The Kokomo Railroad By Susan Giffin

How one man survived 40 years of injustice and finally found freedom.

 
The Kokomo Railroad chronicles the uncompromising struggle to gain the release of Charles Edward Lockert from prison after having been railroaded through the Indiana criminal justice system, illegally incarcerated for almost thirty years, and held unjustly on parole for ten years. This book delivers in detail the freedom team’s strategy and serves as inspiration for all who seek justice.

Reviews

5-Star Review By Joyce B

I recently read The Kokomo Railroad and found it moving and overwhelming when thinking of what Mr. Lockert had to go through to be free. Thank goodness he had Ms. Giffin to be his advocate since he didn’t have the lawyer support he deserved. The dialog, especially, drew me into the story. I felt I was there with them as they struggled over and over again to find justice for him.

Five Stars – This Book Is Excellent. I Could Not Stop Reading It

This book is excellent; I could not stop reading it. It was eye opening to discover just how the system can be corrupt and no accountability on the people who are supposed to be making sure that everyone regardless of color is treated justly. It amazes me how money still has such an influence on our criminal system. I hope that Charles does not stop here and actually makes the system pay for all the wrong doings and they provide him with the exoneration he deserves. They cannot give him back what they stole of his life but they can right the wrongs and allow him to live the life he deserves without this unjust cloud still hanging over him. You will be surprised at who the real criminals are in this case and be prepared to have a new outlook on our criminal system. Best of luck to Charles. – Verified Reader, Goodreads

Five Stars – Excellent

The Kokomo Railroad is a tribute to Charles Lockert’s gracious perseverance and Susan Giffin’s determination to seek justice in a centuries’ old legal system that continues to shatter lives without regard for the law of recognition of the societal damage enacted. This book is a reminder that all of us, from lawmakers to janitors and every stepping stone in between, we are culpable. – A. Deaton

Reviewed By Deepak Menon At Readers’ Favorite

“The Kokomo Railroad by Susan Giffin and Charles Edward Lockert is not about building a railroad. It is one of the most penetrating stories of investigative journalism that I have ever read! It exposes the deep-rooted malaise of corruption, racism, bigotry and ‘sheer cussedness,’ as my old aunt would have described it, that afflicts the very agencies in the USA that were created for bringing about positive change and reform in the country. This is the terrifying story of an innocent Charles Edward Lockert who is implicated in a murder and railroaded into jail to serve out a sentence completely disproportionate to his crime.

“Susan Giffin who has lifelong interest in law, and a fundamental abhorrence of racial prejudice and injustice, enters the arena by chance. She is impressed by his polished gentlemanly demeanor and hears his horrifying story. He has already been in prison for 26 nightmarish years, 20 years more than a legal sentence would have mandated.

“A visibly moved and emotionally disturbed Susan contacts Lockert’s lawyer of many years, Darnail Lyles. They are ready and sure of getting freedom for Lockert at the next parole board meeting in December 2000. And stunned when his application for parole is rejected for the  umpteenth time without an iota of logical reasoning! An intricate tangle of stray threads reveals shameless corruption, vindictiveness,  and criminal malice. The tension is so taut that I sat up half the night to read the book to its heart-wrenching finale in one go. The cover warrants a look inside, and the formatting of the book is good. Chapter headings are rather unique and worth saving for their own sake.

“This is an outstanding book, a brave and honest expose of the times that, to my mind, can have an impact similar to the game-changing Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This book is highly recommended.” – Reviewed by Deepak Menon

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