A riveting legal thriller with lots of surprises. Hold onto your seat for this book!

Between Black and White begins in 1966 Pulaski, Tennessee where the Ku Klux Klan was born. The main character, Bocephus “Bo” Haynes was only five years old when he witnessed his father lynched by the group. Out of fear for his life and to rescue her son from the trauma, Bo’s mother sent him to live with an aunt and uncle. Bo grew up to be a big man, a linebacker with great skill; Bo’s interest in going professional was cut short by a football injury. The good that came from this is he chose to finish college and attended law school. It was as a law student that Bo met Tom McMurtrie, professor, mentor, and good friend.

Bo returned to his hometown to practice law, and despite being the only African-American attorney in the area, he built himself up and became well-known in town as a solid and just lawyer. The problem comes when Bo is arrested for the murder of Andy Walker, a man that Bo remembers as being one of the Klan members who killed his father. Bo must find representation and contacts his former professor who came out of retirement to try a death penalty case – something he has never done.

The excitement of this book is all in Mr. Bailey’s incredible writing; vibrant, fascinating characters, attention-grabbing storyline, and intense courtroom scenes. Some legal thrillers are predictable or drown you in terminology that would require an actual attorney on retainer to explain… not this one. There are just enough twists and turns and plotlines to keep you reading and wanting more. The book is an excellent portrayal of race relations in the south over the decades and the fight against racism.

The only regret I have is not having read Mr. Bailey’s first book, The Professor, for further insight into the background, history, and relationships of the main characters. I enjoyed Between Black and White from page one. No doubt you will, too. Now go read Ten Questions with Robert Bailey posted last Friday and find out what makes him tick!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer Publishers for this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Rating: 5 stars

Reviewer: Jules

Title: Between Black and White

Author: Robert Bailey

Release Date: March 15, 2016

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