Ratings8
Average rating4.3
"When two wealthy white landowners are found dead, the whole country immediately thinks it must be Jerome Washington, the hired help, who killed them. He was standing over the bodies when the police responded to an anonymous call and the only one on the property at the time of death. As far as the state is concerned, it's an open and shut case. Jack Lee, born and raised in Freeman County, knows that every man deserves a solid defense and agrees to be Jerome's lawyer, against everyone's better judgement. But as the facts of the case unfold, it becomes more and more obvious to Jack that this trial isn't about uncovering the truth and is instead a racially charged set up. And the whole town is calling for Jerome to receive the death penalty. Jack is soon ensnared in a system that's doing everything it can to prevent him from saving Jerome's life, and even he thinks all is lost. Then Desiree DuBose, a lawyer from up North with a social justice agenda, comes to town and quickly joins as co-council, blasting the case all over the news to gain support. But the citizens of Freeman County don't want to wait for the final verdict and Jack and Desiree find themselves in the crosshairs. Jack will need to stop at nothing to prove that Jerome is innocent even at the risk of his own life... and his family's"--
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So there are a lot of books I've given 4-5 Stars to, but this book deserves ten stars. Baldacci has created a story that already existed, likely in many lives, but he unearthed it with great care, as Stephen King might say. The writer gently probed, picked and dusted the tale until our eyes weren't dry, our minds were engaged and our hearts were floored. Do you think that some people are created better than others? Never believe it. Yes, some people do terrible things, but it is not the color of their skin that decides it, but as Dr. King might have said, it is the content of their character. I hope that whoever becomes the next president of these United States, he or she will rule with honor. Did I say rule? That shows a plentiful lack of sense. We are a democracy and a republic, so I hope they will serve and lead with honor. And the Good Lord mend my heart as well as yours.