Crook Manifesto

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Colson Whitehead continues his Harlem saga, capturing the gritty essence of 1970s New York. In 1971, as the city faces rampant crime and impending bankruptcy, furniture store owner Ray Carney attempts to maintain his business and stay out of trouble. His resolve falters when he seeks Jackson 5 tickets for his daughter, leading him back to his old police contact, Munson, who complicates Carney's desire for a quiet life with dangerous demands. By 1973, the counter-culture has reshaped society, but Carney’s volatile partner, Pepper, remains a constant. As assembling a reliable crew for criminal activities becomes more challenging, Pepper takes a side job providing security on a Blaxploitation film set in Harlem, navigating a bizarre world of celebrities and drug dealers, where his experience proves invaluable. In 1976, as Harlem faces destruction amidst the Bicentennial celebrations, Carney grapples with creating a July 4th ad while his wife, Elizabeth, supports a rising politician. When a fire injures one of his tenants, Carney enlists Pepper to uncover the culprit, forcing the duo to navigate a decaying city rife with corruption and violence.