Zenith Man

Death, Love & Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom

By: McCracken Poston Jr.

Narrated by: 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!

The perfect mix

Once I started the book, I couldn't stop. This book made me laugh, cry, and yell in anger. I highly recommend for any true crime fan.

The Personal growth of both people.

The honesty of the author. the inside view of a court proceeding. The truth of the effect of kindness and patience.

Funny, heartbreaking, sweet, heartwarming.,.great story!

I’ve never felt as warmly toward a defendant as I did toward this one, purely from the empathetic and honest portrayal of his defense attorney.

I wanted more of the personal stories of the peripheral characters…poston’s telling of this poignant story was great after a bit of a slow start…I really enjoyed this book and would love to read more from McCracken Poston!

Such crisp honesty

Still making my way through this book, having found it through social media (shout out to the Rebuttal podcast), but honestly, this is sooo good. This is one of a handful of audiobooks I set aside time to REALLY listen to with intent. The sober moments and the biting humour at times - including exasperation - but SUCH a well-written book.