A Deadly Night in the Harbor of Hospitality

Elizabeth City, North Carolina the 'Harbor of Hospitality,' is where a twenty-nine-year old young black man was sentenced to die for the murder of a white sailor in 1943. William Poole, a hard worker, treasured and provided for his family. One evening two racist southern sailors after accusing Poole of an unsolved rape initiated an afternoon of bullying and beating. The beating, the humiliation and emasculation at the hands of two bigoted sailors was the last straw, Poole retaliated. After a shot gone wrong, Poole finds himself wrapped up in a trial that sculpts the rest of his life. With questionable evidence and exhausted lawyers, Elizabeth City becomes the center of one of the most controversial trials in history. 'Through extensive research, Brothers has created a compelling novel. Beyond the drama of crime and punishment, he has unearthed the culture of the period, revealing a city of import and promise yet tethered ever so tightly to the grim realities of racial bigotry.' Michael Goodman Editor, The Daily Advance 'A Deadly Night in the Harbor of Hospitality is a suspenseful and exciting story of love, anger, devotion, betrayal, pride, prejudice, and even humor, exposing all of man's visceral and human emotions.' Calvin & Lottie Collins Editors, The Orlando Times