The Midnight Man

by David Eric Tomlinson

A “vividly rendered” ( Booklist ) masterful novel that brilliantly “meshes local politics, college basketball, and the South” (Dave White, author of An Empty Hell ).

Summer, 1994. Dean Goodnight, the first Choctaw Indian employed by the Oklahoma County public defender's office, pulls a new case--the brutal murder of a once-promising basketball star. The only witness is Caleb, the five-year-old son of the prime suspect, Billy. Investigating the murder, Dean draws four strangers into Billy's orbit, each of whom becomes deeply invested in the suspect’s fate--and in Caleb's. There's Aura Jefferson, the victim's sister, a nurse struggling with the loss of her brother; Aura's patient Cecil Porter, a paraplegic whose own dreams of playing pro basketball were shattered fifty years ago; Cecil's brother, the entrepreneur and political manipulator "Big" Ben Porter; and Ben's wife, Becca, who discovers a link between the young Caleb and her own traumatic past.

As Billy's trial approaches, these five are forced to confront their deepest disappointments, hopes, and fears. And when tragedy strikes again, their lives are forever entwined.

Genres: Fiction, Crime

384 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

David Eric Tomlinson was born and raised in Oklahoma, educated in California, and now lives in Texas. His first novel The Midnight Man was listed as a 2017 top crime debut by Austin’s independent bookstore BookPeople, and was shortlisted for both the PEN Southwest Book Award and the Texas Institute of Letters Sergio Troncosco Award For Best Work Of First Fiction. David has participated in Literary Death Match, contributed to the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and teaches craft classes for a variety of writing groups in Texas. He lives in Dallas.

Reviews

[Matthew J. Hefti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading and blurbing this book pre-publication. No amount of effusive praise would be too much to shower on the The Midnight Man. David Eric Tomlinson’s insightful debut novel overflows with both grit and beauty. Tomlinson deftly portrays the interrelated machinations of both rural and urban America with the big-picture skill of a David Simon, while demonstrating the uncanny ear for language of a Richard Price. Through it all, he never loses sight of the enormous potential for grace in every individual. Whether tackling issues of race or politics, crime or punishment, victims or saviors, Tomlinson refuses to shy away from any horror. The end result is a masterfully paced novel in which the terrible realism is only outmatched by the power of its redemptive force. I cannot wait to see what Tomlinson writes next.

[Jim Breslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

David swung for the fences with his debut novel. When the lives of these disparate character collide after a murder, the story becomes a prism reflecting America itself. David's writing is a pleasure to read. I was very curious to see how these lives became intertwined by the end of the story, which is set in the mid-90's. The backdrop of true events of the era such as the OJ Simpson trial add to the storyline. Early on, I nearly lost track of the plethora of characters, but their ideals and motivation came into focus and the ending was pulled together nicely. Looking forward to seeing where David goes next with his writing.

[Laura Rodriguez · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so glad I only paid $1.00 for this mess of a book. Was the book about race relations in Oklahoma? About basketball? A murder trial? The OJ trial? The Oklahoma City bombing? Or was it just an excuse for this white author to use as many racist terms and phrases as he wanted under the guise of “story telling”? I think I’m supposed to believe that the author is just writing about racist characters, but when the non-white characters are described primarily by their skin color while other descriptions are used for the white characters; when the most racist and offensive character is so easily forgiven and absolved of any responsibility for his words by the black preacher; when all the black people in the book play basketball, i just can’t help feeling that the author wrote his own prejudices and bigotry into the novel. Oh, and let’s not forget about the “Magical Indian” character who is referred to as Tonto, for fucks sake. And aside from all that, it was just poorly written.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty to think about when reading The Midnight Man by David Eric Tomlinson. The author tackles subjects like guilt, complicity, past/present/future and how we form and adjust our memories. He looks at the impact of crimes against others as well as crimes against oneself. I was impressed by how Tomlinson managed to include basketball and bigotry, forgiveness and family, humor and history all into one novel. Nicely done. (And it's a crime novel! I rarely read those!)

[Read Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magnificent work. Family, the justice system, business, guilt, and the nineties are just a few of the lenses through which Tomlinson presents deep characters and a subtly suspenseful plot.

[Craig Janacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steinbeckian…. The Next Great American Novel
About a year ago, I was fortunate to read an advance copy of this amazing first novel under its original title of “An American Prayer.” It has been pitched by the publisher as a ‘crime novel’ but I really don’t think that is an accurate description. Yes, there is a crime at the center of the vortex of the story, but it is really best classified as a “Great American Novel.”
I vividly recall the moment that I set down the completed novel, because the story continued to haunt my thoughts. Hours and even days later, I still found the words and images tumbling around in my brain. The story is immensely powerful, filled with rich and complex characters whose lives slowly intersect in a way both completely natural and beautifully orchestrated. The book has numerous truly moving moments, with a curious blend of uplifting sadness. The ending is especially powerful. In retrospect, I suppose that I should have seen the finale coming, but thanks to Mr. Tomlinson’s remarkable skill, he kept it just beyond sight until it was finally revealed in all its tragic majesty. I can count on one hand how many books have brought tears to my eyes in the last decade, but this is one of them.
It may seem superlative, but the scope and pacing of this novel reminded me of some of John Steinbeck’s finest works, such as Cannery Row or East of Eden. Perhaps Mr. Tomlinson is still a tier below an author like Steinbeck (who is, of course, widely considered to be one of the giants of American letters); however, if he keeps working magic like The Midnight Man, I predict that he will soon join a very select group of authors who are remembered long after their time. If you only read one serious work of fiction in 2017, I strongly recommend it be this masterful work.

[Joe Milazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a big book. Big not so much in the sense of "long," but big in the way that it maps the intersections of the personal and the political; or, better, the private and the public. It also deftly engages with any number of genres, from legal procedural to domestic drama, as it asks us (we readers) to reimagine our own engagement with those things in our lives that feel so inexorable. Perhaps most timely about the book is its setting: Oklahoma, "flyover country," the early to mid-1990s. Hopefully we all remember what those coordinates entail, and have not forgotten how that particular history continues to reverberate in the history being made around us now.... some of that being history we can still prevent, if we care enough to do so.

[Scooby Doo · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF: 30%
The author tries too hard. Every paragraph has to have some clever metaphor. It was fun at first but quickly became tiring. I resent when I have to reread a paragraph because the references are so vague I don't know what he's talking about. The characters are very well drawn, but the story just wasn't going anywhere. I'm a third of the way through and there's no central conflict I can discern.

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

What at first appeared to be a 4 eventually reveled its self as a 1. There is no discernible plot. I tried hard to stick with it, but after reading half and not knowing what it was about I put it down. If Mr. Tomlinson can't do better than this, I suggest he hold on to his day job. DNF

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Couldn't wait to finish it. But then I wanted more!

[Steve Freeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book right after it first came out, so I'm late in writing this appreciation.

I do not read a great deal of fiction, but I am so glad that I read this book. Midnight Man's story and themes run deep through everyone's life: questions of guilt, regret, forgiveness, hate, love, and family. It is at the same time dramatic and humorous; it captures the passions, ecstasy, and tribulations of human existence (at least as manifested in the U.S.)

If you lived through the 1990s, you will also enjoy all of the nostalgia that it evokes.

This book is at the same time smart, funny, and tragic; a delightful read.

[Linda L. Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in Oklahoma and was excited to read this book because it is set in Oklahoma. I was I was fairly engaged in the beginning but had to work to stay with it further in the book. I was able to re-engage and be excited about reading for the last few chapters. I enjoyed all the references to places and events in Oklahoma. Some reviewers have accused the author of being racist for the language or portrayal of characters. For the time frames presented in the book (starting in the 1940's) the presentation is realistic. When you view this with a 21st century lens, it will never hold up to your standards.

[Monica Rathsack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read blending a variety of cultural influences, including disability, race, religion and politics. Each chapter focuses on a different character. The characters do not seem to be related to each other, making the story a little disjointed. The story comes together slowly and blends beautifully be the finish.

[Deena Scintilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have attempted to read this book three times but it just doesn't grab my interest with is a shame because the jacket did. It's gotten very good reviews so obviously it's "me". I'm abandoning it rather than try a fourth time but will donate it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. A great story. I really liked all the characters. I did have some trouble following along at times finding the conversations a little difficult to follow but it didn't take away from the plot.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that affects everyone in a different way.
Controversial in parts but down to earth and real.
Interesting reading if you keep an open mind about the difference in times and customs.

[Deena Scintilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandoned this one after Chapter 9. Slow and plodding without the plot that was promised on the jacket.

[Nita Wilkes]

Interesting book. Not much in the way of tension but a well-told story with believable characters.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe more like 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the concept. I liked the characters. It was interesting and kind of weird to revisit 1994. I picked it up and never put it down.

[Christine Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was set to like this book, but it disappointed in the end. I couldn't find a plot. there a series of sub-plots and I guess a theme in the end of family and creating a family with others outside those we are related to.
There were five Point-of-view characters and only one who might be considered the main protagonist at least there was the feeling you got to know her the best and she was the glue who held the story together.
Basketball was supposed to be important to this story but it played second fiddle to the characters whose stories jumped around and left you wanting more. If you want to read a good basketball story read "Blind You Ponies" by Stanley Gordon West.
The book disappointed me as I lived in Oklahoma for many years and during this time period. I have a fondness for the state and its love of sports and this book didn't paint a great picture.