Legal thriller is a genre that I’ve only recently gotten into. Is it an area you have read before? Whether that’s a yes or no, check out my latest review.
Goodreads Blurb
No Truth Left to Tell by Michael McAuliffe
February 1994—Lynwood, Louisiana: Flaming crosses light up the night and terrorize the southern town. The resurgent Klan wants a new race war, and the Klansmen will start it here. As federal civil rights prosecutor Adrien Rush is about to discover, the ugly roots of the past run deep in Lynwood.
For Nettie Wynn, a victim of the cross burnings and lifelong resident of the town’s segregated neighbourhood, the hate crimes summon frightful memories of her youth, when she witnessed white townspeople lynch a black man. Her granddaughter Nicole DuBose, a successful journalist in New York City, returns to Lynwood to care for her grandmother. Rush arrives from DC and investigates the crimes with Lee Mercer, a seasoned local FBI special agent. Their partnership is tested as they clash over how far to go to catch the racists before the violence escalates. Rush’s role in the case becomes even more complicated after he falls for DuBose. When crucial evidence threatens to upend what should be a celebrated conviction—the lines between right and wrong, black and white, collide with deadly consequences.
No Truth Left to Tell is a smart legal thriller that pulls readers into a compelling courtroom drama and an illusive search for justice in a troubled community.
Review
Annoyingly enough, stories featuring the KKK are always interesting and, to be honest, that’s what led me to picking up this book. If you feel the same, let it be known that this is not really a story about the KKK. Yes, we are told of their crime and are aquatinted with the leader of the Klan across a few chapters, but what this book is ultimately about is the court case that follows the crime.
The case that unfolds in No Truth Left to Tell is well researched and very detailed. We see the sheer amount of work it takes to prosecute someone for a hate crime, as civil rights lines become blurred.
As readers, we are more so told what happens than shown, unless we are. in the courtroom. Then, we are giving almost a play-like script outlining the conversation between the prosecution, defence and witnesses. Admittedly, despite being interesting, this can become dreary at times. However, about 60% through the book, things flip and No Truth Left to Tell becomes more of a story than a court case. It is in the latter part of the book that the author really shines in showcasing the anger, frustration and empathy of the characters involved. And there is also a little hint of a love story, if you really need things softening up.
If you are already a fan of legal thrillers, you will love No Truth Left to Tell. If you are new to the genre, welcome!, but be wary that things can get pretty intense.
Grab your copy of No Truth Left to Tell here.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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