Zenith Man

Death, Love & Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom

De: McCracken Poston Jr.

Narrado por: Lee Goettl

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.

©2024 McCracken Poston Jr. (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Inspiring, funny & unbelievable!

This book opens your eyes to make you observe the world around you much better than you've ever done before! Positively inspiring, making you audit the way you look at every person you ever encounter. I was surprised having heard this story before at just how much that reading it makes you want to be the third friend in this relationship of lawyer & client.

Highly recommended for true crime enthusiasts as well as this book literally puts you inside the courtroom, as you just hope and pray for everything to be ok!

Laughed and cried, as well as just about every emotion one could have..

.. just an unbelievably great story!

Heartbreaking and Heartwarming

It’s not often one reads a true crime book that leaves you feeling better about the world after reading it.

Such a Touching Story of a Misunderstood Man

The story was so compelling. Sometimes the media firestorm that happens around a case is just a strange or misunderstood individual.

SUCKED IN!!!!

Ok listen I don't read. I can say I've only read one book that I recall the past 10+ years. I even cheated a bit on this one and listened to a man read it to me on the Audible App. Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom Book by McCracken Poston Jr. I've heard about Mr. McCracken Poston over the years, have seen recent posts about said book on FB, and well most of you know we live close enough to Ringgold to know locations and names in the book. I must say it is a MUST READ/LISTEN TO! I giggled, laughed out loud, smirked, teared up, and even at some points had tears come out of my eyes. Great job Mr. Poston and @Alvin Ridley(tagged purposely like he has a FB ha, ha, ha NOT), I'm so happy for you although this took place many years ago and God Speed! As someone who loves the elderly, disabled, or anyone with a "difference" (for lack of better words). My career the past 20+ years in caregiving has taught me to love these people with a HUGE heart. Alvin Ridley now has such a special place in my heart.

P.S. Mr. Poston if you ever read this I would LOVE to join you and Mr. Ridley for lunch any day of the week!

Amazing true story!

Such an incredible and important story! True crime, courtroom drama, love story, friendship journey, acceptance and redemption all rolled into one!

Simplicity of this book grabbed me from the beginning! No over use of magnanimous wording ! Well done !

I just finished the audible version of this book. The book was interesting , well written and gave me several good laughs!
The narrator made me feel like I was actually listening to the author.
Well done!

Awesome book

This was an amazing book based on a true story. It is a must read!

A great way to understand what goes on in a trial

Well written and it teaches you what an attorney and client goes thru in a small town trial.

Touching hometown story

I loved this story. Being from this area in Northwest Georgia, I found it so reflective of my own experience. The author does an amazing job of communicating a touching story that the main character couldn’t or wouldn’t really tell. Highly recommend!

Excellent Story That Has You Cheering At The End

This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you cheering for Alvin Ridley and his lawyer. If you like real life crime/drama, this story is for you. The reader does a great job and sounds a little like the actual author (minus the Southern Accent). I grew up in Ringgold. The author graduated High School with my sister. The Gass boys were my neighbors and Alvin Ridley fixed a few of our TVs growing up. Even though I knew the outline of the story, I had no idea of the details - and they were enthralling! If you like a story where the underdog wins - this is it - and even though I knew the outcome - I still found myself on the edge of my seat wondering if things were going to go wrong. If you have ever lived in small town America - you will appreciate this story - and if you haven't - it will fascinate you. I highly recommend it!