Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee

by Casey Cep
Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 2243
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781473536876
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2019-05-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Furious Hours delves into the shocking story of Reverend Willie Maxwell, a rural preacher accused of murdering five family members for insurance money in the 1970s. The narrative follows the gripping events surrounding Maxwell's crimes and the subsequent trial of his killer, which was acquitted with the help of the same lawyer who had defended Maxwell. The book also provides a deeply moving portrait of Harper Lee, who was intrigued by the case and spent years trying to write a true-crime book about it, ultimately failing to complete her project. Casey Cep masterfully weaves together the true-crime elements with a poignant exploration of Harper Lee's struggle with fame, success, and her artistic creativity. The book offers a unique blend of Southern gothic intrigue, courtroom drama, and a profound look into the life of one of America's most beloved writers. It's a story that Harper Lee wanted to tell but couldn't, and Cep brings it to life with skill and sensitivity.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-15
enjoyable 4.50

The book is thoroughly enjoyed by the reviewer, who appreciates its structure and the way it explores different aspects of the case and Harper Lee's involvement.

The Storygraph reviewer expresses surprise at the number of low reviews for Furious Hours, as they thoroughly enjoyed the book. They appreciate the way it is broken up into three parts: the crime, the lawyer, and Harper Lee. The reviewer finds the structure engaging and the content compelling, providing a deep dive into the true-crime story and Lee's attempts to write about it. They highlight the book's ability to keep the reader engaged throughout, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    I'm surprised by the number of low reviews of this book; I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    It's broken up into 3 parts - the crime, the lawyer, and Harper Lee.

    The book is engaging and provides a deep dive into the true-crime story and Lee's attempts to write about it.

New York Review of Books · Margaret Eby · 2019-08-15
remarkable 4.50

The book is a remarkable and thoroughly researched account of Harper Lee's unfinished work. It delves into the complexities of true-crime storytelling and the challenges Lee faced.

Margaret Eby from the New York Review of Books praises Casey Cep's Furious Hours as a remarkable and thoroughly researched exploration of Harper Lee's unfinished true-crime book. She highlights how the book not only tells the story of a notorious murderer but also provides insight into Lee's struggles with writing and the literary process. Eby appreciates the depth of research and the way Cep navigates the intricate details of the case and Lee's involvement. She finds the book to be a compelling read that sheds light on both the crime and the literary figure of Harper Lee.

Quick quotes

    These questions loom in Casey Cep's remarkable, thoroughly researched Furious Hours, an account of the true-crime book that Harper Lee intended to write.

    Cep's book is a fascinating exploration of the abyss between reporting and writing that seems to have swallowed up Lee's project.

    Furious Hours is a testament to Cep's skill as a researcher and writer, providing a nuanced portrait of both the crime and the literary figure.

The National Book Review · 2019-05-16
gripping 4.00

The book is a gripping account of a true-crime story that Harper Lee attempted to write. It explores the complexities of the case and the challenges Lee faced.

The National Book Review's piece on Furious Hours highlights how Casey Cep takes up Harper Lee's unfinished work and dives into the abyss between reporting and writing. The review emphasizes the gripping nature of the true-crime story and the Southern Gothic elements that Cep brings to light. It also touches on the literary significance of Lee's involvement and the reasons why she might have struggled to complete the book. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on both the crime and the literary process.

Quick quotes

    In Furious Hours, Cep takes up Lee's unfinished work.

    She dives into the abyss between reporting and writing that seems to have swallowed up Lee's project.

    The book is a Southern Gothic tale of a murderous minister, filled with intrigue and mystery.

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