This was exceptional from start to finish - the story of a young black man in Virginia in 1968 accused of murdering his white employers and the lawyers to put everything into his defense. Jack Lee and Desiree DuBose defend Jerome and Pearl Washington against the crimes they are accused of and also the prevailing racism profoundly present at the time. It's disturbing to be reminded of the world at that time and also the disappointment that we haven't come farther in the last 60 years. This is a courtroom drama that goes beyond and is highly recommended to everyone.

David Baldacci is an excellent author. His books pull you in and keep you until the very end. This one is no exception. It is a very emotional story. A time when things were not good in this country. When people thought it was ok to hate. Kind of like now. Back in 1968 there was a hope for change. Now in 2025 there are those that want to go back to the 60s.

A young black man who served his country in Vietnam is accused of killing his employees. A white couple. He drives them wherever they need to go and does other work for them around their home. When cops are called to the scene they accuse Jerome Washington of the murders. They abuse him and make threats against his wife. Together they have three small children.

This book takes you into the courtroom. All the prejudices you would expect from this timeframe are there. A white man is his lawyer but his co counsel is a black woman who fights for the rights of black people. Together they have their job cut out for them and it's not pretty. So much evidence against Jerome is brought out. But is it real or manufactured? Could Jerome have done such a heinous thing? Everything is brought to light. No stones left unturned. Even the judge is biased. The prosecutor may be crooked. Who can you trust?

During the time when George Wallace was running for president and there was so much racial divide in the US. The setting is perfect. The scenes couldn't be more clear. What is going on is horrific. There is a fire, a death, beatings and more. This book takes you inside the courtroom. You get the full experience of what it was like back then. It wasn't pretty. It's still not...

Thank you #NetGalley, #GrandCentralPublishing, for this ARC.