A Devil Went Down to Georgia

Race, Power, Privilege, and the Murder of Lita McClinton

By: Deb Miller Landau

Narrated by: Callie Beaulieu

The 1987 murder of Lita McClinton Sullivan sent shock waves through the affluent Atlanta suburb of Buckhead, Georgia like few other crimes before it. The neighborhood, with its stately mansions and top-tier schools, was simply not the kind of place where women were gunned down in broad daylight. How many socialites had enemies so dangerous they would be murdered by a hit man pretending to deliver roses on an early winter morning?

Lita was an intelligent, accomplished, and stunning Black woman from a respected Atlanta family. Her interracial marriage to white millionaire Jim Sullivan was a newsworthy occurrence in 1970s Georgia. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before Jim's roving eye and controlling nature put Lita on edge, leading to a divorce years later. As the legal battle raged and Jim's financial outlook grew precarious, he had a chance encounter with an ex-con who said he could "take care" of Jim's wife problem . . .

Award-winning writer Deb Miller Landau details the shocking events that followed Lita's murder in 1987, including the surprising lack of evidence, racial bias in the justice system, and the international manhunt for Lita's killer. Full of twists and turns, legal battles, and the McClinton family's unrelenting dedication to justice, Landau's investigation is the first complete account of this tragic American crime.

©2024 Deb Miller Landau (P)2025 Tantor Media

Surprised

I picked this book because I have lived around Atlanta for 25 or so years. This happened before I was here, but stretched into recent history. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book! I really liked the narration. It is a true story, well told. I do highly recommend.

Great Book and story

This is by far one of the best books I’ve ever listened to on Audible and in general. The way the story is written, takes the listener through, likely, the same emotions and frustrations that Lita and her family went through. Amazing job to the reader and writer of this book!!

Heartbreaking and compelling portrait of crime

This is a fascinating retelling of a brutal and devastating murder and the events that followed. The author demonstrates an admirable use of language, a fierce understanding of the law and injustice and an impressive commitment to research. I feel like I lived through this crime as a member of the community would have, reading headlines, seeking to hear first-hand experiences of witnesses, and feeling deep sadness for the victim and her family.

A Great True-Crime Novel

This story will stay with me for a long time. The author clearly documents the circumstances before, during, and the decades after the victim's murder, bringing humanity to the story. Very well written and narrated.

Outstanding read

I found this to be a well researched and factually grounded account of a series of dark events starting in Deep South in the 70’s . The author creates a careful narrative that not only honors the truth but also respectfully acknowledges the racial disparities that shaped the lives of the victims and the perpetrator. There is a clear effort made to thoughtfully navigate the ongoing sensitivities of those still living with the scars of this tragedy, I to be found particularly compelling. Landau balances accurate historical detail without loss of the events inherent intrigue. There are many frightening and frustrating aspects of this real saga. The author, in true journalistic manner, maintains a consistently honest perspective of the frequently racially motivated issues and undertones. She admits, not being black herself, she cannot assume to have a complete depth of understanding of the impact of this tragic decades-long conflict.
As a black woman I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the skill, honesty and respect with which this story has been retold.

Great details

The author did an awesome job describing in detail the events that occurred before. During and after the murder of Lita

Still leaves me wondering

Very interesting and sad story. It took way too long to finally get to a resolution and still leaves one asking many questions

Sad true mystery

Sociologically interesting case of a murdered black woman in the south. There is nothing but sympathy and admiration for her family. Presents cultural and racial intricacies in case. Of a true narcissistic sociopath.

Amazing story telling!

What an amazing story! Well written and engaging I was hooked from the first few minutes. This book dives in deep to the lives of Lita and Jim Sullivan and brings their stories to life. Tragic, curious and impactful! Highly recommend!

A must listen

Rey well done. The research and execution of this true story was very impressive. I really enjoyed the story of a man whose only love was money. I hope you enjoy it as well.