Zenith Man: Death, Love & Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom
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(as of Jan 24, 2025 20:39:42 UTC – Details)
In October 1997, the town of Ringgold, Georgia, was shaken by reports of a murder in its midst. A dead woman was found in Alvin Ridley’s house—and even more shockingly, she was the wife no one knew he had.
McCracken Poston had been a state representative before he lost his bid for US Congress and returned to his law career. Alvin Ridley was a local character who once sold and serviced Zenith televisions. Though reclusive and an outsider, the “Zenith Man,” as Poston knew him, hardly seemed capable of murder.
Alvin was a difficult client, storing evidence in a cockroach-infested suitcase, unwilling to reveal key facts to his defender. Calling on medical experts, testimony from Alvin himself, and a wealth of surprising evidence gleaned from Alvin’s house, Poston presented a groundbreaking defense that allowed Alvin to return to his peculiar lifestyle, a free man.
Years after his trial, Alvin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a revelation that sheds light on much of his lifelong personal battle. Part true crime, part courtroom drama, Zenith Man is also the moving story of an unexpected friendship between two very different men that changed—and perhaps saved—the lives of both.
Customers say
Customers find the story engaging and well-told. They describe the book as a memorable, entertaining read with well-written dialogue that sounds realistic. The content is informative and educational, showing empathy and understanding. Readers appreciate the humor and heartwarming moments that make them laugh and cry. The compassionate lawyer and the triumph of the human spirit are also highlighted.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Amazon Customer –
Favorite Book Of The Year!
If you havenât read Ken Postenâs book, âThe Zenith Manâ, I urge you to read it soon. The book is sad, funny and heartbreaking at times. It touches every emotion. Alvin Ridley was tried for murdering his wife in Ringgold. It is a love story, a story of friendship and also a story about how quickly we judge others by how they look or talk, etcâ¦the book was so well written and hard to put down. It is a true story and some will remember seeing it unfold on Forensic Files and American Justice back in the 90âs.
I am an avid reader and John Grisham is one of my favorites. I would put this book right up there with one of Grishamâs books! Deb Posey
KM –
A remarkable profound story
Poston can really tell a story. I learned a lot about the legal process for a case like this, as well as gaining a character portrait of a quirky man with so much against him who eventually prevails. I’ve used this case in my courses, and now I have all the details. There’s grit, compassion, conflict and even a little humor in these pages. I came away with a sense of how a seemingly small case can be deeply profound. A truly engaging and memorable book. I hope for more from this author.
BB –
True crime in small town Georgia
A local âoddâ businessman in small town Georgia gets accused of killing his wife. When he asks a local lawyer he knew casually to represent him in court, the lawyer gets more than he bargained for in his client.
kathy fulton –
Great book !
a great, true story ! well written and truly inspiring!
Brenda Bernhardt –
Just a tv repairman
This was my favorite book of 2024! Not only is Mr. Poston a talented lawyer, he is a gifted writer. He introduces his readers to a misunderstood and sometimes perplexing true life character with humor and heart, and had me rooting for both him and his client. A feel-good story that had me hooked from the beginning!
lisa p –
The truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!! This is a true page turner!!
Having grown up in Northwest Georgia and having a deep connection to this area, I was very eager to read this book. If you didn’t know better, you might think that the eccentric characters “salesman Sam” ,not to mention Alvin Ridley are fictional. I can say with certainty that they are not! I’ve met some of the folks in this book. Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction!
This book tells a story of two people whose lives intersect during a difficult time in both of their lives. If McCracken Poston had not gone the extra mile while representing Mr. Ridley, he very well could be in prison today. Mr. Ridley is an eccentric and misunderstood character. It goes to show that you should never rush to judgement. Often there is much more to a story if you have the time and patience to uncover it. In a time of need, we all should be so lucky to have such a dedicated and compassionate lawyer!
I did not want to put this book down. I was drawn in as if I were there. The storytelling was poignant and at times “laugh out loud” funny. This book reminded me of another one of my favorite Southern authors, Rick Bragg. The author does a great job of writing about living in small town in rural Georgia along with all of the colorful characters.
Even though I knew the outcome, I was sad when the book ended. Above all, it is a story of love and redemption. To lose your wife and then be accused of murdering her, must have been excruciating. The center photo section included some photos that were haunting, especially the ones taken in the Ridley home.
You can feel the affection between Mr. Ridley and Mr. Poston. It’s heartwarming to know that after many years, they still meet regularly for lunch. The once ridiculed man is now a small town celebrity of sorts!
This story is just too good not to be adapted for film. I anticipate a “Zenith Man” movie at some point.
I’m getting ready to order more copies for friends and family!
Nancy H. Lamanno –
Grabs you right from the beginning
This is such a compelling book, knowing that it isn’t fiction! It most definitely reads like fiction, except no one would believe all the things that happen if it wasn’t true. McCracken Poston does such a good job with Alvin’s story and you are quickly wrapped up in the drama. Just a fun, charming book
Jill E –
so well-written
The author did an incredible job telling this story. I loved every little detail!! And the follow-up story wraps everything up so perfectly. Well done!!
Ryan Rule –
It all went well and was a great book. Thanks.
Katier –
I wasn’t expecting much when I first started reading, but it reels you in and I was soon hooked.
Well written and grabs the attention. I’ve had a couple of late nights after reading ‘just a few more lines’.
Well worth a read.
shayne warren –
Best book I’ve read this year. It will make you laugh and cry. Definitely recommend.