There Used to Be People Here by Cole, Kennedy
There Used to Be People Here by Cole, Kennedy

There Used to Be People Here

In 1970s Mississippi, a Black detective and his temporary partner are assigned to a case that shifts...
$36.00 USD
$36.00 USD
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Author: Kennedy Cole
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Subtotal: $36.00
There Used to Be People Here by Cole, Kennedy

There Used to Be People Here

$36.00
There Used to Be People Here by Cole, Kennedy

There Used to Be People Here

$36.00
Author: Kennedy Cole
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Description
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.

Author: Kennedy Cole
Publisher: Berkley Books
Published: 11/03/2026
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.40w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9798217187119


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 07/31/2026 pg. 1
Booklist 10/01/2026

About the Author
Kennedy Cole is a speculative author with a BFA in Creative Writing and a Certificate in Publishing. Born in North Carolina, she lives by the beach with her partner and enjoys playing games, puzzling, sipping matcha, and collecting tattoos. Her creative portfolio includes an array of published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction with Oakland Arts Review, Carolina Muse, Second Story Journal, and others. There Used to Be People Here is her first novel.
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