There Used to Be People Here
List Price:
$30.00
| Expected release date is Nov 3rd 2026 |
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Product Details
Author:
Kennedy Cole
Format:
Hardcover
Pages:
368
Publisher:
Penguin Publishing Group (November 3, 2026)
Imprint:
Berkley
Release Date:
November 3, 2026
Language:
English
Audience:
General/trade
ISBN-13:
9798217187119
Weight:
19.33oz
Dimensions:
6" x 9" x 0.9063"
File:
RandomHouse-PRH_Book_Company_PRH_PRT_Onix_full_active_D20260705T122903_156890408-20260705.xml
Folder:
RandomHouse
List Price:
$30.00
Country of Origin:
United States
Pub Discount:
65
Case Pack:
12
As low as:
$23.10
Publisher Identifier:
P-RH
Discount Code:
A
QuickShip:
Yes
Overview
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, Mississippi: 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.
Wenton, Mississippi: 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.
