Ray Carney Series

The "Ray Carney" series by Colson Whitehead is set against the vibrant backdrop of Harlem, spanning the 1960s and 1970s. It follows the life of Ray Carney, a furniture salesman who moonlights as a fence for stolen goods. In the first book, "Harlem Shuffle," Carney navigates the challenges of balancing his reputable business with his ties to the criminal underworld. The sequel, "Crook Manifesto," shifts to the 1970s and ups the stakes as Carney gets dragged back into a world of heists and hustles, driven by family commitments and a changing urban landscape. Readers will experience a mix of historical context, crime fiction, and a deep dive into the protagonist's dual existence. Through Carney's eyes, Whitehead paints a vivid picture of Harlem, filled with colorful characters and the constant push-pull between morality and survival.