Outraged by Brian Copeland (2024 fiction)

Outraged is a mystery about the murders of police officers who killed unarmed Black men and were never held to account. The main characters are brother and sister – an investigative reporter on TV and a San Francisco homicide cop - with a combative/protective relationship that will probably sound familiar to anyone with a sibling. The author, Brian Copeland, is better known for his one-man comedy shows, including “Not a Genuine Black Man”. He brings that same humor to this novel which tells the story with a serviceable plot. But the best part of the book for me, and maybe for all other local residents, is that it’s set in Castro Valley. Local references are sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed having familiar locations and businesses pop up in the story. There is a surprise ending that ties up the story neatly. 

Reviewed by Stephanie Dorward