As we say now about Mark Twain, the future will hear, "another James McEachin". He has written the definitive book on man's inhumanity to man while, paradoxically, presenting a paean to the triumph of the human spirit. McEachin brings to life people to aspire to who have terrible failings and seemingly simple folk with hidden greatness. So many thoughts that have never been expressed and behaviour never before delineated. You will read word combinations you've not seen til now.

The actor James McEachin has enjoyed a fine second career as a novelist. This, his second novel, is an incredibly moving book about an unforgettable, yet forgotten, incident in our past. In 1917 the US Army sent a regiment of black soldiers to Houston, Texas. As could have been expected, trouble eventually occurred. Big trouble. A riot between white Houston police and the black soldiers which resulted in the deaths of several people. The result was the largest murder trial in American history, followed by the largest mass execution. This is an emotional book, written in the heat of righteous anger. But, Mr. McEachin never allows his obvious sympathies for the soldiers to descend into maudlin sentimentalism. The soldiers are fully rounded men, often troubled and flawed. Their actions are not made out to be more noble than they were. It is a book that reminds us of how far we have come in America, and how far we have to go. Most highly recommended.

Mr. McEachin again reminds me of why he is my favorite author. His powerful words are overshadowed only by the human-ness of his characters. He is a master storyteller.

The Heroin Factor James McEachin
In the Company of My Sistahs - Jo D Wright itcoms_bc@yahoo.com

I read it a few years ago. I gritty mystery. The novel is well
written. I almost got lost in the plots and sub-plots , the drugs, who doing the drugs but I could not put it down. It is mystery noir!. The characters were really well developed but not really likable. It was a good read. Now that I know Mr. McEachin is a writer, I will read his others.

James McEachin earned my heartfelt admiration with his first novel, Tell Me a Tale, and has continued to impress me with each of his successive books. The Heroin Factor, though completely different than his previous novels, still exudes the descriptive scenes, twisting plot, and strong, opinionated, and ultimately human characters that have always made his books such wonderful reads.

james mceachin is the eptiome of a soldier, actor, and author, evolved in that order. with each new novel he brings forth the diversity that only a skilled artist, such as he, can do. that's clearly a survival technique whether in the trenches, the lime-light, or under the pressures of a publishing company. i have only recieved this book recently but it's a page turning experience from the inception. the characters are clearly concise and the evolution of the story as intriguing as "the case of the century" as it unfolds. i continue to anticipate where mceachin will take my spirit as we travel through l.a. on this "don't judge a book by its cover" journey. kudos again!!!

The book seemed to me to be a morality play with characters that I never cared about as individuals. I did appreciate its attempts to portray the great sorrow that hatred and revenge brings to all participants, but have read much more compelling tellings of that moral.

Tell Me a Tale became my favorite book the moment I picked it up, and it earned that praise over and over again with every turn of the page. Mr. McEachin is the most gifted American author alive today.

This gifted writer held my attention, interest, and heart for every page of this novel. I found the valleys and peaks of emotional turbulence as necessary as breathing air. The characters are so real to me that I only pray that no one has to truely experience this to get the perspective that the experience brings. If you've never understood someone trying to explain the "ghosts of the south" just take this journey which Mr.McEachin so skillfully offers and then you'll wonder as I do, "tale"-couldn't possibly be that far from truth, could it?

I'm glad I didn't pay for it, but just borrowed it.

The cops are portrayed as more unintelligent than is credible by any wild stretch, even though it is set in New Jersey. It falls well below humor into something unsettling, and seems to be a black author having his revenge on white cops. I could enjoy that if it were funny, but it is just dismal.

The author, James McEachin, continues to amaze me with his writing style. This book is a great departure from previous works which include, Farewell to the Mockingbirds and Tell Me a Story. The author presents a surprising twist to viewing law enforcement. The story takes place in New Jersey during a cold wintery night. It is the perfect backdrop of what is to unfolds as the authors presents a very amusing tale of what can happen will happen on a given night. This is not a lengthy book but it explores several themes includng sexism, racism, classism, isolation and cultural. These themes are explored through the eyes of the "...Men in Blue". It is without a doubt, a very entertaning and amusing account of what might happen during the course of an eight hours shift on this local police squad given the right circumstances. The story unfolds gradually but the pace picks up after a somewhat slow introduction. It is worth the read.