BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST - Based on a true event， this novel is "a blues song cut straight from the heart 。。。 about the unjust death of an innocent Black man caught up in a corrupt system。 The full life of Mahmood Mattan， the last man executed in Cardiff for a crime he was exonerated for forty years later [is] brought alive with subtle artistry and heartbreaking humanity" （Walter Mosley， best-selling author of Devil in a Blue Dress）。

In Cardiff， Wales in 1952， Mahmood Mattan， a young Somali sailor， is accused of a crime he did not commit: the brutal killing of Violet Volacki， a shopkeeper from Tiger Bay。 At first， Mahmood believes he can ignore the fingers pointing his way; he may be a gambler and a petty thief， but he is no murderer。 He is a father of three， secure in his innocence and his belief in British justice。

But as the trial draws closer， his prospect for freedom dwindles。 Now， Mahmood must stage a terrifying fight for his life， with all the chips stacked against him: a shoddy investigation， an inhumane legal system， and， most evidently， pervasive and deep-rooted racism at every step。

Under the shadow of the hangman's noose， Mahmood begins to realize that even the truth may not be enough to save him。 A haunting tale of miscarried justice， this book offers a chilling look at the dark corners of our humanity。