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“I stepped right back into West Mills and love this new cast of characters in the same town that Winslow created in his first novel. The mystery is compelling (a triple murder in a sleepy NC town), but the characters are the joy of this novel.” —Adah Fitzgerald, Main Street Books, Davidson, NC  

 

"I loved De’Shawn Charles Winslow’s debut book, In West Mills, and his sophomore novel, Decent People, does not disappoint. Set in the same town of West Mills, the characters are funny, witty, and complicated. An intersectional novel discussing race, class, and sexuality, Decent People is a must-read!" ––Dartricia Rollins, Charis Books and More, Decatur, GA

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“Decent People is a timely and poignant read in today's social climate. The characters are immensely relatable, and Winslow's message will resonate across generations.” 
—Daniel Wells, Gramercy Books, Bexley, OH  

  

“A complex, engaging story of a small Southern town grappling with racial justice, human rights, religion, and murder in the mid-1970s. Family ties and long-buried secrets are tested as a woman fights to clear the name of her beloved. An absolute page-turner filled with colorful characters in a rich setting.” 
—Jamie Fiocco, Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, NC  

 

“Set in 1976 in a still segregated small town in North Carolina is the setting for De’Shawn Charles Winslow's second novel. Newly arrived Miss Josephine navigates her return home surrounded by murder and intrigue and lies in a town with a clear racial divide. Winslow's writing is stunning and original, bringing people of color to life in nonurban environments with a captivating plot and wholly original characters." 
—Calvin Crosby, The King’s English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT  

 

“The shooting deaths of 2 sisters and their brother, prominent members of the African American community, set tongues wagging in West Mills, NC. Except for those holding their voice over secrets. Told from alternating perspectives, the mystery unfolds amid lives threatened by the racism and homophobia of the 1960s and 1970s. This is a great read on so many levels, can't wait to handsell this one.”  
—Jan Blodgett, Main Street Books, Davidson, NC  

 
“After 48 years in New York, Jo Wright returns to her hometown of West Mills, North Carolina, to retire and to marry Olympus “Lymp” Seymore. When Lymp is accused of killing his three half-siblings, Jo’s strong sense of justice – and quiet questions about Lymp’s temper – drive her to take on the town’s prejudices and deceptions to prove his innocence. Winslow brings his characters to life through their vivid conversations while skillfully conveying the weight of their fears and struggles with hate and hurt.” 
—Margo Grimm Eule, East City Bookshop, Washington, DC  

 

“Strong storytelling from Winslow in this new novel that explores life in a small Southern town. As a southerner, I instantly recognized the town of West Mills, the petty grudges, the weight of history, and the oppressive fear of anything that challenges the status quo. This is a fast-paced read from an expert storyteller.” 
—Jamie Southern, Bookmarks, Winston-Salem, NC  

 

“Decent People captures what a horrific crime can do to a small rural community. The characters in this book are people you want to cheer for in so many ways, and you know that someone is responsible for a triple murder. Someone is holding a dark secret. How many secrets can someone hold before they break? I loved this book and could not put it down. Such a compulsive page turner of a book. Bravo De'Shawn!”  
—Shane Mullen, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO  

 

“Decent People is a compelling mystery that also deftly contends with racism, homophobia, classism and corruption. De'Shawn Charles Winslow's fluid writing and pacing combine with wonderfully drawn characters--including the glorious busybody Josephine Wright--to make a truly marvelous novel.” 
—Stephanie Jones-Byrne, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, Asheville, NC  

 

“In his second novel, Winslow returns to his own postage stamp of soil in West Mills, North Carolina and expertly interweaves the narratives of several residents concerning the triple homicide of siblings who were not that well liked within certain circles. The depiction of this small town and the African American community at its center shine bright as does this fine author's talent.” 
—Cody Morrison, Square Books, Oxford, MS