The Strivers' Row Spy

By: Jason Overstreet

Narrated by: Avery Glymph

Stunning, suspenseful, and unforgettably evocative, Jason Overstreet's debut novel glitters with the vibrant dreams and dangerous promise of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, as one man crosses the perilous lines between the law, loyalty, and deadly lies.

For college graduate Sidney Temple, the Roaring '20s bring opportunities even members of his accomplished black bourgeois family couldn't have imagined. His impulsive marriage to independent artist Loretta is a happiness he never thought he'd find. And when he's tapped by J. Edgar Hoover to be the FBI's first African American agent, he sees a once-in-a-lifetime chance to secure real justice.

Instead of providing evidence against Marcus Garvey, prominent head of the "dangerously radical" back-to-Africa movement, Sidney uses his unexpected knack for deception and undercover work to thwart the bureau's biased investigation. And by giving renowned leader W. E. B. Du Bois insider information, Sidney gambles on change that could mean a fair destiny for all Americans.

But the higher Sidney and Loretta climb in Harlem's most influential and glamorous circles, the more dangerous the stakes. An unexpected friendship and a wrenching personal tragedy threaten to shatter Loretta's innocent trust in her husband - and turn his double life into a fast-closing trap. For Sidney, ultimately squeezed between the bureau and one too many ruthless factions, the price of escape could be heartbreak and betrayal no amount of skill can help him survive.

©2016 Jason Overstreet (P)2016 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Narrator Avery Glymph inhabits Sidney Temple's life from his college graduation until he's recruited by J. Edgar Hoover to monitor Marcus Garvey's Back to Africa activities.... Glymph's best creations are the intelligent, streetwise Temple and the compelling Garvey, with his gorgeous Jamaican accent, egotism, and grand plan to thwart W.E.B. DuBois's influence.... There's no more entertaining way to be presented with vital American history than this audiobook." ( AudioFile)

Fun Read

The book was entertaining appreciated a lot of the references of the times, I enjoyed the readers accents. I wish there was more action but it was quality action

loved it

great novel and excellent reading of it! his accents we're amazing and really brought it to life

A new insight into Black History

The story focuses on the first black investigator hired by the FBI in the early 20th Century in Harlem and the political pressures impacting the black community. A suspenseful story with great history of the Marcus Garvey and the NAACP.

Made Me Want to Know More

The Strivers' Row Spy is a great piece of historical fiction. I was aware of Marcus Garvey's Back to Africa Movement, but not of his feud with W. E. B. DuBois. After reading the book, I wanted to know more about the first black FBI agents and about Garvey. I'm looking forward to listening to Overstreet's next installment. (However, this is the first Audible book where I must say I did not like the narration, and another audible fan and friend agreed with me. The story held my attention, but the narrator never seemed to capture the essence of the book's characters. I would have preferred Dion Graham, who narrates some of Eric Jerome Dickey's books.)