Kingsland

by Dwayne Alexander Smith, Winston Duke (Narrator), Yara Martinez (Narrator)

Welcome to Kingsland ...

The most desirable place to live. The world’s safest country. Until now.

Funded by the U.S. Reparations Act and a consortium of billionaires, Kingsland rose from the sea to become a haven for Black excellence—and one of the richest nations in the world. But as its 10th anniversary nears, a series of shocking murders rocks the island.

Enter Jamison Wright. An elite profiler lured away from the FBI with an offer no one could a new life in Kingsland for him and his family. But the deeper he digs into the killings, the more he realizes that Kingsland isn’t just a utopia—it’s a mystery wrapped in surveillance, secrets, and power plays far beyond his imagination.

As Kingsland preps for its 10th anniversary celebration, Jamison must race against time to unmask a killer hiding in the most secure place on Earth. But in a nation where privacy barely exists, one question haunts If Kingsland sees everything, why can’t it find a murderer?

A gripping thriller set in a world as captivating as it is dangerous, Kingsland is a story of ambition, secrecy, identity, and the price of paradise.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, African American

Audible Audio

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Working professional screenwriter represented by Resolution and Circle of Confusion. I have sold or optioned six spec screenplays and I have been hired by studios for numerous rewrites. Currently I have two movies in post-production, STUCK and THE CLOSET. Both are due to be released in 2014.

My first novel, a thriller titled FORTY ACRES, is scheduled for release by Simon & Schuster July 1st, 2014.

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, glad homeboy was faithful

[Bree Duncan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline even better cast. An interesting take on a black utopia named “kingsland”. For a quick listen, it didn’t feel rushed and had an engaging plot. The music and sound effects enhanced the listening experience.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 💫 because I enjoyed listening to this production with a full cast. I was listening to episodes, not chapters. The plot twist went off for me. And if your FBI agent husband tells you to stay put why are you and your kid running around?!!

[Hunter Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uhm, listen I am a good American mutt of mixed races and nationalities in terms of ancestry. I have Chicano/Hispanic and European. I have relatives kicked out of California in the Great Depression and some kicked out of Europe for religion and race. Outcasts all, and they suffered a lot. None of that, of course, compares to slavery of course in terms of horror and evil. That said, how the heck do you sort out reparations? Do you have to prove you are descendants of slaves to receive money? Or all African Americans? What about those who just immigrated from abroad? Who pays for it? My family was never in the South and never had anything to do with it. Do I pay? Do just descendants of slave holders pay? Do people whose families came after 1865 have pay? What about African nations who grew rich on rounding up and selling other Africans (i.e. those who would become slaves (are you going to go after the descendants in Africa of the Dahomey and Ashanti?)? What about African Americans who are descendants of black slave owners/traders like John Carruthers Stanly? Do his descendants have to pay reparations? Just out of curiosity who the he#$ do you think the US government is going to make pay for this? Hint NOT THE F#$%ING RICH. They will tax other poor people. What about Native Americans, what do they get? Are you advocating reparations for them? What about Asian/Pacific Islanders? What about the Marshall Islands (which we nuked repeatedly in a horrible abuse)? What about Native Hawaiians? How about we go back thousands of years and start holding the Mongols accountable and make them pay reparations to the Middle Eastern, Chinese, Europeans that they killed or enslaved? Then that money can pay African Americans? That makes sense? What about the Japanese paying reparations to the Chinese and the Koreans and Philippines? Does my family get money for relatives kicked out of their home and forced to go back to Mexico and later fight their way back so I could be born here? Where does it start? Where does it stop? So, that is a long winded way to say I f@$%ing hated this story, full of blatant and derogatory racism towards Hispanics and caucasians (with NO MENTION of Native Americans or Asian/Pacific Islanders but I am sure they hate them as well or is it racism to leave them out all together?). This story is mean spirited and while I understand being a mutt and not fitting in anywhere (I am now comfortable with being alone and don't strive to fit in anywhere) this is horrible. As long as we all cling to our ideas of differences we will always think "our" group is better than everyone else. If you believe you/we are different everyone else then those "everyone else" someones have to be better or worse and of course the self-centered "we" that each individual is will naturally think their "group" has to be better. Maybe someday we can live under the "I am because we are" motto (a translation of the South African philosophy of Ubuntu emphasizing interconnectedness of humanity and the belief that one's identity and well-being are deeply tied to the community regardless of background and color). We either learn to do this or we can keep killing each other over differences that don't matter one f#$%ing bit. I am sick of seeing racism towards people who had not one f-ing thing to do with the sins of the past. Sure there is still racism and it should be tramped down (that is racism that goes BOTH ways including this book. A show with all African Americans is progressive and awesome, a show with all caucasians is racist), I've seen and felt the racism that still exists, but this absolute steaming pile of crap does not help.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so fun until all the residents were racist af and then the entire cast of the book just forgot that that’s not a thing that just goes away and sweeps it all under the rug like it was an isolated incident.

[thebookcritic_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story and production. A full cast and production. A serial killer on the loose in a black utopian country killing all the white people there on visas. The voices were a little dramatic but still good. A little predictable in some parts but the plot twist though!

Loved the random black facts dropped.

[Shameka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I regret giving this audiobook a chance and I hate to say that because I like the actors involved and the production was really good quality. I just couldn't get behind some parts of the story and the main character, Detective Wright, was not likable.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the cast was perfect! Only one voice to distract me while telling a story! This plot really made me think about a utopia for us by us and wondered if it would really work that way! Loved the faithfulness of the husband and couldn’t stand the neighbor and the plastics at that school!

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had eerily similar 1984 vibes while reading/listening to this. I really enjoyed it.

The performance was incredible. It was like listening to an action movie. The actors did an amazing job and the soundtrack/sound effects were awesome.

[Jean Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive, Thought-Provoking & Edge-of-Your-Seat

I picked up Kingsland expecting a solid thriller—but what I got was so much more. From the moment I hit play, the full-cast narration, the rich soundscape, and the gripping storyline pulled me into another world.
Audible.com
+1

The premise: a utopian Black nation founded on reparations and excellence, built from the sea, suddenly rocked by brutal murders as it approaches its 10th anniversary. That tension — the gap between paradise and hidden darkness — had me hooked.
Audible
+1

Hearing the production — voices like Winston Duke, Yara Martinez and the rest of the cast — elevate what could have been “just another mystery” into something cinematic. It felt like I was watching a show, not just listening to an audiobook.
Global Grind
+1

What stayed with me:

The conceptual twist of embracing a “Black utopia” and then watching the cracks emerge—it really got me thinking about identity, power and what “safe” means.
Audible.com.au

The way the narrative balances action with character, and spectacle with emotional stakes.

That satisfying chill when you realise “this is bigger than a whodunnit.”

If I have one wish: I wish it were longer. I ended the story hungry for more of the world, more of the characters. But that also means I’ll be watching for what comes next.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This was a cute little mystery. The setting being a utopian society for African Americans sold me. But even the greatest ideas for building a perfect society have their drawbacks.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! This book was like listening to an old time radio soap opera. Best production so far in an audio story.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unforeseen twists and turns that had me gripping my wheel, gasping for air and gagging at the thrilling reality spun by Dwayne Alexander Smith. Winston Duke & the ensemble cast had me completely immersed in this whodunit while also invested in seeing how the Kingslanders would grapple with the social & political implications of being a sovereign, selective & separatist Black space. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer. Hoping this gets a TV series as I would love to delve deeper into the characters that make up the complicated Black Utopia that is Kingsland. Side note: I could listen to Winston Duke all day.

[Dilon Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story from start to finish. The plot was good. It had a few twist which made it good that it wasn’t predictable. The voice actors were good as well and it made you like certain characters even more. Quick story and it’s free!!! With an audible membership

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different and I loved it. I’m also a little obsessed with Winston Duke 🤭

[Mia Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingsland
By Dwayne Alexander Smith, Kevin Hart, Charlamagne tha God, and SBH Productions

Kingsland is a bold, high-stakes thrill ride that merges action, cultural insight, and sharp social commentary into a gripping narrative. Authored by a powerhouse team—Dwayne Alexander Smith, with creative input from Kevin Hart, Charlamagne tha God, and SBH Productions—the story blends cinematic storytelling with urgent themes that resonate deeply in today’s world.

Set in a dystopian near-future America fractured by racial tension and authoritarian power, Kingsland explores what happens when the system fails its citizens—and what lengths people will go to reclaim their dignity, freedom, and future. The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful, filled with unexpected twists, morally complex characters, and unflinching truths.

Smith's storytelling is razor-sharp, combining the grit of a political thriller with the heart and resilience of a rebellion. The influence of Hart and Charlamagne adds dimension—balancing intensity with moments of levity and insight into the cultural pulse of Black America.

Kingsland is more than just a page-turner; it's a story of resistance, reckoning, and what it means to fight for a better world. It reads like a movie in book form—visceral, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down.

[Toni H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingsland is a nation for black excellence, majority black residents and extremely hard for people to move there. You have to get a special invitation to come to this nation. When a serial killer is on the loose, an elite profiler from the FBI, Jamison, is requested to work on the case. He is allowed to move his entire family which consists of his wife and middle school age daughter. Once the family moves there, things appear great. They have everything you could possibly want, great schools, neighborhoods, state of the art technology and surveillance. Everything to make it appear like heaven on earth. However Jamison is quickly discovering everything is not perfect in this town. Someone is going around killing people and the police is trying to keep it secret because the nation is about to celebrate it’s 10 year anniversary and a lot of famous people will be attending and they want the case solved. Jamison is confused as to how the killer is committing the crime and the surveillance that watches everyone, hasn’t caught the killer. He is determined to do what he does best and catch the killer before anyone else gets hurt.

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I sawn Winston Duke aka Sexy Chocolate aka Mbaku on the cover I didn't even need to know what this was about. I just knew I was finna read it.

Our boy narrates the MMC who is one of the top FBI Serial Killer Profilers/Agents in the United States. He's tapped by a Young Independent Nation called Kingsland to investigate a slew of killings by a suspected serial killer.

Kingland is a nation created by African American for African Americans and funded by reparations and billionaires. Technology and resource wise it was very much giving Wakanda.

But it was also giving 1984 Big Brother because there is ZERO privacy and ridiculous rules.

Sexy Chocolate and the police chief who is apparently a Halle Berry look alike work together to not just find the killer but to do so while navigating a bit of corruption.

Other themes explored include colorism and immigration. As an Afro Latina a bitch was triggered.

Mbaku's wife is a Latina and while she should never have had to deal with the discrimination and disrespect of her marriage, she was a big ass hater.

Overall, this was an entertaining and fantastic listen. Especially since there was a full cast. I would Highly Recommend.

[Shantel Patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingsland by Dwayne Alexander Smith blew me away.

Set in a futuristic Black utopia built from reparations and billionaire funding, Kingsland is a nation that’s wealthy, secure, and flawless—on the surface. But beneath the glittering perfection lies something far more sinister.

I was immediately hooked by Jamison Wright, a former FBI profiler who moves his family to Kingsland for a fresh start… only to find himself pulled into a murder investigation that threatens to unravel everything. In a place with total surveillance, how can a killer be operating undetected?

This story is more than a thriller—it’s layered, smart, and unflinchingly bold. Smith explores race, privilege, power, and the illusion of safety in a nation built on high ideals. The tension never lets up, and the narration on Audible was phenomenal—cinematic and gripping.

If you like fast-paced thrillers with social depth and futuristic vibes, Kingsland should be on your list. 🔥

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omgosh, i cannot believe this was so good with how short it was. crammed full. It was very cleverly written. The voice performances and audio stuff, idk what it's called, is out of this world. I didnt know Kevin Hart was a producer. I love him. This touches on racial stuff in a very tactful way, only reversed. But it's not really the main story. The whole book flows poetically. It was intense. Some of it was like dark humor. Maybe I only took it that way. Not sure it was planned that way when written. I would love to see this as a movie series. I hope there's another episode.

The names were so corny. Binem? instead of Biden? Stuff like that. All we needed was a Ronald instead of Donald. But the Roy Cooper killed me. Why, oh why did the author use my last governor of NC whole name?! Funny and since my daughter is friends with him and his wife, I'll have to pass it on and tell him to listen to this.

[Cheonica Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Kingsland where Black excellence thrives… or at least that’s what they want you to believe.

This wasn’t just a story it was a full blown production. From the gripping plot to the immersive narration, the audiobook pulls you all the way into the gated, exclusive world of Kingsland, a community built to be the pinnacle of Black success and safety. But beneath the perfection lies secrets, danger and some serious moral dilemmas.

Dwayne Alexander Smith wrote this like a cinematic experience. The pacing, tension and twisty social commentary hit hard. It challenges the idea of utopia especially for Black folks by peeling back the layers of safety, survival and control.

This book will have you asking: What are we willing to trade for protection? And at what cost? Kingsland was smart, sharp and absolutely entertaining. A thought provoking listen from start to finish.

[Arlisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wakanda Meets Law & Order—with a Twist


Ever imagined a city where being the minority means you’re finally in the majority? Kingsland paints that possibility—then shakes it up.

This Audible Original by Dwayne Alexander Smith blends Wakanda’s brilliance with Law & Order’s intensity. When a principled cop uproots his family to join Kingsland’s elite force and track a serial killer, he’s met with more than justice—he uncovers layers of corruption, betrayal, and buried secrets.

👁️ Corruption
🔥 Conspiracy
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family drama
🎭 Work twists
💥 Suspense

If Forty Acres kept you turning pages, Kingsland will have your headphones locked in.

Bonus: It’s included in your Audible membership, so no extra credits needed—just hit play and let the drama unfold.

[Karessa Proctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every narrator did an outstanding job. I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind. I feel like this has a lot of potential but fell flat. I was felt feeling like I didn’t understand what the story was trying to tell me. It could have been a pretty great story about how caste systems can be harmful even when those who are typically oppressed are in charge, but it ended up reminding me of “reverse racism” clickbait. That said, the story was entertaining. I really liked the mystery and the twists.

[Rémy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The narration was so good. It gives some “Scandal” vibes and I found myself deeply engaged and when it ended I wanted more. A very quick read.

A society reimagined for African Americans off the coast of Georgia with scandal and a murder investigation. What could go wrong? It causes you to think about self segregation and both sides of it.

[JK☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

story = 3⭐ | performance = 4⭐
overall rating = 4⭐

This was an interesting premise made all the more entertaining by well produced performances by an excellent cast. Set in an alternate present time, this audio production tells the story of a black utopia called Kingsland. But this modern utopia is revealed to be less than the ideally perfect vision presented

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining and exceedingly well acted alt history mystery. I found myself inventing tasks to do just so I could listen to more. I really enjoyed the characters, the cast, the story, and the interrogation of race in America. There were so rather cliche moments but I still thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on what society would look like if all the tables were flipped, and Blacks were not only in positions of authority but also were the oppressors of White and other non-Black people. I found most aspects of the story engaging, and it was an easy listen/read in one sitting.

[All Things Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great audiobook. It was suspenseful and fast paced. The only pitfall for me is I called the ending really early on. I wish there were more plot twists. Nevertheless it was enjoyable to listen to while doing paperwork.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely way to spend a spring day, immersed in Kingsland and listening to Winston Duke, Joe Morton and the rest of the cast. It would be great if a new “episode” was released every couple of months. Yes, I am greedy for more!!!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder mystery story set in Kingsland, a nation considered a utopia. But as Jamison Wright, a former FBI profiler, takes on the murder investigation, not everything is as it seems.

Overall, it was an enjoyable listen and an engaging tale.