There Used to Be People Here

by Kennedy Cole

In 1970s Mississippi, a Black detective and his temporary partner are assigned to a case that shifts from murder to paranormal conspiracy with life-altering repercussions.

Wenton, A man enters the bathroom of a local gay bar and doesn't come back out. Instead he's found cold, on the floor, and facing the wall. And no one seems to know how this happened.

Samuel Barkley is Wenton's only Black detective. Assigned to the case, Samuel's one goal is to keep his head down with eyes on moving up in the police ranks. But it's not easy with Harvey, a new, temporary partner who Samuel can't seem to like...or hate. Nor with the cold, questioning eyes and fake smiles from those in town. Persistent. Judging. Wrong. Samuel is reaching his breaking point.

As his investigation leads him to a curious plane crash cover-up, Samuel's placid existence is turned on its head. Because what crashed in Wenton isn't a plane. There are others here. They like it here. And if Samuel can't stop them, they will find a way to stay.

With shades of The X-Files and S. A. Cosby, There Used to Be People Here deftly explores race, queerness, and existing as other in a society that demonizes everything different.

Genres: Horror, Science Fiction, Adult, Fiction

Audible Audio

Expected publication November 3, 2026

About the author

Kennedy Cole is a speculative author with a BFA in Creative Writing and a Certificate in Publishing. Born in North Carolina, she lives by the beach with her partner and enjoys playing games, puzzling, sipping matcha, and collecting tattoos. Her creative portfolio includes an array of published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction with Oakland Arts Review, Carolina Muse, Second Story Journal, and others. There Used to Be People Here is her first novel.

Reviews

[Nitya Budamagunta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let it be known that I am the fist person to review this book on good reads, and also among the first people to read this book. Kennedy I love you and Samuel and Harvey! Me and Samuel have the same nervous tick and therefore we’re twinsies.

Now being for real. This is one of THE BEST scifi and horror novels I’ve ever read! Kennedy is a master of balancing a tense, high-stakes atmosphere with beautiful and fully realized character moments. I cannot express how genuinely fantastic this book is!!! I CANNOT WAIT for it to hit the shelves!

[E.G. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read books from the detective or horror genre, but this book might make me start. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, totally invested. I love the descriptive language used in the book, and the concept was fascinating. I cannot wait to see this book hit the shelves in the library, and to be able to recommend this to patrons.