Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America

Lowman brings her considerable talent for taking on male voices to the audio edition of acclaimed journalist Levoy’s examination of violent crime in urban America. Levoy’s narrative centers on the work of a core group of dedicated homicide detectives on the streets of South Los Angeles and their relationships with victims, suspects, and the wider community. Lowman shines in her portrayals of John Skaggs, a white officer who takes great pains to transcend his conservative suburban image, and Wally Tennelle, a black officer whose decision to live inside the neighborhood he polices comes into serious question when his own teenage son Bryant is shot to death. Lowman also brings her gift for characterization to the rendering of Jessica Midkiff, a young prostitute struggling to rehabilitate herself who happens to be the principal witness to the murder of Tennelle’s son. The palpable tension of a no-holds-barred interrogation comes to life in impressive detail, and Lowman never misses a beat. [em]A Random/Spiegel & Grau hardcover. (Jan.) [/em]