SnitchCraft [Hardcover]

Edrea Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2006

Family is the motivating force behind John "JC" Powell. The flamboyant, smooth-talking, country boy persuades his militant brother, Paul, to leave a comfortable life in Harlem to move to Long Beach going for the big time. The duo quickly find out that the glitz and glamour they're in search of is reserved for a chosen few, and "Angels" are outnumbered by "Devils" in the LBC. After numerous setbacks, JC finally transforms a seedy illicit dive into one of the most profitable nightclubs in Southern California. JC is making more money than he can count, providing for his entire family, and on the verge of winning back the love of his life, Candace Banks; totally unaware that all of the work to establish a legitimate, profitable, family business would soon be undermined by a snitch. When he's arrested, convicted, and imprisoned based on the testimony of someone he trusted, JC struggles to clear his name and get back over two million dollars in assets seized by the government. As the pieces of the puzzle come together in a surprising courtroom drama, JC realizes that he is caught up in a ruthless game, playing against a criminal justice system set up to win by any means necessary. An "After the Book Section" includes a reader's guide of discussion questions, suggested actions people can take to impact criminal justice issues, and a resource guide listing organizations working to change the criminal justice system.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A captivating street-life saga that brings the history of the game, as well as the questions of morals and values, to the surface." -- LaToya Foster, Radio & TV Talk Show Host

"I was nailed to my chair! This is a life lesson everyone needs to know. Be careful who you trust!" -- Foster V. Corder, Director "The Legend of Dolemite"

"Intrigue, treachery, lies - nothing is as it seems in this Powell family saga." -- Victor Hobson, New York Jets --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

"After the Book Section" includes readers discussion guide and resource listing. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Dogon Village Books (September 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978697413
• ISBN-13: 978-0978697419
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,015,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Keep Your Enemies Close and Your Friends and Family Even Closer!", February 15, 2007

By 

SoulMusiqLuva "soulmusiqluva" (new york) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SnitchCraft (Paperback)

Smooth talking well-respected New York City street hustlers, John "JC" Powell and older brother, Paul, venture to California in order to legitimatize their dealings in the novel, "SnitchCraft" by Edrea Davis. The money they made over the years through their illegal ventures seems endless. They begin to encounter new challenges and subtle animosity as they travel west. Stopping in Georgia at a family reunion while driving to California, the brothers come in contact with family members they do not see very often, others with questionable characteristics and strangers that want to be part of their budding business enterprise.

The events that unfold when JC and Paul arrive in California are very different from what they envisioned. Failing to consult with Paul, JC agreed to renovate a former seedy lounge in the midst of a gang riddled, urban ghetto. Despite the conditions, JC, the family caretaker, is filled with visions of grandeur. Developing a once dilapidated lounge into a popular nightclub garners resentment from those who should be the closest and most interested in what is best for the Powell brothers. JC, on the verge of winning the heart of his long lost love, Candace, and bringing in more money than he can imagine watches his world collapse. He is arrested for dealing drugs from the club. Having put illicit activity of that nature behind him, JC truly believes that this misunderstanding will quickly be resolved. He is later convicted and hit with an exceptionally steep jail sent ence, as a result of testimony provided by a member of his inner circle whom he trusted without fail.

Watching the drama unfold begins to shift this story into an even more intriguing "who done it" type of mystery. The ruthless game of corruption within the criminal justice system is shown in full amplification as the reader begins to grasp how the deceitful word of one person can negatively impact that of a potentially innocent individual with lifelong consequences.

"SnitchCraft," a highly recommended novel exhibits many facets of African-American life - the strength of family bonds, romance, spirituality, gang violence and fraud within the criminal justice system.

Reviewed by Detrel
APOOO Book Club

3.0 out of 5 stars The Urban Book Source, January 6, 2008

By 

The Urban Book Source "www.urbanbooksource.com" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SnitchCraft (Paperback)

Snitch Craft hits the nail on the head of a touchy subject for many; snitching and a corrupt justice system. The novel tells the story of two brothers, JC and Paul, who aspire to take their ill-acquired funds across the continent to start legitimate businesses. Along the way jealousy, envy, and greed drive some of their acquaintances to drop the dime on the now good-to-do brothers, eventually getting them caught up in the system. A bit hard to get into in the beginning, but worth the read if you are in the mood for a change of storyline. Fitted with a useful section of facts about the criminal justice system, is an added bonus for the reader.

1. What did you like best about this book?
I loved that the story shone some light on a very prevalent issue in our culture.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
I didn't like that the tale took a few chapters before the meat of the story was exposed.

3. How can the author improve this book?
The author could spruce up the beginning chapters to capture the attention of readers a bit quicker and perhaps rearrange or organize some of the chapters better for a smoother flow.

5.0 out of 5 stars A different twist on the snitch controversy, July 28, 2007

By 

Shelia Lander (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SnitchCraft (Paperback)

This novel was intriguing and informative. Wealthy hustler turned nightclub owner, JC Powell is given a hefty prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit and his whole world crumbles around him. When the layers of lies are revealed during a riveting courtroom scene, the audience will be shocked to learn who snitched and, more importantly, why.

I highly recommend this book - especially for young people who may be a little naive about the system. The author included an after the book section that gives important information on the criminal justice system.

SnitchCraft was an excellent first novel- urban fiction with a dash of history, civil rights, and spirituality. I look forward to reading more from this author.