Customer Reviews

Railroaded!

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Has the following ever happened to you? A book calls out to you, you're hooked from the first page and you hate to see it end. Well, this is exactly what happened to me when I recently read Railroaded by Whitfield Grant. A debut novel in the tradition of legal thrillers, Railroaded was a terrific read from beginning to end. And as I do with any new author I find, I can hardly wait to read Mr. Grant's next novel.

Tony Williams is a star football player. He is also a black man who is highly regarded not only by his teammates but by members of his community. He is also happily married and realizes all well the many temptations put before men in his visible position. One night, though, with a bit too much too drink, Tony winds up with a woman in his bed. In the morning, realizing what has happened and the mistake he made, he spurns the woman's attention and quickly leaves the hotel. The woman, thought, shocked by Tony's attitude seeks revenge against him and claims he raped her during a violent evening. The charge of rape for anybody is bad enough but the woman turns out to be the daughter of the owner of the team Tony plays for and he had no knowledge about this either. Now the owner of the team believing his daughter seeks justice never thinking that his daughter is a liar.

And so begins an adventurous chase and courtroom setting with Tony fighting not only for his life professionally but also literally. First he has severely injured and then he is pursued by less than your average members of a fan club. Helping Tony to fend off any other attacks and to clear his name are three "blood brothers," friends of Tony's from his youth, a defense attorney and a Jamaican soldier of fortune. But when circumstances become worse and worse and the evidence is more and more damaging, Tony can't help but think about another similar incident in his family history which proved tragic.

This is a book which moves headlong and is one spectacular roller coaster ride. Just when you think the plot can't twist or turn anymore, it does. And if you are a reader like myself who enjoys character driven novels, this is the perfect book for you because you will so miss these characters when you close the book.

Whitfield Grant, the author of this well conceived and crafted novel, is a name to remember. His books are the kind, like other beloved authors I read, that once I finish them I can't wait till the next title is published. In the book Railroaded there is mention that Mr. Grant's next book, Derailed, a sequel to Railroaded will be available soon. For sure I will be the first one to pluck it from the bookstore's shelves. But I need to clear my calendar of everything because as soon as I begin reading this book, I won't be doing anything else.

So what are you waiting for? Isn't it time you run out and purchase this book? Believe me when I say you will thank me over and over again.

FINALLY! A great legal thriller written for the multi-cultural audience! "Railroaded" is the story of a black football player, Tony Williams (who really loves and is faithful to his wife) who, together with his best friends, fights the insanity of modern "sexual" persecution (many years after having suffered through painful racially-based trauma). Set in 1979, the book immerses you in a fast-paced "movie in your mind" as you ride Whitfield Grant's rollercoaster of unexpected surprises and clever twists. You will try in earnest to identify in what character the "sinister" force really resides that threatens to take this highly sympathetic hero down (it's not obvious!). In the backdrop of this courtroom and mystery thriller (laced with a love story too), it is the unfolding of a story about three naturally bright and gifted athletes, a valient wife and a "dream team" they form in response to a calculated frame-up. The main characters deeply value their relationships with one another, and exude genuine loyalty, warmth and humor. I like the simple human values demonstrated in the book. Grant has a great gift for gab when it comes to natural dialogue and moves you quickly through incredible action scenes --whether it's in the courtroom, on the football field or on a heated car chase. As an attorney, I especially appreciated the credibility of Grant's depiction of the defense lawyers, prosecutors and judges. He even develops an interesting character in the prosecutor relentlessly after Tony Williams. I can't wait for the sequel! Keep writing Whitfield!

As a pilot, I usually try to take a book with me so that on layovers, I will have something to occupy my time. Lately, I've been reading more finance books than I care to admit but had Railroaded recommended to me by a friend who had just finished reading the book. His only comment was, "You gotta read this book." There was a smile on his face which further seemed to justify his recommendation. So I got a copy and took it with me. During a three-day trip, I finished the book because it was impossible to let go of except to grab a meal (or fly a plane!). So is it capitvating? Gripping? Riveting? It is all those things and more.

I am not one to write reviews, however the last reviewer, struck a nerve and I felt compelled to respond. Unlike the previous reviewer who indicated that the book was tedious or even contrived, I would suspect that he leads a rather sedentary and confined life without much exposure to the real world except to venture out for a meal at MacDonald's or sitting in front of a television taking to heart all that is reproduced for our general consumption. Traveling around as much as I have for 30 years, I've seen things that most people would not believe. I wonder if the last reviewer has ever experienced the nightmares of dealing with the justice system and the problems that one can encounter there?

Whitfield Grant has taken difficult material and laced it with a huge dose of believability. Why believable? Consider the rampant allegations of sexual harassment levied at athletes and celebrities. Traveling with such men, I am fully aware of what they have and continue to encounter, and sometimes the picture is not pretty. Consider that despite the fact that we as a society like to believe in a pristine justice system, there have been instances where judges are compromised. One only need look at the venerable Supreme Court voting along political lines to decide the election of a President! Consider the fact that someone who harbors so much hatred and ill will toward his fellow man would go to lengths or engage in unimaginable behavior to destroy another. Did we not see hate crimes in the middle 90's in Texas where an innocent African American male was dragged to his death? All this is far away from the 1979 venue encompassed in Railroaded, however, the same problems are still inherent in our culture today. As to everyone's issues with the three men being too perfect, aren't you sick and tired of seeing African American men portrayed as something less than upstanding? Don't we need great role models to initiate change in this country?

Whitfield Grant should be praised for having the guts to write such a story showcasing African American men in a positive light while addressing the societal enigmas that continue to plague our country. Whitfield Grant is a superb storyteller and has successfully transferred his story into a written form that can provide an enjoyable entertainment experience. I think I saw on the book's website that one reader said that "Railroaded is an outstanding piece of literature that should be shared with the masses, everywhere." I completely agree and I am glad that I spent my $24.95 on Railroaded as opposed to a lot of books that, after reading, have been very disappointing, including many on the bestseller list! For my part, I am going to tell all my colleagues about Railroaded because I would like nothing more than see a great writer positioned at the top of the New York Times Bestseller list!

Bravo, Mr. Grant! Don't let any naysayer deter your spirit or determination to continue writing. Railroaded is not for those with a closed mind or who approach life timidly. This country needs writers of your caliber. Keep up the good work because your newfound and expanding base of fans will be anxiously awaiting your next release.

This is a "fell into my lap" situation. (You ever wonder why if you like something it fell into your lap but if you hate it you "didn't ask for it?" Anyway this was a great book with a lot of twists and edge of your seat suspense. Don't ask me why but I kept actually picturing this book on the big screen as sometlhing I would definitely enjoy as a movie.

Undying loyalty as it pertains to friendship was also displayed very well in this book. I guess with the type of books I read a lot of I kept waiting for the backstabbing friend that never took place.

All in all a fine piece of writing and my only gripes are like someone else said, the trademark symbols and the unnecessary bold and words surrounded by quotation marks. Also I can't seem to find the author's website for more info. Thanks Mr. Grant.

I've read many Grisham books and many of the Scott Patterson books showcasing Alex Cross. For me, there was always something missing. Where are the stories that deal with a real slice of our culture, that is a mutlicultural experience that represents the melting pot that is America? Such is the case with the new novel, "Railroaded!" by author Whitfield Grant. It is interesting that the novel showcases stories that are in the headlines on almost a daily basis. So, how does a successful African-American family man and athlete defend himself from a vindictive rape charge by a rich and powerful young white woman? This is the story showcased in Railroaded! From the first page, Mr. Grant sets the stage for a psychological thriller as the principal character witnesses a lynching in the mid 1960's. Railroaded grips you in suspense as it twists and turns through a well developed plot. The characters are well developed and allow you to create your own pictures in your minds eye. All through the book, you are forced to endure the nightmares faced by the main character, Tony Williams, as he fights with his two best friends, to clear his name. The book then becomes a courtroom drama showcasing all that must be endured in that venue as well as in the court of public opinion. And the ending . . . the ending will leave you saying, "whew!" There are those that probably think that the three African-American men showcased in this novel are too perfect . . . to good to be true. But don't we need positive role models in a society that showcases negativity, promotes negative social mores in the interaction between men and women, and elevates crime to celebrity status? Whitfield Grant has successfully created characters in which we can take a genuine interest and grabs your continued interest so that you will find yourself getting behind them in their pursuit of truth and justice. Does the book call into question certain issues that are at best difficult to address like racism and all the ugliness that it involves? Absolutely! But in the end, Mr. Grant handles the subject matter in a very clean manner . . . and in the end, sometimes being a good man just isn't enough. Read Railroaded! and see for yourself. It's simply outstanding. I am delighted to have found a great author who provides real reading entertainment.

First off, I didn't really know what I could expect from Grant's book. Initially I wasn't too impressed. Besides some mistakes that drew your concentration away from the story, such as the inclusion of the trademark symbol (which isn't necessary) and his use of both italics and bold print (which, again only detracts from the story, rather than empasizes the meaning as Grant was trying to do. Italics are fine, but bold print is never a good idea in a novel. The reader should be given the benefit of the doubt that they understand where the emphasis is meant to be), there were just the common mistakes that are rounded out as you write more. Some stilted sentences, or some preachiness, or that his characters are just too perfect (character flaws can add to the believability; but Grant chose to leave out all flaws for the main characters all together) or even a gratuitous sex scene that had no bearing on the novel except to fulfill some fantasy or other. All of this points to a small press or, as I think here, to self-publication.

Yet, despite this, and especially because of the last sentence of the previous paragraph, the story draws you in and makes you want to read more. It truly is a good story that allows the reader to put aside their reservations and enjoy the book for what it is. Grant did a great job of getting from point A to B and connecting all the dots, making sure to create a storyline that is not only plausible, but believable. This really is a good story and book that can captivate your interest.

I was going to give it three stars because of the errors in editing that detract from the story, but the book unfolded nicely and made me feel glad to have read it.

I would certainly recommend this book to anyone interested. And I know that Grant's writing will only polish up with time, as any author's writing does, which makes me want to read Grant's next book when it comes out even more.

Tony Williams, at age 10, witnessed his cousin being murdered by the Ku Klux Klan for his association with a white girl. It colored his life from then on. A former Olympic champion turned football star, Tony Williams is accused of raping a white woman, and it's not just any old white woman off the streets either. It's the daughter of the owner of his team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Marianne Scott approached Tony at an after party in Hawaii while he was extremely drunk, and when he turned her down, she vowed revenge. In a game between the Denver Broncos and the Steelers, Tony takes an illegal hit and is carried off the field on a stretcher. Ned Scott, owner of the Steelers, sends his limo to take Tony home. Marianne weasels her way into the limo with the injured, sleeping Tony. The next morning Tony and his wife discover that Marianne has accused him of rape and battery. His friends from childhood, Adrian and Errol, circle around him and the real horror begins as they attempt to prove his innocence.

Whitfield Grant has written an excellent thriller that encompasses the past and the present. The writing is tight, the plot is good and the suspense is downright nerve wracking. I found myself unable to put the book down because I needed to know who did it. Who was helping Marianne with her horrid scheme against this innocent man? At some point, everyone in the book comes under suspicion - from the Klan to the FBI and of course, everyone around Tony. I would definitely recommend this book to thriller lovers. (RAW Rating: 4.5)

Reviewed by alice Holman

of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

My reaction to this book was most unusual. I found it so engrossing that I stayed up into the early morning hours finishing it. After going to bed, I laid there for some time finding holes in the plot, as there were several. However, in my opinion, that is what defines a good writer, in that you can't put it down even when acknowledging weak spots in the story.

Anthony Williams is an incredible athlete, one of the fastest people on Earth and a star defensive back in the NFL. He is also black, extremely intelligent, well educated and happily married with absolutely no thoughts of straying. While on the road, he attends a party and drinks to the point of near unconsciousness. A beautiful white woman comes up to him and blatantly offers herself to him. Even though he says no, she aggressively persists and he finally reaches the point where he yells at her and pushes her away. She stomps off and he drinks some more. So much so that on the way back to his room he passes out. The woman, who has been following him, helps him to his room. The next morning, he awakes to find himself in bed with her and they are both naked.

Tony and his equally black, athletic and intelligent friend Adrian immediately realize that the woman is a nutcase and they get away as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the nutcase also happens to be the daughter of the owner of the NFL team Tony plays for and she stalks him for revenge. She hires a player for an opposing team to perform an illegal block on Tony, which effectively ends his career. She then accuses him of raping her and the case goes to trial.

This begins a wild ride of conspiracies run amok, involving the purchase of a judge, covert operations by current and former government officials, a cross burning by the Klu Klux Klan, and a contingent of paid assassins. It is in this area where the plot lines go too far, there are just too many conspiracies. For example, during Tony's trial, which is taking place in Pennsylvania, the Klan burns a cross on his lawn. No one sees anything and the local police are very slow to react. The argument is that they have been paid to be tardy. This is simply too much and was totally unnecessary for the story. The police would have responded rapidly to such an event, after all Tony is so well regarded that he is already being mentioned as a potential candidate for state office and the trial has generated enormous national media coverage. Also, people are just too easily purchased. The judge presiding in Tony's rape trial has aspirations for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and he is offered one million dollars and a seat on the court if he will act with prejudice against Tony. He so easily accepts, not even pondering the thought that acceptance of the bribe would doom him while a public rejection of the offer would cement his standing for the high court.

Despite these problems, I found the book so interesting that I saw them and read right over them, well into the night. Grant is supposedly working on a sequel, I am looking forward to reading it and seeing if he can maintain his momentum.

potential and a bit of a ways to go in order to be in contention with Grisham et al. But it is my belief that he will get there with perserverance and hard work. But nothing comes easy to those who aspire to greatness and with this novel as his cornerstone I am sure he will produce better and better works.

I understand that he is writing his sequel and I look forward to receiving an advance copy. This story was engrossing and hurtled along at breakneck speed carrying the reader to the explosive end like a rogue locomotive. Very difficult to tear yourself away...the storyline is great and different and leaves you breathlessly awaiting the sequel.

A few things that Grant could improve on; the 'all-too-perfect' characters; Perfection is annoying and could get boring. The other is the minutiae of details in places where it is not required and he should definitely forget the word 'egregious' as the constant use of the word takes the punch out of the meaning.

All in all; a thoroughly enjoyable read ... the book was so good that despite its' little 'first-time' flaws; it drew me in until the very last word was read and left me wanting more.

Get it now...Don't miss getting in on the ground floor of Grant's budding career...you will congratulate yourself that you did!

Keep up the great work Whitfield...your audience is waiting.

The combination of adventure, intrigue and love delivers a very potent message. Once past the first few chapters the book simply cannot be put down as it challenges your mind to anticipate the fast developing events ending with a stunning and unpredictable finish.