and Black culture that we can all recognize.
And justice for Sharon! She's the most clever of them all.
What was happening in the city of Detroit during that time is also significant.
Blair Underwood was great as narrator. I wasn't sure how his acting would translate to storytelling, but he really invested in bringing the characters to life.
Original review:
I don't quite know how to review this. The story had a lot of pieces, but I think they came together okay. The title, Sins of Survivors, fits the plot.
The Carter Family business is a front for... the real Carter Family business. And every member is involved. Lots of family drama and Black culture that we can all recognize.
And justice for Sharon! She's the most clever of them all.
What was happening in the city of Detroit during that time is also significant.
Blair Underwood was great as narrator. I wasn't sure how his acting would translate to storytelling, but he really invested in bringing the characters to life.
July 16, 2025
I read Sons of Sinners with a new book club I recently joined—a welcome return to reading after a long pandemic lull. While the first section moves at a slower pace (understandably, given the large and fully realized cast of characters that needed to be set up), the second and third acts absolutely gripped me. I found myself thinking about the characters and their lives even when I wasn’t reading (always a sign of a powerful story).
The novel seamlessly blends fiction with historical fact, grounding us in 1930s Detroit while drawing clear lines to many issues we still grapple with today: systemic racism, sex work, colorism, political corruption, and the enduring question of what it means to build a legacy. One particularly stunning passage imagines Billie Holiday singing “Strange Fruit” at a club—just a few pages long, but breathtaking and a major point of discussion when the book club met.
The book explores big questions: What defines family? Who do we care for when everyone needs help under oppressive systems? What power do women hold? Do children pay for the sins of their fathers and mothers? Our book club includes several union members who all connected deeply with the tensions that rise between looking out for your own and fighting for the collective.
The lead brothers in this story reminded me much of the twins in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. (Actually the time and setting also added to this). I visualized a similar world as I read and I can't help but imagine this story adapted into a gritty, slow-burn streaming series akin to something like Peaky Blinders. A single movie wouldn’t do it justice. I want more time in this world, especially with the women and other Carter children whose stories felt rich and ripe for further exploration.
The novel seamlessly blends fiction with historical fact, grounding us in 1930s Detroit while drawing clear lines to many issues we still grapple with today: systemic racism, sex work, colorism, political corruption, and the enduring question of what it means to build a legacy. One particularly stunning passage imagines Billie Holiday singing “Strange Fruit” at a club—just a few pages long, but breathtaking and a major point of discussion when the book club met.
The book explores big questions: What defines family? Who do we care for when everyone needs help under oppressive systems? What power do women hold? Do children pay for the sins of their fathers and mothers? Our book club includes several union members who all connected deeply with the tensions that rise between looking out for your own and fighting for the collective.
The lead brothers in this story reminded me much of the twins in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. (Actually the time and setting also added to this). I visualized a similar world as I read and I can't help but imagine this story adapted into a gritty, slow-burn streaming series akin to something like Peaky Blinders. A single movie wouldn’t do it justice. I want more time in this world, especially with the women and other Carter children whose stories felt rich and ripe for further exploration.
June 16, 2025
I won this book in one of Goodreads giveaways.
It was all right. The storyline was interesting and full of a lot of details. However, the story jumped time lines several times and I had a hard time realizing it (maybe that’s a me problem and other people won’t. The book was also an ARC, so maybe that was addressed before it went to final publication?). There are a lot of characters and sometimes I forgot who was who.
It was all right. The storyline was interesting and full of a lot of details. However, the story jumped time lines several times and I had a hard time realizing it (maybe that’s a me problem and other people won’t. The book was also an ARC, so maybe that was addressed before it went to final publication?). There are a lot of characters and sometimes I forgot who was who.
August 13, 2025
Actually 3.5, but I rounded up. Story held my attention, even though it is not a genre I usually read. There is lots of violence. Lots. But I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Reminds me of a black Godfather or Sopranos. Interesting time period in Detroit: politics, crime and the rise of unions.
July 6, 2025
I selected this book because I am originally from Detroit and had heard about the Black Bottom, never been to it but was excited to hear something about it. The book itself was well narrated, but not really my type of story that I would call enjoyable. It was just OK.
RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE
RECOMMENDATION: MAYBE
May 22, 2025
A story that cuts deep and speaks loud. I read it. I heard it. And Blair Underwood’s voice made it hit even harder. Review now live at www.bookreferees.org.
June 24, 2025
***2.5***
Usually I like books that read like made for film. Def didn't like the gore porn. Appreciated the history lesson the most.
Blair Underwood is a treasure.
Usually I like books that read like made for film. Def didn't like the gore porn. Appreciated the history lesson the most.
Blair Underwood is a treasure.
Read
August 4, 2025I liked it, though I'm sure some of my enjoyment was tied to the sense of place. Read it for the vibes, not the plot.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews